My Story

Hi, I’m Colleen, the founder and soap maker behind Cottonwood Soap Company on Hilton Head Island.

Cottonwood Soap Company began in 2018 with a little curiosity, a lot of experimentation, and a desire to create products that could help my husband’s overly dry skin and my own perpetually cracked heels. What started as a practical experiment quickly became a passion for creating handcrafted bath and body products that help people slow down, breathe a little deeper, and enjoy everyday moments of self-care.

Before Cottonwood Soap Company, I spent years practicing law in Cincinnati. Soap making offered an entirely different kind of challenge—one that combined creativity, science, and artistry in a way I hadn’t expected to love quite so much.

My first batch? Total disaster.

I learned very quickly that soap making is equal parts creativity and chemistry. Turns out, measuring oils by cups instead of by weight is not the path to success. Thankfully, I kept going.

After retiring from law and moving to Hilton Head Island, I was able to devote myself to Cottonwood Soap Company full time. Today, I create handcrafted artisan soaps, solid lotion bars, and other self-care products inspired by the serenity of coastal living. Many are influenced by the places and experiences that make Hilton Head Island special—from ocean breezes and sandy beaches to sea turtles and relaxing seaside escapes.

Being part of the Lowcountry community has become just as meaningful to me as creating the products themselves. I’m proud to be one of the four founders of the Hilton Head Community Market and currently serve as its Treasurer. What began as a shared idea has grown into a welcoming weekly market that supports local makers, brings neighbors and visitors together, and gives back to our community.

Every Cottonwood product is made in small batches with carefully selected ingredients designed to create a luxurious experience for your skin and your senses. Our soaps contain nourishing rice bran oil, naturally retain moisturizing glycerin, and are infused with tussah silk for an elevated feel that turns an everyday shower into a small indulgence.

I believe self-care doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. Sometimes it’s simply stepping into the shower after a long day and allowing yourself a few moments that feel calming, restorative, and just a little special.

Whether you’re here because you love handmade soap, dream about living at the beach, need a thoughtful gift, or simply want products that make an everyday routine feel better, I’m so glad you found us.

Welcome to Cottonwood Soap Company, where we bring a little coastal serenity into everyday life.