With a growing interest in sustainable farming, The Smiling Goat Soap Company offers more than just products—it’s a source of inspiration for embracing a more intentional way of living.

Their story highlights the power of hard work, passion, and the beauty and challenges of exploring life closer to the land.

Rooted in legacy

The Smiling Goat Soap Company was founded on a farm steeped in history.

Bought in the 1940s, the Tonkins family has called this land home for three generations. The family patriarch ran it as a dairy farm until the industry collapsed decades later. The Tonkins had to leave but vowed to reclaim it in the future.

Tina, who runs the farm and business with her family today, shares,

“My dad always said he would buy back the family farm and restore it one day. In the early 90s, that is precisely what he did. I lost my dad to cancer in 2006. In 2014, my family and I moved to the farm.”

The farm became a place of healing and reinvention. They wasted no time exploring ways to make it thrive and build on their heritage.

In 2016, goats entered the picture as an experiment in self-sufficiency. They went to a local breeder and purchased a doe and a yearling… which soon became a herd of six, rescued from fate at the auction.

“For many animals, the auction is the end of the line. I woefully asked my husband if we could purchase all the girls marked to go the auction and to my surprise, he agreed. We came home that day with four more goats. They are delightful creatures. I often say they are better than dogs.”

As the goats flourished, so did their milk supply, leaving the family to wonder what to do with the abundance. That’s when soap-making became a solution and a passion.

Milking the moment

The Smiling Goat Soap Company isn’t just a name, it’s a reflection of the care and kindness poured into every aspect of this family-run business, especially their small herd of Nubian goats.

Tina shares how the name itself was inspired by a tender moment on the farm.

“One of our first babies born on the farm snuggled into the hay and had a look of peace, contentment, and a smile on his little face. This image drew me into his little world, the world we provided for him, and the name of our company was created.”

By 2019, soap-making had become their livelihood, blending their farm’s legacy with a modern purpose: to create something beautiful from the land and share it with the world.
 

“Happy goats help us make happy soaps. We treat them with kindness, respect, and gratitude. They make our dreams possible. So, it only made sense to convey that feeling in the name of our business.”

Raising the ‘baa’ for goat milk soap

What began as a practical attempt to make use of the goats’ milk turned into a labor of love.

Endless hours of research and dozens of trial-and-error batches followed as the perfect goat milk soap recipe took shape. Their hard work paid off and soon had a formula that consistently delivered the desired results—a gentle, natural, and nourishing soap that was a hit with family and friends.

One thoughtful gift to a local health food store employee proved to be a turning point.

“She encouraged me to talk with the owner about carrying my soap. The owner was enthusiastic about my products, and I thought this little endeavor could turn into something profitable to help my family.”

From farm to feed

The Smiling Goat Soap Company didn’t just grow through hard work; the community played its part, too!

Yes, both in person and online.

Sharing glimpses of farm life on social media started as a way to showcase their products, but it quickly evolved into something much more meaningful.

“It became an invaluable tool for our business. We began sharing our products to spread the word, but we soon discovered a community with a genuine interest in our family, goats, and farm life.”

Through consistent posts, they found people who saw themselves in the farm’s story or aspired to have a similar lifestyle. This connection helped their business thrive, and loyal followers and customers, whom they call their “soap family”, have been instrumental in the company’s growth.

“We have the most supportive customers and consider many of them friends and family even though some we have never met in person. Social media has enabled us to connect with people in a way that traditional advertising never could. It has been a truly rewarding experience.”

Signs of growth

Twice a year, the farm transforms into a bustling creative hub, hosting dozens of local artisans, small businesses, and food trucks. The annual gatherings are a highlight for their community and a celebration of all things handmade and homegrown.

With the growing popularity of these events, professional and well-designed custom signs help them advertise and reach a wider audience.

We are thrilled to have helped them achieve this goal!
 

“Thank you for creating such high-quality, user-friendly products and offering helpful customer support. We use your signs for our farm events and local farmer’s market.

Our brand style is simple elegance. I find beauty in simplicity and elegance in the minimal. The signs we create through UPrinting help us convey this to our soap family. We appreciate you.”

Trusted by small businesses

When it comes to professional printing, The Smiling Goat Soap Company knows the value of a reliable print partner. They have turned to UPrinting for high-quality products that consistently meet their needs.

And we are beyond grateful for the kind words and the continued trust.

“The quality of your products is hands down the main attraction to your company. For many small businesses, using quality prints that stand the test of time is imperative. We use your signs for several seasons, and they withstand the use from week to week while looking good.

As small business owners, we wear many hats. Knowing that UPrinting offers a user-friendly website that does not require a computer degree, makes our job much easier. Lastly, the timeliness of shipping is terrific!”

Custom signs have played a key role in their success, helping them stand out at markets and connect with new customers. With their simple yet elegant style, they prove that small businesses can make a big impact.