Who We Are
Tucked away in the heart of Southern Oregon, Em’z Blendz Soap Co. is more than just a company; it's a family dream brought to life. Founded and operated by the husband and wife duo, Emily and Andy Whitlock, Em’z Blendz is a testament to passion, creativity, and dedication to natural, handcrafted skincare.
The Origin of Em’z Blendz
The journey began in 1998 in Emily’s kitchen. Emily, a native Oregonian, discovered the enchanting world of soap making. With a background as an artist, herbalist, aromatherapist, and master soap crafter, Emily’s creative spirit and love for nature’s scents drove her to experiment and create. However, her passion for natural remedies was deeply personal. Emily had struggled with severe acne and numerous skin conditions for years, feeling frustrated by the lack of effective treatments. Desperate for relief, she turned to her kitchen to find solutions. Her intuitive sense of comfort and natural therapeutic care of the body and spirit became the foundation of Em’z Blendz. The very first soaps and blendz were lovingly crafted as nurturing gifts for family and friends with sensitive skin and other conditions. This enthusiasm for creating beautiful, healthy, and therapeutic products still infuses every batch we make.
Meet the Founders
Emily Whitlock, the CEO and original founder, is the creative force behind Em’z Blendz. With over twenty years of experience, she specializes in natural and organic products. Emily's expertise and artistic passion shape the unique formulations and exquisite quality of our products.
Andy Whitlock, her husband and Co-CEO, complements Emily's creativity with his technical skills. Also a seventh-generation Oregonian, Andy is the graphic designer for all our labels, marketing materials, and digital media. He is also our editor, photographer, and website developer. Recently, Andy has taken on the role of chief soap maker, furthering his involvement in the hands-on creation of our products. Together, Emily and Andy blend their right and left brains to create and manage every aspect of Em’z Blendz.
Our Family Involvement
The essence of Em’z Blendz extends beyond Emily and Andy. Their children, Jaden and Nathan, also contribute to the business. Jaden, a talented young artist, sketches many of the pictures for our product labels, adding a personal touch to our packaging. Nathan, a college student and gifted athlete, spends his summers helping in The Soap Lab, cutting and wrapping soaps. Their involvement ensures that every product is crafted with love and care, maintaining our family-oriented spirit.
Our Commitment
Over twenty years later, Emily and Andy continue to hand-craft and oversee each batch, ensuring a consistent standard of high-quality, all-natural products. Our dedication to quality means that from inspiration to research, and from blending raw ingredients to final packaging, everything is handcrafted by us for you. We believe in the cleansing goodness we create and hope that every time you use any of Em’z Blendz products, you feel a little bit of bliss.
At Em’z Blendz, we are committed to providing you with products that are not only effective but also a delight to use. Whether it's our soaps, bath bombs, or skincare essentials, every item is designed to bring a touch of natural luxury into your daily routine. We invite you to experience the joy and comfort that comes with using products made with love, passion, and a deep respect for nature.
Explore our range of handcrafted products and join the Em’z Blendz family. Live healthy and happy from the skin to within...
Meet Our Team
At Em’z Blendz, we consider everyone who works with us to be part of our family. Our team members are crucial to everything we do, from labeling and packaging each product to providing exceptional customer service and managing every aspect of our retail locations with care and precision.
Meet Ayana – Our Herbal Medicine Enthusiast and Fantasy Lover!
Ayana joined the Em’z Blendz family in 2024, instantly brightening our team with her infectious laugh and warm personality. With a background in herbal medicine, she has found her perfect place among like-minded individuals who share her passion for organic products.
When she's not at Em’z Blendz, Ayana loves diving into fantasy novels and enjoying the tranquility of crocheting under the shade of a tree. Her deep appreciation for our products is evident in every conversation, and she's always eager to share how they’ve made a difference in her life.
We are incredibly fortunate to have Ayana as part of our team. Her enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly nature make her a true asset to Em’z Blendz. Ayana, you’re a gem, and we appreciate everything you bring to our family!
Meet Jane – Our Theater Star and Craft Aficionado!
Jane is a 2024 graduate of Southern Oregon University, earning her BFA in Theatre Performance. Since January, she has brought her vibrant energy and artistic flair to Em’z Blendz. At just 22 years old, Jane’s journey has taken her from New Jersey to the charming town of Arcata, California, where her love for the arts flourished.
When she's not dazzling customers at our store, Jane is immersed in the world of theater, rehearsing for her next big performance. Her passion for the arts extends beyond the stage – she also enjoys reading and is a talented fiber artist, with a particular love for crochet and embroidery.
