Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Wendy and Karlyn Hartman share how their family turned homestead resources like goat milk, lard, and tallow into effective, traditional skincare products that support true skin health. From simplifying cold-process soapmaking to explaining why animal fats have been trusted for centuries, they break down what actually works and why so many people struggle with modern commercial products. We also dive into Karlyn’s quest to perfect natural deodorant, what makes shelf-stable soap, and the blessing of building a family business centered on growth, unity, and learning through the ups and downs of homestead life!
In this episode, we cover:
- Wendy and Karlyn Hartman’s homesteading journey and how they grew from beginners into educators and business owners
- Building a family-run skincare business using resources produced directly on their homestead
- Why traditional animal fats like lard and tallow have been used for centuries in soap and skincare
- The key differences between lard, tallow, and modern commercial skincare ingredients
- How goat milk supports skin health, moisture absorption, and barrier repair
- Why many people tolerate animal-based fats better than common plant oils
- A simplified approach to soapmaking that makes it accessible and safe for everyday homesteaders
- What lye is, why it’s necessary, and how it fits into traditional soapmaking
- How cold-process soap cures, how long it lasts, and why it’s shelf-stable
- How Karlyn developed a natural, aluminum-free deodorant after reacting to conventional products
- Encouragement for homesteaders walking through hard seasons and learning through experience
Thank you to our sponsors!
KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction KubotaUSA.com
Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice premier1supplies.com
ABOUT WENDY & KARLYN
Originally from Southern California, our family ventured to Central Virginia in search of a more peaceful way of life. We moved to our own homestead in 2019, and it soon became our little farm. Along with our four children, we’ve raised American Guinea Hogs, Nigerian Dwarf, Mini Nubian & Nubian Goats, Chickens, Turkeys, Geese, a beautiful Old Time Scotch Collie and a very spoiled house cat. We strive to make homemade fashionable, and have sought after ways to live off the land using permaculture strategies and silvopasture-raising animals. We enjoy soap making, gardening, canning, music, crochet, jewelry making, painting, wood carving, and volunteer firefighting (husband). As we search for our piece of peace, we are enjoying reducing our carbon footprint, while striving for overall wellness.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Purchase Wendy & Karlyn’s book, Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the Homestead adoratiofarms.com/s/stories/soaping-clean?srsltid=AfmBOopZm3qgsOttcRZPIWKOJSjYMU7Ix_mYoI8qvw4Mkenz_qxPPzTO
Check out the products mentioned in this episode (and more!) at the Adoratio Farms Online Shop adoratiofarms.com/s/shop
CONNECT
Wendy & Karlyn Hartman
Website: adoratiofarms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopZigFuBKvTmH2QORdHEAzdbMpe67uYv1C8mSWc61xEL70a5MLk#
Instagram: instagram.com/adoratiofarms/?hl=en
Instagram: instagram.com/karlynhartman/?hl=en
Homesteaders of America
Website: homesteadersofamerica.com
Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadersofamerica
Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadersofamerica
YouTube: youtube.com/homesteadersofamerica
Pinterest: pinterest.com/homesteadersusa
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
View full show notes and transcript on the blog: homesteadersofamerica.com/e54-traditional-skincare-from-the-homestead-soapmaking-animal-fat-and-family-business-wendy-karlyn-hartman
Listen to this podcast episode: pod.link/1516101147/episode/YjBjN2UxYjQtOTJhYi00NWNjLWJjYzMtOWYwZWIxZWYwMTA2
Wendy and Karlyn Hartman share how their family turned homestead resources like goat milk, lard, and tallow into effective, traditional skincare products that support true skin health. From simplifying cold-process soapmaking to explaining why animal fats have been trusted for centuries, they break down what actually works and why so many people struggle with modern commercial products. We also dive into Karlyn’s quest to perfect natural deodorant, what makes shelf-stable soap, and the blessing of building a family business centered on growth, unity, and learning through the ups and downs of homestead life!
In this episode, we cover:
- Wendy and Karlyn Hartman’s homesteading journey and how they grew from beginners into educators and business owners
- Building a family-run skincare business using resources produced directly on their homestead
- Why traditional animal fats like lard and tallow have been used for centuries in soap and skincare
- The key differences between lard, tallow, and modern commercial skincare ingredients
- How goat milk supports skin health, moisture absorption, and barrier repair
- Why many people tolerate animal-based fats better than common plant oils
- A simplified approach to soapmaking that makes it accessible and safe for everyday homesteaders
- What lye is, why it’s necessary, and how it fits into traditional soapmaking
- How cold-process soap cures, how long it lasts, and why it’s shelf-stable
- How Karlyn developed a natural, aluminum-free deodorant after reacting to conventional products
- Encouragement for homesteaders walking through hard seasons and learning through experience
Thank you to our sponsors!
KubotaUSA.com | Providing the right equipment to keep us moving, shaping, and growing America's farms, fields, and construction KubotaUSA.com
Premier1Supplies.com | Your one-stop shop for a variety of homesteading supplies and expert advice premier1supplies.com
ABOUT WENDY & KARLYN
Originally from Southern California, our family ventured to Central Virginia in search of a more peaceful way of life. We moved to our own homestead in 2019, and it soon became our little farm. Along with our four children, we’ve raised American Guinea Hogs, Nigerian Dwarf, Mini Nubian & Nubian Goats, Chickens, Turkeys, Geese, a beautiful Old Time Scotch Collie and a very spoiled house cat. We strive to make homemade fashionable, and have sought after ways to live off the land using permaculture strategies and silvopasture-raising animals. We enjoy soap making, gardening, canning, music, crochet, jewelry making, painting, wood carving, and volunteer firefighting (husband). As we search for our piece of peace, we are enjoying reducing our carbon footprint, while striving for overall wellness.
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Purchase Wendy & Karlyn’s book, Soaping Clean with Dairy and Fats from the Homestead adoratiofarms.com/s/stories/soaping-clean?srsltid=AfmBOopZm3qgsOttcRZPIWKOJSjYMU7Ix_mYoI8qvw4Mkenz_qxPPzTO
Check out the products mentioned in this episode (and more!) at the Adoratio Farms Online Shop adoratiofarms.com/s/shop
CONNECT
Wendy & Karlyn Hartman
Website: adoratiofarms.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopZigFuBKvTmH2QORdHEAzdbMpe67uYv1C8mSWc61xEL70a5MLk#
Instagram: instagram.com/adoratiofarms/?hl=en
Instagram: instagram.com/karlynhartman/?hl=en
Homesteaders of America
Website: homesteadersofamerica.com
Instagram: instagram.com/homesteadersofamerica
Facebook: facebook.com/homesteadersofamerica
YouTube: youtube.com/homesteadersofamerica
Pinterest: pinterest.com/homesteadersusa
GET MORE FROM THIS EPISODE
View full show notes and transcript on the blog: homesteadersofamerica.com/e54-traditional-skincare-from-the-homestead-soapmaking-animal-fat-and-family-business-wendy-karlyn-hartman
Listen to this podcast episode: pod.link/1516101147/episode/YjBjN2UxYjQtOTJhYi00NWNjLWJjYzMtOWYwZWIxZWYwMTA2
