Bakewell Soap
Unit 6a, Riverside Business Park, Buxton Road,
Bakewell
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Bakewell Soap's origins can be traced to the other side of the world, in Australia, all the way back in 2002.
At that time, the range of natural skincare products available to a psoriasis sufferer such as Dharma (the founding inspiration behind our brand) was limited to a few pioneers and enthusiasts. So, with a little time on her hands and an even smaller budget, she began by reading all she could on natural soap ingredients. After making about a zillion notes and feeling a little more confident about the properties of different ingredients Dharma took the plunge and began to experiment 'making' soaps.
In those days, the soaps were made in the kitchen by adding ingredients to a bought in Cold Process soap base using a simple hand milling and re-batching technique. Nonetheless, they went down a storm at local markets, the positive response helping to drive the enthusiasm and passion Dharma had for the natural skincare concept.
We moved back to the UK in 2005 and pining for the natural beauty of the Central Coast in NSW, Australia, we set up base in the picturesque, unspoiled surrounds of the Peak National Park in Derbyshire.
Dharma still maintained the passion for making her own products and with increasing help from myself, we began to expand our knowledge and range of soaps. Soon we were experimenting with different ingredients and 'flavour' combinations (as we call them!) and getting friends and family to try them out for us. From these early beginnings our award winning Cocoa and Shea Butter ranges began to take shape.
In 2008 circumstance presented us with too good an opportunity to miss. A small unit became available on one of Arkwright's old watermills just outside Bakewell in Derbyshire and the Bakewell Soap Company was born.
In 4 short years we've come a long way. Last year we began entering products into national and international skincare competitions and scooped 5 awards for our soaps and balms. For us, official endorsement by renowned beauty experts was the final confirmation we needed that we were on the right path to realising our mission.
Our ethos is simple: research, innovation, quality ingredients and friendly customer service. Oh, did I mention a lot of hard work?!
Antony Allen
Chief Soaper.