Patterns and habits are a big part of city life and it is very common to find yourself saying, “my coffee place”, “my laundromat”, “my bodega”, and “my gym”. Never shy to talk to people whom I might not know well, I found myself chatting up people on the topic as I went about my weekly errands. And of course the community really enjoys supporting the work of those who grew up on these blocks as well. So naturally, The Little Soap Shop was mentioned more than a few times. Born and raised on these very blocks, lifelong Astorian Vivian Dritsas is the owner of The Little Soap Shop, and the creator of the products within. Her personal interest in handmade soap began when she was experiencing some skin issues that were aggravated by traditional, commercially-processed soaps. After a great deal of research, and producing batches for home use that provided great results for her own skin, the idea for a handmade soap business was born. “After I tried my first batch, I fell in love,” proclaims Dritsas. “I had to share it with the world!” Initially starting as a weekend hobby in early 2006, The Little Soap Shop opened in September of 2007 at its location just off of Ditmars on 36th street. “Everything used to be made in the shop by me, but now I have outside help. A fellow soap-maker makes my recipes in her studio on Long Island, and I make the small batch custom orders here in Astoria. Our lip and body butters and scrubs are also made here. Cold process soaps take 4 to 6 weeks to cure, so I needed all the help I could get,” shared Vivian. Upon my first step into the quaint storefront, I was instantly overcome with unique scents. My friend and I were giggling as we wandered around the shop trying to smell everything on the shelves. This is not the heavily perfumed, chemical smell you try to avoid walking through the department store cosmetics section. These are natural essences, fruits, herbs, etc. My friend repeatedly said, “oh my goodness, smell this, I want to eat it.” It is true. The scents are heavenly and I can see why these products have become such a hit. 36 | BOROMAG.COM | NOVEMBER 2014 Known to travel to Flushing for tart grapefruit gummies or Midwood for Pamplemousse Mentos, my internal radar immediately zoned in on the Pink Grapefruit Body Oil. Letting my nose take the lead, I discovered more divine creations, like Vanilla Body Butter, Coconut Lip Butter, Applejack Soap, Vanilla Lavender Patchouli Hand Soap, and Mint Lip Scrub. I definitely know where my holiday shopping will start. My ridiculously active family will go bonkers over the Stinky Feet Peppermint Tea Tree Foot Bar and Bath Bombs. As I wandered around the shop, my eye was drawn to a display just to the left of the register. Soap Nuts? Indeed, Soap Nuts are a tree ripened berry (Sapindus Mukorossi) that, when split open and added to the wash, will produce a natural mild cleanser for your clothes— void of any allergens or chemicals. And because there is no scent, you are free to add your own. Having family members with very sensitive skin, I think this is a brilliant alternative. Sometimes even the dyefree, scentless detergents can cause irritation. Discussing Soap Nuts with Vivian, she explained that the product was sourced after looking for the gentlest way to wash her clothes. “People want to see crazy suds when they wash their clothes. They think that is what washes, but that’s false. Suds come from SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), which is known to irritate the skin, and is in almost every soap product on the mainstream market.” If you are looking for something safe for your skin and good for the environment, this just might be your answer. The Little Soap Shop is also a perfect place to pick up that last minute gift. Vivian has several store favorites beautifully packaged and ready to present. In fact, after making our way through the delicious soy candles, my friend couldn’t leave without buying his very own “Monkey Farts” candle. Whether you come for Monkey Farts, soap nuts, or any of a variety of homemade spa goodies, The Little Soap Shop is well worth a visit. The Little Soap Shop 22-07 36th St, Astoria, NY www.thelittlesoapshop.net SHOPS A Little Stop at Th e Little Soap Shop Story by Hayley Bridgewater Images by Bradley Hawks
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