Lathered in love

One word that perfectly describes the Natural Soap Lab is positivity. The store’s light ambience and bright disposition make for a relaxing atmosphere that elevates moods and sparks joy. The owner, Sharon Johnson, knows more than anyone that you don’t have to move mountains to brighten someone’s day. All it takes is a little goodwill and a random act of kindness to make a difference. “Behind the soap is hope” says Sharon. “We want our store to act as an oasis for our guests.”

Sharon started making soaps from her apartment as giveaways for small acts of kindness. It wasn’t until a maintenance worker offered to buy one that she realized she could build a thriving business and launched her store online. Seeing potential in the single mom of two, that maintenance worker took a chance and helped to build her first physical store in Willoughby Hills.

Now in its new location in Mentor, the shop is a wonderland of deliciously colorful scented soaps, soothing salves, handcrafted mug candles and inspiring gifts to lift spirits and fill hearts. As guests peruse, they can watch Sharon and her volunteers concoct mixtures from the open laboratory on the sales floor. 

Sharon specializes in therapeutic and anti-inflammatory remedies made from all-natural ingredients, designed to help the body look as good as it feels. She has also studied nutrition, learning about skin and gut health, so she not only knows what guests are looking for but also what they need, advising them on the lifestyle changes necessary to get the best results and live their best lives. 

What makes Natural Soap Lab so special is that every product is made from Sharon’s heart and passion to take care of others. With this store, she can give back to those in need, allowing her the funds and freedom to carry out her mission of spreading optimism and perseverance to underserved communities. 

Sharon is also the founder of the 501(c)(3) charity Never Give Up, Never Quit, an organization established on the principle that a little act of kindness can go a long way. She does this by traveling with volunteers in a van filled with gifts that she hands out to people, hoping the sweet gesture will give those who need it the push to keep going. Sharon knows that this is her assignment in life. It may be small, but the impact is huge. She shows up in places like shopping center parking lots and stands outside the van, handing out everything from t-shirts to wristbands to butterfly clips. “I turn on music and ask people if they would like a random act of kindness,” Sharon says.

Sharon’s success is in her fierce authenticity and her larger-than-life generosity. She knows from experience that a little kindness can save a life, and what it means to be so downtrodden and low that getting back up seems near impossible, but she is living proof that it is possible.

“I love people,” Sharon says. “I don’t like to see people broken.”

When guests leave her store, she wants them to walk away with some relief for whatever ails them, whether it be physically, emotionally or spiritually. She is there to be a shoulder to cry on, a hand to hold and to pick up the pieces. 

Natural Soap Lab is more than just a soap shop. It’s a hope shop.

Natural Soap Lab is located at 7877 Mentor Avenue in Mentor. For more information about the store, visit NaturalSoapLab.com or call 440-290-0023. For more information about Never Give Up, Give Quit, visit NeverGiveUpNeverQuit.org