Appalachian Soap Works: 2013

Hi there,

Thanks for taking the time to visit our site.

My wife Trista and I started Appalachian Soap Works out of the need to supply our family with a good soap. We made our first batch of cold process soap over a year ago and we absolutely loved it. With some out-of-pocket investing, we got ourselves enough supplies to make a few batches of soap and our company was born. We really enjoy trying new essential oils as scents for our soap and also experimenting with different recipes of oil bases.
I have a bachelor's degree in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship with an emphasis in marketing and non-profits. Currently I am attending a Licensed Ministry Academy through my regional conference of the United Church of Christ. I have a full time job and am a pastor at a small church but will be attending Pittsburgh Theological Seminary starting in the fall of 2014.
When we decided to start this company, my wife and I decided that all proceeds from the sales of our products will be saved for our expenses while I attend full time seminary. This is not a decision that was easy by any means. We have two daughters, Ella and Willow, and are trying to fulfill our call to ministry. We are not selling soap simply to make money, we are supporting ourselves as we enter into graduate degrees and we want to help others while doing it. Our soaps are all natural and are simply soap scented with essential oils; nothing more, nothing less.
If you decide to support us please know that you are making a difference. I have known for years that God has called me to be his servant and he has guided me to many leadership opportunities to prepare me for my journey. My ministry is mission oriented which means that I have dedicated my life to fulfilling Jesus' Great Commission: Mark 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The mission that Jesus has called us to do is all about community. Neighborhoods, congregations, and families all make up a community and it is our job as Christians to bring the light of Jesus back into our communities.
My wife and I are very open-minded individuals that realize that the world is a whole lot bigger than our own dreams and beliefs. We strive to focus on loving others rather than judging them and we accept others as they are.
I can't thank you enough for supporting us while I attend seminary.
Peace be with you and have a great day!

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Ryan

Appalachian Soap Works

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Getting to know us