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, storytimes, family holidays, laughter, and tears will forever be there. My children have grown into loving adults and now I am blessed with a wonderful son-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. I celebrate my age (over 70) and always remember the importance of living each day to its fullest doing things I love to do, with the people I love and doing them with passion. Chagrin Valley Soap is infused with everyone and everything that has enriched my life.

Ben 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 began as my soapmaking apprentice, quickly learned the technical aspects of making soap and became head soapmaker. As our jack-of-all-trades and operations manager, Ben orders all of our raw materials and always seems to find something to clean, fix, or organize. 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 skincare products.

From directing and acting on the theater stage to teaching in classrooms both at home and abroad, Sam led an adventurous life before joining his mom at Chagrin Valley Soap in 2007. Over the years, he gained a deep understanding of what it takes to run a company—along with a true appreciation for the passion, resilience, and heart that define small business. In 2022, Sam set out to fulfill another dream: creating a sustainable retail space that supports and celebrates local makers. That dream became City Goods—an innovative shopping destination located in the Hingetown neighborhood of Cleveland. Born from a love of Chagrin Valley Soap and a desire to help other small businesses thrive, City Goods offers a welcoming space for local artisans and entrepreneurs to connect with their community. While Sam is no longer involved in the daily operations of Chagrin Valley Soap, he continues to consult on sales and marketing. We are proud to have a shop located in one of the dome-shaped hangars at City Goods and excited to be part of this inspiring project as Sam helps pave the way for a stronger future for small businesses in our community.

Before coming to work at Chagrin Valley in 2008, Lindsey studied psychology and fashion merchandising. With her keen sense of design, she is one of my go-to people for new product and packaging ideas. Whenever I create new essential oil blends, Lindsey, along with Christine, are my best critics. When not at work, Lindsey enjoys trying out new restaurants, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time outdoors. Lindsey has great respect for nature and all things natural and enjoys being a part of a company that shares her values.

Katie became part of our team in the summer of 2015. She had recently given birth to her first child. With one huge change taking shape in her life she figured "what's one more." So she left her job of 16 years to be part of our team! When she's not fast at work you will find Katie chasing after her son at the local parks or pool. After all, that running, she looks forward to vegging out on the couch with her family, a bowl of popcorn, and a good beer for movie night. Katie is so excited to have the opportunity to grow with a local family company right here in her hometown. "It has been such a blast to work alongside and learn from these guys who have mastered this unique craft. I still look forward to coming to work each day knowing I will learn something new."

Elisabeth began working for Chagrin Valley in July 2018. Originally the majority of her day was spent packing orders and stocking products. Elisabeth, a fabulous baker, knows her way around a kitchen and understands the nuances of carefully crafting products. She now spends her time with Christine in our product kitchen creating all of the products, other than soap and shampoo, that our customers love. She is passionate about travel because the experience of meeting new amazing people, sharing delicious food, and experiencing natural and manmade wonders is extraordinary. She loves our organic body powder especially the Lavender Rosemary and the Herbal Mist because they keep her cool on any day.

Although Susie joined Chagrin Valley Soap in the summer of 2021, she has been part of my family since 2015 when she began babysitting my four-legged furry child (Darby) when Howard and I travel. Susie, an extrovert by nature, manages our retail location at our Solon Soap Shop and works in customer service. “I enjoy listening to people talk about their skin issues. Whether it's dry itchy skin or another skin condition, I always hope I am able to help them find a solution. I truly believe in Chagrin Valley Soap and Salve products and it amazes me on a daily basis how many people we’ve helped with our products.” She is a zoologist who adores tutoring college students and volunteers at animal shelters when possible. She energizes herself by being outdoors in nature and likes activities such as foraging, hiking, swimming, and kayaking. In her downtime she loves to read, paint and listen to all kinds of music. Although, her biggest obsession is spending time with her husband and family.

Chayim, the son of Kate and Brent, joined our team in 2020, during the pandemic. He is one of our proud packing team and is always willing to help out any way he can. He always keeps me smiling as he greets me with a “Hi Boss” and a new joke of the day. Chayim is fond of food, “both cooking and eating.” He enjoys painting as both a recreational art and a medium of expression. He is often found outside walking and loves to discover a nice sunny spot to rest and relax.

My mom passed away on March 3, 2020, at the age of 102. I would not be who I am today if not for her lifelong unconditional love. Since she will always be with me, I am leaving everything I had previously written below as is.

Pablo Picasso said, “It takes a long time to become 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 even volunteers with the “elderly.” Well into her 90s she put labels on the soap and shampoo bar bags we used before our boxes. If you ask her what is most important, she promptly replies, “My family.” She still loves to dance and sing. She loves telling people about her daughter's soap factory! She taught me how to love!