Meet Sat Atma Singh- Founder
Sat Atma, aka Soapman, is a third generation Oregonian. He has, at various times in life, been a rock climber, musician (check out www.crazygrass.com and www.thecowlicks.com to check out the adventures of his old band mates and see him in his pre-turban days….), activist, music teacher, backpacker, and now newly married to Surinder. He loves playing mandolin in various styles including bluegrass, jazz and sacred music (his favorite mandolin players are David Grisman and Bill Monroe. He likes Doc Watson as well, even though he plays guitar).
He started making soap in 1993 at the urging of a friend who said “Hey man, you need to get a business of your own so you have more time to play music!” (He’s not sure if he has any more time to play music however—he seems to be constantly working!). After a rocky beginning, he quit his day job in 1997 and has been making soap non stop since.
The soap company has led him on many adventures including trips to the Caribbean (where he took 8 suitcases of soap, a tricycle to sell it with, and $50), Europe (where he arrived penniless with 50 pairs of jeans to sell to imaginary Europeans who supposedly would pay big bucks for them) and Asia (just for fun).
He is also a student and teacher of Kundalini Yoga, wakes up about 3:30… am… to begin his yoga practice. He is also a Sikh (www.sikhnet.com, www.3ho.org), pet owner, and loves hot springs!
He recently gave up a long and trying relationship with his two Volkswagon buses who have been adopted and are reportedly living happy lives elsewhere.
He also loves the mountains, bike rides, Indian Food, and foot massages. At last count he had 17 bars of soap in his shower.
Meet Heather - Shipping Manager
I have worked for the Oregon Soap Company since I was 19 years old. Not only has this job allowed me to utilize my creative talents but has taught me a great deal about who I am and who I want to be. While working here I have become the mother of a tenacious and beautiful little girl who is now three and am pregnant with my little boy. I have obtained a Bachelors degree in History and am now preparing to begin a Masters program in Education.
Through my experiences here I have met many, many open, aware, and fun people. I have been able to actively apply and grow my knowledge and awareness about environmental and humanitarian issues. I have been able to give my input and values to the business as it grows and develops these last 8 years. Most importantly I have been able to maintain my own sense of ethical values in a marketplace that often requires large amounts of compromise to compete in the job market. Working for a company that is dedicated to community, profit sharing, and limiting the negative effects we all place on the environment makes it a lot easier to look happily towards the future for our own little company and the world. Love is the Law. Heather
Meet Surinder aka "MaGyver"
Surinder is our book keeper, office manager, salesperson, and keeps the the Soapman organized (she's also his wife). We call her "Magyver-Kaur" because she has a knack for finding creative solutions to funny problems that arise.... and getting things working in a pinch.
She is also a Wardrobe Stylist and does Art Direction and Props in the film and print advertising business.... Check it out! www.kristigreco.com
AND... She also has a small business called Joyafamily. She teaches Prenatal Kundalini Yoga and is a doula, visit her website www.joyafamily.com. She likes to travel in Italy, meditates and does lots of yoga, is a great cook and loves cats.
Meet Banjo aka Soapdog
Security and Quality Control- I travel with the Soapman every place that will allow me to come. I love doing my job, which is protecting the van, guarding the soap shop, and scaring the mailman.... My favorite BAR is Soapman Spice!