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To create and manufacture all natural soap and body products that are good for the skin.... and have some fun!
 DENALI DREAMS STORY: Denali Dreams came into being when Janie & Barb were stay-at-home moms wanting to make a little money. Janie had returned from a family vacation in New Zealand where new friends showed her the the art of soapmaking. Janie then showed Barb how to make soap. Thinking handmade soaps might be something they could sell, they worked on the packaging and the next year they took their soaps to the local Christmas bazaars. The soaps sold well and they decided to go into business together. That was 1997 and Denali Dreams has been a growing concern ever since. Soap production has gone from 1600 bars of six kinds of soap that first year to currently over 60,000 bars and over 30 different soaps. They've also added natural salves, body oils, and lip balms along the way. In the beginning the business resided in Barb's kitchen, quickly moving over the the other side of her duplex. Outgrowning that space, in 2003 the little factory moved down the road to 2227 Spenard Rd. All along the way it has been a family affair with all of their boys (5 all together) cycling through the business as well as various children of employees. Over the years the business has grown and so have they, learning all aspects of business from operations to sales and beyond. Being small business owners has been a rich and rewarding experience. After more than 14 years happily in business together, they are proof that partnerships do work.
 OUR PRODUCTS Making quality natural products is important to Denali Dreams. Soap is made in small batches using the cold process method and is high in naturally occuring glycerin that is formed during the soap making process. The soaps are colored with herbs, spices, and natural pigments and scented with pure essential and quality fragrance oils. Our salves are made with a natural beeswax base. We try to be "earth friendy", recycling everything possible. It is a priority to have very little waste. We like knowing we are part of the local economy and try our best to have the utmost business integrity. OUR EMPLOYEES: |
Carol, our shop manager, came to Alaska in 1979 from New York State. She has been with Denali Dreams almost since the beginning, first in packaging and then as our soapmaker up until 2009. She now organizes our employees, flowing around the factory making sure all is right on schedule. |
Iona, our soap wrapper hails from England. She has lived in Alaska since 1986 with her American husband. Iona wraps soap, packages, and labels. She has been with Denali Dreams for many years. She is quick, efficient and dependable. And we do depend on her! |
Caitlin, our soap maker was born and raised in Alaska. She has cut, wrapped and packaged soap. When Carol moved into the manager position Caitlin was eager to learn how to make soap. She also attends UAA and loves all outdoor activities. |
Austin, our soap cutter is Alaska grown. He's worked on and off for us since he was knee high to a grasshopper. He's Barb's son and one of our brightest assests. Austin is meticulous and is full of great ideas to improve shop life. |
Samantha is our part time wrapper/packager.
She plays soccer in her spare time.