Maker of the Month: Honey Milk Co

Meet Michelle, the soap maker behind  Honey Milk Co.  Michelle is dedicated to creating natural, gentle skincare products for sensitive skin.  

How long have you been making soap, and how did you get started?

I've been making bath and body products for over a decade, but it truly began out of necessity and love. Thirteen years ago, my son Noa was diagnosed with autism, and I went down a deep rabbit hole researching how to support his body in the most natural way possible. I became very intentional about eliminating unnecessary toxins and chemicals from his environment, starting with the products we used on his skin every day. What began as a way to help heal and protect my son quickly turned into a passion. I started making soap at home, and word spread quickly—largely thanks to my late mother, Marjorie, who proudly told everyone about what I was creating. My sister shared it on social media, and within an hour, I found myself needing to officially create a business. What started as a personal journey of healing organically grew into HoneyMilk, and the rest is history.

What sets Honey Milk Co.? products apart, what makes them unique?

What truly sets HoneyMilk apart is that our products are created with both physical and emotional care in mind. Beyond being toxin-free and thoughtfully formulated, HoneyMilk uses packaging as an extension of healing and intention. Each product is designed to gently reinforce affirmations, gratitude, and positive language—something I intentionally added after witnessing how powerful it was in my own home.

Where do you find inspiration?

My greatest source of inspiration is my son, Noa. Watching him grow and gradually develop into the young man he is today has shaped everything I do. Becoming intentional about how I cared
for his body—and how I spoke to him—completely changed the way I approached wellness. I began to understand just how powerful our daily choices are, from the ingredients we use on our skin to the language we use with ourselves and our children. Seeing how being more mindful about what Noa was exposed to, what he ate, and what was used on his skin created noticeable shifts that inspired me to be deeply intentional with HoneyMilk. That experience pushed me to be uncompromising in how I curate my products.

What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?

One of the biggest challenges has been the financial aspect of trying to stay afloat. In the current economic climate, as a single mom, and a mom to a special-needs child, my life isn't shaped like anyone else's. It's not always easy or steady, but I'm still here, learning, adapting, and finding ways to make HoneyMilk sustainable while keeping my family at the center. That challenge has pushed me to be creative, resilient, and deeply intentional about everything I do.

What is your favorite part of the creative process?

My favorite part of the creative process is seeing how something that started as an idea in my head is received by the people who use it. Whether its blending oils, testing textures, or refining a scent, there's something really grounding about working with raw ingredients and trusting your intuition. I also love the moment when everything comes together — when the product finally feels aligned with the intention behind it. From formulation to final details, I put a lot of intention into every product—but my customers are always the final judge. There's nothing more exhilarating than hearing customers share how much they love something I created, especially when they're so excited they're telling everyone about it. Knowing that something I made is being woven into someone's daily routine or self-care ritual is incredibly fulfilling and reminds me why I do this work.

Are there other makers in the industry that have inspired you? What do you love about their work?

What advice would you give to other makers looking to start a small business?

Start small and stay consistent. You don't need everything figured out from one day. Build at a pace that works for your life, not against it. Also, don't underestimate the power of your story —
your lived experience matters and can become the foundation of your brand. Most importantly, give yourself permission to grow and evolve without guilt. Acquire a real mentor who has been where you're desiring to go. Anne-Marie of Bramble Berry and her audio advice and videos was that for me.

What dreams do you have for your business moving forward?