Riverview Couple Make Clean Sweep With Soap Company

Riverview resident Katrin M. Green now spends her days surrounded by suds after founding the Tampa Bay Soap Co. a year ago.

A victim of the economic downturn, Green was laid off from her job as an accountant and, rather than seeking work in her field, decided it was time to work for herself.

"I have sensitive skin, so I'd experimented with different soaps," she said. "This led me to start making my own soap. Then I thought, why not sell it? And I started the Tampa Bay Soap Co."

With the help of her husband, Ed Sobrino, the couple mix up the soap in their Riverview home using all-natural organic ingredients. They then cut it into bars and package it using recycled materials, selling it through their website,  tampabaysoapco.com, as well as local craft shows.

Using recipes she developed herself, Green manufactures natural and organic scented soaps with names such as Lavish Lavender, Cherry Jubilee, Cinna Burst, Paula's Precious Pear and, Green's favorite, Peppermint Tea Tree.

In addition, she offers three kinds of aloe soap, Ollie's Smooth Aloe, Rosie's Honeysuckle Aloe and Orange Hibiscus Aloe, along with Oatmeal and Polynesian Plumeria goat's milk soaps.

Her soaps, which sell for $8 a 4.5-ounce bar, contain such ingredients as coconut oil, olive oil, hemp oil, organic palm oil, goat's milk, soy oil, sunflower oil, organic shea butter, kaolin clay, iron oxide, vitamin E, honey, herbs and essential oils.

"Our soaps produce great lather," she said. "The best use is with a loofah or sponge, but they can also be used with your hands or a wash cloth."

Not satisfied with simply making soap, Green has branched out to include other beauty products including lotions and salt scrubs.

Her website also offers accessories including beech wood and pine soap dishes, natural sea sponges and loofah sponges.

"' 'Love your skin the natural way' is not just our slogan, but it is our
philosophy," said Green. "Our goal is to provide high-quality, all-natural homemade soap. Healthy skin is the basis for feeling and looking your best every day. Most people don't realize the skin is the body's largest organ and is the first defense against so many elements and substances.

According to Green, using products that moisturize with natural ingredients instead of harsh commercial chemicals makes your skin feel and look more youthful and avoid chemical dryness and side effects.

"Taking care of your outside is as important as taking care of the inside of your body," she said.

In the future, she plans to expand her business to include a variety of eco-friendly products such as towels and ChicoBags, reusable shopping bags and totes.

Green also hopes to persuade local schools to sell her soaps as fundraisers.

For more information, email Green at kmgreen@tampabay.com or call 813-334-4916.

Residents will have an opportunity to see Green's products in person this weekend. She will have a display of her soaps at the Winthrop Winterfest on Dec. 3-4 at .