York-based John Greener has launched a range of traditional handmade soaps and shaving creams inspired by the sights and smells of York and Yorkshire.
His business ‘York Swirling Soapery’, which launched earlier this year, specializes in small batches of handcrafted soaps using artisan methods and carefully-sourced essential and fragrance oils from certified suppliers.
His love for York and Yorkshire has been the key inspiration for many of his soaps. For instance, one of his latest products is a shaving cream soap called ‘Shambles Folklore’ which is scented with a magical fragrance blend of vanilla, patchouli, oranges, jasmine and rose and is inspired by the vast array of shops down the beautiful medieval street known as the Shambles in York.
He also has soaps such as the Merchants’ Hall, Museum Gardens, and Shambles Mystery, each inspired by the sights of the city of York.
John works full-time as a dental nurse in an NHS Dental Practice and mainly uses his evenings and weekends for soap making. He says “I’ve always been a bit bonkers about soap. Just before Covid19 hit I decided to go on a soap making course. Then during the initial lockdown in 2020, I had a short spell on furlough and used the time to experiment. I love the process, the development, the patterns and the colours”. John is now in the process of adding more products to his York-inspired collection including shampoo bars and bath bombs. Eco-friendly packaging and sustainability are the core aspects with his business ethos.
You can buy John’s soaps via his website – www.yorkswirlingsoapery.co.uk. He will also be participating in local markets, including the York River Art Market and Little Bird Artisan Markets. You can follow John’s exciting journey via the business’s Instagram and Facebook page (@yorkswirlingsoapery).