LINDSEY BRYSON SPEAKS WITH LOCAL SOAP MAKER ELISE FERGUSON

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I had the chance to talk with Elise Ferguson of Cultivate Soap Company about her start in soap making and her love of goats. Elise grew up in the Methow Valley and moved back after Covid-19 affected her employment in Seattle, WA. Her products are available at Methow Valley Goods on the TwispWorks campus.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN SOAPMAKING?

It started out as a hobby. I would make my own salves and lotions because I love natural skin care. I also love goats and I’ve always had an affinity towards them and at one point wanted to start my own dairy but realized how much work it was. I started getting goat milk from a farm I was working at, and I realized how much I loved it and how good it is for your skin. I’ve had dry skin my whole life and once I realized how beneficial it was, I incorporated goat milk into my soap making and it was life changing for me.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOTIVATIONS FOR CREATING THIS TYPE OF PRODUCT?

Goat milk is full of good vitamins and is a gentle exfoliator. I use an ounce per bar with all organic oils and butters because I’m a big advocate for using organic ingredients. I use only plant-based materials, so when it comes to coloring, I like using natural clays, plants, and herbs that are beneficial for your skin as well. I also use cruelty free ingredients as well, so no palm oil which contributes to a lot of deforestation and child labor overseas. It’s a learning curve not using it. Instead I use different plant-based materials such as French green clay or spirulina.  

LOCATION: Methow Valley Goods, TwispWorks Campus, Building O, The South Warehouse, Unit 1. CONTACT: methowvalleygoods.com, 509-997-2053.