A GIFT GUIDE FOR THE HOLIDAYS T . L . Soaps
Using her background as a chemistry and physics teacher , Tommye Rafes was inspired to take a closer look at how natural ingredients can help solve common skin problems .
Story by Jenny Harnish
When Tommye Rafes sets up her booth at the Lewisburg Farmers market , she encourages conversation with a sign that says “ Got dry skin , let ’ s talk .” What began with a few rosemary soaps during Covid has blossomed into a whole line of skin products addressing issues such as eczema , acne , psoriasis and oily skin .
Rafes lives on a farm in Caldwell where she grows berries and more than 35 types of fruits and vegetables along with various herbs . Her background as a physics and chemistry teacher inspired her to take a closer look at how natural ingredients can help solve common skin problems . Her products are infused with the healing properties of rosemary , calendula , lavender , sage and lemongrass , among others . “ I try to use as much as I can from what I grow here on the farm .”
She buys shea butter and coconut oil directly from the women who make them in Ghana .
“ By me purchasing directly from them I know they are growing them in a sustainable manner and I ’ m giving them a liveable wage by buying directly from them ,” she said .
One of her best sellers is an allbody oat and shea moisturizing lotion that she makes from scratch . “ I ’ ve created a recipe that took a couple years to perfect ,” she said .
She welcomes customers to share their skin related issues to see if she can find solutions . Other gift ideas include face moisturizers , chocolate lavender soap , bath bombs and hyaluronic acid face serum and face lotion . ❖
Tommye Rafes at her soap booth .
Courtesy photos
CONTACT T . L . Soaps , Caldwell Website : www . tlsoaps . com Facebook : T . L . Soaps Instagram : www . instagram . com / tlsoaps / Purchases can be made through the website and at these shops
• Amy ’ s Market , Lewisburg
• Edith ’ s Health & Specialty Store , Lewisburg
• Primitive Goods , Ronceverte
• Lewisburg Farmers Market
A sampling of T . L . Soaps products include ( top left ) Chocolate and Lavender soaps , top right ) Christmas soap gift ideas , and ( bottom left ) Tea Tree and Charcoal face and body soaps which help those who suffer from acne or other skin issues . T . L . Soaps also make Hyaluronic acid face serum and face lotion as well as other skin care products .
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