Know thy soapmaker

Hi, I'm Leigh and I'm passionate about the formulations I create, and I sure do hope you'll love my products!

I've been making soap since 2010, experimenting with my own recipes, making one little batch after another, and despite every twist, turn, distraction, and detour life has thrown my way, I keep formulating, always creating.  What started as a hobby and desire to give my family better skincare options in those early years, turned into a full-blown obsession with the craft, chemistry and art of making seriously good soap.  Along the way, this has become a part of who I am.  Every recipe I create is carefully formulated, tested and made by hand with ingredients chosen for performance.

I was born and raised in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Growing up in the Black Hills, I've learned to be resilient, hard working, fluent in sudden weather changes, and ever appreciative of my community.  I'm stubborn, which has served me well through the soap and candle businesses I've started over the years with failures and wins. 

Black Hills Naturals is the love letter to the people and the place I love.  This is my way of honoring the place that shaped me.   

I'm a mother to the most marvelous adult children and now, I'm a Grams!  Nothing comes close to my favorite titles of Mom and Grams.  My kids have been by my side through this adventure and now, my grandchild too.  When I'm not formulating skin indulgences, I'm with my family, or reading a thriller, or at a market with talented creators, artisans, and producers.

Thank you for stopping by my little corner of the Black Hills!  I sure am glad you're here!

The Team

In the Hills with the besties

Waiting for steak tips at the Loud American in Sturgis

Stardust Fest 2023