Orla’s sweet smelling successin soap

Orla Hamilton launched Organic Celtic Soaps at her home just a year ago. She said: “I became interested in creating my soaps when my regular hand soap began drying out my skin and I was constantly reaching for the hand moisturiser after every wash.

“I was keen to use materials which were sensibly sourced and kind to the environment. With a high moisturising organic soap base I was able to create a variety of soaps using high quality ingredients.

“At first I began making the soaps for home use and for presents for friends and family but they proved so popular that I decided to turn my hobby into a business. I combined my love of organic soap with my interest in Celtic design and launched Organic Celtic Soaps.”

Orla continued: “The soaps I create are highly moisturising and made with luxurious glycerine and fragranced with essential oils. Currently I am creating five types of soap in a variety of Celtic designs. I like to produce natural, earthy colours in my soaps so I use a combination of coloured clays, botanicals or ultramarines to do this.

“I have also created three soaps inspired by the folklore of fairies, mermaids and dolphins in Ireland. Each soap comes packaged with a little piece of folklore included. I sell all my soaps at St. George’s Market every Sunday.

“Without the support and encouragement of the Rural Development Programme and in particular Lagan Rural Partnership none of this would have been possible. The funding I received from them helped me to invest in some much needed equipment, without which I could not have moved my business forward.”

Alderman Allan Ewart Chair of the Local Action Group (LAG) said: “Lagan Rural Partnership is delighted to have been able to provide grant assistance to Organic Celtic Soaps in the development of a niche product which will captivate people of all ages.

Councillor Anne Marie Beattie Chair of the Partnership’s Joint Council Committee said: “Organic Celtic Soaps project represents an excellent example of entrepreneurship and market awareness. Lagan Rural Partnership is pleased to have provided grant assistance to a local business woman in a new venture.”