LET’S TALK BUSINESS - Makers of Montville Market

Many visitors to Montville Market would have met Markeeta of Forest Garden Soaps, who has been a regular for the last five years, assisted by her teenage son, Xavier.

Asked about why she loves the markets, Markeeta replies, “The people! There is such a wonderful sense of community from the volunteers and market managers, the customers and other stallholders. 

“It never feels like work, more like a social occasion and I absolutely love the conversations I have each month with people about natural products, gardening, organics, herbalism, building and more! 

“And of course I have to mention the delicious pancakes made by the volunteers in the kitchen each month.”

Markeeta became interested in making soap and other natural skincare after her son Xavier was born.  

“When my son was born he suffered from life threatening allergies; so many everyday products were unsafe for him. Reading ingredient panels opened my eyes to how many toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis so I began making comparable products using safe, natural ingredients for him.  

“This started with calendula balm, sunscreen and insect-deterrent and that led to soap-making. I enjoyed it so much that I turned it into a business. Particular favourites with my customers are exfoliating pink Himalayan salt soap, calendula lip balm and comfrey balm.”

The name Forest Garden Soaps is inspired by Markeeta’s garden, where she grows many of the ingredients used in the soap and balms.  

“I want my customers to have transparency around what's in their products and I can provide this when I have grown the plants and herbs myself, using organic practices.”

Soap-making is a slow process with soap needing to cure, and balms being infused with olive oil for over three months.  

Markeeta has recently completed her dream project of a straw bale soap studio next to her house. As the owner-builder, she designed the building and built much of it herself over the last two-and-a-half years with help from her son, friends and a talented renderer. With walls that are 42 cm thick, it keeps to a perfect 23 degrees through the hottest of days and is fire resistant.  

“It has been one of the hardest yet most rewarding experiences I have had, but I’m delighted with the results. I’ll be able to make even more soap for the market, which I look forward to every month.  Wonderful people, location, and … pancakes!”

The Montville Market is on the second Saturday of each month 7.30am -12pm.