Maria shares how her studies in Agricultural Sciences and her roots in an olive-producing family inspired her to create natural soap products. Let\u2019s get to know her!<\/p>\n
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you start? What inspired you to get into this line of work?<\/strong><\/p>\n I come from an olive-growing family in Laconia, and my academic background in Agricultural Sciences at the Agricultural University of Athens was the foundation for pursuing this profession. During my undergraduate studies, I specialized in Biotechnology and later earned a Master’s degree in \u201cResearch & Utilization of Natural Products\u201d at the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition.<\/p>\n I became deeply engaged in the study of medicinal plants\u2014their properties and preparation methods\u2014with a particular focus on oil-based extracts. My inspiration came from my family\u2019s long-standing tradition of making St. John’s Wort oil (known as valsamelo<\/em>), which we\u2019ve been producing for years.<\/p>\n Tell us about your brand. What does it represent? What was your vision in creating it?<\/strong><\/p>\n The Soaphouse was created to offer a range of entirely natural, multipurpose personal care products, made without water, preservatives, or synthetic ingredients. It reflects a handmade philosophy, while also striving for low-waste production and sustainable packaging, always respecting both people and the planet.<\/p>\n\n\t\t