In this Stallholder Series, we’re taking a closer look at our regular Farmer’s Market stallholders, some of whom have been with us for decades. These are local farmers, growers, suppliers and makers who all share a love for their local community and a passion for sustainable, regenerative practices.
This week we’re getting to know Anne from Mika Soap who has been selling her hand-crafted soaps, balms and skin tonics at Perth City Farm since 2011.
A different approach to skin care
Choosing what we put on our skin is as important as choosing what food we put into our bodies. But it can be tricky to navigate the world of skin care products, especially when so many are made with ingredients that do harm to our bodies and the environment.
We’ve been inspired by the slow, conscious soaps and skin care products that Anne from Mika Soap crafts locally in Perth. What started out as handmade gifts for her friends turned into a decade’s long love of combining scents and sharing them with others.
“I have been running solo for almost 10 years and remain entirely engaged with scent, feel and the expression on people’s faces when they bring a blend to their nose.”
What makes Anne’s small batch, handmade range of products different from mass produced items you might find in a supermarket is the quality of ingredients, and the care she brings to the craft. By using whole, natural high-grade ingredients, Anne’s products are kinder and more nourishing on the skin, without costing the planet.
The beauty of being able to meet your maker in person is that you can quiz them on their years of experience. We recommend asking Anne what action the different scents have on the body and mind.
For example her lemongrass soap which is blended with ginger and lime helps tone and revitalise the skin. It’s a cooling soap for warmer weather. Her thyme soap helps activate the brain and memory: a good one for your morning shower. And her popular coffee soap helps exfoliate your skin, leaving it fresh and enlivened.
“My choice is the personal approach. Attending smaller markets, greeting my visitors, some of whom are long-time customers.”
If you haven’t seen the Mika stall yet, we encourage you to pop by and smell all the lovely smells. Delight your nose!
An interview with Anne from Mika Soap
We asked Anne about how she started making soaps, what scents are inspiring her at the moment and how she practices Earth-care as she runs her small business.
Perth City Farm: How did it all start?
Anne: My first batch of soap was hatched to give as gifts before the turn of the century and wasn’t revisited until 2009.
These were times of experimenting and giving lots of the results to friends and family.
A dear friend and I joined in batching soaps and attending markets at City Farm from 2011 for a few years.
I have been running solo for almost 10 years and remain entirely engaged with scent, feel and the expression on people’s faces when they bring a blend to their nose.
Perth City Farm: What scents are you drawn to at the moment?
Anne: I am as engaged by the scent of a horse in a warm stable as I am with the mystic scent of the Lotus family and depth of Oak Moss.
It is difficult to not be lyrical…. the bush during high heat and after rain. Mangrove swamps, the smell of seasonal change.
There are so many scents, individually or in combination that can be transporting.
Perth City Farm: How important is earth-care in the way you run your business?
Anne: Care for our collective home is everyone’s responsibility. We need to do the best we can.
Sometimes the economics of business calls for difficult decisions on packaging and production for market.
The ingredients for Mika products are purchased from reputable local wholesalers whose supplies are ethically sourced.
Products are presented in glass bottles, jars and tins. All are refillable, recyclable or refundable.
Bar soap comes unwrapped or wrapped in paper with cellulose outer.
All labelling is done locally on paper printed with vegetable inks.
Perth City Farm: Why does “local” matter to you?
Anne: Local matters a lot.
Local allows me a sense of being. I love seeing people in my community.
Local allows me to develop relationships as a purchaser and a seller.
Participating in local allows me to meet people under my 3 x 3 gazebo on market day which brings me great pleasure.
Perth City Farm: What are the biggest challenges to being a local maker?
Anne: There are always challenges for local makers!
Supply chain, freight, packaging. Whether to sell on-line, point of sale choices…
My choice is the personal approach. Attending smaller markets, greeting my visitors, some of whom are long-time customers.
Small business is good for me. Choosing aligned markets has been important along with regular and consistent attendance.
Sometimes the weather can be challenging for selling products at an open market though most market people just get on with the job!
Where to find Mika Soap
You can find Anne and the Mika stall most weeks at our Saturday morning Farmer’s Market, nestled in the centre of our courtyard.
Stay up to date by following us on Facebook and Instagram. We publish a list of weekly stallholders every Friday.