SUPER SOAPS

Mud Lake Soap Shop Sells Handcrafted And Natural Products

Mary Beth Gast, owner of Mud Lake Soap Shop, says she creates her own recipes for her soaps, which has resulted in loyal customers looking for something unique.

“Mud Lake Soaps is a quaint little soap shop,” Gast says. “The shop offers luxurious, handcrafted soaps and many other natural products.”

Gast says the way the soaps are made makes the shop stand out.

“The shop uses the old-fashioned way of making soap, infusing botanicals in oils and using the cold-process method,” Gast says.

There are many positives to this method according to Gast. “One of the main benefits of cold-process soap making is having complete control over the ingredients,” Gast says.

“Cold-process soap has no added detergents, which strip the skin of its natural oils. Natural and organic ingredients can be added when using the cold-process method to increase the skin-loving benefits.”

Gast adds that it is a long process. “The soaps are hand-cut and cured for four to six weeks before being sold,” Gast says.

“The shop’s focus is simple - stay environmentally aware using natural, organic and sustainable ingredients as much as possible.”

Gast’s business began as something she enjoyed doing anyway.

“I started making soap in 2018 as a hobby,” she says. “A friend asked to put my soaps in a boutique where she was working, and from there, my business took off. I now supply 12 different stores and boutiques in three different states, and I have a website and an Etsy store.”

Gast has a wide variety of products.

“Handcrafted soaps are my main focus,” she says. “I offer about 28 different soaps at this time. I also offer a natural laundry soap, shampoo bars and hair conditioners, natural deodorants, body butters, lip balm, and body oils. I also offer a candle line using only a natural, kosher soy candle and botanicals.”

Gast also works with other businesses to promote her shop.

“I have partnered with a small shop in Nairobi, Kenya, that hand crafts all of my wood bowls for my wood-bowl candles,” Gast says. “The shop profits help to support the elderly women of their village. All of my products are hand made by me. Nothing coming out of my shop is a commercial product.”

Gast says the ingredients in the soaps have helped grow the business.

“My ingredients are what I build my mission around,” she says. “I focus to use only organic, natural and sustainable ingredients. Some of my ingredients I grow on my own property like my herbs and botanicals. I also purchase locally from friends, like my goat milk and honey that I use. My ingredients are key. I have over 60 recipes, and encourage my customers to read their labels of the products, as it will share all the wonderful elements blended to make that product.”

Gast has earned a strong following. “My business has grown,” Gast says. “I am so thankful for the support I have received.

My customer requests for more products have added to my shop.”

Customers have their personal favorites.

“Goat milk soaps are always a favorite,” Gast says. “Honey and aloe vera soaps are also popular for the benefits.”

Gast says she loves running the business. “I love that I created all my own recipes,” she says. “I hand-make all the products myself and I enjoy having my shop in my home on Mud Lake.”

Gast says there are different ways to get her soaps.

“Customers can go to my Etsy store at Mud Lake Soap Shop, and my website at mudlakesoap.com,” she says.

She says local customers can also stop in at The Bird’s Nest in Akron, Doud’s Orchard in Roann, Our Hometown Station in Silver Lake, Cottage Creations in North Manchester, Brooch Boutique locations in Rochester, Warsaw and Wabash, 50 East Garden Center & Café in Wabash, and Saving Grace Vintage in Roanoke. Gast can also make her soaps available as gifts at special events.

“I often custom order for special events, showers, weddings, open houses, realtor events, etcetera,” Gast says. “I always encourage my customers to ask or share ideas.”

Gast loves living in Akron.

“I grew up in Akron so I love bringing a business to my community and the surrounding areas,” she says. “I appreciate all the love and support I have received here.”

Gast is always looking for new customers.

“I encourage people to browse our site, find your favorite and discover the benefits of handcrafted soaps,” she says. “Mud Lake Soap Shop offers products made with all the benefits nature intended.”

Customers can also call 574-505-0777 for more info.

Dog tag info

13. Pro ___

14. Pitching star 15. Chowhounds have big ones

PC gaming

37. Metallurgist’s materials

39. Jets or Sharks, e.g.

40. Be outstanding?

41. Is worthwhile

43. Enough, and then some

45. Bridges in Hollywood

48. Itinerary part

49. Cause of inflation?

50. Covetously

56. Ozone hazard, for short 57. Jack and Jill’s burden 58. Stead

59. Congressional vote 60. Pound the keys 61. Check

Down

1. Chain letters?

2. Sound at the door

3. Hi-fi component

4. Nerdy types

5. Goody two-shoes

6. Snitch

7. Did lunch, say

8. Stone worker

9. Allegro, in music

10. Battery fluid

11. Showroom model beauty

25. A comet, to the superstitious

28. Wired

30. Straddling, maybe

31. Hooded garment

32. Baby bouncer?

35. Dame Marsh of mystery

38. Cloak-and-dagger sort

42. Masterful

44. Stake drivers

45. Delicate, in a way

46. Board game or magazine

47. Bicolor sea predator

48. Beneath contempt

51. Dissenter’s word

52. Big shot

53. Canine command 54. “Malcolm X” director

55. Music to the cook’s ears