TULSA, Okla. — What started as a craft fair discovery has become a nationwide business helping people with eczema, allergies and other skin conditions find relief.
Sue and Bill Robertson, both in their 80s, have been making Grandma’s Lye Soap in Tulsa for more than two decades. Their handcrafted product contains no chemicals, detergents or fragrances, just simple, gentle ingredients designed for sensitive skin.
“Because it’s not what’s in it. It’s what’s not in it is the main difference between my soap and anything you can buy at the grocery store,” said Sue.
The business began in 2002 at a trade show. Sue, known as “Grandma” to most of her customers, had a simple sample wrapped in homespun fabric. Bill sold nine cases as a concept. Three weeks later, he sold 36 more.
“The reorders came in so fast, they put us in the warehouse,” said Sue.
Today, Grandma’s Lye Soap is sold at ACE Hardware stores nationwide, on Amazon, through McKesson drug warehouses and at select Cracker Barrel locations.
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The couple is even working on a Canadian label.
Neither Sue nor Bill have college degrees. They say they’ve bootstrapped the entire operation and credit their faith for their success.
“The Lord has really blessed our company,” said Sue.
The Robertsons say their business is driven by more than profit. They donate soap to food banks and mission projects, knowing food stamps don’t cover items like soap. They’ve even sent pallets to disaster areas.
“We try to give back as much as we can. The feedback we get from especially our local food bank is the people there count on it because it’s one thing that they don’t have to buy,” said Sue.
If they find a child with eczema whose parents can’t afford soap, they send it for free.
“Both of us are still 80, almost 80. I’m already 83. We could be doing a lot of things in retirement besides helping people, but that’s what it’s all about,” said Bill.
The couple has received countless testimonials from customers who found relief after years of struggling with skin issues. One customer in Nebraska said it was the first winter he didn’t itch. Another with cystic acne said she got more relief in two weeks than with any medication she’d tried.
“When you get comments like that from your customers, it makes you know that you’re on the right track,” said Sue.
Bill emphasized the difference between their soap and commercial products.
“If you’re using one of the major soaps now, it has chemicals in it. They make it as cheap as they can and chemicals and detergents is the way,” he said. “Detergents are great cleaners. We use ’em all over the house. We clean the car with them, but we should never put detergents on our skin because they remove natural moisture outta your skin and it’s a natural moisture that keeps you looking young.”
The company also makes specialty products including “Don’t Bug Me” soap for mosquitoes and a poison ivy bar that customers say stops itching almost immediately. The California Forestry Department once paid $300 in extra freight to get 200 bars overnighted on a Saturday.
Customer testimonials back up the claims. One reviewer wrote about their poison ivy experience: “She literally coated my rashes with this soap on her porch over and over for about 45 minutes. By the time I was finished that day (about 1.5 hrs) the rashes were not itching and were no longer red/pink at all! It literally healed it in a few hours.”
Another customer struggling with acne wrote: “I’m a 30 year old female and I’ve suffered with break outs/Acne since I was 14. I’ve noticed clearer pores, less breakouts, and just all over healing. I use this on my face and body. I believe this works the best because it is all natural and closer to our PH levels.”
At 80 years old, the Robertsons aren’t slowing down. They’re still doing trade shows across the country.
“Our goal is to help people. We honestly want to help people,” said Bill.
You can find more information on Grandma’s Lye Soap by clicking here.