Featured Chik: Kat Taylor

We're thrilled to introduce you to Kat Taylor, Founder of Mattoon Soap Co., a company crafting artisan fragrances and goat milk skincare magic. Kat started her company to share with you her passion for natural, handmade self-care. Read on to hear more of her story. 

​Tell us a bit about your company! What do you do? What is your mission?
Mattoon Soap Co.: Crafting Luxury with Purpose At Mattoon Soap Co., we specialize in creating high-quality goat milk skincare and home fragrance products that are both luxurious and mindful. Founded in the heart of the Pioneer Valley in Springfield, Massachusetts, our company began as a passion for natural, handmade self-care and has grown into a trusted brand known for its organic and vegan offerings. We do more than make products; we create experiences. Our product line includes goat milk soap bars, lotions, bath soaks, soy candles, reed diffusers, and multipurpose sprays — versatile enough for your body, linens, and home. For those looking for vegan skincare, our facial wash, toner, serum, and facial cream are meticulously formulated to nourish and care for your skin. Retail Presence: We’re proud to have expanded into retail spaces, making Mattoon Soap Co. products more accessible to our growing community. You can find us inside Painted Tree Boutiques retail chain, with store locations in Dulles and Sterling, VA. This exciting partnership has allowed us to showcase our products in beautifully curated spaces where customers can experience Mattoon Soap Co. firsthand. Our Mission: Mattoon Soap Co. is on a mission to redefine self-care and elevate the everyday with products that are not only handmade with love but also effective and sustainable. We aim to bring clean, natural ingredients into homes while delivering thoughtful craftsmanship and luxurious presentation. Our philosophy is simple: “Care for yourself. Care for your space. Care for the earth.” We believe self-care should be both a ritual and a reward — one that makes you feel good, smell good, and live beautifully.

How did you get started with your business?
The Unexpected Beginning of Mattoon Soap Co. Mattoon Soap Co. began as a personal journey — one I never imagined would grow into a thriving business. Years ago, after relocating from Washington, D.C., to Litchfield, CT, for a job in pharmaceuticals, I began experiencing unexplained and severe skin issues. Doctors and specialists were baffled. My face, lips, and eyes would swell dramatically, hives covered my body, and the pain was so intense that weekend date nights often ended in the hospital. At one point, the hives were even on the soles of my feet, making it nearly impossible to walk. Medical treatments, including controlled substances, only seemed to make matters worse. Frustrated, exhausted, and desperate for relief, I reached out to a friend who happened to be a dermatologist. She suggested bleach baths, suspecting the root cause could be stress, my frequent hotel stays, or even an undetected environmental factor like bed bugs. While the baths worked to some extent, they left my skin painfully dry and fragile. I was covered in scabs, dark spots, and patches that looked as though I’d been burned. My confidence was shattered, and I knew I had to find a long-term solution. That’s when my research led me to goat milk — a natural, skin-loving ingredient packed with nutrients that restore and soothe. I began formulating my own soaps and skincare products using fresh goat milk and high-quality natural oils. The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. My hives disappeared, the dark spots faded, and my skin became hydrated, smooth, and radiant for the first time in years. Why Goat Milk? Goat milk is a powerhouse for the skin: Deeply Hydrating: Rich in fatty acids and triglycerides, it nourishes and moisturizes even the driest skin. Gentle Exfoliation: Natural lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells, revealing brighter, softer skin. Packed with Nutrients: Vitamins A, B6, B12, and E promote healthy, glowing skin. Soothes Sensitive Skin: Its anti-inflammatory properties are ideal for those with eczema, psoriasis, hives, or general sensitivity. What started as a personal necessity turned into a labor of love — and my friends and family were the first to encourage me to share these products with others. Today, Mattoon Soap Co. is dedicated to helping people like myself find relief and luxury in their everyday skincare routines. Whether you struggle with dry skin, eczema, or sensitivities, or you simply want to achieve soft, glowing skin, our handcrafted goat milk skincare products are designed with you in mind. I’m living proof that clean, simple, and natural ingredients can make a world of difference. At Mattoon Soap Co., we don’t just sell products — we deliver comfort, confidence, and care.

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What do you feel is most important for others to know about your business?
What You Should Know About Mattoon Soap Co. At Mattoon Soap Co., the most important thing to know is that our products are designed to deliver immediate skin relief while offering a touch of everyday luxury. If you struggle with dry, sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, or irritation, our handcrafted goat milk skincare products provide soothing comfort almost instantly. Here’s what sets us apart: Locally Sourced, Thoughtfully Made We proudly source our fresh goat milk from female farmers in Western Massachusetts. Goat milk is naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and lactic acid, which deeply hydrates, gently exfoliates, and restores the skin’s natural glow. Clean, Premium Ingredients Every product — from our soaps to lotions to candles — is handcrafted with care using only the finest ingredients. Our promise: No Added Gluten No Added Phthalates No Added Parabens Affordable & Sustainable Luxury We believe high-quality skincare and home fragrances should be accessible to everyone. Our products are affordable without compromising on quality or sustainability. Thoughtful packaging and clean formulations ensure a product you can feel good about, inside and out. A Perfect Gift for Anyone Whether you’re shopping for him, her, or yourself, our versatile product lines offer something special for every taste. One unique feature of Mattoon Soap Co. is that many of our scents cross over between products. For example: Love the Cashmere & Linen goat milk soap bar? You can also enjoy that same elegant scent as a soy candle, reed diffuser, or multipurpose spray. Don’t want soap? No problem — our products make it easy to build a matching, beautifully scented collection for your body, home, or both. At Mattoon Soap Co., we create more than products — we craft experiences that comfort, nourish, and elevate your daily routine. From skin relief to home fragrance, we’re committed to delivering quality, care, and a little bit of luxury every step of the way.

