Business Buzz
In a world where many great ideas stay on the drawing board, one South Jersey family has turned a simple, kitchen table concept into a thriving regional brand.
That’s exactly what the L.E.H. Soap Company has accomplished, growing from humble beginnings into a standout success story rooted in passion, perseverance and family values.
The journey began in 1997, when Kathy Notaro – then working as a nurse – decided to explore an idea that sparked her curiosity: making soap.
Armed with a how-to book she found in the back of a magazine, Kathy immersed herself in learning the craft. Through trial and error, and determination, she mastered the process and laid the foundation for what would become a highly respected natural soap company.
From the beginning, Kathy, along with her brother Richard, sister Francine, and later, her daughter Kim, made a decision to stand apart. While many major brands rely on synthetic and potentially harsh ingredients, L.E.H. Soap committed to an all-natural, vegan process designed with the customer’s well-being in mind.
Today, that commitment has grown into a diverse product line featuring more than 65 scents, along with unscented options – all carefully crafted with high-quality, natural ingredients.
The company’s first retail breakthrough came in 1998 in Stone Harbor, where the products were met with overwhelming enthusiasm. That early success caught the attention of media outlets, including a prominent feature in The Philadelphia Inquirer, along with appearances on Channel 10 News in Philadelphia and “The Pinky Kravitz Show” on WOND radio. These moments helped catapult the brand into the spotlight.
Growth followed steadily. In 2001, L.E.H. Soap opened its flagship location in the Historic Village of Smithville, a hub known for its year-round festivals and steady flow of visitors. In 2013, the brand expanded into Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, capitalizing on the vibrant tourist market.
The following year, the company secured a prime location on the Ocean City Boardwalk – an ideal setting for showcasing its unique, high-quality products to thousands of seasonal visitors.
Recognizing continued opportunity, Kathy added a complementary store on Asbury Avenue in Ocean City in 2017, further strengthening the brand’s presence in one of South Jersey’s most dynamic retail corridors.
Behind the scenes, L.E.H. has also evolved operationally. Production has transitioned from a small-batch facility in Marmora to a more modern setup, while still maintaining the same all-natural, small-batch philosophy that built customer loyalty. The product line has expanded well beyond soap to include facial and foot care, body butters, sugar scrubs, bath fizzies, room sprays and even pain relief solutions.
A pivotal moment came in 2016 when Kathy brought her granddaughter, Jessica Englehart, into the business. Now serving as vice president, Jessica oversees daily operations and has been instrumental in driving innovation and expansion. Under her leadership, the company has grown across multiple channels, including e-commerce, wholesale distribution, festivals and farmers markets throughout the region.
Jessica credits much of the company’s success to its dedicated team of more than 30 employees, whose commitment and pride in the product continue to elevate the brand.
Looking ahead, the future is bright. The company is preparing to open a new retail and production facility at 3162 Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township – a move that positions L.E.H. Soap for even greater growth, particularly in the online marketplace. As Kathy herself puts it, bringing Jessica into the business was “the best move I ever made.”
With strong leadership, a loyal team and an unwavering commitment to quality, L.E.H. Soap is proving that a family-driven vision can turn into something truly special.
For more information, visit lehsoap.com or call 609-390-9500.
Remember to support local businesses, especially small businesses. They are the backbone of our community.
Rich Baehrle, of Berkshire Hathaway Fox and Roach, can be reached at 609-226-6680 or 609-641-0011. Email richardbaehrle@gmail.com or see www.getrichinrealestateSJ.com
