One day, I was at lunch with administrators in one of the school systems with which I worked. One of them received a phone call. When the call ended, he casually asked, “Why would anyone need pecan shells?” Being the inquisitive lifelong learner I am, I Googled uses for pecan and nut shells as soon as I arrived home. To my surprise, one of the uses was in personal care products because of the shells’ high fat and nutrient content. I went further down the rabbit hole until I learned how to make soap. It was the most relaxing thing I had ever seen. I could watch on mute and forget about every stress I incurred earlier in the day. I decided to make soap myself to see if it would have the same positive effect on my mood as the videos (thank you to all you soap makers out there). Another soap maker was born! My first batch wasn’t anything fancy, but it was as relaxing and enjoyable as I hoped. Four weeks later when I used the soap I made, I noticed an immediate difference in the amount of lotion I needed to apply to my skin after a shower. I was equally clean but with much softer and shinier skin. My skin was not irritated or flaky as it had been with commercial soaps that had harsh added chemicals. I began to share bars of my soap with family, friends and colleagues after making more than I could possibly use. The feedback was unanimous - Sell the soap! That was in 2017. In 2018, I turned soap making into a business only to make back the money I spent on quality ingredients. Since then, Avanni Soaps LLC has taken on a life of its own, and I’m enjoying the ride. I’m still learning and evolving while staying true to my core intent - being of effective service to others and leaving the world better than I found it.

Combining my new favorite thing with my love of heritage, culture, and work/life balance advocacy, I came up with luxurious Louisiana themed bath products. Louisiana feeds and entertains the world, I see no reason why we can’t be known for great skin care too! Although the Cajun/Creole themed soaps are a joy, I've expanded my line to those who just seek traditional luxury body goods for themselves and loved ones. They include the same skin loving ingredients but with names and fragrances that are easily recognizable. My mission is to make bath time more than good hygiene and good manners although that is extremely important; it is my intent to also make your bath time a cleansing of the mind, body, and spirit. I set my intentions to make products good enough to make you slow down and enjoy their benefits and fragrances so that when you have to go out into the world for your job, your family, or any other responsibility, you do it feeling better because you experienced Avanni Soaps.

I’m not just the owner; I’m also a client. I love these products and my skin does too! our soaps are natural, cruelty free, plant based, paraben free (no preservatives), ethically sourced and handcrafted. I no longer purchase soap made with detergents; I buy from my shop.

I want you to join me in learning how to prioritize ‘self’ starting with personal care. Creams, astringents, and makeup are all wonderful innovations, but nothing beats a great bar of natural soap made with your skin type and overall well being in mind. It is the best foundation and accessory to any outfit or beauty regimen. Begin and end your daily self care routine with Avanni Soaps and add luxury naturally.

Treat yourself to a spa in your own home with Avanni Soaps. Bathe with intention to wash away every burden that isn't yours to carry including dirt, grime and germs. Allow the fragrances to positively affect your mood. While you shop, you may even learn a little more about the beauty, mystery, and magic of Louisiana culture. Here's to clean bodies, clear minds, and peaceful spirits.