Welcome to my website!  I am Carleen Shatto and I began making soaps in 2007 because of my love of artisan soaps and a desire to create natural skin products.  My academic background is in the sciences, with a major in biology and chemistry, and I was employed for years in the arts, so my soapmaking is influenced by both fields.  The whole process of perfecting soapmaking has been a wonderful journey that has led to the creation of Freya Botanicals.  My company’s philosophy has been shaped by a strong belief that natural and organic are best, and I will do everything possible to bring you the most beneficial products for skin and hair care.  A few words about the name- Freya is a Norse goddess of love and beauty, and I felt it embodied the company’s beliefs very nicely.  A thank you to my friend Patty for coming up with the name!   My soaps are cold processed, retaining all the natural glycerin produced in the soapmaking process.  And if you look at the  labels, the products contain ingredients you are familiar with, either organic or food grade oils, NEVER detergents, dyes, or petroleum products.  The classic soap has gentle moisturizing and lathering oils with added shea butter to provide healthy and nourishing skin cleansing.  I also offer a line of goat’s milk soap.  Why goat’s milk?  It has the closest pH to our skin and has been shown to reduce inflammation and sooth dry and damaged skin.  It contains natural hydroxy acids that soften skin and is loaded with essential nutrients, natural emollients, and Vitamins C, B1, B6, B12, and E.  Wine and beer soaps are a new addition this year, and they are fabulous for skin care.  I strive to produce an exceptional product in a responsible manner by purchasing from sustainable companies, recycling, and I am proud to offer packaging made totally from recycled materials.  I hope you enjoy using the products as much as I do creating them!