ABOUT

Where Passionate Makers Come to LEARN, CONNECT, and GROW

A woman in a white shirt and orange apron is preparing food in a bright kitchen, chopping something on a white countertop with various kitchen tools and ingredients around.

ABOUT

Where Passionate Makers Come to LEARN, CONNECT, and GROW

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Craftsmanship with Care

We believe in quality over quantity, always.

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Community over Competition

We celebrate your wins like they’re our own.

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Natural Ingredients

We prioritize natural and high-quality ingredients, avoiding harmful chemicals

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Education over Ego

We’re all here to learn, share, and grow together.

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OUR STORY

Sometimes, the most beautiful journeys begin with a spark of curiosity.

For founder Kathy Tarbox, it all started in 1996 with a question: What are essential oils? That innocent query sparked a late-night rabbit hole of discovery — and led her to the world of handmade soap. Within two years of crafting her first bar, Kathy had a vision for something more — a place where soapmakers, candle crafters, and artisan skincare entrepreneurs could come together to share, learn, and celebrate their craft.

In July 1998, The Saponifier launched its very first issue. That publication would eventually grow into what we now know and love as Making Soap, Cosmetics & Candles Magazine, a trusted, bi-monthly publication for makers, by makers.

Now with over 28 years of history, we continue to honor Kathy’s founding vision:

To support and inspire the creative small-batch artisan through expert guidance, community connection, and a shared love for natural, thoughtful products.

Meet the Team

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Kathy Tarbox

  • A curious mind and a heart for handmade, Kathy pioneered this magazine after discovering the world of essential oils and DIY soapmaking in the 90s. Raised in Seattle and now rooted in Idaho, she leads with grace, gratitude, and an ever-present desire to serve the community she helped build.

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Beth Byrne

  • A lifelong writer, soapmaker, and educator, Beth brings warmth, wisdom, and untold batches of experience to each issue. Her business Soap and Garden blooms with creativity — and her words do too.

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Ruth Romano

  • Based in the UK, Ruth is an award-winning soap business owner, consultant, and educator who blends business savvy with natural artistry.

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Sara Golding

  • Founder of Sunny Girl Business Solutions, Sara helps women entrepreneurs grow thriving handmade brands. She brings a sharp business lens and a love for teaching to every column.

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Venessa Phipps

  • As a Level 3 Certified Clinical Aromatherapist and founder of DeGanya Aromatics, Venessa educates, formulates, and shares her passion through classes and content online.

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Valerie George

  • An award-winning cosmetic chemist and science communicator, Valerie champions ingredient transparency and evidence-based formulation. She also co-hosts The Beauty Brains podcast.

Theresa Neumayer

  • Founder of Faerykissnaturals, Theresa crafts herbal-inspired products with care and intention — blending nature, business sense, and joy.

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Angela Epp

  • From rural Manitoba, Canada, Angela creates all-natural tallow and vegan oat soaps through her brand Joy Bubbles Soapery.

Theresa Neumayer Column Writer for Making Soap, Cosmetics and Candles Magazine

Lyschel Bersch

  • Owner of Candle Cocoon and Northstar, Lyschel is a scientist-turned-candlemaker . She blends decades with a deep love for wax, wicks and fragrance oils. Her work focuses on helping makers understand the science behind candles so they can create safer, cleaner, reliable products.

JELENA CVIJETIC

  • Jelena Cvjetić is a handcrafted soap designer and natural skincare artisan based in Belgrade, Serbia. As the founder of Radionica Harmonija, she specializes in creating visually distinctive handmade soaps inspired by nature, emotions, travel memories, and traditional artisan craftsmanship.

    Her journey into soapmaking began through a personal search for gentle, skin-friendly alternatives for her son’s sensitive skin, which evolved into a deep passion for natural ingredients, formulation, and artistic soap design.

    Today, Jelena combines functionality with aesthetics, creating products that celebrate slow living, self-care, and the beauty of handmade work. In addition to soapmaking, she enjoys educating and inspiring others through her creative approach to natural skincare and artisan packaging.

DR. BISERA CVETKOVSKA

  • Dr. Bisera Cvetkovska, PhD, Pharm D is a scientist, science communicator and educator, with extensive fundamental and clinical research for decades, predominantly in clinical settings. My expertise is the skin, including transdermal delivery systems and topical skin applications. I also conduct research on skin and topical applications on products and compounds for local and systemic applications. In addition, I have done research on the skin microbiome, skin metabolism and skin barrier function. My Master's is Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, including unique shampoo formulation made with added protein, in order to make a protective barrier on hair follicles. 

    My PhD is in Bio Medicine and Surgery Department on skin transplants. Autolog skin transplants are done through organo-genesis, from single cells of keratinocytes and fibroblast in vitro, taken through patient biopsies. Skin transplants are exclusively used for autolog grafting on severely burned patients too, through completely individual skin transplants for unique autografting in an individual manner. 

    Finally, I have done extensive clinical and fundamental research in cosmetology and skin care in general.

JELENA CVIJETIC
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Join the Journey

We’re not just a magazine. We’re a movement of makers, dreamers, and entrepreneurs who care deeply about their craft and community.

We’re so glad you found us, and we hope you stay awhile.