Of Woodstock is a gorgeous new small bespoke soap
& Cosmetic company.
A few weeks ago I discovered the deliciously scented ‘Of Woodstock’ handmade soaps in the Bluedog & Sought store in Woodstock. I bought a Mint & Lime “Mojito” soap and “Jasmine & Honeysuckle” face soap. They both smelled heavenly, left my skin cleansed but not dry -as other soaps would- and felt luxurious and moisturising. I was intrigued to find out more about ‘of Woodstock’.
After a quick email exchange, I was kindly invited to meet the founders, Louisa and Julia, in their new Soap Studio to have a chat. Louisa was first inspired to start making soaps during a long hot summer in Greece a few years ago, and as her soap making expertise grew, a range of beautiful face, scrub, kitchen and ‘fusion’ soaps were born… Julia, one of her closest friends, joined the soap making venture approximately a year ago, bringing further inspiration, design ideas and creative momentum into the developing quirky and passion-fuelled artisan soap and skincare company that ‘of Woodstock’ is becoming.
With time and talent investment from another couple of close friends and family ( Louisa and Julia describe ‘of Woodstock’ as a small skill-based collective ), the past few months have seen their soaps pass rigorous cosmetic testing and find homes in a number of lovely local contexts, including Illyria Pottery in Jericho, Bluedog & Sought in Woodstock, and the Shed at Peach Croft Farm in Abingdon. It is important to mention that the ingredients used in the soaps are as ethically produced and as locally sourced as possible. At present the ‘of Woodstock’ range includes: Jasmine & Honeysuckle Face soap, ‘Rose de Bois’. Rosewood & Geranium Gentle Soap (for face & body), Spiced Ginger Everyday Soap, Lemon Zesty Soap, Mint & Lime ‘Mojito’ Soap, Cinnamon & Coffee Scrub Soap, Thyme & Poppy seed Kitchen Soap and a range of ‘Fusion’ soaps where recipes (such as Rosewood & Geranium and Lemon Zesty Soap) have been blended.
Despite it still being very early days for ‘of Woodstock’, the soaps have been going down exceptionally well and a promising buzz around them seems to be building month on month. In June 2014 ‘of Woodstock’ provided small individual sized soaps from their existing range for 100 tents at the prestigious ‘glamping’ site of Camp Kerala, in Glastonbury.
Local Sunday markets have been added to Louisa and Julia’s agenda for the autumn-time and lead up to Christmas. In September, ‘of Woodstock’ will be launching their first liquid soaps and moisturisers, using the gorgeous combination of ‘Rose de Bois’, Spiced Ginger, a brand new honey range and some deliciously luxurious Jasmine & Honeysuckle face products. I am very much looking forward to discover these new additions. Additionally, ‘of Woodstock’ can be commissioned to create bespoke individual recipes. Louisa and Julia have created simply gorgeous soaps. 
The art Nouveau’ inspired artwork ( designed by their talented long-standing friend Bekim Mala ) complements the products beautifully and makes buying these little ‘units of well-being’- as the soaps are playfully described by their creators- a true treat to buy and use. ‘of Woodstock’‘s vision is inspiring. Three big cheers for ‘Of Woodstock’ and wishes for all the success they deserve!
AM x
For more information and stockists
www.facebook.com/ofwoodstock
www.bluedogandsought.co.uk