Find out how this former fighter jet designer became head soap maker at Simply Organic Soap

Sandy Palisch started her career as an engineer at a major American aerospace manufacturer, designing fighter jets and collaborating with the U.S. Navy. How did she end up making organic soap? We spoke with Palisch about the journey to creating Simply Organic Eucalyptus & Lemongrass Organic Bar Soap, a finalist in the Clean Beauty Awards.

How did you get into soap making?

In 2013, I fell love with organic soap while vacationing in Breckinridge, Colorado with my three boys and hubby. After my stash of souvenirs ran out, I decided to take matters into my own hands and engineer something organic that created a similar spa-like user experience. I started researching how it was made and was just fascinated by the chemistry of it all. It really lit up my scientist brain so I decided to use my engineering skills to harness all the goodness of essential oils and organic plant-based ingredients to make Simply Organic Soap for everyone!

The company officially launched in 2016 and now offers a dozen scents of handcrafted organic soaps as well as lotion bars, bath bombs and salts.

Today I run operations with Erin Reilly and some help from our boys. We juggle everything from production and mixology to marketing and sales.

My studies include a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a Master’s degree in Business and as well as in-depth Soap Making training earning certifications in Soap Making, GMP, Marketing, Retail & Wholesale. Erin is the creative one with a degree in Marketing.

Why did you create your brand?

We created Simply Organic Soap because we believe we can change the world, one bar of organic soap at a time! A mere bar of our soap can help rid society of toxins and contribute to a healthier environment. Not only does this make for happy, healthy customers but with more people experiencing the benefits of clean bath products, toxins flowing down our drains can be eliminated! Everyone gets to experience good things for their body without any harmful chemicals or additives. It’s just good. clean. fun. That’s why we do what we do!

Why do you think your product was chosen as a finalist?

I believe the total mind-body benefits of our Organic Eucalyptus & Lemongrass Soap makes it the best on the market. From an aromatherapeutic perspective to a lathering sensation, leaving one’s body feeling clean, soft and healthy, this product brings balance to your world. Our attention to detail sets our products apart from our competitors. We carefully choose organic ingredients that care for your skin and are planet-friendly. The amazing benefits of essential oils add to the quality of our organic soaps. The combination of Eucalyptus and Lemongrass essential oil provides a spa-quality aromatherapy experience like no other. We are totally honoured to be chosen as a finalist.

Would you say this is your best-selling product? If not, what is and why?

Yes, our Eucalyptus & Lemongrass organic soap is one of our best sellers along with our Charcoal Face and Body soap! The Eucalyptus and Lemongrass-infused organic soap smells so amazing. It just draws you in! My customers buy them by the dozens! And our Charcoal Face & Body soap is the perfect soap to use after a workout. The activated charcoal detoxifies your skin, leaving it oh so clean without drying your skin out.

What does being named as a finalist mean to you?

It means the world to us at Simply Organic Soap to be chosen as a finalist! We work hard to create products to care for our customers and the planet. Our customers trust us to create products that are good for them, their families and are eco-friendly. Being chosen as a finalist spotlights our commitment to clean beauty for all.

Why is being a clean beauty brand important?

Creating clean beauty products is important to us because we care about our customers and the future of our planet! We strive to be the brand that our customers trust to provide organic bath products. Synthetic, mass-market soap is made of petroleum-based lathering agents, synthetic fragrances, harsh dyes, and preservatives. These ingredients can leave your skin dry and irritated while harming the environment as they flow into our sewer systems. By creating soaps from organic, plant-based oils and butters and essential oils we treat our customers to a skin-quenching, aromatherapy experience that leaves their skin feeling clean and hydrated. All that is washed down the drain are organic, plant-based ingredients that will not harm the planet. We think that is important!

What’s next for your brand?

We are excited to have just launched our Bubble Box subscription service that delivers a spa experience to your doorstep every quarter. Our subscribers get special access to exclusive spa and bath products, first releases of our newest products as well three or more bars of our organic soaps every three months with free shipping. We continue to look for ways to meet our customers’ needs with surprise and delight. New soap and bath product recipes are always in the works!

Looking for more luxurious, skin-quenching bath and body products? Discover the best natural bath and body products of 2021.