A while ago, I asked a friend of mine to go on a local shopping excursion. I do believe that our first stop of the day convinced her that I was on the right path.
The owner of Harvest Moon Soapworks, Patrick Showalter, is also an avid twitter user. I have been following him on twitter for some time, and decided I really needed to see what his shop was all about.
Harvest Moon Soapworks is in the Leatherman building at the Florence Farmers Market. Patrick makes handmade soap “using Cold and Hot process methods and has received certification from the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild. I am also a member of the Artisans of the South Carolina Cotton Trail.” He tells me in an email, “I generally use essential oils for fragrance and pigments for coloring, as well as some herbs and spices. The soaps are very moisturizing and gentle on the skin. I started making bath salts and soap for family and friends and then started selling at trade shows. I opened Harvest Moon Soapworks in Florence in March of 2006 and in November of 2008 moved my business to the new building at the Pee Dee State Farmer’s Market.”
I have to admit I was intriged about a soap store. I had NO IDEA how amazing his store would be. I generally HATE stores with strong smells. I do not enter Bath and Body Works or Crabtree & Evelyn as I know it means instant migraine. However, I am happy to report that when you walk in to Harvest Moon Soapworks, you are greeted with a very light, pleasant aroma. It smells more like a spa. All of the soaps have a light scent and don’t overwhelm. I bought some for my children, and they are soft and gentle on their skin.
I was also able to pick up some gifts for friends. Locally made bath salts? Score! The packaging is all very well done and it all looks very nice.
The owner, Patrick, was very helpful and with a perfect balance of hospitality and education. He didn’t push us to buy anything, and I get the impression he would have been just as happy to chat with us had we not purchased anything.
(I thought this garden spade and gardener soap combination was adorable and only ten dollars, what a deal!)
You definately need to add Harvest Moon Soapworks to your list of local “Must shops!”
