An Artisan Soapmaking Retreat

An intimate autumn gathering for makers

October 2, 3, & 4

Join Gina Schley, owner of SHEGROWS, for a three-day immersive retreat into the art and science of traditional cold-process soapmaking.

October is one of the most beautiful times of year on the farm. The gardens are winding down, herbs are ready to be harvested and preserved, and the first cool mornings invite us back into the kitchen to create with intention. Together, we'll capture the abundance of the growing season and preserve it in bars of handcrafted soap that can be enjoyed all winter long or wrapped and gifted during the holidays.

Gather around a farmhouse worktable filled with bottles of golden oils, baskets of dried herbs, wooden soap molds, and fragrant botanicals harvested from the garden. As autumn light pours through the windows, you'll learn the time-honored process of transforming simple ingredients into nourishing bars that cleanse gently and leave skin feeling soft and hydrated.

This is the kind of soap many of our grandparents used: thoughtfully made, long-lasting, and free from unnecessary ingredients. You'll gain full access to Gina's working soapmaking studio and learn how quality oils, butters, botanicals, and essential oils work together to create a superior bar of soap.

Rows of freshly cut soap will line the curing racks. The aroma of lavender, citrus, evergreen, and spice will fill the room. Between blending, we'll gather for nourishing home-cooked meals, share stories around the table, and enjoy the slower rhythm that autumn brings to the farm.

Gina's journey into natural living began as a teenager, and she has been crafting her own skincare products for decades. Soapmaking remains her first love.

"A good lather, a beautiful natural aroma, and skin that feels hydrated straight out of the shower can change the way you experience your daily routine."

As a certified aromatherapist and master gardener, Gina brings a unique perspective that blends science, nature, and practical experience. You'll learn the chemistry behind successful cold-process soapmaking, how to safely work with lye, formulate balanced recipes, and understand how different oils contribute to hardness, lather, conditioning, and longevity.

You'll also explore the art of blending essential oils to create harmonious aromas inspired by the season. Discover which herbs, flowers, roots, and botanicals can be safely incorporated into soap, and how to preserve the beauty of the garden long after the growing season has ended.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this retreat offers personalized instruction in a small-group setting. Enrollment is limited to just seven participants to ensure plenty of hands-on practice, individual guidance, and space to create.

You'll Leave With

  • A 2-pound wooden soap mold and all of the soap you create during the retreat

  • Confidence in blending essential oils and understanding aromatic blending principles

  • A clear understanding of the relationship between lye, fats, and water in cold-process soapmaking

  • Knowledge of nourishing oils, butters, herbs, and botanicals and how to incorporate them into your recipes

  • Proven soap formulas you can confidently recreate at home

  • Resources for cutting, curing, packaging, and shipping handmade soap

  • A cost-analysis worksheet to help calculate expenses, determine pricing, and plan for profitability

  • The skills and confidence to create beautiful, natural soap for yourself, your family, or your business

Registration includes:

  • Three light breakfasts and lunches around a cozy farmtable, with seasonal farm food and nourishing herbal infusions

  • A sunrise meditation in the flower garden that will ground your senses with the season

  • A locally made wooden soap mold to take home to use as your test batch mold

  • All essentials oils, botanicals, and nutrients used in the class

  • Resource lists, electronic cost matrix, and packaging & shipping discussions

Dates & Times

Day 1: Friday, October 2 from 8-4

Day 2: Saturday, October 3 from 8-4

Day 3: Sunday, October 4 from 8-1

Location

SHEGROWS | 7491 Kline Drive, Arvada, CO

COST

$2500

Three days of hands on learning the traditional craft of cold-process soap making.

Travel recommendations: Students should use the Denver International Airport (DIA) if flying in from out of state. The farm is located between Denver, Boulder, and Golden (30 min from each). Hotels or rentals can be found in Arvada or the surrounding cities.

Register Now