We are incredibly grateful to have Jane as part of our Em’z Blendz family. Her creativity, dedication, and warm personality make her a cherished member of our team. Jane, you’re simply amazing, and we appreciate everything you do!
The Family Touch: Meet the Whitlocks
Em’z Blendz is not just a business; it’s a family legacy deeply rooted in Southern Oregon. At the heart of our operations are Emily and Andy Whitlock, a dynamic duo who infuse every product with their unique talents and unwavering dedication.
Emily Whitlock
Emily is the visionary behind Em’z Blendz. With over twenty years of expertise as an artisan, herbalist, aromatherapist, and master soap crafter, she is our chief formulator and scent specialist. Her deep love for nature and her artistic spirit are the driving forces behind our innovative and therapeutic products. Emily’s meticulous attention to detail ensures that each creation is not only effective but also a joy to use, capturing the essence of natural beauty and wellness.
Andy Whitlock
Andy, the technical mastermind, brings a wealth of skills to the table. As the graphic designer, photographer, editor, and website developer, he ensures that our branding and digital presence are as exceptional as our products. Recently stepping into the role of chief soap maker, Andy blends his technical precision with creative craftsmanship, ensuring every batch meets our rigorous standards of quality.
Jaden and Nathan Whitlock
The Whitlock children, Jaden and Nathan, also contribute to the family enterprise in meaningful ways. Jaden, a talented artist, lends her creative touch to our product labels, making each package a work of art. Her illustrations add a personal and unique touch that reflects the handcrafted nature of our products. Nathan, a college student and athlete, helps out in The Soap Lab during the summers, assisting with the cutting and wrapping of soaps. His practical support ensures that our operations run smoothly and efficiently.
The Whitlock family’s collaborative effort is at the core of Em’z Blendz. Their synergy combines Emily’s creative formulations and Andy’s technical prowess with their children’s artistic and practical contributions. This family touch ensures that every product is crafted with love, care, and a deep commitment to quality. When you choose Em’z Blendz, you’re not just purchasing a product; you’re joining a family tradition of excellence in natural skincare.
Our Philosophy: Simple Ingredients, Joyful Experiences
Em'z Blendz stands for simplicity and purity in skincare. We embrace the power of natural ingredients and believe in the magic of a great bath, or shower :) and a good laugh. Our products are designed to delight your senses and nurture your skin, blending top-quality ingredients with a dash of fun. "Live Healthy and Happy from the Skin to Within...™" That’s not just our tagline; it’s our way of life.
At Em’z Blendz, we believe that skincare should be fun, natural, and leave both the planet and our customers smiling. We blend top-notch organic ingredients with a dash of humor to ensure every wash, scrub, and bath is a delight. From the fresh, invigorating scents to the nourishing, skin-loving formulas, every product is crafted to bring a moment of joy and a touch of nature into your daily routine.
Natural Ingredients, Pure Joy
We are committed to using only the finest natural and organic ingredients in our products. Each ingredient is carefully selected for its beneficial properties, ensuring that our skincare solutions are as effective as they are delightful. We steer clear of harsh chemicals, low quality synthetic fragrances, and artificial additives, opting instead for pure, nature-derived components that are gentle on your skin and kind to the environment.
A Dash of Fun
While we take skincare seriously, we believe it should also be an enjoyable experience. Our products are infused with a touch of humor and playfulness, making your skincare routine something to look forward to. Whether it's the witty names of our products, the cheerful packaging, or the delightful textures and scents, we aim to bring a smile to your face with every use.
Sustainability and Responsibility
We are deeply committed to sustainability and ethical practices. From sourcing our ingredients to our packaging choices, we strive to minimize our environmental footprint. Our packaging is recyclable, and we use eco-friendly materials wherever possible. We believe in giving back to nature by supporting environmental initiatives and ensuring our business practices are in harmony with the planet.
Community and Connection
Em’z Blendz is more than a brand; it's a community. We value the connections we build with our customers and the feedback we receive. Your stories and experiences inspire us to keep innovating and improving. We are dedicated to fostering a sense of belonging and joy through our products, creating a positive impact that goes beyond skincare.
Join us in celebrating the beauty of simplicity and the joy of natural skincare. At Em’z Blendz, every product is crafted with love, care, and a pinch of humor, ensuring that you "Live Healthy and Happy from the Skin to Within...™" with every use.
