Around this time each August, when the AGHA Gift Fair comes around again, I am reminded of an important milestone in our story.
In 2018, I had a small stand at AGHA where I introduced The Australian Olive Oil Soap. So perhaps this year, we should quietly celebrate our eighth birthday.
My soapmaking journey began earlier, when my son was around 18 months old. I learned through years of self-study before undertaking formal soapmaking training at a handmade soap factory in 2016.
Over the next two years, I experimented with many styles of soap and many different ingredients. Eventually, I found myself continually returning to olive oil. It suited my skin, my way of making, and the kind of simplicity I wanted to create.
That was how The Australian Olive Oil Soap found its name and direction.
One Batch at a Time
AOOS began as a small family business within our family of five.
After my husband passed away in 2020, everything became much harder. During 2021 and 2022, there were times when I could barely work out how to replace the strings on the soap cutter, let alone imagine how to keep a business moving forward.
But somehow, one batch at a time, we continued.
Today, AOOS remains a small family business led by me, with the support of my three children.
We are small enough to stay close to every batch, yet experienced and capable enough to fulfil wholesale and larger custom orders with careful planning and appropriate lead time.
Our Purpose Remains the Same
Most importantly, we remain focused on the same purpose: continuing to develop an exceptional Castile soap made with olive oil.
It is a beautifully simple bar for the hands and body—and, for those whose hair and scalp respond well to traditional soap, it may also become part of a more minimal haircare routine.
Ten years of soapmaking.
Eight years of The Australian Olive Oil Soap.
Not a perfectly straight journey, but one made with patience, persistence and a great deal of olive oil. 🫒