After a life-changing boat adventure from Ireland to the United States, Donagh Quigley felt a renewed responsibility, respect, and awe for the natural world. Once he arrived at his destination, fate continued to guide him on a journey that inspired him to start The Handmade Soap Company.

When he returned to Ireland, Quigley and his wife began making soaps in their kitchen, selling them at Farmers Markets and on the road from their van. Now ten years later, business is booming and The Handmade Soap Company is an international brand. We caught up with Quigley to learn about the exciting story behind the brand, their latest collection, and sustainable efforts.

Can you share a little about your background and what led you to launch The Handmade Soap Company?

Before The Handmade Soap Company (THMSC), I was a thatcher — I made roofs from straw with my hands. I grew all my own straw, then crafted the roofs using this wonderful natural material. It was quite sculptural. Then the big recession of 2009 hit and suddenly the business was no more.

Now, like most Irish people I have a love affair with the United States. I have been there a number of times and have a lot of personal friends there, but my most memorable trip over was around this time when I sailed from Ireland in a boat that a friend of mine built.
That trip was one of those life-changing moments for me, and it was the genesis of THMSC. It would be easy to say with 4 smelly Irishmen on a boat, of course one of them is going to be driven to make a bar of soap, but without trying to sound cliché, it was more spiritual than that; it encapsulated everything that I am about.

The boat was built in a workshop a few miles up the road from where I live, and before we left Ireland it was the crew working on her, completing her, day and night to get her ready.

The crew and the team were a diverse bunch with a wide age bracket, but with a common cause. It was that common purpose which kept us focused and ensured that not a cross word was spoken for the entire voyage, even in moments of intense stress. That lesson became ingrained inside of me. In our factory where we make everything, our team is united by the mission to become the kindest body care brand in the world and that shared purpose solves many of life’s little niggles.

During our voyage in the natural world, we experienced the elements: 5.5 weeks at sea, pilot whales, grey whales, dolphins and birds. We were never without companions —and that sense of union and responsibility, custodianship for the natural world was never more apparent.

And then there was the weather. It taught me humility, that we really are so insignificant and yet can achieve things that we didn’t think we could. It also taught me resilience. We all need a bit of that too.

When we made landfall in Gloucester just north of Boston, we experienced the joy of reaching the far side, human contact, and an amazing welcome. While the lads tried to find the nearest pub, I did something different. I went for a walk along the beach to the next village up which was called Rockport and found an amazing bookstore called Toad Hall which is on the way to a place called Bearskin neck. There I found 2 books: A Guide to Aromatherapy and The Handmade Soap Book. Given my career in craft and the current economic situation at home, a lightbulb went off.

I tracked down a lady called Marla Bosworth whom had a company called Back Porch Soap Company in Quincy, MA and convinced her to teach me how to make soap. And after all of that, I met the lads in the pub.

On returning to Ireland I told my wife I wanted to start a soap company, she said grand and away we went. We started as the perfect cliché husband and wife team, 2 pots in the kitchen selling our wares at Farmers Markets. The first year or two I trained some pals to make soap and I travelled around Ireland in a van selling our products. Sales were good, we learned quickly, developed the brand and grew the range to what is now an international brand. 10 years into this journey I have tried to pour all of this experience and worldview into our new range, ANAM, which is the most sustainable range that we can deliver right now.

Do you have a favorite product?

Right now my favourite is the ANAM Body Oil. It might sound a bit strange for a man to be using body oil, but in Ireland in the winter my skin gets very dry. I have been using this on my face and the blend of essential oils is beautiful.

Is there anything you want customers to know about the ingredients used in your products?

We are all about the natural, but that is a broad term. For us it means ingredients that have come from a plant base, as opposed to a synthetic base and then getting as close to the original source with as few processes as possible in between. All of our products are Eco Cert accredited which is the strictest European standard there is around natural origin ingredients.

Can you share a little about the ANAM collection and what makes it unique?

The hero is the compostable liquid soap refill pouches, new technology, made from corn. For the fragrance, I have developed a modern interpretation of a rich, warm and comforting green herb fragrance with a floral middle note. With top notes of Coriander Seed, a heart of Geranium, and carried on the shoulders of Vetiver, it is inspired by a summer’s evening in Ireland.

Each product has an extra benefit and call out. For the glass wash and lotion bottles, it’s “Im a keeper”. The body oil is “Nothing added but nature.” The poo drops are “Leave no trace behind,” and then you have our beautiful blends of essential oils with matching ceramic diffusers.

What role does sustainability play in your production process?

It’s ingrained in our DNA. We Upcycled a 200 year old linen mill, then recommissioned the hydropower turbine so we are powered by renewable green energy. We recycled all inbound card to our factory, all of our primary and secondary card packaging is made from recycled card, all of our plastics are made from recycled (PCR) plastics. We even have vegetable beds to grow supplies for our staff BBQs and beehives out the back of the factory.

Any other steps the The Handmade Soap Company takes toward being sustainable? 

All of the packaging of the ANAM collection is glass and has a compostable refillable pouch that can be purchased. Our goal is to create beautiful glass bottles that are keepsakes so we can cut down on the waste in our landfills.

Where can people find you on social media? 

@thehandmadesoapcompany on all social channels.

Lizzy Sherman is an award-winning digital content writer/editor. She has been a featured guest speaker at Cal State University Northridge, Digital LA and The National Association of Audience Marketing Professionals. When she's not writing, Lizzy enjoys yoga and playing guitar. Follow her on Instagram: @zillizy