Adding a fragrant dash of “peace of mind” to daily routines is a winning ingredient for Laura Harrison’s sudsy venture, Mind Over Lather— a Sylvania-based soap company.
“Everyone has something that makes them feel alive, mine is soapmaking. It’s therapeutic for me,” says Harrison. While the name, Mind Over Lather, is a play on words, Harrison is serious about her business.
A rainbow of colors and fragrances offered in vegan handmade soaps for purchase at the studio.
“The first inspiration I had for any of my products was in a ReadyMade magazine article that talked about making your own solid perfume with essential oils. That is the first product I made in 2011,” she shared, continuing that, “I am self taught and I have read many [soapmaking] books. [I also sought out] resources and workshops that helped me [learn the craft].”
Laura Harrison making her handmade soaps by pouring them into molds.
From my shower to yours
A primary ingredient of soap making, essential oil, allows Harrison to create unique combinations. She mixes oils to develop soaps with pleasant scents and beautiful aromatics.“I experiment with color and fragrance. I make items that are fun and pleasing to use,” says Harrison.
Mind Over Lather offers a variety of handmade vegan soaps, lotions, lips tints and solid perfumes, along with items like yoga mat cleaning sprays and yoga apparel, available both at the retail shop/yoga studio and on various websites.
The #1 top selling product–All Natural Yoga Mat Cleaning Spray
Her notion of creativity has expanded from the world of soaps to yoga. Harrison now offers yoga classes on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons at the store. The yoga activities and yoga-related items have been a huge part of the business’ success.
Harrison explains, “Toledoans are proud of Toledo. They love local, handmade products, and the personal touch by local providers. I only make things I use myself and can’t find in a store.”
Colorful, unique and custom made mini-soap bars for special orders and events.
Stretching beyond the soap
Harrison plans to offer additional yoga classes and accessories, as well as a DIY soapmaking class.
“The journey is the reward and this is what it’s been for me,” states Harrison.
5425 Schultz, Sylvania | 419-350-8981 | mindoverlather.com
