A Soap Maker...Me?

I never grew up wanting to be a soap maker. Does anyone? Heck, I didn't even question what was in my soap until 2020. I grew up with Head & Shoulders and generic bodywash gel. Even at the beginning of 2026 the thought of making soap never crossed my mind.

I was at Schnur's Country Market restocking our favorite cuts of meat and other items. Like Keystone Cultures Mushroom Coffee, locally made sourdough bread, and waffles. When I was talking with Joyce, the owner, we landed on the subject of Yamali Naturals. My wife and I loved using their soap. Being customers for some time we grew accustomed to an ingredient list I could pronounce and understand what was in the bar! When Joyce told me they were done making soap and moving into other opportunities, I was disappointed. I didn't want to find another soap. Maybe it was the convenience of being available at one of my regular shopping locations and the quality of their product.

At that time, I was very dissatisfied with my job. I was working as a supervisor for an industrial gases company managing 3 employees across 7 locations in Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia. I had just passed my life insurance license and was praying on transitioning into that industry. Specifically, to teach IBC (Infinite Banking Concept) to others since it has made a dramatic change in our family's life.

So, Joyce gave me their number and later that week I gave the owner of Yamali Naturals a call. Emma said they weren't interested in selling the business but would answer any questions I had. So, after what I thought was an 'L'. I did what I always do. I got lost in thought. Who was I kidding? I didn't have any money to buy a business anyways!

After praying, meditating, praying and meditating more while seeking counsel from my wife. I called Emma again roughly a week later. I asked questions about making soap and we talked about family. After a 45-minute conversation we agreed to get the family's together for dinner. After that dinner Emma and DJ helped us get our ideas together and gave us information that we used to carry on their hard work and legacy.

The rest is history in the making! I have always had a servant's heart. Leading with service is something that has always come natural to me. My wife and I are excited to be stewards of this blessing God has given us in order to bless others!

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13 Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” 16 As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. 17 If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them

-James 4:13-17

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Blessed be Your name. The Creator of the Universe! We pray that you guide us to be Your servants, Your children and Your hands and feet. We ask that You keep us on the narrow path and You empower us to be a light in the darkness. So that those who are lost may be found and drink from the life-giving waters and eat of the bread of life. In Jesus name. AMEN!

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-Jared

Owner/Production/Administration