In 2017, my husband and I decided to make a sea change, relocating with three of our four children to the Margaret River Region. Here, we were once again surrounded by the untamed ocean, diverse flora, and captivating fauna that we cherish. It was during this time that I rekindled a hobby I had started more than 12 years ago – soap making. The moment I began crafting soap, I rediscovered the intoxicating aromas, the boundless creativity, and the profound satisfaction of sharing my handmade soap with others. It was in this spirit that Margaret River Made began.

In 2018, while exploring soap ingredients, I discovered shampoo bars. The concept fascinated me – water-free, waste-free, and plastic-free. I delved into researching the contents of bottled shampoos and conditioners, including the expensive natural, plant-based shampoo I had been using. This deepened my exploration of hair and scalp health, something I had always struggled with due to an itchy, oily scalp.

Through my research, I uncovered the irritants in my shampoo that had contributed to my itchy scalp. I realized that I had spent a small fortune on what I believed to be high-quality hair care. This led me to question why we were paying for products filled with known irritants like sulfates, silicones, glycols, and more, especially when healthier alternatives were available.

The revelation of shampoo and conditioner bars, along with the opportunity to reduce plastic waste, was a significant driving force behind my venture. I was grateful for the positive impact I could make on the environment.

My skincare journey was paralleled by my teenage children's experiences with hormonal acne. I witnessed their struggles with various store-bought products, some of which contained comedogenic oils, exacerbating their skin issues. This motivated me to formulate products safe for all skin types, especially sensitive and troubled skin. I aimed to create products using beautiful botanical-based ingredients, free from comedogenic oils.

In June 2019, my husband faced a life-altering surfing injury, a one-in-a-million event. This traumatic incident required us to leave Margaret River and return to Perth for his surgeries and extended rehabilitation. The healing process was a challenging and emotional journey, and soap making and formulating provided a source of solace and purpose..