The Paul family has been making their own soap for over two years.
Julio’s wife was suffering from a medical condition and found relief in aromatherapy. Doctors also encouraged her to avoid harsh chemicals. So Julio began making his own soap with natural ingredients and adding essential oils for fragrance.
In addition to cleaning as well as store-bought soap, the aromatherapy helped fight stress and the natural oils left their skin healthier. Next they tried the soap on their dog. It was strong enough to clean the fur, yet the moisturizing oils also cured its skin condition, he said.
Intrigued, the Paul family began giving bars away to family and friends who experienced the same positive benefits. The Pauls began wondering if they could sell the product.
Then daughter Annie, a marketing student at the University of Utah, entered a contest. The assignment was to create a website for a hypothetical business.
Julio was getting fewer calls for construction work due to the economic downturn and was trying to reinvent himself.
The two decided to use the contest as the catalyst to officially form an organic soap company. They named it Calantha Organics and set up an office at 6436 Business Park Loop Road in Silver Summit.
Annie won the contest and was able to use some of the winnings to get the business started. The father-daughter team is doing everything themselves. Julio makes the soap and created their sign. Annie helped design the brand and does Internet marketing.
The two would like to see their soap used in hotels, spas and sold in local stores. The ingredients are of the highest quality, they explain.
“We use extra virgin coconut oil and extra virgin olive oil,” Julio said. “I used to get up at 3 a.m. to start experimenting with the oils and testing them on myself.”
Their formula provides cleansing, the right amount of foaming, the right consistency for a bar and it moisturizes, Julio said.
Annie said their product especially appeals to people with the same medical needs as her mother.
“We have repeat customers,” she added. “This is different. There is no artificial coloring or fragrances.”
Essential oils are like the blood of the plant, Julio said. They smell good but also contain the healing elements of the plant. Each bar uses just the right amount.
The Pauls are currently developing lotions and shampoos and offer soap bars in four varieties. The Wood bar includes sandalwood, vetiver and cedar oils. The Citrus bar has orange, grapefruit, lime and mandarin orange oils. The Leafygreen has tarragon, organic pine, lavender and fir needle oils. The Soliflore has Bulgarian rose, clary sage and geranium oils.
Originally from Columbia, Annie said starting a family business is the best imaginable way to celebrate the family becoming naturalized citizens this summer.
Calantha Organics
6436 Business Park Loop Rd.
866-407-1999