🧼 Meet The Soap Boys: Life, Love & Lather in Florida
Eric Vandernail🌞 Part 1: From Mountains to Mango Trees
When you step into our Florida home, it doesn’t smell like a factory — it smells like a boutique spa tucked between the ocean breeze and a citrus grove. There’s a hint of coconut, a whisper of mint, a little chaos, and a lot of love.
That’s us — Philip, Eric, and Jacob — the family behind Ever & Ember and The Soap Boys Blog.
Our journey didn’t begin with soap molds and curing racks — it began with curiosity. Living in Colorado, we struggled to find products that felt good, smelled real, and aligned with our values. Most “natural” products weren’t truly natural, and the ones that were didn’t always deliver.
When we moved to Florida, we decided to do something about it — not by making soap ourselves, but by finding the small makers who did it best.
🧴 Part 2: Philip — The Entrepreneur Who Curates with Heart
Philip has spent his life building ideas into businesses — and learning that success feels best when it smells like shea butter and sunshine.
“I’ve always loved discovering great products made by passionate people,” he says. “What drew me to small-batch makers was their story. Every bar of soap, every ounce of lotion, it all comes from someone’s heart and hands not mass produced.”
Philip is the researcher, the relationship-builder, the one who finds the perfect makers whose values align with Ever & Ember’s: clean ingredients, sustainable practices, fair trade, and a touch of artistry.
His favorite find? The Timber Mint Hair, Beard & Body Bar — a crisp, energizing bar that does it all.
“It’s smart, efficient, and smells like a morning walk through fresh pine. It’s everything I want in a product.”
For Philip, curating isn’t just about choosing — it’s about connecting. Each maker Ever & Ember features is part of a larger story of craftsmanship and care.
🎨 Part 3: Eric — The Artist Who Brings It All Together
If Philip finds the makers, Eric makes sure their artistry shines.
With a background in design, color theory, and a lifelong passion for creativity, Eric ensures every Ever & Ember product looks as good as it feels. From label design to product photography, he transforms handmade goods from across the country into a cohesive, beautiful brand experience.
“I see each maker’s work as a piece of art,” Eric says. “My job is to give it the right frame — the story, the visuals, the emotion that help people connect with it.”
He’s drawn to scents that inspire creativity — Winterwood for its cozy cypress-and-berry depth, Florida Sunshine for its golden warmth.
You’ll often find him sketching new concepts by the pool, tinkering with packaging layouts, or testing product pairings that tell a seasonal story — all while trying not to drop his stylus in the water.
👦 Part 4: Jacob — The Chief Product Tester
Every great brand needs an honest critic. Ours is 14, funny, and always ready to “test” a new soap.
Jacob takes his role seriously — maybe too seriously when he uses three bars in one shower. His job? Give us unfiltered feedback.
“If it smells weird, I’ll say it. If it smells like candy or cookies, we’re good.”
Jacob’s favorites change with his mood, but right now it’s:
- Unicorn Farts – “Because it’s fun and smells awesome.”
- Pumpkin Spice Ever – “Like dessert for your hands.”
- Monkey Farts – “Don’t question it. It’s amazing.”
His perspective reminds us that self-care shouldn’t be stuffy — it should be joyful.
🏡 Part 5: Life by the Pool — The Florida Chapter
Moving to Florida was like stepping into permanent summer. Palm trees replaced pine trees, and the pool became our year-round meeting spot — part brainstorm lounge, part family hangout.
That’s where The Soap Boys Blog was born. Floating in pool chairs, we realized our favorite part of Ever & Ember wasn’t just the products — it was the stories behind them: the makers, the scents, the artistry, and the simple joy of finding something made with care.
“Curating small-batch products lets us bring that joy to others,” Philip says. “We don’t need to make everything ourselves — we just need to connect people to natural products the best makers do.”
Our home is filled with soaps from dozens of artisans, each one unique. Some smell like forests, some like bakeries, some like ocean breezes. Together, they tell a story of craft, community, and connection.
🌺 Part 6: The Meaning Behind “Ever & Ember”
We chose the name Ever & Ember because it reflects who we are and what we believe in.
Ever stands for longevity — timeless design, lasting quality, and consistency.
Ember represents warmth — the creative spark that connects maker to user.
We believe every bar, balm, and bottle carries a spark of the person who made it — and we’re honored to keep that ember glowing by sharing it with you.
🌿 Part 7: Why Curation Matters
There are thousands of handmade soap and skincare creators out there — but not all of them use the same integrity or intention. We spend hours (sometimes days) researching, testing, and connecting before we bring any product into our collection.
What we look for:
- Natural ingredients that are easy to understand and pronounce.
- Fair Trade & sustainable sourcing.
- Makers who care about people and the planet.
- Designs that spark joy.
We see our role as storytellers — shining a spotlight on the talented artisans whose work deserves a wider audience. When you shop Ever & Ember, you’re not just buying soap — you’re supporting a network of small businesses that pour heart and skill into every bar.
💬 Part 8: Our Family Philosophy
-
Support small.
Every bar in our shop comes from a real soap maker, not a machine. -
Keep it honest.
If we wouldn’t use it ourselves, we won’t sell it. -
Make it beautiful.
We believe design and detail matter — because joy is part of wellness. -
Have fun.
Whether it’s soap names like Monkey Farts or packaging that makes you smile, life’s too short for boring baths.
🌊 Part 9: What’s Next for The Soap Boys
This blog is where we’ll share everything from behind-the-scenes stories of our favorite makers to the products we’re currently obsessed with — plus a little peek into our Florida life.
Expect weekly posts about:
- The scents we’re loving and why.
- The makers we admire.
- Ingredient spotlights.
- Family rituals, recipes, and routines.
- Honest conversations about small business life.
Next week’s post? “The Scent of Gratitude” — a warm reflection on how small makers and seasonal soaps help us slow down and appreciate simple things.
💖 Part 10: Our Thank You
To everyone who’s joined us on this journey — thank you. You’ve helped us turn our passion for great products into something much bigger: a community built on care, creativity, and connection.
So, welcome to The Soap Boys Blog — a yearlong story of family, fragrance, and finding the magic in the everyday.
Grab your favorite bar, run some warm water, and stay awhile. There’s a lot of heart (and lather) ahead.
The Soap Boys