Family-based soap company finds success

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

Last year, when Cristin Wintschel’s mother-in-law, Dorthy, came to visit for a month, the women faced a dilemma: how to entertain each other for the duration. Thinking ahead, Dorthy packed a soap-making kit she had dabbled with for nearly two years, and the two women spent weeks experimenting with the science of soap making and various natural ingredients.
By the end of Dorthy’s stay, Cristin and her husband Jonathan stared at a massive pile of soap that took up much of their Didsbury home.
It took four months, but the couple, along with Cristin’s sister, Lindsay, dove head first into a family business venture that has made them a frequent vendor at over 100 markets across southern Alberta. Their products have quadrupled in demand, they’ve expanded a line of body care products, and the products have found a place on shelves at Lil Hoots Children and Maternity Consignment Boutique and The Rack on Third.
Although 582 Soap Co. has only been in existence for a year and a half, its creators have been overwhelmed with the support and response they’ve received from Strathmore and surrounding area.
“I can’t believe how much has happened in the last year and a half, it’s been crazy,” said Lindsay Mchale, who lives just outside of Strathmore. “It was just going to be a hobby, and then we thought let’s try out a market. It’s unbelievable how much it grew, and in this area they are very supportive of the local businesses, which is awesome.
“I’ve been out here for five years and I have not met as many people as I have in the last year and a half. It’s really brought me into my community.”
Cristin and Lindsay grew up in a family-run business in Saskatchewan, and are used to working together. While Cristin focuses her attention on soaps, using natural ingredients such as palm oil, olive oil and coconut oil, Lindsay now specializes in bath bombs. The company has also grown to experiment with shaving cream soaps, and recently finalized their recipe for a vegan-based shampoo bar using avocado and other vegan ingredients.
“It’s been a rollercoaster ride but it’s been an amazing ride that’s for sure,” said Cristin. “My mother-in-law had taken classes in Vancouver and just wanted to share the trade and the goodies, and I was more than happy to learn too; it was a win-win all around.
“What makes us smile the most is hearing how much people are enjoying it and that keeps us wanting to make more to supply the demand. But from our first few markets to now, the difference is night and day.”
The company now produces three batches of soap every week and creates bath bombs daily for a total of 150 to 200 per week. With the necessary four- to six-week cure time, the soaps – which have received attention across Alberta and into the United States – are created well in advance.
However, the business owners are staying true to their roots, even having named the company after Highway 582 in Didsbury, and are passionate about investing in their communities. On July 14, the company will set up a table at the Harvest Healing Centre Church’s indoor garage sale event at 102 Canal Gardens in Strathmore. The entrepreneurs say a percentage of their earnings from that day will be donated back to the church.
Although operations currently continue to invade their homes, their future ambitions include to one day be able to quit their jobs, open up a store and provide customers with a bird-eye view of their production.
“That’s the dream,” said Cristin. “One day, when we get that brick and mortar, you’ll find all three of us together in the store for sure.”