"We make Portland awesome" is a weekly series. I’m interested building our
community of artists by helping us all find out more about each other.
This week: Roots Soap Co
Who are you?
My name is Anna, and I live in Southeast Portland, Oregon, with my
fabulous graphic designer husband and our two little kids (with a third
joy on the way this fall). I'm originally from Montana, and he's from
Spokane. I am the maker in my business and he is the designer behind my
logo and packaging.
What do you make?
I am a second generation soapmaker, and I make about 18 different kinds
of soaps as well as herbal salves and am getting ready to offer all
natural laundry soap as well. My mother taught me basically everything I
know about the things I make, and instilled in me a love for all that
is natural, close to the earth and handmade. She had me stir my first
batch of soap when I was about eight years old, and I still use her same
recipes (with my own unique touches) to this day.
Besides making things, what do you do?
Besides being a business owner and full time mom, I pour my creative
energy into sewing things for my kids and friends' kids, gardening in my
backyard, cooking whatever we're craving for the day and reading
animatedly to my kids. When we get the chance we love to get out and go
to Mt. Tabor to walk and explore, see the taxidermy animals at Paxton
Gate on N. Mississippi, get wet at the Jameson Square fountain, eat ice
cream at Fifty Licks on Belmont, and go for bike rides. We obviously
love summer.
What inspires you?
Definitely my older sister Jen who is also a soapmaker, runs a farm, is
an amazing mother, and probably the strongest woman I know. She helped
me so much when I first started my business and has been an immense
support all the way through. I am also inspired by the many local makers
in our community and by really amazing design.
Where can your work be found?
My
soaps are sold at Powells on Hawthorne, EtCetera in St. Johns and
Aster and Bee on Division. I'll also be peddling my wares at Crafty
Wonderland on May 12th at the Convention Center.
What do you love about Portland?
I am endlessly amazed at how beautiful and diverse this city is, and how
friendly the general feel is. I love how it somehow has a small town
feel while having all the amenities of a big city. Plus wilderness and
ocean are right out the backdoor! I think that's why it attracts so many
young wanderers; you can really make this place your own and fall in
love with it. We sure did! We have all our favorite spots where we feel
at home; Hopworks on Powell, Stumptown on Division, The Landmark Saloon,
walking in Ladds Addition, picnicking on Mt. Tabor, and many others.
