Up in Suds Handcrafted Soap

Welcome to Up in Suds Handcrafted Soap! My name is Emily Bonk, and I have been making and using natural soaps for over ten years. My olive-oil-based soaps are handmade from scratch in small batches, made with high-quality natural ingredients, and carefully crafted with unique artisan designs. I donate a portion of every batch to local homeless and domestic violence shelters. Creating a business that gives back to the community and hometown that I love is at the heart of my enthusiastically locally themed brand.

I’ve always been a creative type who feels the most content when making something. I was raised by my mom and aunt who are definite hippies. With their influence, I grew up playing guitar, drawing, doing crafts, and learning soap-making. The hippie theme is something I wanted to incorporate into Up in Suds as a tribute to the creative practices that they instilled in me, so I incorporate funky designs and free-spirit-inspired soap names throughout Up in Suds.

My inspiration to turn my love for soap-making into a business began at Pittsburgh farmers’ markets. My mom sold her soap at local markets in 2011, and I have been hooked on soap-making ever since. I fell in love with how soap-making is not only a creative outlet, but results in a practical and natural product that everyone can use.

As a redhead with sensitive skin, I am very picky about my soap. I strive to make a product that stands out for its quality, natural goodness, and creativity.  My soaps are scented only with plant-based essential oils, don’t include harsh detergents, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates that a lot of commercial soaps contain, and are truly art you can bathe with!