Thank you for visiting Zemlya.
My name is Eva and my soapmaking story started in 2020, during the pandemic. I initially tried it as a fun hobby as many did during that time. I’d also always wanted to take control of what I used on my skin and guarantee the quality of ingredients.
But once I started to share my soaps with friends and family, I unleashed a heavenly scented monster! They all pestered me for more and even started requesting batches so they could give them away as gifts. I was so pleased they loved the products that much.
All the lovely comments and feedback encouraged me to make more and more. The next step I tried was selling at markets, where I also gained a loyal following that prised my soap bars. That’s why I decided to go online with this wonderful website and share my artisan products with you too.
My ethos
To understand Zemlya, you need to know a little about me. I was born in Ukraine and moved to the UK in 2010; I am a vegetarian and enjoy a clean and healthy lifestyle. In my native tongue, “Zemlya” means Earth, so I chose that as the name and ethos for my natural-based skin care products.
I am passionate about using only sustainable and earth-friendly materials in anything I make, from the products to the packaging. All of my ranges are vegan and cruelty-free with zero palm oil – that’s banned in my house. However, I do use essential and synthetic fragrance oils.
Why synthetic fragrance oils?
When I started making soaps, I only used essential oils; however, I soon found it a restrictive range that limited me from creating an array of exquisite fragrances. What about strawberry or sea salt scented bars, bath bombs and candles?
So, after careful research, I found a responsible supplier that I trust. All fragrance oils I use are made and poured in the UK. They contain NO parabens, sulphates, phthalates, or silicone.
Packaging
Plastic-free: using recycled paper bands, masking tape, and tissue paper are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. StAll Zemlya packing is plastic-free. I use recycled paper bands, masking tape, and tissue paper that are 100% recyclable and biodegradable. The stand-up pouches are food grade and made of kraft paper and cellulose/starch film, which is also fully biodegradable. Soy candles are poured into metal tins or glass containers that you could then recycle or reuse when finished. A candle pot turned jewellery or plant pot, perhaps?
My Ranges
My products include soap body bars, bath bombs and candles, all available in different colours, scents and earth-friendly ingredients. Most importantly, they’re all handmade by me with love, care and attention.
I use traditional methods of cold-pressed soap making. The bars rest to cure for six weeks, resulting in beautiful, therapeutic soaps. I don’t skimp on any of the contents, hence the highest quality aromas and customer experience upon which I have gained my reputation.
My bars contain all-natural base oils and butters: olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, shea butter and Japanese rice-bran oil (which is rich in vitamin E and renowned for its antioxidant and anticoagulant effects). All are gentle and so healthy for your skin.
Body bar types:
- Icon – Scented – All
- Icon – Exfoliating – Poppy seeds
- Icon – Acne and Anti-inflammatory – Charcoal
Japanese Inspiration
I have always been obsessed with Japan’s culture and beauty, and in 2019 my dream came true when I spent a month there. My husband is a koi hobbyist and grows and collects bonsai trees, so we visited nine cities and spent most of our days exploring the world-famous Japanese gardens and shrines. We have so many wonderful memories thanks to the beautiful people and so many profound experiences, from the serenity of Hiroshima to the rich history of Kyoto. Japan was our heaven.
All of this inspired me to learn the language. I am now fluent in Japanese, both written and verbal, and my tutor Kotoko has become one of my best friends. We plan to meet in Japan as soon as the borders open up post-pandemic.
Naturally, I’ve been inspired to create my own Japanese-themed range. My friend Kotoko has helped me source genuine and local ingredients, and with my new language skills, I hand-paint everything in Japanese kanji. If you make a request, I can personalise that for you to make a beautiful, unique gift.