By Beth Doherty
Twitter:@bethdmedia / @new_valleynews
Instagram: @bethdohertymedia / @newvalleynews
During lockdown, the desire to help others created an abundance of new small businesses. When Helga Soket realised people were struggling to get soap and hand-sanitisers from shops, she decided to make her own.
“When we were experiencing a soap shortage, I knew I could help. We left soap outside our house and people started giving donations before we even asked for them! I stopped making melt-and-pour soap, and took on the traditional method so I could select all the ingredients.
“It takes three to four hours to make, including six weeks setting time,” Helga told New Valley News.
Helga fell in love with making soaps after her grandma used to make huge bars out of natural lye and different animal fats. “They smelt beautiful,” she recalled.
Helga’s previous career was put on pause when she had an almost fatal accident in September, 2019, during a family holiday in Greece. She broke her leg and hip, and when she was able to get back to photography, lockdown came.
Now, Helga’s array of talents, from photography to graphic design, have allowed her to create a beautiful business which utilises her creativity to make stunning soaps.
“The most inspiring thing for me is nature,” said Helga.
All of Chalke Valley Soap’s products are made from natural ingredients and are decorated with fruit and herbs handpicked from Helga’s garden.
“We use essential oils for scent, mineral-rich clays for colour, and our packaging is plastic-free and biodegradable. It is really important that we don’t poison our body and the planet with synthetic ingredients,” Helga stressed.
Chalke Valley Soaps are not only online but also stocked at The Bay Window, Wilton, Blueberry Den’s refill stations, Phoenix Emporium, Luxury Bubble, Pod & Pip, and The Southwold Flower Co.
For now, Helga says Chalke Valley Soaps might last forever.
“it is a lovely product that helps the environment,” she said.