How our skincare journey started

Hi! I'm Tarra Hardeman, the founder and Creative Director of this wonderful company - Carmel Soap! I was born in Carmel, California and was raised in California, Hawaii and Maryland by an amazing hard working, entrepreneurial single mother. I'm now a mother to four amazing children - my oldest is 29 and my baby is almost 11. I always aspired to be the best mom possible and Carmel Soap was a result of a major disappointment with the skin care status quo. 

One day I purchased a big brand name, supposedly natural, baby body wash from a large retailer. I opened to find the scent of an industrial window cleaner. I was surprised and confused. I reviewed the ingredients and didn't understand any of the listings. I spent the next several hours researching all of the ingredients in all of that bottle and even in all of the products in my home. Turns out, I had spent my hard-earned money on detergent, water and fragrance.

I was appalled that these ingredients were allowed to be called "natural", "pure" and other terms that earn consumer trust. I knew I couldn't continue to use all of those products, but what to use? That was the beginning of weeks, then months of researching, reading, and experimentation. This is how our skincare business journey began.

Carmel Soap (formerly Paisley Naturals) was born. We now handcraft the best artisan soaps, lotions, scrubs, and other awesomely natural products - from scratch - made with only natural plant-based ingredients. The goal is to keep each product as close to natural as possible. No micas, no SLS, no silicones, no animal fats, no detergents or other chemicals. Only quality, from scratch and honest products - handmade in San Antonio.

As a family-owned business, we are pleased to announce the opening of our first commercial location in the Hollywood Park area of San Antonio. Come see us at 17000 San Pedro Avenue (US-281), Suite 1101, SATX 78232. Our goal is to educate, share our craft and provide amazing natural products at an affordable price. Feel free to reach out, take a class or visit us in person to see what's next!