Megan McLaughlin started making soap and blending fragrances 20 years ago with her mother, calling on inspiration from her great-grandmother's fiber arts. Eventually, she sold her company and hit the road living in her tent in national parks and public land she found a new inspiration in the sights and smells of the American landscape.
Learn more about Megan and how she is inspiring all of us to get out and enjoy the outdoors!
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED? WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST STEPS AND HOW DID IT EVOLVE FROM THERE?
I began learning how to make cold process soap and blend scents with my mom twenty years ago. I started a soap company with her, and she took over when I went to grad school. Upon moving to Seattle, I needed a creative outlet and loved blending scents, so I started a candle company.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH YOUR NAME?
It is one of my biggest pet peeves when people don't know how to use "good" and "well" grammatically. The name was originally intended for a soap company since soap cleans well and smells good. There you have it!
TELL US ABOUT YOUR WORKSPACE
As of now, we have a warehouse in Ballard's brewery district, where we make Candles, Incense, and Air Fresheners, and offices above our new retail store on Ballard Ave NW / NW Vernon Pl.
WHAT MAKES YOUR PRODUCT SPECIAL OR DIFFERENT?
Our products use as many ethically sourced materials as possible. Candle materials are made from American ingredients, including wax, balsa wicks, and oils. Our products celebrate nature and we donate to the National Park Foundation and Washington National Park Fund every year as well as to Black Outside to advocate for diversity and inclusion in the outdoors.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE REVIEW OR COMMENT ABOUT YOUR PRODUCTS?
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PRODUCT YOU SELL?
Choosing my favorite product is tough, but if I had to pick one, I would pick our National Park Candles. (pictured above) I am always reminded of the National Parks I have visited through each candle scent.
ARE THERE ANY GREAT LOCAL ARTISANS OR SMALL BUSINESSES THAT YOU'RE INTO RIGHT NOW?
With the launch of our new shop, we just started carrying Cecelia Stitch products. Her products are all made in Seattle! We carry bags, zip pouches, and other products that she makes with fabrics from Pendleton Woolen Mills and Other American Manufacturers. Every product is uniquely designed and adds a sense of rustic style to the owners' lives.
Check out Cecelia Stitch on Instagram
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
YOU LIVE AND WORK IN SEATTLE: DO YOU HAVE ANY FAVORITE PLACES TO ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF YOUR AREA?
photo credit: Mathew Allen via medium.com
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WASHINGTON?
There's so much to do in Washington! There are rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. Seattle is surrounded by water and is full of greenery, so it's easy to get away from the city.
MORE BEHIND THE BRAND
If you enjoyed this blog, check out some of our other artisan profiles!
- Brittnee of Wild June (artisan soap & spa products)
- Anne of Retreat Drinks (healthy hot cocoa)