How would you describe your leadership style?
My Leadership Style I would describe my leadership style as hardworking, persistent, and customer-focused. Providing exceptional customer service is the foundation of Mattoon Soap Co., and I make it a top priority in everything we do. Although I’m the owner and founder of Mattoon Soap Co., I firmly believe in working as a team with my assistant. We bounce ideas off one another, tackle challenges together, and always maintain a sense of humor. Whether we’re laughing at the mistakes we’ve made or giving each other high fives when we accomplish something major, we celebrate the journey as much as the wins. I approach leadership with a sense of balance — I work hard, remain persistent through challenges, but I also believe in staying relaxed and positive. Stressing and overthinking often make problems worse, so I choose to focus on solutions with a clear mind and an optimistic attitude. I encourage creativity, teamwork, and having fun in the process, because when you enjoy what you do, success naturally follows. For me, leadership is about setting an example: staying determined, delivering outstanding service, and creating a supportive, inspiring environment where hard work and joy go hand in hand.

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When you were growing up, what is your ultimate dream job? If it's this, how does it feel to have met your dream?! If it was something different, how did your dream change over time?
From Childhood Dreams to Mattoon Soap Co. Growing up, I had several dream jobs. At one point, I wanted to be a professional dancer, feeling alive and expressive through movement. Then, I was drawn to science and aspired to be a chemist. For a time, I dreamed of becoming an obstetrician — a doctor who delivers babies — fascinated by the idea of helping bring life into the world. But my ultimate dream? Design. Specifically, industrial design. I was captivated by the idea of creating beautiful, functional spaces and objects — from airports and planes to business offices, cars, and interiors. Whether it was industrial design, set design, or interior design, I would have been happy as long as I was creating something visually compelling and purposeful. Even today, if someone called me to lend a hand in the design industry, I’d probably drop everything and go! That’s how much I love it. That passion for design has subtly found its way into Mattoon Soap Co., particularly through our home fragrance line and the artistry of our goat milk soaps. For me, aesthetics are just as important as the product itself. A beautifully designed space comes down to the smallest details: Our reed diffusers — housed in sleek, glass bottles with black reeds and chrome rings — bring a modern, chic vibe to any room while filling the space with captivating scents. A soy candle with a crackling wood wick? It sets a cozy, romantic atmosphere, like having a fireplace even when there isn’t one. Our multipurpose sprays, packaged in clean, white glass bottles, feel like a luxury accessory for your home. With just a few spritzes, the scent lingers, creating an inviting and comforting atmosphere that makes you want to stay in and savor the moment. Even our goat milk soap bars are works of art. They feature abstract swirls of color, designs with curves and waves, beveled edges, floral accents, and alluring scents. Many of our customers purchase these soaps not just for their skin benefits but to use them as stunning accessories in their bathrooms or kitchens. Through Mattoon Soap Co., I’ve found a way to cross over into my love for interior spaces and design. Every product I create doesn’t just smell good — it’s designed to look beautiful, feel modern, and enhance the aesthetic of any space. And while I may not be designing airports or cars, I still get to create moments of beauty — transforming spaces, one soap bar, diffuser, candle, or spray at a time.

Every business owner faces challenges. How are you empowered to overcome yours?
Overcoming Challenges with Positivity and Purpose Every business owner faces challenges, and Mattoon Soap Co. is no exception. Whether it’s navigating the growing pains of scaling a business or facing unexpected obstacles, I remain empowered by staying positive and believing in the impact my products have on others. I truly believe that my business will grow exponentially — beyond what I can even imagine — because it’s built on purpose and passion. When I face challenges, I remind myself of the difference Mattoon Soap Co. makes: Someone’s skin is transformed and restored through our goat milk products, giving them confidence and comfort. A stressful day melts away the moment someone steps through their front door and is greeted by the alluring scents of our candles, reed diffusers, or sprays. The stress of their day fades, replaced by a sense of peace and calm. Knowing that I’m helping people feel better, whether through skincare relief or a beautifully scented, inviting home, fuels me to keep going. I hold onto the belief that challenges are temporary, but the joy and impact I’m creating through Mattoon Soap Co. are lasting. For me, overcoming challenges is about maintaining a clear vision, staying grounded in positivity, and trusting that each step forward — no matter how small — is building something extraordinary.

Tell us (in one word) how you would describe your boss-chik business!
Purposeful

Anything else we should know about you, your business, or just a fun fact?!
A Fun Fact! When I need a break from the day-to-day administrative work or time spent in the lab, I like to hop in the car, take a long, peaceful drive through rolling hills and pastures, and — believe it or not — milk a goat or two. It’s a little unexpected, I know, but it’s my way of reconnecting with nature, the source of Mattoon Soap Co.’s magic: goat milk. There’s something calming (and a little humorous) about stepping away from spreadsheets and emails to spend time with these incredible animals. Plus, it’s a reminder of why I started this journey — to create something natural, soothing, and purposeful. So if you picture me with a lab coat one day and knee-deep in a pasture the next, you wouldn’t be wrong. It’s all part of the fun of running Mattoon Soap Co.! 🐐✨

Where You Can Find Her:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok

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