Kara Goodwin’s natural instincts have led her to make a variety of products. Related Articles Business | Miller Nature Preserve accepting donations for Butterfly House Paver Donation Program Business | Fundraiser at Firelands Chevrolet dealership in Vermilion to benefit shelter dogs Business | Leadership Lorain County seeking nominations for 2025 Difference Makers Gala Business | Hospice of the Western Reserve acquires Hospice of North Central Ohio Business | Wickens Herzer Panza Co. announces new attorney to its estate planning, probate practice group The Amherst resident operates Naturally Clean , crafting a variety of soaps, lotions and similar products.
“If you’re a maker, you just have to make things,” Goodwin said. “The more you do, the better you get, and then you want to challenge yourself.” Goodwin has always been a crafter, starting out with candles and jewelry.
“Every since I was a young teenager, I would go to the library and get how-to books,” she said. The mainstay of Naturally Clean is cold-processed soap made with food-safe ingredients in a variety of scents and formulations. Goodwin carefully sources her botanicals, and all products are paraben- and sulfate-free while many also are vegan.
She said she is mindful of reports about how human bodies are exposed to and can retain pollutants for years. “There so many things we can’t control, so I control everything I can,” Goodwin said. One of the differences between Goodwin’s soap and commercially produced soap is the glycerin content.
Glycerin in a byproduct of soap creation that is so valuable most manufacturers remove it altogether and sell it to other manufacturers, she said. Goodwin said customers have told her that specific ingredients have helped them with acne or eczema. Some of her formulations are in response to requests from family and friends.
Often, she uses lavender which has natural anti-bacterial properties. Goodwin said she also can create custom micro batches for events or special orders. Her other products include a first-in-the-area dog wash containing soothing oatmeal, calming lavender and pest-repellant rosemary.
She also makes a bug spray blended from 12 essential oils, apple cider vinegar and witch hazel, which is safe for youngsters and pets. Goodwin’s newest product is a car diffuser which combines reflective crystals with essential oils. “When the sun is shining through it, it’s just so beautiful,” she said.
Goodwin, who works full time as a site administrator for Lorain County Community Action Agency Head Start, also sells lip balm, lava rock bracelets, lotion sticks and linen spray. “I do have a very loyal following of customers,” she said, adding that her community of fellow makers constantly inspires her. “It’s just in my blood.
I’m just a maker.” Naturally Clean products are available from Goodwin at various crafts and farmer’s markets around Lorain County. Her products are also in two retail stores: Impressive Creations 4 U, 33382 Walker Road Suite B in Avon Lake; and Cherry Blossom Boutique, 4118 E.
Lake Road, in the Shoreway Shopping Center in Sheffield Lake. Her dog wash is available at Alpha-Dog Pet Center, 46370 Middle Ridge Road in Amherst. Leanr more at naturallyclean.
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