Scents of Ireland: Transforming Memories into Soap
How Fragrance Connects Us to Places, Moments, and Self-Care
Nia’s Naturals began as part of my healing journey. After facing breast cancer in 2022, I became deeply aware of the harmful ingredients hidden in everyday products. That realization led me to create natural and "nearly natural" beauty alternatives—gentle, nourishing soaps made with purpose. Soap became more than a product; it became a passion, a way to care for myself and others. And in many ways, it became a way to honor my mother, Nia, whose love and memory inspire everything I do.
That’s why scent is so powerful to me. It connects us—to moments, to places, to the people we love. And during my recent travels, I experienced that connection in the most unexpected way.
A Scent That Took Me Home
While visiting Windsor Castle in England, we walked through the breathtaking Royal Gardens. Surrounded by flowers and fresh greenery, my daughter turned to me and said, “Wow, Mom, it smells just like your soap!”
That moment stuck with me. It reminded me why I do this—why I carefully choose every ingredient, why I work to create scents that feel like more than just fragrance. Because scent has the power to transport us. To comfort us. To remind us of the beauty in the world.
The Unexpected Beauty of Beer in Skincare
One scent that surprises people in skincare is beer. Yes, beer! It might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of self-care, but its natural properties make it an incredible ingredient in soap. My Citrus Beer Soap isn’t exactly Guinness, but it captures something just as rich—an earthy, citrusy depth with amazing skin benefits.
Beer in soap isn’t about smelling like a pub (I promise!). Instead, it harnesses the nourishing properties of beer’s core ingredients:
- Hydration & Nourishment – Barley is packed with zinc and B vitamins that help moisturize the skin.
- Anti-Aging Benefits – Hops and barley contain antioxidants that can help fight signs of aging.
- Calming & Cleansing – Hops have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, making beer soap great for soothing redness and deeply cleansing the skin.
- Improved Circulation – Malt is believed to support healthy blood flow, giving skin a natural glow.
Bringing the Experience Home
That day in the Royal Gardens was a reminder of how scent can take us back to a feeling, a place, or a moment of joy. Whether it’s the lavender fields of Ireland, the fresh rain on cobblestone streets, or the bright zest of citrus mingling with the warmth of hops, fragrance holds memories.
I’ll be bringing back my Citrus Beer Soap soon, and I hope it offers a little piece of that magic—a reminder that beauty is in the details. The scents, the memories, and the way something as simple as a bar of soap can turn a routine into a ritual.