Maker of the Month: Pine Manor Naturals
Kumiko, founder of Pine Manor Naturals, started making soap several years ago as a way to treat her skin postpartum. After her mother's unexpected passing, she decided to take the leap and start her own soapmaking business as a way to grieve and honor her mother's memory. Meet Kumiko!
I started making natural soap while experiencing postpartum acne following the birth of my first child. I tried so many different solutions, and that experience led me down a path of researching more natural alternatives and learning more about ingredients and what I was putting on my skin. Pine Manor Naturals didn't start as a business. It started as something I made for myself and my family.
A week before my mom unexpectedly passed away, she came out to my garden shed while I was making a few soaps for personal use. I remember her getting so excited and telling me, "You need to share this with the world." I was hesitant because I already had another business and wasn't looking to start something new.
When she passed away, everything changed. Three days later, I launched Pine Manor Naturals and opened the website to the world. Everything I do with this business is to honor and remember her. In so many ways, Pine Manor Naturals feels like a love letter to my mom.
Honestly, it's the story behind them. Every order that goes out includes a picture of my mom. It's a reminder of the impact she continues to have on my life and on this business. Her beautiful face has now been seen in all 50 states, and that makes my heart incredibly happy. I also think people can feel the love that goes into each product. Everything is made in small batches by hand in my little soap shed. It's very intentional. These aren't just products to me. They're pieces of my story, my healing journey, and a way to keep my mom's memory alive.
Where do you find inspiration?
What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
Pricing has probably been one of my biggest struggles, and honestly, it's something I've struggled with across all three of my businesses.
I genuinely love creating things and sharing them with people. If it weren't for needing to make money to sustain the business, I'd probably give everything away for free. I constantly have to remind myself that charging appropriately isn't greedy. It's what allows me to continue creating, sourcing quality ingredients, and keeping the business going.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
I love the beginning stages when an idea is just starting to take shape.
I enjoy thinking through everything from the ingredients and scent combinations to the colors and story I want the product to tell. I also love making products that connect to memories, seasons, or experiences on our homestead. There's something really special about taking an idea that only exists in your head and turning it into something tangible that someone else gets to enjoy.
What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?
There are so many incredible makers in this community. I admire Am Happy Soap for her consistency and creativity. I love how Handcrafted by Nature incorporates her love for nature into her work. Danielle from Naturally at the Wren’s Nest beautifully blends her garden and flowers into her products, which I absolutely love. Tree Fort Naturals creates products that always feel thoughtful and intentional. And Soaps by Lyss has always been incredibly supportive, encouraging, and motivational. One of my favorite things about the handmade community is how willing people are to encourage one another and celebrate each other's successes.
What are your dreams for Pine Manor Naturals? Where would you like to see your business in 5 or 10 years?
There are so many incredible makers in this community. I admire Am Happy Soap for her consistency and creativity. I love how Handcrafted by Nature incorporates her love for nature into her work. Danielle from Naturally at the Wren’s Nest beautifully blends her garden and flowers into her products, which I absolutely love. Treefort Naturals creates products that always feel thoughtful and intentional. And Soaps by Lyss has always been incredibly supportive, encouraging, and motivational. One of my favorite things about the handmade community is how willing people are to encourage one another and celebrate each other's successes.
Olive Oil is an absolute staple for me. I use it in almost every soap recipe because I love the gentle, conditioning qualities it brings to a bar.
I also can't imagine formulating without Bramble Berry's essential oils I love creating natural scent blends, and having quality essential oils makes such a difference.
And finally, their Kokum Butter is one of my favorites. I use it in several of my skincare products because it creates such a luxurious feel without feeling heavy on the skin.
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