Greetings! We’re the Outten family and we thank you for visiting our shop.
My name is Lois Outten and I’m the Chief Soapmaker and Business Manager of Riverside Soap Studio. My husband, Bill, works behind the scenes and is my biggest cheerleader. He doesn’t usually get involved with the soapmaking but he has developed an excellent technique for sifting the oatmeal into the soap pot while I mix.
Since I was a young teenager, I have enjoyed using premium soaps. Bathing with a great soap that lathers well, cleans gently, and leaves the skin feeling moist and refreshed is a simple indulgence that gives me great pleasure. Over the years, whenever I gave luxury soap as a gift, it was always well received. I vowed that someday I would learn how to make my own soap.
After retiring from corporate life, I decided to pursue soapmaking in earnest. I attended a soapmaking demonstration at the local library and my fascination with soap was recharged. I started reading extensively about soapmaking and then began experimenting with different formulas. My family and friends were my guinea pigs and they were all reporting good results after using my products. Soon I put together a business plan and launched my business. I joined the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild and received my Soapmaker Certification in 2016.
Today, I am semi-retired from soapmaking, but I continue to make soap for a small following of faithful customers. My soap is also available for purchase at the Furnace Town Historic Site in Snow Hill, MD.
Whether you're an established customer or new to Riverside Soap Studio, I hope you'll find something special to enjoy. Feel free to contact me with questions or custom orders. I’m always willing to try something new.