Meet Natalie Prill Irvine of Kitchen Witch Soap in Goodyear

Today we’d like to introduce you to Natalie Prill Irvine.

Natalie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
About five years ago, I decided to give handmade soap as a favor for my wedding. Instead of purchasing the bars, I decided to make them, and haul 150 gardenia and pumpkin pie scented soap bars across the country to where our wedding would be taking place! I had so much fun making them and wanted to learn more about soap making. So I immersed myself in all things soap making. I practiced different methods, experimented with various ingredients, read books about it, followed Pinterest recipes, and took a class at a local soap supply store. I tweaked recipes and ended up with the formulas I currently use in my products. Initially, I just made soap for my family, and then it took off from there!

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Oh man, the road has NOT been linear or smooth! Soap making can be fickle, so I’ve learned the hard way about which ingredients work and which do not. I’ve made a number of bad batches and messes in the kitchen. I also have to plan my soap making sessions around my kid’s schedules. I have a three year old daughter and nine month old son. So sometimes that means getting up before them and making soap at 5 am.

Another struggle is learning to do everything…making the product, packaging, marketing, product photography, creating a website, social media engagement, doing markets, etc. There are a lot of moving parts involved in this production and I’m not super pumped to do all of them. However, I’m not at a level where I can hire help for the tasks I enjoy doing least.

Tell us more about your business.
I create soap and other body products from scratch in my kitchen using natural and plant-based ingredients. Soap is my specialty and I make a nourishing bar that is aromatic, cleansing, and moisturizing. Sometimes the bars get mistaken for fudge! So I guess they are pretty too. But please don’t eat them.

The soap I make is incredibly aromatic and that’s important. I’m now focusing more on essential oil blends and the benefits they bring to someone’s shower and bath experience. The aromatherapy qualities of the soap can make a positive difference in an individual’s mood and behavior.

I’m most proud of the fact that I make the soap with my own two hands, from start to finish. I mix the lye and oils, I blend everything, add a few creative twists, and out pops a quality bar of soap. People have a lot of choices when it comes to soap and body wash, so I’m honored when they return as a customer because they love how the soap makes them and their skin feel. It’s a wonderful feeling.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m currently in grad school studying to become a licensed counselor, and will soon begin an internship in the field. Despite that, or because of that, I’d like to continue to grow Kitchen Witch Soap and possibly merge the two; therapy with aromatherapy. I have a lot to learn but I’m very curious.

The idea of creating a soap subscription box also excites me. How cool would it be to receive two new soaps and a sample or two in the mail each month? I’m excited and optimistic about the future of Kitchen Witch Soap!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kitchenwitchsoap.com
• Phone: 623-760-2020
• Email: kitchenwitchbath@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchenwitchsoaps/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kitchenwitchsoap/

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