As I sit down to write this blog post, I can feel my mother's presence with me. Ada Elizabeth Ryan was her name, and she was a beautiful, strong, harmonious, caring, and nurturing human being. She's no longer with us, but her soul and inspiration guide me every day.
She taught me to work hard, to be generous and kind, but most of all, to stand up for myself and the things I want. The thought of her still warms my soul like melted butter with brown sugar, but it also reminds me that she's not here to share in my journey.
So, why did I create Corks and Bubbles? It all started with fulfilling a promise that I made to my mother, Ada Elizabeth. She spent 12 years of her life bedridden, unable to walk on her own, and eventually lost her sight before passing away. Despite her struggles, she never complained and cherished every moment of love and care from her family, earning her the nickname "Snackpac" for her love of sweets. She taught me the value of appreciating life's simple pleasures, and her memory inspires me to create products that capture the same authenticity and essence.
My journey into soaping has allowed me to discover not only my passion but also the person that I am and want to be. I appreciate the stylistic overtones of life and fashion, and I want to incorporate those same elements into the products I use on my body. I want to create handmade soaps and bath bombs with their own unique spectrum and authenticity that can transport you to another world. And through this journey, I've been able to develop friendships with my customers, who have helped me learn more about myself as a person and an artist.
I invite you to join me on this journey of self-discovery and creativity. Let's be vulnerable together and "make every encounter meaningful." Being our authentic selves can be challenging, but it also opens up new opportunities and friendships. It's about stepping out of the single file that were often driven to and finding our own path.
So, take a moment to relax and care for yourself, whether it's a hot steamy shower with a soap made with "a whole lotta love" or an hour in the tub with a luxurious bath bomb filled with aromatic scents and herbs.
Let's honor the memory of our loved ones and connect with our true selves through the power of handmade soaps and self-discovery.
Namaste – "The Divine in me bows to the Divine in you."
