Discovering Alchemy Soaps

A couple of weeks back I attended a Harry Potter event in Calgary, “Hallow’s Eve in the Village”, in East Village here in Calgary, AB. Although the event was kind of a bust overall, with nothing really for decorations and very little entertainment to the shivering people with a pass to get in early (I wish they had theater kids come dressed as Harry Potter characters and entertain us in character or some stage props to set the scene), it wasn’t a total loss as I was able to meet some very talented vendors. A couple of them stuck out to me and one of those was Alchemy Soaps!  Her Harry Potter themed soaps were impressive and she was very knowledgeable about her products. Alicia patiently answered my dozens of questions and let me try out the products. They were even able to help me decide when I was stuck between two scents, asking questions about favourite scents or what I already like….I loved the personal touches to all she did and was keen to know more about her. Once I tried out her Voldemort soap, with its delicious scent and its wonderful lather (that left my skin feeling loved and not dried out), I knew I had to feature this small local Calgary business on my blog. Let’s get to know her!

Babbling Panda: What is your name? Where are you from?

Alicia Loader:  My name is Alicia Loader and I am a native Calgarian, born and raised here.

BP: When did you start Alchemy Soaps?

AL: I started Alchemy Soaps this spring. I’ve been making soaps for awhile, but decided to try selling my product at markets this summer.

BP: How did you choose the name Alchemy Soaps?

AL: The definition of “Alchemy” is: “any seemingly magical process of transforming ordinary materials into something of true merit”….which is what I believe I do when I make soap- take ordinary ingredients and make something of true merit. I wanted to create a soap company using magic as the theme.

BP: How did you get started? Why bath products?

AL: I love buying homemade soap and using products that are all-natural, so I started looking into how to make them. A girl I work with knew how to make soap and spent one afternoon teaching me. I started making bath products as a hobby and for Christmas or birthday gifts. I really enjoyed it and loved that you know exactly what was going into the product.

Alchemy Soaps, Calgary Alberta soap company

BP: What inspires you when choosing what scents and colours to put together?

AL: I use magic as my inspiration!  I try and make them look magical using colours and botanicals. Choosing what scents to use has come with practice using essential oils and finding out what blends well together. I am always learning more about essential oils and the health benefits they can offer as well. The best part of making soap is creating a beautiful product that people will use and love.

BP: Do you have a fave product or scent in your products? Tell us a little about them.

AL: My fave essential oil is probably grapefruit. I use it in so many of my soaps and it blends well with so many other essential oils. As for my fave soap that I make- I really like my bar called “Citrus Balance Bar”. It has essential oils of eucalyptus, spearmint, lemongrass, orange and grapefruit and also has poppy seeds to provide a nice exfoliate property. Every soap is made with all natural ingredients, including natural dyes and pigments for colours, all-natural oils within the soap, and essential oils to make them smell nice. Using all natural ingredients is very gentle on the skin as there are no harsh chemicals being used.

BP: Outside of your business, what do you do in your downtime? What is your fave activity or way to unwind?

AL: I really enjoy being outdoors, walking my dogs and doing yoga.

BP: What is your favourite Calgary spot?

AL: I live in Bridgeland, so I really love Bridgeland Market and the Tom Campbell’s hill dog park. I have 2 dogs, one is a Mexican Chihuahua, named Carlos, and the other one is a rescue pup, so he’s a mix, and his name is Jazz.

BP: Since I met you at a Harry Potter event, here are two fun questions: Do you have a fave author or book? What house would the sorting hat put you in at Hogwarts?

AL: I really like JK Rowling and Margaret Atwood. I love The Handmade’s Tale and Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood! I am just starting The Heart Goes Last and so far it’s good too.

I would hope the sorting hat would place me in the Gryffindor house as it is my fave!

BP: What’s one thing that people should know about you?

AL: I would like people to know that starting this company was about sharing my passion and love for homemade soap- we have to take care of the skin we are in! 🙂

BP: If people want to reach out to you and buy your bath products, what are ways they can get a hold of you?

AL: I don’t have a website yet, as I am just starting my company, but my Instagram account is “Alchemysoapco” and my email is alicialoader@icloud.com .  I am also on Facebook. Email me for my cell number and you can place orders that way as well. I don’t just make soaps! There are lotions, bath salts and the like.  Feel free to contact me and inquire about all of my products. I offer custom gift baskets, themed gift baskets, or individual products which make great gifts, especially at Christmas.

BP: Thank you for your time. 🙂

 

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(*Please Note: I am not getting paid by Alchemy Soaps or being endorsed in any way to feature these products. I just love their stuff.*)

(**If you are a local Calgary business and would like to be featured on the blog, please email me: tiannamorison@gmail.com**)

 

 

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