When you visit the Saratoga Farmers’ Market, each vendor is a small business sharing their expertise and carefully crafted or grown products with you. Each vendor has a unique story to share. We recently had a conversation with Leah, the owner of Sweet Sprig.
When did you start Sweet Sprig?
In 1997, I created and sold my first batch of artisan soap at 14 years old; I was hooked and started selling my soaps at craft fairs. During college, I always had a side hustle creating natural skincare. Four years ago, I left my career to run Sweet Sprig full-time.
Tell us about your products, the ingredients, and the ‘why’ behind them.
I started with soap making and was drawn to natural essential oils and ingredients. Growing up on a small homestead with a fiber artist for a mother, I knew about natural plant colorants. After a short time, I added bath bombs, creams, candles, haircare, and more. I often experiment and add products based on what customers are looking for.
All my colorants are plant or mineral-based, like fresh carrot juice, parsley, indigo, and paprika. Every ingredient is researched and selected for its skin benefits and eco-friendliness. I’m constantly reading new studies and industry literature to ensure the ingredients I put into my products are up to my standards.
I have a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts and approach soap making with artistic integrity. Every botanical is added to the tops of my bars by hand. Colors, textures, and fragrances that evoke memories are all thoughtfully planned out. I want to give my customers tiny moments of everyday luxury.
Tell us about the future of Sweet Sprig.
Farmer’s markets are some of my favorite spaces on earth. They are filled with talented and kind farmers, chefs, artists, and small business owners. I love being a part of what can be described as a family. Building connections with new customers is so rewarding.
Visit Leah to learn about her classes and other community activities. We are delighted to have Sweet Sprig at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market will be open on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from November through April at the Wilton Mall Food Court, accessible from the mall entrance across from BJs or the mall interior. Find us online at www.saratogafarmersmarket.org, where you can sign up for our weekly newsletter and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
