WORDS Katie Lindgren PHOTOS Luke Lindgren
A few months ago I was given a bar of hand soap as a gift. As I held it in my hands I realized it was made locally in Hope Hull, Alabama by The Lavender Pig. Its scent said Bergamot Grapefruit, and after one whiff I was hooked; it smelled incredible. I never realized that something so small like a bar of soap could cause me to stop and evaluate the products I use in my everyday life. But using something that was made by hand with care, and then shaking hands with the person who made it, takes the experience to a whole other level. Every time I use this soap, it leaves my hands soft, clean, and the delightful scent lingers. I know who made it, how they made it, what ingredients are in it, and most importantly, that it won’t harm my skin.
I met with The Lavender Pig owner and creator Leigh Black at The Montgomery Curb Market to talk about what she makes, and how The Lavender Pig came to exist. She explained that she started making soap because she had a skin sensitivity that prevented her from using over the counter products. Unfortunately, Leigh was forced to use soaps that had no scent. After she tried a homemade soap that smelled great and didn’t irritate her skin, she knew she had to make her own.
Making soap was only the beginning; because in addition to her bar soap Leigh now makes lotion, lip balm, body scrubs, shampoo, conditioner, and so much more. She even makes natural flea repellent for dogs. The Lavender Pig offers upwards of 70 different fragrances and flavors, and she is still expanding, experimenting, and growing.
To learn more you can visit her website www.thelavenderpig.com, or you can e-mail her at leigh@thelavenderpig.com. She has a booth at the Montgomery Curb Market, which is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 7am-1pm.