Meet Caitlin Clark

Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Clark.

Hi Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
The evolution of Lark + Rue was born from my own need. I have dry, sensitive skin that a lifetime of searching for the perfect combination of soap and lotion, came up empty every time. After taking a few classes on making my own and experiencing the difference in my skin, I was hooked! I started making soap for myself and my family, gradually branching out to bath bombs, lotions, and other skincare products. Friends and coworkers began asking for some and I realized that maybe they have also been searching for relief and my soaps might be the solution for them and others. That is when the idea of Lark + Rue became a reality.

What started as a simple desire to help others with their dry, sensitive skin has become a passion for making space for self-reflection and encouraging self-love. A place where we rebel against the idea that we must always be doing to earn rest, and instead we are worthy of comfort and rest as we are right now and as we become who we want to be. I’ve learned that soap and skincare can be a gateway to giving yourself the space to become your best self. I believe these simple daily rituals in the shower can be powerful times to indulge a little and learn that not only do you deserve luxurious soap that makes your skin feel fantastic but you deserve that same level of amazing in every part of your life.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has not been smooth or straight but I’ve learned so much. Mistakes I made along the way are common for business owners in my industry. The transition from hobbyist to business owner is not as straightforward as I thought. It’s a lot more administrative work than production work.

So, I spend more time at my computer than in the studio making. Computer work is still not my favorite thing, and probably never will be, but I have learned that it is a necessary step to ensure I can continue to bring creations to my clients that allow them to feel seen and accepted.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
The work I create is a consumable art form. The soaps and bath bombs I create are made in small batches and intended to look similar but each individual piece turns out slightly different. The soap bars each have their own one-of-a-kind swirls. The bath bombs dissolve into the bath water in different ways and are mesmerizing with their unique swirls and path around the tub. Along with the visual aspects, my creations harness the power of our sense of smell. Our brains process smells in the amygdala and hippocampus, the same regions as emotion and memory! So, certain scents have strong connections to certain memories. As an example, I’ve created a fragrance using many of my favorite smells and recently I had a client tell me it smelled exactly like a jam their grandmother used to make.

While I specialize in crafting soaps, bath bombs, and other body products, especially for sensitive skin, I also encourage and provide a space for radical acceptance of the whole self. My goal beyond the cleansing bar of soap is to rebel against the idea that you must always be doing to earn rest and to find the path towards knowing you are worthy as you are with all your so-called flaws and scars. I am so proud and honored to be a part of that journey for my clients.

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Oh, let’s see. Growing up I was fairly shy and academic (cough cough nerdy). I am still this way but as a kid, my family moved around a lot which helped me learn how to step out of my comfort zone. I’ve always loved learning new things and was a serial crafter.

That’s actually how I learned I could make my own soap. I took a class at a local garden center where I lived at the time, went home, and made my own batch of soap, terribly by the way. And I’ve been hooked ever since.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://larkandrue.com
• Instagram: @larkandrue
• Facebook: @larkandrue