About Us

I love making handmade soap….

I was born with dry skin, went through school with dry skin, and taught mathematics for 49 years with dry skin.  Taking care of my skin was way down on my priority list.  I loved the sun…for years…and my skin suffered.   I used many kinds of soap, cream and lotion over the years, but my skin was always dry soon after use.  Now that I’m retired from teaching, I love to create products that actually work and give our skin some well-deserved care and nourishment.

When I was young, my father, a chemist, showed me how to make soap with bacon grease. This soap was not only ugly, it smelled awful too.  Although it was fun to make and the finished product was actually soap, it was certainly not appealing.  After visiting a Saturday market as a young adult and seeing many soap vendors’ displays of beautiful soaps, I became excited about the possibility of making soap my own way. I never forgot my father’s basic process of making soap, but I wanted it to be nourishing to the skin, look pretty and smell divine…quite a change from his soaps.  I experimented for years making small batches, but about fifteen years ago I started my actual soap making hobby.  I explored formulations, properties of oils, botanicals, colors and techniques.  In this learning process I had wonderful successes but also many failures.  Some batches were thrown out but the fragrant and beautiful were given to friends and family.

My partner, Len Frosina, was a teacher for 30 years.  He makes my soap molds, soap displays, fixes everything, and helps me with the shop.  Without him, having a shop would not be possible.  He supports my passions and dreams and he’s my best friend.

In 2017 I earned the Advanced Soapmaker Certification from the Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild.  I continue to take courses to learn and perfect my skills. 

Studying about formulating natural skincare products such as lotions and creams, body butters, and scrubs has become a priority.  My goal is to formulate products that are actually healthy and nourishing for our skin. Rather than stripping our skin of our natural oils like commercial products, my products help regenerate, heal, and nourish our skin cells.  In 2018 and 2019 I earned a certificate in Formulating Organic Anti-Aging Skincare from Formula Botanica and a certificate in Formulating Natural Skincare products from School of Natural Skincare.  I continue to take courses to learn and perfect my skills.  This year I will be studying making and formulating Hair Care Products.  I currently purchase my wonderful shampoo and conditioner from Portland, Oregon, but wish to make my own to add to my line of healthy skincare and hair care products.

Still working hard, I'm trying to undo and recover from about 65 years of sun worshiping. My recovery will never be 100%, but at least I'm finally trying to do what's best for my skin.  My mother was right!  I was ruining my skin!

Orchid Island Soaps are cold processed soaps using the techniques that I perfected with time. I use the best ingredients to produce gorgeous handmade versions of everyday bath products.  I hope you enjoy them.

Diane Riley

Owner, Orchid Island Soap LLC