Jacqueline Dewey
My passion for natural soapmaking began as a mission to reduce my family’s exposure to toxins, especially after my daughter’s experience with cancer. Unsatisfied with mainstream skincare options, I dove into holistic remedies—starting with self-teaching and eventually pursuing formal herbal studies. What began as a journey to soothe my daughter’s eczema with natural balms and salves has grown into a full commitment to crafting safe, gentle soap—for my family and others. All my soap and balms are made with care and sold under my brand, Wonder & Wander.
I bring twenty years of teaching experience to this work—over a decade in public education and seven years as a homeschool teacher. I hold a Master’s in Education in Gifted & Talented Instruction and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. My goal has always been to make learning accessible, engaging, and straightforward.
I wrote From Seed to Soap because I couldn’t find a book that fully eliminated ingredients like palm oil, seed oils, or synthetic additives while remaining approachable and user-friendly. It includes beginner-friendly recipes alongside deeper insights for seasoned soapmakers, cutting through long-winded explanations so you can spend more time creating beautiful soap and less time searching for information. The guide also features charts to simplify and organize large amounts of information, making it easy to reference while you work.
I’m excited to share this journey with others, inspiring a shift toward wellness, one handmade bar at a time. Let’s make natural soap mainstream!