2015 update: Well, Etsy, it's been a wonderful 5+ years <3 Look for the next phase of the PBSW empire at www.paintboxsoapworks.com!

It all began with a dare, from a tribe of Imaginary Internet Friends. Back in 2009, I was a retired pastry chef languishing at a desk job, finding solace in an online community dedicated to esoteric perfumes. I made a tiny batch of glycerin soap with some of my unused perfume oils, & then did what you do when you have Imaginary Internet Friends: I cut my soap into tiny slivers & sent it all over the world.

4 years later, I've quit the day job & get to spend my days in vinyl gloves & a particle mask, covered in mango butter & stinking of patchouli. It's a pretty sweet gig, I have to say.

Paintbox Soapworks began with my signature Paintbox Collections - five little sample soaps lined up in a glossy box, like a brand new set of watercolor paints. I am a sucker for new paint sets. So much possibility, waiting for a little water to be set free.

While I love my glycerin soaps & the jewel-like colors they take on, my true love is soaping from scratch. The combination of artistry, chemistry & brute force makes me happier than a pig in a cornfield. Soapmaking has awakened my inner science dork, & I am perhaps a little too excited about things like percentages & working in metric.

I've devoted myself to formulating coconut-free soaps, thanks in part to the number of folks with coconut allergies who have crossed my path in recent years. But honestly, I do coconut-free because someone once told me it couldn't be done. And I said watch me...