August has always been a month of reflection for me.
As I celebrate my birthday month, I naturally find myself looking back at where I've been and planning for what's ahead. This year, that reflection keeps bringing me back to soap.
When I first saw Nigerian Dwarf goats at the Minnesota State Fair back in 2004 (yes... I know, I'm dating myself! 😄), I knew those were the goats I would have on my future farm!
As I dreamed about the farm I would build, I also knew what I wanted to do with their milk. Goat milk soap.
To me, it was the perfect way to share a little piece of the farm with people, no matter where they lived. Shipping cheese or butter across the country? That sounded way too complicated! Soap could travel anywhere.
As I learned more over the years, I realized that if I was going to go through the work of milking our goats and making soap from their milk, I wanted every ingredient to have a purpose.
That meant essential oils instead of fragrance oils, natural colorants, and ingredients chosen to nourish the skin—not just make a pretty bar.
The funny part?
For years, I kept saying, "I am going to make soap." But would always have a different project to take up my time.
Then, in the fall of 2021, I signed up for a vendor booth at the 2022 Polka Dot Powerhouse Celebration... before I had made a single bar of soap.
Apparently, I needed a deadline. 😂
Since then, we've created 30 different soaps, experimented with countless essential oil blends, redesigned our packaging more than once, and learned something with every batch.
Looking back, I realize this wasn't just about making soap. It was about taking a dream I'd carried since 2004 and finally bringing it to life.
Which brings me to today.
This weekend, we're saying one final goodbye to the Farewell Collection.
These soaps have been part of Clover Dreams for years, and I'm so grateful for every bar that's found its way into your homes, thoughtful gifts, and everyday routines.
If there's a favorite you've been meaning to stock up on, now is the time.
After Sunday, August 16, the Farewell Collection will be retired, and our Online Soap Shop will close for a brief refresh while I prepare the next chapter for Clover Dreams Farm.
Thank you for being part of this journey. I truly couldn't have done it without you.
See you on the other side of the Soap Shop Remodel!
