Jackson is home to many wonderful things: The nation’s No. 1 ski town, stunning views of the Tetons and some of the best bison burgers and elk medallions I have ever tasted. But something that sets our little mountain town apart from others is the number of local artisans. From customized knives to handmade organic soaps, Jackson reeks of talent.
I caught up with Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company to see how she is using local food products in her soaps. Back Porch Soap Company makes all of their products inside their four walls, using various foods and drinks as ingredients, with many of them being from around Jackson. Some of their soaps are made with Cowboy Coffee’s fresh brewed coffee and fresh grinds. These soaps can be found at Back Porch Soap Company and also Cowboy Coffee’s shop in town. Along with coffee, Bosworth also incorporates Jackson Hole Winery red and white wines into her soaps as well as Grand Teton Brewing Company’s Teton Ale. Accompanying these local favorites are some bestselling soaps, including unscented and lavender scented goat milk soaps made with fresh milk from the valley.
Due to sustainability issues with palm oil from southeast Asia, Bosworth decided to formulate all of her products palm-free. Considering that, her soaps are made with a blend of shea butter and coconut, olive, and castor oils. All of the oils are organic.
Born and raised in Jackson, Marla moved to Boston where she worked as a market research analyst during the week, whilst making soaps on the weekends just for fun. It wasn’t until she got laid off of her job that she decided to seriously pursue her love of soap-making, turning it from just a hobby into a career.
Inspired by retailers such as essential apothecary alchemist, who offer products containing natural plant-based ingredients, she decided this was something she wanted to explore further.
“I knew immediately that I wanted to launch my own natural skincare business, and the with that, Back Porch Soap Company was born,” Bosworth said.
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The company was started in 1998 on the back porch of her house in Plymouth, Massachusetts. After 25 years of living away from Jackson, Bosworth decided it was time to move back, opening up her retail store next to Smith’s grocery store.
You can find the soaps in Whole Foods and spas and retailers around the world. But most importantly, stop by Back Porch Soap Company to chat with Marla and get some great information on natural skincare. Don’t forget to support your local businesses and buy some great, natural, organic soap; Marla will be happy to help you out!
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