Amanda Weber is the maker behind Moabar soaps at Moab Made. She has turned her love of family and the desert landscape into a thriving soap-making business rooted in the magic of Moab. Her natural goat’s milk soaps are infused with the powdery sand of Moab’s iconic red rocks. They're a reflection of place, purpose, and passion. We are excited to share more about the story behind her products! Okay, time to scrub the small talk and dive in! Let's start with an introduction.

My name is Amanda. I create handcrafted, all-natural goat's milk soap infused with the powdery sand from Moab's red rocks for gentle exfoliation. Moab is a special place for me because its unique beauty and adventurous spirit inspired me to develop a moisturizing soap that reflects the town's essence. After moving to Utah upon retiring from the Air Force and experiencing the dry desert climate, I found solace in creating a product that not only nourishes the skin but also captures the natural charm of Moab. Having spent my entire adult life moving from place to place, I always say Moab is the first place I chose to live!

Your soaps have been such a huge hit in Moab Made! You have crafted something really unique and I am so curious to know more about your story. What originally sparked your interest in soap-making?

One of the most vivid memories from the beginning of my creative journey was watching my mom make goat's milk soap. She would carefully blend the ingredients, and the soothing scents would fill the room. I saw how it helped her eczema and brought her joy as a creative outlet. When I started making soap for myself and friends, the positive feedback was overwhelming. People loved how it helped their dry skin and appreciated the unique scents and exfoliating sand. That was the moment I realized this craft was more than just a hobby—it was a way to express my creativity and make a meaningful impact on others' lives.

I love that your mother was an inspiration and you and had such amazing feedback to keep pursuing soap-making. Have there been any challenges or lessons you've had to face while creating a business out of your creative hobby?

My creative adventure has certainly had its challenges. One of the most difficult obstacles was ensuring my home wasn't overwhelmed by the business. Making, storing, and packaging soaps takes a lot of space, and it took me a long time to figure out an effective organization and storage strategy. One valuable lesson I learned was to include the family in the process. My 12-year-old son now works for the business, packaging soaps and helping at vendor markets. This not only helps with the workload but also makes it a family endeavor. To other creative souls, I would say: don't be afraid to ask for help and involve those around you. It can make the journey more manageable and enjoyable.

Would you have done anything differently to speed up your learning process?

Fortunately, I was able to learn from my mom, who had already made a lot of the mistakes and learned from them. She was instrumental in helping me be 10 steps ahead. She would always tell me, "You will have soap that doesn't turn out exactly how you imagined. Donate those to a local shelter." This advice not only helped me manage imperfections but also gave back to the community. If I could have done anything differently to speed up my learning process, I might have started documenting my experiments and results more meticulously from the beginning. This would have helped me identify patterns and improve my techniques even faster. However, my mom's guidance was invaluable and made a significant difference in my journey.

I still work for the Federal government full-time, so this business is a side hobby for me. I find that winter in Moab lends itself to more time inside, which is perfect for making soaps. I use this part of the year to stockpile for the other seasons. While my soap-making is a side hobby, I am very passionate about it and dedicate as much time as I can to ensure the quality and uniqueness of each batch. Balancing my full-time job and my creative endeavors requires careful time management, but the joy and satisfaction I get from soap-making make it all worthwhile.

Where do you find inspiration for your soap designs and scents?

Moab inspires me deeply. I love exploring different parts of the area to find various sands, colors, and textures. The canyons, arches, river, and mountains have all inspired my soap names and scents. My favorite way to nurture my creativity is by immersing myself in nature. The breathtaking landscapes of Moab provide endless inspiration. I also enjoy traveling to new places and experiencing different environments, which often spark new ideas. Additionally, moments of silence and reflection, with my eyes closed, help me to visualize and conceptualize new soap designs and scents. Nature, travel, and quiet contemplation are my most inspiring resources.

We really admire how detail, method, and inspiration can set you apart as an artist and creator. Where does your sense of pride really shine in your soap-making process?

There are several details in my method and work that I am particularly proud of and feel set me apart. First, the photo on our soap band, taken by my husband, beautifully captures the essence of Moab and adds a personal touch to our packaging. His idea to include sand in the soap allows customers to take a piece of Moab with them, making our product truly unique.

I am also proud of the craftsmanship my mom taught me, which ensures that each bar of soap is made with care and expertise. Additionally, my son’s involvement in the business, especially his ability to engage customers and explain the soap-making process at vendor markets, adds a special family touch that resonates with our customers.

Finally, I take great pride in the fact that our soaps sell out at Moab Made and that customers seek out our website for more. This success is a testament to the quality and uniqueness of our product, and it brings me immense joy to know that our family’s hard work and creativity are appreciated by so many.

Amanda’s story reminds us that creativity thrives when it’s rooted in passion, family, and a deep connection to place. From her mom’s early lessons to the rugged beauty of Moab, her soaps carry a piece of that journey. They really are a unique and natural way to bring a bit of Moab's spirit into your daily routine. Keep an eye on her growing business. It’s clear this is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure and we are so lucky to be a part of it.

To see more of Moab Bar soap visit Amanda's website at moabarsoap.com