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 something I just couldn't stop doing. I absolutely love the chemistry and craft of making soap. Over the years, I have stumbled upon some pretty cool processes and through experimenting, I've created something I'm proud of. 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
Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it. --Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
"Whatever you do, always give 100%--unless you're donating blood." --Bill Murray
Spending time in Spearfish Canyon with our doggos <3