While David joined the Chagrin Valley family in 2014, he has been a part of my family since marrying my daughter, Sarah, in 2010. David was born in South Africa and now must get used to Cleveland winters. “Growing up in South Africa, where I bore witness to Africa's awe-inspiring wildlife, majestic landscapes, and lively tropical oceans, has allowed nature and deep respect for the world we live in to sink deep into my heart.” David worked in his family's business as a marketing manager while earning a degree in marketing from The University of South Africa. He is in charge of everything finance and technology systems. Cooking with Sarah is his favorite after-work activity. “Food and cooking drive my appreciation for the unique products at Chagrin Valley. It's exciting to take quality fresh ingredients and turn them into something amazing.” He loves to get out on a sunny day and go for a good run to soak up the fresh air. David is excited to be a part of our family business. “I have big aspirations for the Chagrin Valley Soap Company. I believe firmly in its mission.”

Sarah, my daughter, joined our team in the Fall of 2013. I made my first batch of soap when Sarah was only 14. Sarah has always been the first tester for all products, and my go-to person for brutally honest feedback. "I have had the opportunity to watch and learn as my mom's soap company grew from her hobby in our kitchen into an incredible business and look up to her as a mom, a mentor, a friend, an entrepreneur, and an overall inspiration." After graduating with her Master's in Global Policy, Sarah worked in PR in the non-profit sector. She is our Social Media and Public Relations guru here at Chagrin Valley Soap. "We know that all of YOU, our Chagrin Valley community, is the most important aspect of this company. I hope to engage with all of you, and be an active online presence and representative of our family company." Outside of work, Sarah enjoys cooking, traveling, and sharing time with friends. She values family above all, especially her husband David, and their three children.

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 an invaluable member of our family. 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. Her 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!

Christina started at Chagrin Valley in 2016 working at our downtown store and showcasing our products at local grocery stores. Since then she has worked in multiple areas of our everyday operations but currently deals with all Wholesale and Customer Service operations. She has always been passionate about using products on her body that are as pure and natural as possible and when she found Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve while searching online one day she knew not only did she want to purchase the products for herself, she wanted to be a part of the team! "To this day, the majority if not all of my body care products are from Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve! As someone who had struggled with skin issues for a long time, these products have made all the difference in my hair and skin and I truly believe it is because of the pure ingredients that are being used in the way that nature intended them to be used on our bodies. I am so proud to be a part of a company that’s products and mission align in a way that benefits not only the consumer but also the environment around us."

Brent joined the Chagrin Valley family in the fall of 2018, but he has been a fixture in our family as Kate's husband and a dear friend. His infectious enthusiasm and creative spirit align with the Chagrin Valley mission to be "inspired by nature" and feeds his need to live artistically and sustainably with nature. Brent describes himself as a "Dedicated husband and father of 3." He is a trained fine artist and an accomplished musician. Brent has genuine warmth in his heart for everyone, it is obvious in every word and deed every day. When I need to laugh (he tells great jokes), need some positive thoughts, or just a hug, Brent is my go-to guy.

Hunter also joined the Chagrin Valley family in the summer of 2021. He is Susanna's husband which adds the third wife and husband team to our family. Having dedicated most of his adult life to the world of Culinary Arts, taking a step into the soap world has "been a great change of pace with excellent work and life balance." He now works with Ben to create all of our fabulous Soap and Shampoo Bars. When he isn’t in the kitchen at home he is in his home studio making electronic music. On weekends you can find him enjoying that same music in the audience or from the DJ booth.

Although he does not work in the business, if it wasn’t for my husband, Howard, Chagrin Valley Soap would not exist. From enclosing the porch for my first soap “factory,” building all of my molds, and allowing me to take over the whole house and “borrow” all of his kitchen utensils, he encouraged me to pursue a dream. As the business grew in our early years, he went with me to every farmers' market and craft show and was there every step of the way. His business and financial expertise helped guide our early growth and avoid many of the problems faced by small businesses. Howard, a retired attorney, is an accomplished woodworker and woodturner who can often be found in his woodshop making sawdust (that he tracks into the house) and listening to opera and the "oldies." Best of all, he is a fabulous cook and after a long day, I can usually expect a delicious home-cooked dinner.