2 minute read
PLANT-BASED SOAP
Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. offers fragrant, plant-based bath and body products — and private parties, perfect for wedding showers or girls' night out
By Vicki Martinka Petersen | Photos by Julia Klos Photography
Mandy Buerster, like many people, found herself taking stock of her professional life in the face of the pandemic. Although she enjoyed running a T-shirt business out of her home, Buerster knew she wanted to do something outside of her house after being stuck at home during the early days of COVID-19. Her son’s girlfriend came across the right opportunity for Buerster — Magnolia, a national company that makes plant-based bath and soap products. Intrigued by the business model, Buerster purchased a licensing agreement to open a St. Charles location of Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. last spring. The company was founded by a mom looking for alternative beauty products for her daughter’s sensitive skin. Throughout the country, there are more than 20 stores, including the one in St. Charles, that are locally owned and operated. Buerster likens the store’s uniqueness to that of a restaurant where you can watch the products being prepared. “We make everything right here in the store. It’s an experience to see the soap poured or bath bombs being made,” says Buerster, a St. Charles resident. Another difference is Magnolia Soap and Bath Co. uses plant-based products like essential oils rather than synthetic ingredients other beauty stores might use in their products. “Since we make every product ourselves, we know exactly what goes into them,” she says. The most popular item is the soap bars. Bars come in different singular colors, like purple for lavender, or a kaleidoscope of colors, like the mixture of different shades of blue and white for the “Frozen” bar. The store also makes its own laundry soap, of which free samples are available. Many of the containers are reusable, such as the dough bowl candles. Once the candles burn down, customers can get a refill for $15, Buerster explains. If you’re looking for a fun girls’ night out or date night activity, check out the store’s popular private parties. Each attendee makes two to three bath bombs per person during these interactive parties held after store hours. You can bring in your own food. For an extra treat, you also can order homemade ice cream from neighboring business Kimmer’s Ice Cream. So far Buerster notes the response has been wonderful from not only the St. Charles community but the surrounding area. She even has customers coming in from Chicago to buy these products. “It feels like a small business even though it’s (a) franchise,” she says. The biggest change for Buerster is being out interacting with people instead of working alone at home. “I enjoy helping people find products that might help them relax during this stressful time. I feel like I’m doing what I’m supposed to be doing in life,” Buerster says.
MAGNOLIA SOAP AND BATH CO. —
ST. CHARLES
1 W. Illinois St., St. Charles 630-549-0892 Facebook: Magnolia Soap and Bath – St. Charles
