COME SEE US THIS THURSDAY

We will be in Northfield this Thursday so if you're around, drop by and see us. For more info click HERE
 

Read More

WHY I BECAME A WILDLIFE RESCUER

For as long as I can remember, I’ve cared deeply about animals. I’ve spent decades speaking up for them, whether it was handing out flyers outside the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in Minneapolis to raise awareness about how elephants are abused for entertainment, or protesting outside the Mall of America because Victoria’s Secret was using wood pulp from the Canadian Boreal Forest for their catalogs. I’ve even organized a boycott of Red Lobster over their connection to the Canadian seal hunts.

In 2012, my heart really found its place in wolf advocacy. I threw myself into it. I tabled events for Howling for Wolves, met with legislators, protested, marched, and even flew to Washington D.C. to help defend the Endangered Species Act. I was all in. Committed. 

But in 2024, after another devastating failure to pass legislation that would permanently ban future wolf hunts in Minnesota, something shifted in me. I was tired. Tired of begging lawmakers to care. Tired of feeling like no matter how loud I screamed, it wasn’t enough. I needed to find a way to keep helping, but in a way that didn’t leave me feeling so heartbroken all the time.

That’s when I circled back to something I had done years ago, back in the '90s - wildlife rescue. I reconnected with Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release, an incredible nonprofit that helps transport injured and orphaned wild animals to rehabilitators, supports those rehabilitators, and educates the public. I signed up to volunteer again and honestly, it’s changed me.

Lately, I’ve had the joy of rescuing raccoon kits. Some of them (pictured) lost their mother after she was hit and killed by a car. Holding those tiny, scared babies and knowing I’m getting them the help they need - it’s hard to put that feeling into words. It's hope. It's healing. It’s purpose.

For so long, I felt like I was letting the wolves down every time the system failed them. But with rescue work, I get to DO something. Right now. I get to act. And I can see the result almost immediately - a life saved, a second chance given.

Helping wildlife has given me a new kind of energy. I haven’t stopped speaking up for wolves. I never will. But now I also get to be part of the hands-on work, and that’s made all the difference.

At the end of the day, I don’t believe we’re here just to live for ourselves. I think we’re meant to live for something bigger and for me, that “something” has always been the animals.

Read More

3 NEW MAGICAL SOAPS TO CLEANSE YOUR SPIRIT AND SKIN THIS SUMMER SEASON

Our Solstice Soap Collection is here!! 

These summer soaps are available now in limited quantities, once they're gone they won't be back until next year's sunshine returns. Which one will you choose to add to your summer ritual?

BALI BREEZE

GARDEN PARTY

JUICY PAPAYA MANGO

Read More

A MAGICAL NEW CHAPTER FOR THE SOAP PIXIE

Dear Friends, Pixie Lovers, Magical Beings & Kindred Spirits...

Since 2002, I've been making soap - first in small batches for friends and family, then through The Soap Pixie, which I officially opened in 2006. For years, I poured my heart into each bar: blending colors, fragrances, and nourishing ingredients to bring comfort, beauty, and a little bit of handmade joy into people's homes, but something was missing.

Though I named my business The Soap Pixie, I hadn't embraced the full magic behind the name. There were no fluttering wings, no sparkling stories - just soap. For too long, I let the magic in my heart and mind sit quietly behind the scenes.

That's changing now.

Welcome to the reimagined world of The Soap Pixie - a place where whimsy meets wellness, and soap becomes a spell of joy, comfort, and delight. This isn't just a rebrand. It's a reclamation of who I truly am and what I want this business to be in the world and my life.

Let me introduce you to the heart of this transformation: Oona the Soap Pixie, the tiny enchantress behind each bar you hold and Poppy the Ladybug, her curious best friend and loyal helper.

These two characters aren't just cute additions - they're the soul of the brand. Oona's stories, her magical soap craft, and her joyful adventures with Poppy will now guide every product, post, and package. My goal is simple:

1. To make your everyday moments feel enchanted again.

2. To help you slow down, breathe in a beautiful scent, and smile.

3. To offer light in a world that too often feels heavy.

You'll begin to see the changes in a few ways:

* WISHING WELL WEDNESDAYS where you'll receive tiny doses of pixie magic, uplifting thoughts, or surprises.

* SOAP COLLECTIONS introduced by Oona & Poppy, complete with whimsical tales and behind-the-scenes magic.

* MAGICAL GIVEAWAYS designed to spark joy and enchantment.

And more surprises that will make you feel like a child discovering wonder again.

This is still me - the same hands making your soap, the same dedication to quality and creativity, but now I'm weaving in everything I've held back: the stories, the sparkles, the spirit of something truly magical.

I know not everyone will need this kind of enchantment in their lives. But if you're someone who longs for a little beauty, a little wonder, a little something beyond the ordinary... then Oona, Poppy, and I welcome you with open arms (and open wings).

Thank you for being part of this journey - from the very beginning or from this new chapter forward.

With soapy magic and heartfelt gratitude,

Michelle Valadez

Founder & Chief Magic-Maker

The Soap Pixie

Read More

FROM HOMESCHOOL TO PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOL - AN INCREDIBLE ADVENTURE HAS COME TO AN END

In 2012, Aiyana and I began our journey into homeschooling. It was an incredible 8 years. She enjoyed the freedom it gave her to truly be herself and I loved that I was able to spend a lot of quality time with her while she grew intellectually and physically into the beautiful human being she is today. 

In 2021 she enrolled in high school, 9th grade, and was quick to adapt to the public school system.  Her teachers would rave about her at conference time; she's so respectful, always engaged, loves to learn... 

I was relieved and happy. 

As the years went on, she bonded with new friends, found her bestie, joined the tech crew and built theater sets, started dating, got a job, and now she graduated. 

I am so proud of my little girl for always being the duck man, because so few people in this world have the courage to do so. 

Read More

CLEAN HANDS, KIND HEART: SOAP FOR WILDLIFE

Are you a fan of artisanal soaps and a wildlife enthusiast? If so, these soap bars are just for you! I'm currently on a mission to raise funds for Wildlife Rehabilitation & Release (WRR). If you're keen on contributing to a cause that aids wildlife, consider purchasing one or both of our unique soaps. Every penny from the sales goes directly to WRR, assisting in rescue operations, rehabilitation efforts, and educational programs.

Read More

ANOTHER YEAR AT THE FRIENDS PLANT SALE

Yesterday's Friends Plant Sale was a delightful experience, as usual. The weather was perfect for browsing the wide selections of herbs, flowers, and veggies, and we had a lot of fun choosing our garden lineup for the year. It seemed like the busiest season yet, but the event was incredibly well-organized, making the flow smooth and enjoyable. While the temptation to buy every plant was strong, I managed to stick to the essentials. Gotta save that money!! Now, I'm eagerly anticipating watching everything flourish and grow. I'm already thinking about eating those sweet peppers. 😊

Read More