Our Products: From Soaps to Scrubs and Everything In-Between
We offer a diverse array of skincare products, each crafted with care and intended to transform your skincare routine into a luxurious, uplifting experience:
Soaps ▼
Artisanal cold process soap bars and Castile liquid soap crafted with organic ingredients, essential oils, and a lot of heart. Available in a variety of scents and purposes, from deep cleansing to gentle moisturizing. Explore our soaps.
The Art and History of Saponification at Em'z Blendz
At Em'z Blendz, our soap-making process, known as saponification, is where the magic happens! Saponification is a fascinating chemical reaction that transforms natural oils and lye into our luxurious, skin-nourishing soaps.
A Brief History of Saponification
The art of soap-making dates back to ancient Babylon around 2800 BC, where soap-like materials were created by boiling fats with ashes. The term "saponification" itself stems from the Latin word "sapo," meaning soap. Over the centuries, the process evolved, and by the 7th century, soap-making was a well-known craft in Europe, celebrated for its ability to cleanse and nourish the skin.
Our Process at Em'z Blendz
Emily, our chief formulator, carefully selects a blend of high-quality oils like olive, coconut, and shea butter. When these oils meet our carefully measured lye solution (a mixture of water and sodium hydroxide), they undergo a transformation. This chemical reaction breaks down the fats into fatty acid salts (soap) and glycerin, a natural moisturizer.
We take pride in our cold process method, which preserves the integrity and benefits of our natural ingredients. Each batch is hand-stirred with care, poured into molds, and then cured for 4-6 weeks. This curing period allows the soap to harden and develop a rich, luxurious lather while ensuring it is gentle and moisturizing for your skin.
The Benefits of Our Saponification Process
The glycerin produced during saponification is a humectant, attracting moisture to your skin, ensuring every wash leaves you feeling hydrated and soft. Unlike commercial soaps, which often remove glycerin, our handcrafted soaps retain this precious ingredient, making each bar a nourishing treat for your skin.
At Em'z Blendz, every bar of soap is a testament to our dedication to natural, handcrafted skincare, made with love and a touch of Oregon's spirit. Experience the rich history and science of saponification with every lather, and let your skin enjoy the natural goodness that has been cherished for millennia.
Castile Liquid Soap: The Perfect Foaming Cleanser
Castile liquid soap has a long and storied history, originating from the Castile region of Spain, where it was traditionally made from pure olive oil. Named after this historical region, Castile soap has been cherished for its purity and gentle cleansing properties since the 12th century. Unlike many modern liquid soaps that are essentially detergents and can be drying to the skin, true Castile soap remains a hallmark of natural, nourishing skincare.
Why Choose Our Castile Liquid Soap?
At Em'z Blendz, our Castile liquid soap is crafted primarily with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring it is a true Castile soap. This rich, nourishing oil makes our Castile soap one of the softest and most gentle liquid soaps available, perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Our Castile liquid soap is not only gentle but also incredibly versatile. It foams beautifully straight out of the bottle, providing a luxurious lather that cleanses effectively without stripping your skin of its natural oils.
The Benefits of Our Foaming Castile Soap
Using our foaming Castile soap offers several benefits:
- Gentle and Mild: Perfect for sensitive skin, it cleanses without stripping natural oils.
- Eco-Friendly: Biodegradable and made with organic ingredients, it's safe for you and the environment.
- Versatile Use: Great for hands, face, body, and even as a gentle household cleaner or for washing vegetables.
Experience the pure, natural clean of our Castile liquid soap, and enjoy the rich, foaming lather that leaves your skin feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Lotions & Facial Care ▼
Nourish and hydrate your skin with our lotions, creams, and facial serums, each formulated to address different skin concerns and promote a radiant complexion. Explore our lotions.
Explore our facial care line.
The Art and Science of Lotion and Facial Care at Em'z Blendz
At Em'z Blendz, we believe that skincare is both an art and a science. Our lotions and facial care products are meticulously crafted to provide the ultimate in skin nourishment and hydration, blending natural ingredients with advanced skincare science.
A Brief History of Skincare
Skincare rituals have been practiced since ancient times, with the Egyptians using milk and honey to soften and heal the skin, and the Greeks applying olive oil and herbs for a radiant complexion. These age-old traditions form the backbone of modern skincare, where nature's bounty is harnessed to create products that pamper and protect.
