Meet Our Team

 Bekka_team

Bekka Freeman, Staff

Our staff member, Bekka, is willing and able to help with any task. Bekka makes our Caracalla Bath Bombs, grinds Burano Laundry soap, and assembles endless Sampler Stacks. The best Halloween costumes come from Bekka, as well as the themed soundtracks playing in our store.

 

Blake Larson, Partner

Blake is in charge of production and purchasing. He's a whiz with IT and many programs. Nothing this guy can't do. Married to Melissa Gibbs, they share a love of Ultimate (Frisbee). Both are genuine champs.

 

Diana Huynh, Staff

Diana processes online orders, works in production, gives tours, and assists customers in our shop. Calm, cool, and collected, we rely on Diana to keep things together.

 

Ken Gilberg, Partner

With a background in graphics and communications, Ken creates and illustrates our website and social media, helps with the shop, and comes up with new product suggestions.

 

LaRee

LaRee DeFreece, Founding Partner

It was LaRee's idea to make our all-natural soap. Though not involved day-to-day, she still counsels the team with legal and ethical guidelines. She's married to Ken Gilberg.

 

Melissa Gibbs, Partner

Melissa is the Swiss Army Knife of Herbaria. She's the interface between us and all of our customers—online, in-store, and retail. She is our HR department. She's our graphics designer—making labels, personalized favors, signage, and more. We like to brag that Melissa was on the winning team of the World Champion Masters Beach Ultimate 2017.

 

Soapy, Customer Service Specialist

Soapy is a Catahoula Leopard Dog, the State Dog of Louisiana. She came to our door as a puppy in 2011 and took to her job greeting customers and modeling for photos. She gets plenty of attention and love. Follow her travels on Soapy's Guide to St. Louis or on Instagram @herbariasoap.

 

Bubbles, Official Greeter

Melissa met Bubbles at the local humane society in February 2023 where it was love at first sight. At the beginning of the year, Soapy had announced her semi-retirement and a shop without a shop dog didn't seem right. Bubbles will always come running when the doorbell rings and a new customer enters. She has delighted all the staff and patrons with her playful attention.

See our 'Staff Favorites' page.

Open Mon–Sat 10–5

866-OATSOAP (628-7627)

info@herbariasoap.com

 

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Phone orders are welcome.

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