Meet our family
| I may have created this business, but we would not be where we are today without our Chagrin Valley Family. We are a group of people who share a common trait--we love the work we do. Our shop is full of laughter and creative energy that inspires and motivates. We share ideas, we share a vision, and we are rewarded with a sense that our time together makes a difference.
Although when I awake on snowy morning I would love to sleep in, I look forward to my day because of the people
with which I spend my time. That is extraordinary! |
Left to Right: Sam, Lindsey,
Howard, Ida, Christine, Sophie, Ben
Ida
From newborn nursery nurse, to middle school science teacher, to soapmaker, my career path has been a journey filled with the love of people, nature, science, learning and teaching. Throughout the journey, my favorite “career” is being a mom. The memories of the games, walks in the park, story times, family holidays, laughter and tears will forever be there. My children have grown into loving adults and now I am blessed with wonderful sons-in-law, daughters–in-law and grandchildren. I am married to my soul mate, best friend and biggest fan. As a breast cancer survivor, I delight in growing older, celebrate my age (pushing 60), and always remember the importance of living each day to its fullest doing things I love to do, and doing them with passion. Chagrin Valley Soap is infused with
everyone and everything that has enriched my life. |
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howard
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If it wasn’t for my husband Howard, Chagrin Valley Soap would probably not exist. Enclosing the porch, for my first soap “factory,” building all of my molds, allowing me to take over the whole house and “borrow” all of his kitchen utensils, he encouraged me to pursue my passion and was there every step of the way. He retired in 2010, but is now working (sometimes) for a new boss - me! His business and financial expertise help guide our growth and avoid many of the problems faced by small businesses. Howard is an accomplished wood worker and wood turner and when he is not building or fixing something for the business, he is in his wood shop making sawdust (that he tracks in to the house) and listening to opera and the "oldies." Recently, he started a hydroponic indoor garden and is growing vegetables and herbs for our dinner table. Best of all, he is a great cook and after a long day I can usually expect a home-cooked dinner. |
sam
| Yesterday my little boy and
I were making cookies and now we work together as an incredible
mother and son team. Sam has led an adventurous life on his path to
managing daily operations at Chagrin Valley Soap. Going from
directing and acting on the Theater stage to teaching in classrooms
both at home and abroad, Sam now uses his communication skills to
run the customer service end of the business and his artistic flare
to make the over 100 non-soap products we carry. Sam’s time is
divided between the ‘office’ and the ‘kitchen’ here at Chagrin
Valley. If you send an email or call our shop, Sam will be on hand
to answer your questions. Otherwise, he will be making a lip balm, salve or whipped body mousse for your moisturizing pleasure! Sam volunteers with local youth groups and when he finds
a rare free moment, you will catch him and Lindsey at a concert or sharing a fabulous meal. According to Sam: Music and Food make the world go ‘round! Sam is eternally grateful to his Mother (that’s me!), his mentor and the person who makes it ALL possible. |
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lindsey
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They say when your son gets married you
are not losing a son, but gaining a daughter and I gained a
beautiful daughter in Lindsey! Her sense of humor and charming smile
brighten up my days! Before coming to work at Chagrin Valley,
Lindsey studied psychology and fashion merchandising at the
University of Cincinnati. With her keen sense of design, she
is my go to person for new product and packaging ideas. Whenever I
create new essential oil blends, Lindsey, along with Christine, are
my best critics. I fondly call her my "princess of packaging" since
she manages all of the orders, packing and shipping. When not at
work, Lindsey enjoys trying out new restaurants, traveling, going to
concerts and spending time outdoors with Sam and their miniature
Dachshund, Wheezy. Lindsey has a great respect for nature and all
things natural and enjoys being a part of a company that shares her
values.
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ben
| Ben, one of Sam’s closest friends, came to help during the 2010 Holiday season.
He was so impressed and excited about the soap business that he quit his computer job and joined our "family." He is passionate and enthusiastic about being involved in a small, growing business, especially one that corresponds to his strong feelings about the environment and personal wellness. Ben is my assistant soap maker and is quickly learning the technical aspects of making soap. As our jack-of-all trades, Ben always seems to find something to clean or organize. He often lends a helping hand when products need to be made or labeled or
when Lindsey needs help packing orders. Outside of work, Ben practices yoga regularly and spends his time drawing and etching. He truly believes in our mission to provide high quality natural skin care products. |
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christine
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Christine has been a part of the Chagrin Valley Soap family since 2008.
One of Lindsey's closest friends, she began by volunteering her time while I was undergoing treatment for breast cancer. She was such a great fit that I begged her to stay. While working towards her Business degree from Kent State University, her main role at Chagrin Valley is the "slabber," our soap cutter, but she is always there to help wherever it is needed. She enjoys working with a dedicated staff that shares to her love for the outdoors and nature. Christine loves music, art, cooking, animals, and spending time with loved ones. She bakes the most scrumptious chocolate chip cookies that I get on my birthday, half birthday, Mother’s Day, actually anytime I ask! Christine would like to thank our customers for their continuing support and
for inspiring us to create new and inventive ways to encourage a natural way of living.
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KATE
| Kate joined the Chagrin Valley family in
the Spring of 2012 when we needed help after launching our new website. She is a sweet, kind and gentle soul, so of course we fell in love with her and she never left. With a background that covers everything from being a mom of three, to a doula, to an event planner, Kate has become Lindsey’s right hand. Each day finds her shipping our products all over the world, critiquing Ida’s latest creations and suggesting ideas for new products and packaging. When not at the shop, Kate focuses on her family and loves spending time with friends, volunteering in the community, reading and cooking. The cooking is the part that I love. From her lemon blueberry bread to her cobbler cake and so much more, Kate is always surprising us with homemade goodies. She also gives great hugs! |
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sophie
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Pablo Picasso said, “It takes a long time to become young.” My mom is 95 years young. Although she had to quit school at a young age to help her family during the depression, she is one of the smartest people I know. She looks only for the best in people and every person she meets she considers a treasure. Resolved that her age will not get in the way of living a full life, my mom is always busy. She visits friends, volunteers with the “elderly” and puts labels on our soap and shampoo bar bags. If you ask her what is most important, she promptly replies, “My family.” She still loves to dance and sing and every week she bakes us a cake with a “secret” ingredient that she will not divulge. She loves telling people about her job at her daughter's soap factory!
She taught me how to love! |