NEWBERG, Ore. — Anna Woodman, founder of Newberg-based handmade soap and skincare business MAE, is set to open her first retail and production space at 115 E. Sherman Street in Newberg this June 29, 2024. The launch represents the culmination of years of hard work and dedication to the craft of soap making and business experience.
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Woodman, alongside her husband, initially worked as a professional photographer before transitioning to soap making.
“I really wanted to do my own thing and be creative in a different way,” said Woodman. “I was honestly burnt out.”
Her passion for bar soap and curiosity about the practice of soap making led her to a book on cold-process soap. After six months of preparation, she created her first batch of soap, which she loved.
“I made soap for my friends and family that Christmas and decided to start my small business based around bar soap,” she said.
In February 2020, Woodman launched MAE, named after her middle name, selling three different varieties of soap—Lavender, Eucalyptus, and Hinoki—on her website.
“Our whole business is based around these three bars of soap by their colors and essential oil blends,” she noted.
Since then, the product line has expanded to include candles and hand cream.
The couple moved to Newberg in 2021, attracted by the rural charm and community. They purchased a farmhouse with a large enough basement to serve as Woodman’s production space.
That same year, she applied to sell on the wholesale platform Faire, significantly boosting her business.
“Retail stores across the states, Canada, and Europe started seeing my products and began ordering through Faire,” Woodman explained, adding that MAE products are now in over 200 stores.
With increasing demand, Woodman outgrew her basement workspace and sought a larger production site. A “friend of a friend” helped her find the location on Sherman Street—near the Main Street railroad tracks across from the Anvil Academy—where construction and setup took about a year and a half.
The new space, primarily used for production, will also feature a retail section and host community workshops.
Woodman said the workshops, which include candle-making classes, have been well-received thus far.
“It’s been incredible implementing these new classes for our community to come, have fun, and learn something new,” she said.
The retail area, opening this week, will offer not only MAE products but also items from twenty other brands. The store will showcase a curated selection of seasonal items, framed art, and picnic goods. The shop will operate Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“We hope to see you!” Woodman said.
Woodman and MAE are hosting a grand opening party at the retail location (115 E Sherman Street) on June 29 at the retail space with Los Kopitos Food Truck and Victor Artis playing from 1 – 3 p.m. Learn more at the MAE website.
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