In Their Shoes - Leigh Johnston, Founder of Kilo Soap Co

“In Their Shoes” is a series shining a light on female founders. At Salt-Water we love to champion creatives and women-led, independent and sustainable businesses.

Leigh Johnston is a soap maker and the founder of sustainable soap brand, Kilo Soap Co. Known for fun, colourful soaps that not only look great in your bathroom, but feel great on your skin.  They are 100% handmade, Vegan, Cruelty-free, Palm oil free, SLS free, Sulphate free, Paraben free and are Eco-friendly.  

SW: What inspired you to start your business?

LJ: I started my business in 2020 during the lockdown. Like so many others, I had lost work and needed something productive to do — and something that could also replace the lost income. I had made soap before, just for fun, but I really longed to do something creative that I actually enjoyed. I made numerous test batches and then began the registration and cosmetic safety process required to legally sell cosmetics.

I had to choose a business name and decided on Kilo Soap Co., after our Husky, Kilo. I knew I needed a name for which I could claim the domain and all the social media handles. Once I was set up, I listed my products online. I couldn’t believe the response — people genuinely liked my products. Soon after, small shops and hotels began reaching out, asking to stock them. That’s where I am today: stocked in a wide range of places including airports, museums, and gift shops.

SW: What goals or dreams do you have for your business over the next few years?

LJ: I would love for the business to continue to grow. I'd also like to explore other products that could complement the soap collection — possibly body butters or body oils. Here in Spain, I’m surrounded by olive groves that produce some of the highest-quality olive oil. I already use it in my soaps, but I think it would be amazing to include in other body products, as it offers wonderful benefits for the skin.

I’d also love for the book to do well. I enjoy filming videos and sharing the process of making soap in the hopes that it might inspire others.

SW: What are some hobbies or interests you have outside of your business?

LJ: Outside of soap making, I love travel, exploration, and camping. At home, my partner and I have two Land Rovers — one with a rooftop tent, which we use for camping trips, and the other a converted Land Rover camper we began working on five years ago. It’s been a labour of love, full of ups and downs, but we’ve had some fantastic adventures with it.

We also have a motorbike and go exploring several times a week. There’s so much to see here in Spain, and exploring the small villages or coastal roads by bike is amazing. It gives you such a sense of freedom — I’d recommend motorbike travel to anyone.

SW: What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

LJ: Do a lot of research. Soap making is chemistry, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can go very wrong. Ingredients are also expensive, so the last thing you want is to waste costly butters and oils. Watch videos, research online, and read books before diving in.

Also, have patience. Making great soap takes time — it's a skill that requires learning and practice.

SW: If you weren’t doing this, what do you think you would be doing instead?

LJ: I’d probably still be doing hairdressing, which is what I did before starting Kilo Soap Co. That said, I think I would have quit by now. The beauty and hair industry doesn't get nearly enough credit for the physical toll it takes — long hours, being on your feet all day, and short breaks between clients.

A few years before I stopped, I started developing back problems from standing or bending over to do clients' hair. The basins and chairs never go high enough, and when you’re tall, it really strains your back. Even now, five years later, I still feel the effects of that damage.

SW: What has been the biggest achievement or milestone so far?

LJ: Still being in business! I can’t quite believe it’s been five years. It’s extremely tough for small businesses, especially with rising costs of ingredients and materials. It’s hard to maintain healthy profit margins while still offering customers good value and high-quality products.

To still be going after five years feels like a huge achievement. I’m also very proud of publishing my first book. I spent months pouring everything I’ve learned about soap making into it, and I hope it helps teach and inspire many new soap makers. It will be released on my website on June 10th, and I couldn’t be more excited to see it out in the world.

SW: Favourite place to go for dinner?

LJ: The beach. I’m not into fancy restaurants — I actually enjoy cooking — so for me, there’s nothing better than being camped at the beach, making dinner and relaxing by the sea.

Last summer, we took the ferry from Valencia to Ibiza with one of the Land Rovers and spent a week camping in the rooftop tent across the island. My favourite dinner of the trip was the night we parked up at Cala Comte. We cooked dinner from the back of the Land Rover and watched the sunset as people walked past saying things like, “Bon appétit!”, “Ooh, what are you having?”, and “That smells amazing!” — all while heading to the nearby restaurant that probably cost a small fortune.

SW: What’s one item you couldn’t be without?

LJ: My multi-bar soap cutter. When I first started, I cut each bar with a knife. Then I upgraded to a single-bar wire cutter. But as production grew, I eventually invested in a multi-bar cutter. Now, when I’m cutting hundreds of bars a day, it saves me so much time — I couldn't do without it.

Shop Leigh's Website - kilosoapco.com