The formulations feature botanicals from the region. By prioritizing wildcrafted and locally-grown ingredients, these body care basics offer you an opportunity for connection the Pacific Northwest in your self care routines.

One of the pillars of this project is a local cause, so with reciprocity in mind, I practice local sourcing.

I grow chamomile, calendula, tulsi, and rose geranium at a local historic farm and gently, responsibly wildcraft what I cannot grow.

Southern Resident Soapery is experimenting with what purpose-driven commerce looks like in our small business and for all the people and wildlife that call the Puget Sound Region home.

In 2023 I was able to donate $700 to groups supporting the Southern Residents and associated species.

Hi, my name's Courtney Kelley - I started Southern Resident Soapery during the COVID19 shutdown. I've always enjoyed growing plants and making things with them. When I was a child I loved to make "potions" with whatever was growing, and killer whales were one of my favorite animals! As I got older, I set myself up to work and learn on several different organic farms all over the country. I currently have two growing spaces...

Like many, I was completely struck during the Summer of 2018 when J35 carried her dead baby for 17 days. I thought: why can't we all do just a little bit more to help them? There are plenty of orca lovers - if just a little money from regular purchases (like the 1% for the Planet campaign) were sent out to the many groups already doing good work for the orcas, the momentum would really pick up. I decided to make lip balms but went with 25% net profits.

I am unfortunately a procrastinator so it wasn't until Covid opened up some free time that I sat down and fleshed-out the idea. Soap was folded into the plan because it was fun the several times I'd tried it. Soap is a flexible craft with a lot of potential for adding in botanicals, too! I began learning about the process more deeply and formulating a few different soaps in preparation.

I do Southern Resident Soapery part-time so I won't promise to be perfectly polished as a business, but as a maker I prioritize quality, natural ingredients and when going for preservatives or fragrance I look at what other countries say too, not just the USA. So I search for what is generally considered as safe - like phthalate-free fragrance for those that love strongly scent products - and I value choice so I offer very natural products scented with essential oils, or even unscented - products that smell light and of just the infused botanicals - nothing extra added.

Anyway, I believe if we can all find a little bandwidth to support, in whatever form suits our lifestyles, the issues which are most important to each of us, then things thrive. I believe folks should pick one or two local issues - we have a more full understanding when the issue is ours, too - though I wouldn't fault anyone for helping those in need on the other side of the world.. Imagine just a little bit from everyone instead of a lot from just a few! I dislike feeling powerless when I consider the state of the Northwest dams, salmon, and whales - so this is my answer for now. Thanks for being here!