If a "necessary luxury" sounds like an oxymoron to you, you're right. And apparently that's why Old Fort Soap Company is making such a name for themselves. Talk to anyone who has used their products and it's likely you'll hear them tell you that they just can't go back to anything else. I can't even say that I was surprised when two (very manly) men at JK O'Donnell's hovered over my Old Fort bag filled to the brim with soaps, lotions, and chapsticks searching for their favorites...and then began to barter with me on how they could get me to bring them some. It's true, Old Fort Soap Company mixes up something special each time they create a fresh batch of their all-natural products.
To say I have become a tad obsessed with them would be a bit of an understatement. My first encounter with Gary Birch and Hagan Amburgey was this summer when I wrote a story about their business for my Barr Street Market Vendor Series. At the time, I was hooked on a high priced bath and body boutique that made "natural" products. You still won't hear me complain about the delicious soaps I continuously drained my wallet for each month. But, Gary and Hagan introduced me to something pretty awesome made right here in my own city. Not only are their products half the price of my other brand, they have met every expectation my demanding (and ever-so slightly aging) skin requires. Months later, my bathroom smells like a plethera of scents from lavendar to sandalwood.
It's not just soaps that have me hooked. As a chapstick hoarder, their beeswax lip balms are in my car and all ten of my purses (clearly, I have more than one addiction here...) I use their giant bath bombs to fill my bathtub on nights when I just need to relax. They fizz and bubble and the fragrance is literally an explosion of aroma that fills my whole room. Even their natural laundry detergent is to die for. I love the fresh linen scent and they can be used in all types of washers. To be honest, I was hesitant to use the detergent at first. I mean, these are my clothes we're talking about here. But at $5 for 64 loads, I was convinced to give it a try. My clothing is fresh, clean and there are no chemicals to break down the fabrics.
At the risk of sounding too much like a commercial, I'll move on. There is more to Old Fort Soap Company than just their expertly made goods, and this is probably what makes me so passionate about promoting them. Gary and Hagan have an honest to goodness drive to see small businesses in Fort Wayne succeed. And they work hard to partner with other entities that strive for a greater good. You won't find an Old Fort Soap Company storefront, but you will find them in several locally owned businesses and at just about any farmer or artisan market open in town. As a matter of fact, Old Fort Soap Co. is on a local board that has recently laid the groundwork for a year round city market!
Their product displays are made by residents at The Kelley House Therapeutic Community, who do woodworking in a social enterprise project called Restoration Works. And, their wooden soap dishes are made by C&M Woodworking in Leo, a support company for Beds Of Hope. Gary explains, "Beds of Hope provides handmade beds for less fortunate families. We love supporting local organizations that are trying to make a difference." Gary and Hagan also donate generous amounts of their products to non-profit organizations including (of course) The Old Fort.
To continue their cause, Gary noted that they have even gone abroad. "A company here in Fort Wayne wanted to send a local natural product to colleagues at their sister company in Beijing. So many times we hear 'oh, that's from China,' so it was definitely a pleasure to send something from America to them!"
There is much to be said about a well run business with an outstanding product and a love for community. Stop by and see them anytime at one of the markets. They'll gladly get to know you and help you pick out the very best products for your skin. And, since it's the season of giving, pick up a few more for stocking stuffers. They have some fun and yummy seasonal scents right now and all of their soaps are wrapped in a pretty package for gift giving. Enjoy this necessary luxury, my friends. You deserve it.
Shop online here.
