Lotions and Soaps sensitivities, and they’re picky about their soaps and lotions. Byers said moisturizing bars are best-sellers in scents like lemon poppy seed, rose clay and lavender, with lotions to match. Lori Abramov, who owns Soap Cherie in Brooklyn with Jennifer Ho, suffers from psoriasis herself, so she understands the clientele’s specific needs: simple ingredients, all natural, paraben free. In turn, Soap Cherie’s patrons are so loyal that in seven years of business, Ho and Abramov haven’t needed to advertise. The pair runs the business without any employees, relying on social media, email and word of mouth. “We’re in Williamsburg, which is a very tight community, and we also have a lot of online sales from people who visit Brooklyn and then order afterward,” Ho said. Soap Cherie is known for body scrubs, the signature product, which feature 21 minerals and seven vitamins. Popular scents include winter orchid, “a very fresh flavor,” and lavender patchouli, “which is sweet with hints of vanilla,” Ho said. All the scents come in coordinating lotions as well as body oils, which feature a distinctive dry texture for those who eschew water-based products. “They’re very light, and you can use them on your hair as well as your body,” explained Ho. “Also, they’re visually gorgeous; they’re a best-seller Dali Yu and her mother Eva Yu own and run The at Urban Outfitters.” Soap Kitchen in Pasadena, Calif., together. Too All the products at Moon Valley Organics are made at a farm small for social distancing, the shop still does north of its Seattle retail outlet. Customers are to the organic, dye- not offer in-person shopping after two years of pandemic restrictions. Continued on page 174
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www.sgnmag.com | October 2021 | Souvenirs, Gifts & Novelties