How Hugola began
Hi, I'm Monika.
I never imagined I'd be making soap one day.
My journey began when I was diagnosed with psoriasis. Suddenly, I paid much more attention to the products I was using every day. I wanted skincare that felt gentle on my skin but was also a pleasure to use.
When I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I decided to learn how to make my own.
What started as a personal challenge soon became something much bigger.
I discovered the traditional craft of cold process soap making and fell in love with the creative process—from choosing ingredients and fragrances to cutting each freshly made loaf by hand.
Today, Hugola is about much more than soap.
It's about creating little moments of comfort, calm and joy in everyday life—because I believe the smallest rituals often make the biggest difference.
Why Hugola?
As Hugola grew, I knew I wanted the name to represent more than handmade soap.
It had to reflect the life I was building and the values that inspire me every day.
That's how Hugola was born—a combination of the names of my two dogs, Hugo and Lala.
They're my daily companions, my biggest supporters, and a constant reminder to slow down, enjoy nature and appreciate life's simple moments.
Hugola isn't just named after Hugo and Lala. It's inspired by the way they live every single day.
Meet Hugo
Hugo has two very different personalities.
At home, he's happiest curled up beside me, enjoying long cuddles and a peaceful afternoon. But outside... he's a completely different dog! The second his paws touch the grass, he becomes a little torpedo, racing through fields and along the coast as if every walk is the greatest adventure of his life.
He reminds me that life is about balance—making time to slow down, but also embracing the moments that fill you with energy and joy.
Meet Lala
Lala may be small, but she has a huge personality.
She's endlessly curious and always wants to know what's around the next corner. Every walk is an adventure, every new scent deserves investigating, and she's never far behind... or leading the way.
She reminds me that happiness is often found in the little things—a new path, a familiar beach, or simply sharing the day with the people (and dogs!) you love.
Made with Time
Every Hugola soap is made by hand, one batch at a time.
There are no production lines or machines here—just time, patience and plenty of care.
From blending the ingredients and pouring each batch to cutting every bar by hand and leaving it to cure for several weeks, every step is part of the process.
I could never make thousands of soaps in a day.
But that's never been my goal.
I believe beautiful things take time, and I hope you can feel that every time you use a Hugola product.
A Little Moment Just for You
I hope that every Hugola product becomes part of a moment you'll look forward to.
A quiet morning before the house wakes up.
A warm shower after a long day.
The comforting scent that makes you pause for just a little while.
These everyday rituals may seem small, but they're often the moments that help us feel calm, grounded and at home.
Thank you for supporting my small business and for allowing my handmade creations to become part of your story.
I hope they bring you as much comfort and joy as they bring me while making them.
— Monika