Meet the Maker: Andi of Farmer Jane

Tell us a little bit about your history with Farmer Jane and how you became an apothecary and body care business owner?

I became very interested in natural skin products after having my two daughters. I wanted to use the cleanest and purest of products on their sensitive skin. Through this I started using all natural hand-crafted soaps for our whole family, and loved the difference that it made for our skin. I started dreaming of learning how to make soap, and then had the opportunity to purchase Farmer Jane Soap, an already established small business, in 2016. Through this process, I learned the ins and outs of safely making goat milk soap.

We have enjoyed such an amazing an enduring relationship with the Farmer Jane company and are so proud to have you making our Wake brand soaps and salves. What continues to provide you inspiration in the making and creation process after all these years?

I continue to be strongly driven to create products that are healthy and nourishing for myself, my family, and others. The positive feedback I receive from my valued customers also keeps me motivated. I love interacting with customers in person and online to discuss skin care needs, and to hear how Farmer Jane products have helped address these needs.

What are some elements of the soaps and salves in terms of their ingredients and performance that you think are important for people to know about?

Most importantly, I like to highlight that all products are made using natural ingredients, nothing synthetic is added. To create the different scents of the soaps and salves, I use essential oils. Essential oils are great for aromatherapy as well as various benefits when used topically.

A unique quality of the soaps I make is the use of goat milk. Goat’s milk is full of skin nourishing vitamins and minerals that do an amazing job of gently cleansing the skin without overdrying and stripping away natural moisture and oils on our skin. This is one of the biggest differences you will find when using goat milk soaps versus commercially made soaps.

My favorite ingredient in the salves is shea butter. Shea butter is another nutrient rich ingredient with so many different skin benefits and uses. Shea butter is packed full of fatty acids, Vitamin E and Vitamin A. Shea butter is great for dry skin. The fatty acids create a barrier to hold in the moisture, while the vitamins help to smooth the skin and prevent cellular damage.

I love to point out that the skin is the biggest organ of our body, and using all natural skin care products is an easy way to something healthy for your skin with lasting benefits.

What are some of the things that repeat buyers say to you about why they come back to these products for soothing salves and nourishing soaps?

I have a lot of customers in the healthcare profession that say the salves are the only product to help their overly dry hands from repeated hand washing and heavy hand-sanitizer use. Customers share that they love the way their skin feels after using the soaps. People with skin sensitivities have shared that it is the only soap that doesn’t irritate their skin.

Tell us about the beautiful color properties of your goat’s milk based soaps?

I use natural clays to create different colors. French green clay is one that I use for several different soaps. Not only does french green clay create an alternate color, it also benefits the skin. The clay helps to cleanse, clarify, and soothe the skin. Another interesting additive is activated charcoal product. This creates a unique black soap that helps to deep cleanse the skin. This soap is great for oily skin, and skin prone to blemishes.

Is there a favorite soap in your household?

We love and use all Farmer Jane Soaps, but my personal favorites are Appalachia, Honey/Honey Oatmeal, and Charcoal.