I live in southwest Michigan. I own two businesses, am a mom of two, and a grandmother of four — and somewhere along the way, I became a soapmaker.

I began making soap while caring for my mom near the end of her life. During that season, I needed something steady and hands-on. Soapmaking became that practice — patient, attentive, and rooted in simple ingredients.

I love the rhythm of it: measuring, blending, waiting, and watching oils transform into something useful and beautiful. What began as a grounding escape has grown into Avenue B Soaperie, where I create small-batch soaps and body products for online customers and local markets.