Our Story Begins in the Barn.
Every bar we make begins long before soap is ever poured.
It begins each morning in our barn, caring for the Nigerian Dwarf goats who provide the fresh milk at the heart of every recipe.
Did you know that you have to breed goats before they can produce milk?
Just like people, dairy goats only produce milk after giving birth.
Here at Elderberry Hollow, we thoughtfully plan each year’s breeding season for our four Nigerian Dwarf does and two bucks, carefully pairing them to preserve the health, temperament, and quality of our herd.
After breeding, we eagerly wait through a five-month pregnancy before welcoming each new kid into the world. Then comes one of our favorite seasons of the year… watching those babies grow! They stay with their mothers for several weeks, and only after they’re old enough to be weaned do we begin collecting the fresh milk that becomes the heart of our handcrafted skincare.
Every bar of soap begins with months of planning, attentive care, and a barn full of happy goats. It’s a slower way of doing things, but we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Milking Season
Not every new mother is convinced that being milked is a good idea at first! First fresheners often need a little patience, reassurance, and gentle training before they learn to stand quietly on the milk stand. Watching their confidence grow is just another part of caring for our herd.
During the height of the season, each doe typically gives about three cups of fresh milk at every milking. Like all dairy animals, a goat’s milk production is driven by demand. Each time we milk, her body is signaled to produce more milk for the next day. That means milking becomes part of our everyday routine – rain or shine – until it’s time to gradually dry each doe off in preparation for her next kidding season.
Why We Choose Fresh Goat Milk
Creamy & Nourishing
Rich milk fats contribute to the silky feel of our lotions.
Gentle on Skin
Goat milk contains naturally occurring lactic acid, making it a favorite ingredient for gentle, everyday skincare.
Vitamin-Rich
Fresh goat milk naturally contains A, D, and B vitamins that have long been valued in skincare.
Fresh from Our Own Herd
Every batch begins with fresh milk from the Nigerian Dwarf goats we raise and milk right here on our Kentucky homestead.
Made with Intention
We don’t use goat milk because it’s trendy. We use it because we believe carefully chosen ingredients create exceptional skincare.
Thoughtfully Developed
I never set out to simply make soap. I wanted to understand it. What began as curiosity quickly became a passion for the science behind handcrafted skincare. I spent countless hours researching oils, butters, waxes, emulsifiers, and the fascinating chemistry that transforms oils and lye into a gentle, beautiful bar of soap.
That same curiosity continues today as I refine my lotion recipes, carefully balancing ingredients until every bottle has the smooth, elegant glide I love without a sticky or greasy finish.
Every recipe at Elderberry Hollow has been tested, adjusted, and tested again. While I’m incredibly proud of the products we make today, I don’t believe a recipe is ever truly “finished.” I’m always learning, always experimenting, and always looking for the next small improvement that will make our skincare even better.
~ I believe craftsmanship isn’t about achieving perfection once.
It’s about pursuing excellence with every batch we make. ~
