Ahead of June 19, Little Rock’s Black-owned businesses are reflecting on the evolution of soap making and other natural self-care practices.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Ahead of Juneteenth, Black-owned businesses in Little Rock are looking back at their history.
Specifically, it focuses on soap making and other natural self-care practices and how the process has changed dramatically over the years.
“All of our products are all-natural and organic, with many ingredients sourced right here in Arkansas,” said Donaya Herron, manager of AcScents Soap Co.
Donaya Herron said she strives to create unique soap and fragrance products for men, but acknowledges that the industry has changed a lot since her ancestors’ time.
“They used materials that were right there,” Donaya Herron said.
Additionally, Donaya Herron said some of the natural ingredients used in products today are similar to those people sometimes used during slavery, when African Americans didn’t have access to traditional health and wellness products.
“We use a lot of tallow and animal fats in our lye and oils to make soap and other things,” says Jess Herron, owner of AcScents. “If you keep lambs or sheep, you use every part of the animal, so nothing goes to waste.”
Jess Herron said that in the past people had to add fat to the wood they burned to make soap.
“We have a better way,” says Jess Herron, “We don’t use lard anymore. We used to use lard. It’s very useful for making soap, but most of our customers are vegan or on a plant-based diet. We try to listen as much as we can to what they want and need and give it to them.”
Donaya Herron said while these all-natural products are more of a luxury than a necessity for some customers, the company tries to cater to everyone’s different needs.
“We have a lot of customers who have a variety of skin conditions, whether it’s eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis,” says Donaya Herron. “Our products are a necessity for them. They don’t have any other choice, so they can have fragrance and great skin care products and feel like they don’t have to sacrifice with us.”
Outside of making soap, they aim to support and network with other Black business owners.
“The only way to build community is from within, so we can work together and look after each other,” Donaya Herron said. “That’s what true community is, and that’s what we strive for.”
June 19th has been a federal holiday for the past three years.
In addition, post offices, government offices, and most banks will be closed.
For a list of Juneteenth events in Central Arkansas, click here.
