Maker of the Month: Green Daisy Soaps
I have been making soap for about 16 years at this point and 2026 marks 15 years in business! It all started as a fun science experiment in my parents’ kitchen with the help of a soapmaking book from my local library. I officially launched my brand, Green Daisy Soaps, at age 15 when I had a soap recipe that I was confident with and I started making other personal care products including salves, bath soaks, and bath bombs. My interests in chemistry and plants always drove my passion for making. This led to my degrees in chemistry and cosmetic science (which I’m almost finished with), and my career as an analytical chemist and now a cosmetic scientist. What started as a fun way to learn about science turned into a lifelong passion.
Green Daisy Soaps was founded on the concept of creating fun and vibrant products that are made with sustainable and earth friendly ingredients. When I started making soap in 2011, “eco-friendly” products were extremely boring (think beige, brown, white), and I wanted to show people that you can still be environmentally conscious without sacrificing joy.
As a chemist finishing my master’s degree in cosmetic science, I have a deep understanding in the technical science behind cosmetic ingredients and how they work together in a formulation. I’m constantly evaluating my formulations and testing new cosmetic ingredients. Each product I create goes through a long research and development process, including a deep dive into market research before development and rigorous stability testing for several months after formulation. I want to make sure my products are the best they can be before they reach the consumer.
Where do you find inspiration?
What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?
My biggest challenge as a small business owner has definitely been marketing, especially social media. As an introverted person, it has been extremely difficult for me to show my face on social media. But last year, I hired a social marketing consultant for my business, and it has helped me grow tremendously in the marketing realm of things. I’ve always been the “I can figure it out, I can learn how to do it” type of person, but knowing when you need someone else’s expertise is half the battle honestly. Knowing when to ask for help is extremely important for growth.
What is your favorite part of the creative process?
My favorite part of the creative process is definitely brainstorming ideas and formulating to make those ideas come to life. There’s just something super satisfying to me about when you can think of an idea and then make a tangible product that turns out like you were envisioning. The results aren’t always perfect, but that’s the beauty of handcrafted items.
What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?
I’ve always admired so many other makers on social media.
Katie from Royalty Soaps started her YouTube channel around the same time I started my business, so I’ve always watched her videos and admired her genuine and funny content. I love how her personality shines through in each soap and each video she creates.
Charlene from Bathhouse Soapery has been an inspiration for me for a long time as well. Her presentation, packaging, product photography, and bright colored products are always top notch.
Shayna from Milkmade Soap Co. has also inspired me over the years. I love her unique soap designs, her use of embeds, and her gorgeous product photography.
What are your dreams for Green Daisy Soaps? Where would you like to see your business in 5 or 10 years?
As someone who has been in the soapmaking world for a long time, I would love to share my knowledge with others through courses. I’ve recently been working on developing some soap making classes, and I would love to inspire other women and girls to pursue their dreams in STEM fields through learning the basics of soap making. Growing up, I didn’t have many female role models that were in STEM jobs, so I want to be a resource and inspiration for girls and women to pursue their passions in science-related fields.
I have so many favorites, but these are the 3 staples in my soap lab:
I LOVE the 4 inch silicone loaf molds. I have so many! I use these regularly for testing new fragrances before I scale up into my production size batch of 50 bars.
Rainbow Sherbet Fragrance Oil is one of my all time favorite fragrances. It is so difficult to find one that doesn’t discolor too much from vanillin, so this one is always a staple in my fragrance oil collection.
Silver Rainbow EcoGlitter is an essential for me. I love that I can add a pop of sparkle to my products with a cellulose-based glitter instead of traditional PET plastic based glitter. Yay for reducing environmental impact!
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