It’s time for another Rose Gold Pick! Lately, I’ve been in such a slump. I think my no-gigs summer has me feeling a bit purposeless. And I’ve been thinking a lot about what it is that I do, what I want to do, what we all do…And while I still feel a bit unmoored in my own creative activities (more on this in an upcoming post, maybe???), I feel 100% conviction about doing my teeny tiny part to connect people I admire, to share the creativity of others, to support female-driven artistry, and to facilitate a discussion about beauty.
Today’s Rose Gold Pick is a person and a product! I first heard of McKenna and Stone River Soaps last fall (2019), and was just instantly captivated by the beautiful life she has created, and the beautiful products she makes.
A little about McKenna…
I grew up with goats and so when we moved to the country I wanted some for my kids to play with and take care of. If you have goats, you have to have baby goats of course because nothing is cuter! This led me to milking and using the milk for personal consumption. I had so much milk from my nanny goats I didn’t know what to do with it all so I began researching and discovered it makes amazing soap!
Goats milk has many vitamins including A, E, C, some of the B vitamins, amino and citric acids, unsaturated fatty acids and zinc. In addition, the proteins in the milk kill acne producing bacteria. Goats milk has cream naturally which enhances the soaps moisturizing properties as well a natural glycerin. It also has a pH level close to human skin which prevents dryness and allows nutrients to enter the skin easily. There is no alcohol, petroleum, or preservatives which are commonly found in commercial soap and can irritate and dry out your skin. In addition to the milk from my own goats (Layla and Elsa) I only use high quality and organic oils like coconut, olive, avocado, sweet almond, and rice bran oil. To add additional skin and body enhancing properties and a pleasant scent I use essential oils from reputable sources. My soaps are simple, 100 % handmade, beautiful, and offer an excellent and gentle cleaning power. They all lather easily with a rich, creamy, and bubbly lather.
We live by the river in my town and my husband works in the stone masonry business. After I came up with multiple horrible name suggestions for my business my husband through out Stone River Soaps and I loved it! I am also blessed to have a step-sister amazingly talented in graphic design. I asked her to come up with a few logo ideas and I picked the first one she sent me! I love my logo and name so much!
It has been so fun to see my business grow and turn into something real. It gives me pride and brings me joy. I love sharing my products with my customers. I am truly grateful to everyone who makes a purchase whether large or small. Try a bar (or more) out today!
McKenna, what does beauty mean to you?
“What beauty means to me is when a person is being authentic and has a smile on their face. I believe you can see true beauty in someone’s eyes. Kindness is beautiful. Forgiveness is beautiful. Nature is beautiful.”
I couldn’t agree more! ️And I am here to tell you that McKenna’s soaps ARE art. They are so stunning. And the values behind the products are equally as lovely. I’m also such a fan of the way McKenna and her husband support each other’s creativity. There is beauty ALL around this business, these products, these people. Here are a few pics of some of my FAVORITES of McKenna’s creations…
Follow Stone River Soaps on Instagram @stoneriversoaps , and order some of these gorgeous products at McKenna’s Etsy Shop. Beautify your home and nourish your own skin, or give some of these artful soaps to people you love.
Happy Beauty Building,
EM