Hope Soap: One For You & One For Others
Over a decade ago, Nathan Walden started dreaming about ways he could serve the houseless community in Akron, Ohio. He used the “Love Truck” as a mechanism to serve meals, host workshops, and provide resources to community members in need. This passion for serving others overflowed into skincare after he developed dermatitis. He crafted homemade soaps for his own use and quickly realized that family and friends were interested in using them too.
This skincare journey blossomed into Hope Soap as it is today: a new way to provide hygiene products for the community. Nathan describes the business model as, “Hope for your skin and someone in need.” Every purchase of soap is matched with a donation of soap to people in the houseless community. Part of your purchase also is allocated to the monthly meal for the “Love Truck.” Even after the growth of Hope Soap, Nathan loves connecting back to his original intent of feeding and providing for residents of Akron.
After training in a French Perfume school, Nathan created 30+ uniquely designed scents in a variety of products: hand soap, shea butter soap, face wash, moisturizer, toner, facial scrubs, and a surplus of witty “Funny Candles” which are perfect for gifts! With both their stores in Akron and Cuyahoga Falls, online store, and supply in over 70 retail stores, there are many ways to find the perfect skincare items for you! On their website, they offer a “Skin Quiz” for you to find personalized products to meet your skin’s needs.
One of the most unique aspects of the Cuyahoga Falls location is the Nakey Bar. They can host over 10 people and are open every day for walk-ins. At the Nakey Bar, you can pick from 100+ scents to make a homemade candle or body scrub in just 90 minutes! This is the perfect activity for an evening with friends and family members to enjoy together.
Through their array of different products, Hope Soap aims to provide accessible and affordable skincare products to the community. In their six years of owning a store, they have not had a single negative review! Their products are shaping and aiding our community, and they hope to expand throughout Northeast Ohio in the near future. To support Hope Soap, explore their Instagram (@HopeSoapOhio), storefront, or shop on their website!
Hope Soap Akron Bucket List Recommendations:
Kicks and Cuts - Cuyahoga Falls
The Works - Cuyahoga Falls
Nomz - Akron (Northside Market)