Our Formulation Process
Emily, our chief formulator, draws on her extensive knowledge and passion for natural ingredients to create our lotions and facial care products. Each formula begins with a base of nourishing oils like jojoba, rosehip, and avocado, chosen for their ability to deeply hydrate and rejuvenate the skin. We then infuse these bases with botanical extracts, essential oils, and vitamins that target specific skin concerns, from dryness and irritation to aging and dullness.
Our creams and serums are carefully crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality and potency. We use a cold-blend process to preserve the integrity of our ingredients, ensuring that each product delivers maximum benefits to your skin.
The Benefits of Our Lotions & Facial Care Products
Our lotions and facial care products offer a multitude of benefits:
- Deep Hydration: Rich in natural oils and butters, our products provide long-lasting moisture to keep your skin soft and supple.
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants, they nourish and protect your skin from environmental stressors.
- Targeted Care: Formulated to address specific skin concerns, from anti-aging to soothing sensitive skin.
- Natural Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, our products are gentle on your skin and kind to the planet.
At Em'z Blendz, every bottle of lotion and every jar of cream is a testament to our commitment to natural, handcrafted skincare. Treat your skin to the care it deserves with our luxurious lotions and facial care products, and experience the difference that pure, quality ingredients can make.
Tub Truffles ▼
Our delightful bath bombs, known as Tub Truffles, are perfect for a fizzy, relaxing bath that leaves your skin soft and moisturized. See our Tub Truffles.
The Art and Joy of Tub Truffles at Em'z Blendz
At Em'z Blendz, we believe that bathing should be a delightful and rejuvenating experience. Our Tub Truffles, also known as bath bombs, are crafted to transform your bath into a fizzy, fragrant oasis, leaving your skin feeling soft and pampered.
A Brief History of Bathing Rituals
Bathing has been a cherished ritual for centuries, from the luxurious baths of ancient Rome to the soothing hot springs of Japan. These traditions celebrate the healing and relaxing properties of water, enhanced with natural ingredients and aromatic scents. Bath bombs, a modern innovation, bring a playful and effervescent twist to these time-honored practices.
Our Tub Truffle Crafting Process
Emily, our chief formulator, handcrafts each Tub Truffle with care, using only the finest natural ingredients. We start with a blend of baking soda and citric acid to create the signature fizz. To this, we add nourishing oils like coconut and sweet almond, along with shea butter, to moisturize and soften your skin. Our essential oil blends and natural botanicals infuse each bath bomb with delightful fragrances and therapeutic benefits.
Each Tub Truffle is shaped and molded by hand, ensuring that every piece is unique and crafted with love. Our small-batch production ensures the highest quality and freshness, so you can enjoy the full benefits of our ingredients.
The Benefits of Our Tub Truffles
Using our Tub Truffles offers several luxurious benefits:
- Relaxation and Stress Relief: The fizzy, fragrant bath helps to unwind and de-stress after a long day.
- Skin Softening: Rich oils and butters in the bath bomb leave your skin feeling silky smooth and hydrated.
- Aromatic Experience: Essential oils provide aromatherapy benefits, enhancing your mood and well-being.
- Natural and Gentle: Made with natural ingredients, our Tub Truffles are gentle on your skin and the environment.
Immerse yourself in the luxurious and playful experience of our Tub Truffles. Let the fizz, fragrance, and moisturizing properties transform your bath into a blissful retreat.
Shampoo Bars ▼
Reduce plastic use with our Shampoo Bars, designed to cleanse, nourish and condition your hair with all-natural ingredients and minimal packaging. Explore our Shampoo Moons.
The Art and History of Shampoo Bars at Em'z Blendz
At Em'z Blendz, our Shampoo Moons (solid shampoo bars) are crafted to revolutionize your hair care routine, blending tradition and innovation for a sustainable and effective cleansing experience.
A Brief History of Shampoo
Shampoo as we know it has evolved significantly over time. The use of natural ingredients to cleanse the hair dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations using herbs, clays, and oils to maintain healthy locks. The modern liquid shampoo was developed in the early 20th century, but its solid form is making a comeback as consumers seek eco-friendly alternatives.
Our Formulation Process
Emily, our chief formulator, uses a blend of high-quality natural ingredients to create our Shampoo Moons. Each bar starts with a base of nourishing oils like coconut, argan, and castor oil, chosen for their moisturizing and strengthening properties. We then add essential oils and botanical extracts that promote scalp health and add a natural fragrance.
Our Shampoo Moons are crafted in small batches to ensure consistency and quality. We use a cold-pressed method to maintain the potency of our ingredients, ensuring that each bar is packed with the nutrients your hair needs.
