Prairie Soap Shack

26/10/2026

The mistake I keep making every year.

I go into October feeling prepared with how much product we’ve made and planned for. I have market season starting, holiday online sales and stocking loyal stores and supplying new ones. (Exciting big hotel announcement coming!) I think this is great, we are ready. We got this.

Then I go to the first market (first of 4 large shows) and sell 20% more than last year. That’s HUGE for my small business! Thank you so much!! Wow. I get back to the studio, unpack and realize the empty space on the shelf and panic! This is a good problem.

I can’t seem to wrap my head around this much growth each year and plan properly for it. It’s maybe because I’m not a business strategist by trade, maybe I’m not confident enough in my consistent sales, or maybe it’s just always that feeling of - who knows how the economy is going to be. Will people still support my business? Will people buy local this year? Will people forget about my soap for gifts? Or maybe I’m just a bad planner. 😆

I share this as a rambling thought today - because I think business transparency is a good thing. A trusted thing. It’s a real human behind this business - typing this out without AI. Just sayin’.

I am sooo appreciative of all the support my business gets online, and in person. We work so hard at this. I know we’re building something special. Hopefully someday I can plan and anticipate the growth better - and not start scrambling end of October to make more products for the rest of the markets and online holiday sales!

It might be a rare thing nowadays to have a handmade business like mine experience this and I don’t forget that. Thank you so much for being here. For supporting us. It wouldn’t be possible without all the amazing people around us.

Back to the studio! Oh wait, or is it the hockey rink now or school or … what time is it?

- Jess - a busy entrepreneur 🎃

23/10/2026

Have you ever seen these bushes along rural roadsides? Sea Buckthorn berry plants are often used as a windbreak here on the prairies, but they’re also an incredibly useful plant.

Sea Buckthorn berries are packed with vitamins, omegas, and beta carotene, and the oils are used in several of Prairie Soap Shack’s products. The bright orange berries also make a really delicious and unique juice!

If you like learning about plants and how to use them, hit follow because I’m posting a new one every Thursday.

Always confirm 100% certainty in identification when foraging for any wild plants by cross-referencing with multiple trusted local field guides, and follow all local laws and regulations in your area when harvesting.

21/10/2026

It’s very human to ask “what can this plant do for me?” But herbalism goes deeper than that.

It’s about looking at the whole picture and asking the bigger questions. It’s about a deep respect and reverence for nature, the land, and all the life that inhabits it. And it’s about considering our place within these natural cycles and systems, not just how to use them for our own benefit.

Yes, these plants can nourish and support us. But it’s our responsibility to nourish and support them, too. 🌿

16/10/2026

Is anyone else counting down the days until our Carrot Pudding Soap is back in stock? 👀 This winter favourite has sold out fast every single year, and we know this one will be no different.

Most people know that carrots are full of vitamins and great for your eyesight, but it turns out your skin absolutely loves them too. 🥕

If you like learning about plants and how to use them, hit follow because I’m posting a new one every Thursday.

14/10/2026

There was no shortcut to get here. A lot of you might be new followers of my account, so let me fill you in really quick.

I’ve been building Prairie Soap Shack since 2019. What started as a late-night kitchen hobby while I was on mat leave from my nursing career has slowly and steadily grown into what you see today.

No outside investments, influencer marketing campaigns, or major paid sponsorships. Just hard work, showing up at markets, expanding into different stockists, and word of mouth from loyal customers.

I knew that our commitment to quality and sustainability were cornerstone values of Prairie Soap Shack, and gradual growth has allowed us to maintain that.

So no, there is no shortcut to sustainable small business growth…but there is a ton of learning, pride, and gratitude. 🤎

09/10/2026

A lot of people are shocked when I tell them I grow eucalyptus right here on the Canadian prairies, but it’s true! I even wrote a blog post about how to grow it in Alberta a few years back.

You probably already know about the refreshing scent of eucalyptus, but did you know it’s also a valuable ingredient in skincare? One of my other favourite uses for it is as a herbal steam when someone in my family comes down with a cold.

If you like learning about plants and how to use them, hit follow because I’m posting a new one every Thursday.

Always confirm 100% certainty in identification when foraging for any wild plants by cross-referencing with multiple trusted local field guides, and follow all local laws and regulations in your area when harvesting.

07/10/2026

Let me know if you’re planning to come to OBTY as I have some complimentary tickets!

Our Best To You Handmade Market | Oct 23-25

07/10/2026

There are a lot of buzzwords in the skincare world, but “antioxidants” is one I don’t want you to ignore.

Oxidative stress is a very real thing that affects the health of our skin…especially in today’s modern world, where our natural defenses just can’t keep up.

I wrote a deep dive on this topic recently on my blog, Jess’s Journal. Tap the link in my bio to read the full post.

05/10/2026

✨NEW✨ a soap sampler, an advent box, the best way to try our best selling soaps… in our SOAP BOUQUET BOX 🌸

Check it out here:

https://www.prairiesoapshack.com/products/soap-bouquet-box-nine-mini-sampler-soaps