A: My name is Susanna. My husband John and I live on the small Danish island of Ærø. I am German and John, who is of Scottish descent, grew up in Canada. I have three marvelous kids , John has four children.  Before we settled here and bought the Ærø Soap Company, I spent many years in England, Scotland, and Ireland. 

My connection to plants began early in life; I cannot remember a time when I wasn’t sowing, planting, or caring for something green. Even when I lived in the city, I always found a corner where something could grow. I trained as a nurse and was fortunate to work in a German hospital that used homeopathy, botanicals, and beautiful oils as part of its care. Seeing their effects on our patients made the healing and soothing power of plants unquestionable to me.

When I turned 40, I began weaving and discovered yet another world of botanicals - as carriers of deep, vibrant colours. Today my days are filled with botanical soaps, and in the winter months, mostly with weaving. We keep a large garden full of herbs for the soaps, oils, and creams we make. In July, our 1,000 lavender plants fill the air with the most wonderful fragrance.

We are lucky: the island is beloved by tourists (and for romantic weddings), and many visitors find their way to us in the summer. Our workshop is open, and people can meet the makers behind the products. John is the organiser of it all - I rely on his analytical mind for the office work, orders, customer care… and the essential cups of tea.

A: As I’ve said before, plants have a remarkable ability to comfort and support us. You don’t need much - just the right plant at the right moment. Sometimes a simple cup of chamomile tea can ease a tense or unsettled stomach. Even a small amount can be enough. With herbs, it’s often best to keep things gentle and not overdo it.

A: A few years ago, I discovered how much I enjoy a simple foot bath. It has become a small ritual - sometimes in the morning, sometimes in the evening when my feet feel cold. I take a bowl of warm water and add a handful of herbs, usually lavender and lemon balm, calendula or rosemary. Now and then I grate a little soap into the water. Just a few minutes a day - in the garden or indoors - and afterward it feels as if you’re walking on clouds.

A: That’s a difficult question, because I love so many herbs. But if I have to choose sensibly, I would say marigold - Calendula. It is such a powerful little plant: soothing for small cuts and bruises, vibrant in colour, and wonderfully easy to grow. You can use it in teas, creams, foot baths, and of course in soap. And the bees adore it.

Let’s just hope there are plenty of people on the ark who bring along lavender, rosemary, and all the other treasures as well!

A: The feeling that we can be part of people’s daily self-care - with products made from organic ingredients, true craftsmanship, and mindfulness - brings us deep satisfaction and gratitude. We get to do what we love every single day. How lucky can one be?

A: Find a little space to grow herbs - on a windowsill,  the balcony, or in a garden. Add them to your daily routine: in tea, in a salad, or in a soothing bath. Try to be mindful of their gentle scents and subtle flavours. Over time, you’ll become more sensitive to the many benefits herbs can offer.

 

Come and visit us - the island of Ærø in the Baltic Sea is just 2 hours by train from Copenhagen and another hour on the ship. Aeroesoap.dk  & @aerosoapcompany . Plus Susanna's weaving is on Instagram @ceciliasminde. More information about Ærø at visitaeroe.dk 

Photo credits: Jessie Jansen Foto @__jessiejansen