Heather McDonald had a skin condition she could not shake. Store-bought products failed her so three years ago she decided to take matters into her own hands. After researching natural ingredients and products she found success in curing issues with her skin and she decided to turn her personal success into a business to help others who might be dealing with similar skin issues.
Now, she has a thriving “handmade small-batch soap company,” Crystal Flower Organics, selling homemade soaps and bath bombs made from natural oils and ingredients.
The company name pays homage to a pet turtle that passed away too soon but has come to symbolize key values inherent in her products.
“She was named by my best friend's daughter,” McDonald said. “She was a very sweet turtle, who lived a very carefree life and I hated it when she passed away.”
McDonald’s journey into making the soaps was trial and error. First, she had to find products with natural ingredients that didn’t irritate her skin. Before she knew it she was making her own and quickly innovating her techniques, striving to find better ingredients and more sustainable materials.
“One of my main goals is sustainability,” McDonald said. “The wrappers I use are made of recyclable craft paper. I am always looking to improve things of that nature.”
Many of her products include organic olive, grape seed and coconut oils. “It is just really good for your skin,” McDonald said.
Her earliest customers were her friends and family. Anquirlyt McDonald, no relation, has been a friend of McDonald’s since they were students at Bailey Magnet in Jackson. Her friend said that she and her daughter have become loyal customers.
Anquirlyt said that she happily checked out what her friend was selling and was fortunate to find a product she fell in love with and made part of her regular skincare routine.
“I love supporting any of my friends or family in their businesses or things they make and sell. I love scented soaps in general and I love handmade things,” she said. “I looked at her website and said I can do that. these look great and I like the price.”
Specifically, she likes the nutmeg soap and rose soap. She includes CFO products in goody bags for her kids. Popular products have included soaps and bath bombs shaped like ice cream cones or a fluffy waffle with a pat of butter.
“Some products leave you with dry skin but hers just make your skin feel so soft. Her products are reasonably priced and worth paying for,” she said.
McDonald has been operating her online store and Instagram for about a year now. She also keeps a busy schedule. Since graduating Mississippi College she has worked at SR1, an after school nonprofit that tutors students from Kindergarten through twelfth grade with a focus on preparing them for college.
When she is not making soap, she likes to travel. Through her soaps, she has found the value in taking time for yourself.
“Above all, I think we really promote the importance of self-care and taking the time to enjoy something for yourself,” McDonald said.
She said the best introduction to her organic soaps is her oatmeal honey bar-great for sensitive skin-or her most popular items, her soaps made scented with lavender or rose and geranium. “They smell heavenly,” she said.
You can stay on top of her new releases by following her on Instagram @crystalflowerorganics.
"I am a frequent shopper. I follow her on Instagram and whenever I see she has come up with something new I want to try it as soon as I can. So far I have not been disappointed,” Anquirlyt said.
Or you can check out her website cflowerorganics.com.