The Benefits of Our Shampoo Moons
Our solid shampoo bars offer numerous benefits:
- Eco-Friendly: Solid shampoo bars reduce plastic waste, as they require no plastic bottles or packaging.
- Long-Lasting: Each bar lasts longer than traditional liquid shampoo, offering great value.
- Travel-Friendly: Compact and spill-proof, Shampoo Moons are perfect for travel and on-the-go use.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Rich in natural oils and botanicals, our shampoo bars cleanse without stripping your hair of its natural moisture.
Em'z Shampoo Moons™ are concentrated shampoos that combine conditioners, natural nourishing ingredients, and pure essential oils. Each solid Shampoo Moon is roughly equivalent to three regular-sized bottles of shampoo and lasts up to 100+ washes! Experience the convenience and eco-friendliness of a shampoo that works wonders for your hair while reducing plastic waste.
Our customers rave about the longevity and effectiveness of our Shampoo Moons™, often finding them superior to traditional shampoos. Embrace a zero-waste, earth-friendly hair care routine that leaves your hair shining and healthy.
Experience the convenience and sustainability of our Shampoo Moons. Transform your hair care routine with these luxurious, eco-friendly bars, and enjoy the benefits of clean, nourished, and healthy hair.
Lip Care Products ▼
Indulge your lips with our luxurious lip care products, designed to nourish, protect, and hydrate. Explore our Lip Care Collection.
The Art and History of Lip Care at Em'z Blendz
At Em'z Blendz, our lip care products are meticulously handcrafted to provide your lips with the ultimate in natural hydration and protection. From soothing balms to nourishing scrubs, each product is a testament to our commitment to quality and care.
A Brief History of Lip Care
Lip care has been a crucial part of personal grooming for centuries. Ancient civilizations used natural ingredients like beeswax and plant oils to protect their lips from the elements. Over time, lip care products have evolved, incorporating a wide range of beneficial ingredients to enhance their effectiveness.
Our Formulation Process
Emily, our chief formulator, combines her expertise with the finest natural ingredients to create our lip care line. Each product begins with a base of organic oils and butters, such as coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, known for their moisturizing and protective properties. We then add essential oils and botanical extracts for additional benefits and delightful natural flavors.
All our lip care products are crafted in small batches to ensure the highest quality. We use traditional methods that preserve the potency and effectiveness of our ingredients, ensuring that each product delivers optimal care for your lips.
The Benefits of Our Lip Care Products
Our lip care products offer a range of benefits:
- Deep Hydration: Rich in natural oils and butters, our lip balms provide long-lasting moisture.
- Soothing Relief: Effective in soothing and healing dry, chapped lips.
- Natural Protection: Organic ingredients help protect your lips from environmental damage.
- Delicious Flavors: Natural flavors make our lip balms a treat for your lips.
Experience the ultimate in lip care with Em'z Blendz. Our lip care products are designed to keep your lips soft, smooth, and healthy, using only the finest natural ingredients.
Customers love the nourishing effects of our lip care line, finding them superior to conventional products. Embrace a natural, effective lip care routine that leaves your lips looking and feeling their best.
Transform your lip care routine with our handcrafted products. Enjoy the benefits of deeply nourished, protected, and healthy lips with our luxurious lip care range.
Men’s Grooming Products ▼
From beard oils to shaving soaps, our men’s line is designed to keep skin smooth and beards conditioned. Explore our men's products.
Visit Us or Shop Online
Whether you drop by our stores in downtown Medford or Ashland, or live far from our quaint shops, no worries! Our online store delivers our handcrafted wonders nationwide. It’s like having a piece of Oregon right in your mailbox—minus the pine needles. You’re getting a product made with personal care and attention. Experience the charm and effectiveness of our products firsthand, and see why our customers swear by the Em’z Blendz difference.
Wholesale Happiness and Custom Orders
Em'z Blendz isn’t just for personal use! We offer extensive wholesale options and custom formulations tailored for boutiques, spas, and health food stores. Our comprehensive program also extends to luxurious guest amenities for hotels, inns, and B&Bs, ensuring that every patron experiences the best in natural skincare. Interested in spreading the Em'z magic further? Join our wholesale community to stock and share our delightful products in your own retail spaces, online store, hotel, inn, or B&B. Let’s collaborate to bring our top-quality, joyous skincare solutions to a wider audience and make every skincare routine a celebration.
