Meet Two Ravens Soap Company

Jake: Owner and Creator of Two Ravens Soap Company

We have to ask, do you have a story behind your company name?
Two Ravens Soap Company was inspired by a ski documentary where a backcountry ski guide and a guest perished in a tragic avalanche accident. The next season, the owners of the outfitter came back to their lodge to open it up for the season and there was a raven flying around. They saw it as a good omen and named it after the guide that perished. The raven would greet them every morning, fly above them while out skiing and came back every season after that. The movie had quotes from a book called The Ravens End by Ben Gadd. I HAD to read this book and was absolutely inspired by them and how intelligent they are. How they're protectors of those who adventure out in nature, as well as all the lore behind them in Native cultures.

Ravens truly are amazing creatures! Tell us more on how you got started?

I had just quite my management job at a major retailer and was burned out on corporate management roles from the previous twenty years. I knew I was crafty and could start a small business with the passion I have for entrepreneurship. So I started thinking about what I could do. I am a huge fan of craft soaps and natural body care products and was having a hard time finding products specifically for men. Whether it was more woodsy and masculine scented products, or just products to help my body; beard care, outdoorsy lifestyle, etc. I took two months off of working after I left the corporate world to research soap making, the recipes, how-to's, equipment needs, the industry as a whole, etc. I started with some small batches just to give to family and friends, and after a couple rounds of production and great feedback, the business ideas, licensing and other exciting things that go into starting a business began. I officially launched my business in February of 2014 based out of my home in Littleton, Colorado.

What inspires you to create?

The mountains that surround me is the pure inspiration I get on a daily basis. Colorado is full of unique places to adventure. Part of the fun of exploring this beautiful State is the sights and smells you come across from just a simple hike or a big backcountry ski trip. I am very much tied to the correlation between sight and smell and use that as inspiration every time I create a new soap or product. No two experiences in the Rocky Mountains are the same. Just like my product lines.

What is your favorite part of the process?

Each time I make a soap, there's an artistic process that goes into it. From the scent blending, to color options, swirls, and the fancy tops, each aspect has an artistic flare. It's very intentional on my end, and the part I love the most about making soaps. Even coming up with new recipes for beard care, or body sprays, etc can all have a creative touch and unique, Two Ravens, spin on it. From branding to product line to scents, the Two Ravens Soap Company vibe is very unique and stands out amongst the crowd.

Do you have a favorite item you have created?

Out of all the product lines I create, I'm most excited to show off my bar soaps. Each one is unique from the scent blend, to the colors to the herbs I put on top. They truly are pieces of functional art and it's a very enjoyable process for me. Then comes all the feedback once I have them out on my displays for sale.

Take us through a typical day in the studio for you?

Usually I'm up and having coffee, feeding dogs and tidying up the kitchen first thing in the morning. Then I get to shipping any orders from the day prior as well as getting social media posts out there right away. After those are completed, if there's any emails to follow up on or messages on social media to reply to, I'll take care of those. I keep a list on a dry-erase board in the kitchen to prioritize my week of production. There's many steps to the soap making process that have to be done in a certain and timely fashion. Once I plan and prioritize my day, I get after it; weigh out the oils for the day, get the lye solution blended and into the cooling stage, gathering any soap molds I need, or specialty equipment, and then essential oils and colorants needed. Once everything has gotten to their proper temperatures for production, then it's off to the races. Each batch of soap happens really quick once the oils and solutions are at proper temp. Then it's just blending, pouring, topping and putting the slab mold on a shelf to start the curing process overnight. After each batch the equipment and kitchen get cleaned up to start the next. And as the saying goes, rinse; repeat. The end of my day is putting equipment away for the evening and preparing the kitchen for dinner. But first, a craft beer as my reward for the day.

In prepping for Jackalope, what will you be bringing to show in Olde Town Arvada?

I'm excited to bring my full lineup of natural bar soaps, beard care, body/bath care and more! I've launched a couple new product lines this year including my solid dish soap setup, Denali Dish Soap. It's an eco-friendly way to wash your dishes without the plastic bottle, chemicals and blue colored liquids soaps we've been so used to using our whole lives. I've also launched a Van Life edition that's easy to take with you on your camping adventures, or if you're dedicated to living in your van and working wherever the nearest road brings you.

What did you miss most about in person events?

During the pandemic in 2020, I was lucky enough to be part of the local farmer markets that I typically vend at. It was SO good to be in public, even with all the safety measures in place. But what I really missed was my fellow craft vendors. The painters, leather-makers, potters, jewelers, etc. I missed the vibe of that type of market and the customers that attend. I am so lucky and appreciative that I was even able to attend markets in 2020, and am even more excited this season that craft fairs and artisan markets are back. It's a different vibe from a farmer market, and so much fun.

We missed everyone so much too! And final question, what do you love most about Colorado?

I love everything about Colorado! The mountains are the biggest inspiration in my life, but I love how easy it is to get into any type of fun here. Plus you're not that far away from literally anything you'd like to do. The husband and I get into skiing at the local resorts such as Arapahoe Basin and Keystone, to backcountry adventures off of Berthoud Pass. Mountain biking at Keystone and Winter Park Resort is always a blast, as are just easy hiking days accessed by their respective gondolas. The dogs LOVE to ride the gondola and go for a hike. Best part is the ride back down when everyone is tired and ready for dinner and a beer. There's also plenty of lakes and rivers to get the kayaks into during the summer. Camping on National Forest land? YES! Hiking on the trails within the foothills of our neighborhood association? Absolutely! Plus we're just a few short miles away from the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater. Concerts and movies and hiking abound all right there at this world-renowned venue.

We can’t wait to see you in person this September 18th & 19th when Jackalope takes over Olde Town Arvada. See you soon!

Where to see more of Two Ravens Soap Company:
Website | www.tworavenssoap.com

Instagram | @tworavenssoap