This past weekend, Hope Soap turned 10 years old. Even writing those words feels surreal. When I look back on where this all began, the word that rises to the top is resilience.
Hope Soap started in the most humble way possible — in my apartment, making small batches of soap and skincare products and hauling them to shows, events, and pop-ups. It was messy, it was exhausting, but it was full of passion. And most of all, it was full of hope.
From there, I moved into the Northside Marketplace, where my “shop” was about the size of a dresser. I offered maybe ten products at the time, but it was a start. Each step forward felt like a leap into the unknown.
Then came my first big risk: signing a lease on Portage Trail. I was terrified. I had no idea how I would afford it, but I knew I needed a space to keep creating. At that time, I worked another job, so I could only open the shop from 5–8 p.m. during the week because I couldn’t pay employees yet. Looking back, it amazes me what faith and grit can push you to do.
As Hope Soap grew, so did the need for space. We knocked down walls, rented workshop areas, and kept expanding. One of those rented workshops turned out to be the basement of what is now our current location on Front Street. And moving onto Front Street had always been a dream of mine.
When the opportunity finally came, I poured everything I had into it. I spent eight months building the store by hand — putting in floors, hanging drywall, installing shelves, redoing plumbing and electric. I emptied my savings, my 401k, and gave every ounce of my energy and heart to bring it to life. This store wasn’t just built with wood and nails. It was built with dedication, soul, and love.
But Hope Soap has never been just about soap. From the beginning, our mission has been about giving back. Whether it’s supporting the houseless community, teaching kids with disabilities real working skills, or showing up for schools and local fundraisers, we’ve always tried to use this little business as a way to serve and to love our community.
And then, on September 27th, something happened that I’ll never forget. In the middle of our 10th anniversary celebration, the Mayor of Cuyahoga Falls, Don Walters, surprised me with a proclamation declaring September 27th as Nathan Walden Day.
I was overwhelmed. I cried right there in the store, and again later that night when I finally sat still. It’s the greatest honor I’ve ever received in my life. To have the work of Hope Soap and the mission behind it recognized in this way is beyond humbling.
That’s why I’ve decided that every year, September 27th won’t just be a day about me — it will be a day of service. A day for giving back, for planting seeds of hope in our community, for doing the work that really matters. Because if I’ve learned anything in these last 10 years, it’s this: when you plant seeds of hope, you’ll always grow more than you expect.
So here we are — 10 years later. From apartment batches to a dresser-sized shop, from long nights on Portage Trail to the dream store on Front Street, from one person making soap after work to a team and a mission much bigger than I could have ever imagined.
Hope Soap is still here today because of resilience — but even more, because of you. Every customer, every volunteer, every supporter, every friend and family member who has believed in this journey.
From the bottom of my heart: thank you. Here’s to the next decade of Hope.
— Nathan
Hope Soap Ohio
“Powered by plants, made with love.”