MEET THE MAKER
We chat with Sammy - Kaipara based small batch soap maker & creative behind Sammy & Co Soaps.
“We pride ourselves on being sustainable. Everything we create is natural and kind to you and Mother earth. I hope you love your soaps as much as we love creating them.”
Photography by Sammy & Lis
Can you explain your work and what you do/make?
Natural artisan soaps. I handcraft soaps in small batches to ensure the best quality. Everything I create is natural. I mainly focus on body bars, but I have started trialling some new products coming soon...
Tell us more about the business. How did it start?
I became a stay at home mum to my 2 little cheeky monkeys 5 years ago. We live on the edge of the Oruawharo River in Kaipara Northland Aotearoa in our off grid container home that my husband Alex built along side some of our amazing family and friends.
We try our best to live an eco conscious life - we grow and preserve our own food - Alex enjoys the wilderness and hunts for our meat when needed - we compost and try and reduce as much waste as possible. I try my best to only use natural products and love to shop locally.
It was time I needed to do something else other than being a mum and wife. I thought hard and long about what I could do that would fit in with our lifestyle - it needed to be something I could manage from home with our kids.
Hand crafted natural soaps seemed very fitting, so I bought some books, jumped straight in making batches of soap for us and our family to try and they loved it - so Sammy & Co Soaps was born. It fits in with our family life perfectly.
Where do you find your creative inspiration?
Books, Pinterest, Instagram but mainly I experiment until I’m happy with the outcome.
How important is it for small businesses to lift each other up and what does that mean to you?
We rise by lifting others.
I love to support, encourage, compliment and cheer on fellow small businesses because I know behind every small business is a family and you are helping make their dreams come true.
Fun fact - every like, follow, share, comment, review, referral, and every purchase is celebrated by that small business - how cool is that.
What is the most important message you want to send out to others thinking about starting a business?
Doing what you love is never a waste of time. There will never be the right time so don’t wait. Do it!
Do you have any daily rituals?
I love to start my day with a good coffee and end it sitting down at the dining table as a family for dinner sharing what happened in our day. We do love a good kitchen dance party too.
What art inspires you?
Van Gogh & Vino has wine and paint nights up here in Northland, how awesome is that!? Hanging with friends, painting and sharing a vino. You can find Zivana on Instagram @zivanaart or @vangoghandvinonz
Top 3 fave small businesses?
Oh that’s so hard there are so many amazing small businesses that I would love to share.
Abstraxt Hairdesign - Leslie owns a small plant based hair salon in Orewa, Auckland. Leslie and her girls are top notch. Wouldn’t go anywhere else.
Archie & Beau - Jess has a small event business where you can hire the dreamiest boho setting for your next party. Based in Whangaparaoa, Auckland.
Beauty on Birch - Aimee runs a small beauty salon in Pukekohe, Auckland. She’s ya gal for some show stopper brows.
Where can we see more of you?
You can keep up with me on
Instagram @sammyandcosoaps
Facebook Sammy & Co Soaps
Or drop me a message on my website sammyandcosoaps.co.nz
