Reham is a third-generation soap maker from Syria. In 2017, because of the war, she came to Ireland seeking safety and a better life for her children after losing members of her  family.

Ireland welcomed her with kindness and gave her a new beginning. Today, Ireland is her home, and the Irish people are her family.During the COVID-19 pandemic, after losing her job, she decided to follow her passion and continue her family’s soap-making tradition. She sources natural ingredients like honey, beeswax, and goat’s milk from Irish farms, and creates each product with love and care. Her soaps reflect her Syrian heritage, infused with deep love for Irish nature.

What’s a typical day in the studio like for you?

I start my day with preparing my natural ingredients. I carefully measure oils, honey, beeswax, and goat’s milk. When I enter my studio, I feel calm and positive. I enjoy the process of mixing, pouring, and cutting the soap. It’s a peaceful time where I connect with my heritage and my passion.

What do you like most about your work?

I like the feeling of peace and passion when I’m creating soap. It connects me to my family heritage and allows me to express my love for natural ingredients.

Who is your inspiration? 

My inspiration comes from nature. The beauty, colors, scents, and harmony of the natural world guide everything I do.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Visiting Irish farms, seeing fresh ingredients like honey, beeswax, and goat’s milk, and feeling connected to the earth inspires me to make soaps that reflect both my Syrian heritage and the beauty of Ireland.

Is sustainability an important aspect of your business?

Absolutely. Sustainability is very important to my business. I use natural, locally sourced ingredients and minimal packaging wherever possible. I want my soaps to be not only good for people but also kind to the environment, reflecting my respect for nature and my commitment to a healthier, greener world.

What’s the most challenging part of your craft?

One of the most challenging parts of my craft right now is the increasing prices of ingredients and shipping.

Sourcing high-quality natural ingredients is essential for my soaps, but costs have risen. It takes careful planning and creativity to maintain the quality of my products while keeping them accessible to customers.

What made you choose your discipline?

Growing up with the smell of olive oil and the process of traditional soap making inspired me to continue this craft and bring my heritage to Ireland.

Have you ever had a “happy accident” while making something?

Yes! Sometimes when I experiment with new scent, a batch doesn’t turn out exactly as planned, but it can end up even better than I imagined.

How do you balance creativity with the business side of things?

I balance creativity and business by letting my passion guide the craft, while planning and organization guide the business. I experiment with ingredients, scents, and designs in the studio, but I also carefully track costs, sourcing, and production. This way, I can stay true to my artistic vision while running a sustainable and successful business.

What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a DCCI member?

I would say that joining DCCI is a wonderful opportunity for anyone in the craft or creative industry. It connects you with a supportive community, provides valuable resources, and helps you grow both as a maker and as a business owner.

Favourite book?

The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.

Favourite film?

The Olive Tree.

Favourite meal?

I love traditional Syrian dishes like kibbeh, but I’ve also grown to love Irish food. One of my favourite Irish meals is Irish stew and fish & chips.

What do you listen to?

I love listening to the sounds of birds outside my window while I’m making soap. Their songs, combined with the scents of the ingredients I’m adding, create a peaceful and inspiring atmosphere.