In The Beginning . . .
Willow Way began in 1996 in a kitchen like so many other Handcrafted Soapmaking businesses have. Debi, my mate and partner found a little book called "The Soap Book", written by Sandy Maine of SunFeather Natural Soaps; a book on making cold processed soap. We made our first batch of soap and loved it. Because we both love nature, herbal crafts and of course, health and well being, we were naturally drawn, to this clean art.
There were many reasons for creating a soap making business. It is good for the Earth and contributes to humanity in a very positive way. Of course we would be helping ourselves gain further independence, freedom, and.....we knew one day; there would be a way to share our good fortune. That day was not long coming; as < Necessity > the < Mother of Invention >, was knocking on the barn door.
It wasn't long until we had out grown the space in our kitchen and moved our soap making operation into the barn. Having 20 years of previous hard won business experience in construction, retail, and various art forms, we had a knack for finding the "easier way" to work. Finding a way of cutting soap, evenly and consistently, became a crusade. Finding a way to pour more soap in a smaller space and faster, was a constant problem. Since 1996, We have not met a soap maker yet that ever anticipated their rate of growth and need for space until they had "Hit the Wall" once or twice.
After numerous trials and tribulations, failed experiments and frustrations, we finally came up with a < sort of soap cutter > that worked. Our next challenge was pouring soap into a decent soap mold. We knew that a block mold was the way; larger pours, less space, better saponification. We tried them all, milk cartons, cardboard boxes, plywood boxes, we then devised a heavy-duty plastic mold that kept getting larger and larger.
In late 1996, we met Eric Bowman , a master machinist and inventor that has become a good friend and colleague. Our first Air Cutter was constructed. As soon as we cut the first 90 lb block of soap, we knew this was something that other soap makers would want and that this would be a “True Service”, helping others to grow their soap making business with Willow Way Soapmaking Equipment.
We have been through a lot of ups and downs in devising and manufacturing soap making equipment, sometimes thinking; "Why don't we find something easier to make a living at?" but it always came down to our mission in life...Service...service to humanity, to ourselves and to the Earth. One can only do their best; and to share what they do best is always the easiest way to offer service.
So, in this website you will find the fruits of many years of trial and error, love and care, perseverance and discipline.
Willow Way Equipment makes the finest handmade soap making equipment on the planet. Every piece of our equipment is durable, made with care, made to last, practical, and is constantly under our scrutiny for possible improvement.
Our Air Cutter is the ultimate in soap cutting; our custom made soap molds are practically indestructible and our oil heaters are the fastest and easiest way to free up pouring time.
You have our promise that our service will be impeccable and our products as perfect as we can possibly make them.
We now make equipment for glycerin soap ( M&P); liquid soap, bath bomb, soap stamp, hot processed soap and many more body care products.
Our Mission . . .
To provide a simple, cost-effective method for start-up as well as more established companies to expand their soapmaking business.
We began our efforts in 1996, are privately funded, and have a diverse management team well suited for this enterprise. Our business backgrounds have taught us that responsive customer service is the key to success.
At Willow Way, LLC our phones will be answered and our address is prominently displayed.
We look forward to serving all your Soap Making needs. | 
