About Anna’s EsSCENTials Bodycare
Anna’s EsSCENTials has been around the Owenton, Kentucky, area for long enough that owner and soaper Sharon Lombardo is pretty well known as “The Soap Lady.” That’s OK. I’ve answered to worse!
I’m often asked about the origin of the name. Anna was the name of my paternal grandmother, someone who took extra time with me when I was young and who had gentleness as a part of her everyday life. I have felt fortunate all my life to have known her. When it came to naming my new company, she was the first person I thought of and I wanted to acknowledge her presence in my life.
Here at our soap studio, we make olive oil soap and body products, and try for the best handmade soap we can do. Our goal is to make it available at a reasonable price so that everyone can enjoy its benefits.
Our studio is in an historic building, by the way…built in the mid- to late-1800s. In addition to having served as a bank building, it was also the original telephone exchange…right here in my office. When I work late at night, sometimes I imagine those ladies right here with me, working at their console and bringing the amazing, new-fangled telephone to Owen County residents. I flatter myself that they would appreciate knowing that a soap studio is dedicated to creating old-fashioned, healthful products in their digs.
Our products are distributed through farmers markets, gift shops and health food stores, festivals, trade shows, and by other Kentucky artists. Mostly in the summer I spend weekends talking to people about the possibilities of handmade soap and body products and try not to sound like a commercial. It’s pretty tiring, actually, with some traveling required, but very satisfying too, as any soapmaker will tell you. So many people are grateful for the results they receive.
I’m convinced a good handmade soap is better than any commercial soap you can buy, at any price. I’m just happy to be a part of this rapidly expanding and exciting field.
Sharon Lombardo
For Anna’s EsSCENTials Bodycare
