Maison de Savon’s journey from a mother-daughter duo to a thriving artisan bathhouse boutique showcases dedication, innovation, and the power of family.
In the heart of Howland, Ohio, there’s a place where tradition, family, and innovation converge into something truly extraordinary: Maison de Savon. This one-of-a-kind bathhouse boutique began with a dream, nurtured by a mother and daughter duo, and has since blossomed into a thriving brand that’s now known for its high-quality, handmade bath and body products. Their story isn’t just about soap; it’s about resilience, growth, and the power of family bonds.
The Genesis of a Dream
The journey began over a decade ago with a simple, yet powerful goal: to create a business that could offer not only luxury bath products but also a sense of community and care. Gia Hart-Kokor, a retired First Sergeant from the U.S. Army, and her daughter, Gillian, embarked on this adventure with a shared vision. It all started when Gillian, at just 12 years old, launched a small business to save for college. This small entrepreneurial spark would soon ignite the creation of Maison de Savon, a dream that would grow beyond their expectations.
“Starting a business together has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life,” says Gia, reflecting on the shared journey with her daughter. “We built it with hard work, determination, and a passion for creating something meaningful. Now, we’re watching it grow, and it’s incredibly rewarding.”
From the very beginning, Maison de Savon’s mission was clear: to provide high-end, handmade bath and body products while fostering a sense of community. Their unique approach, combining both luxury and care, quickly set them apart from the competition. But it was the family connection, their dedication to crafting each product by hand, and their commitment to education that truly made them stand out.
Challenges and Triumphs
Like any entrepreneurial journey, the road was not always smooth. Over the years, Maison de Savon faced various challenges—one of the most significant being how to scale while maintaining the personalized, handcrafted touch that defined their products. But Gia and her team met every obstacle with creativity and resilience.
The duo’s success was also fueled by their commitment to providing the highest quality products. While growing the business, Gia pursued additional studies in business and management, further strengthening her leadership. Her expertise has helped shape Maison de Savon’s direction, ensuring that their products are both luxurious and thoughtfully created.
A Turning Point: Creating a Legacy
One of the key moments in Maison de Savon’s growth came when they decided to manufacture their own products on-site in a 3,000-square-foot facility attached to their boutique storefront. This move allowed them to control every aspect of production and ensure the highest quality standards.
From the start, they curated a selection of unique brands—Melissa Ann Cosmetics, The Soap Sergeant, Bad Betty’s Esthetics, Joce Cloth (kids apparel), Actif Vie (adult apparel), and Maison Kids (bath & body for kids). Each brand embodies the core values of Maison de Savon: quality, luxury, and care.
The in-house manufacturing also enabled them to offer more than just products—it became an educational space for the community. Maison de Savon began hosting classes where individuals of all ages could learn how to make their own bath and body products, fostering a connection with their customers and empowering them to create personalized items for themselves and their families.
What Sets Maison de Savon Apart
Maison de Savon is much more than a bathhouse boutique—it’s a hub for community, creativity, and quality. The combination of high-end, handmade products, personalized service, and a commitment to thoughtful practices sets them apart from other bath and body companies.
The store offers private shopping experiences, where customers can explore their vast selection of products in a quiet, one-on-one setting. They also support various fundraising efforts, helping local organizations achieve their goals by providing bath and body products for their campaigns.
And of course, their handmade artisan products are the cornerstone of the business. “Every product is made with care and attention to detail,” says Gia. “We want people to feel pampered and special when they use our products, knowing that each one was crafted with the utmost love and dedication.”
Looking Toward the Future
As Maison de Savon celebrates 10 years in business, their story is far from over. With a presence in multiple cities—Pittsburgh, PA, Hermitage, PA, and now Howland, OH—Gia and her team have big plans for the future. Their focus will remain on growth while staying true to their mission of offering luxury, handmade products that are as special as they are beautiful.
“We want to continue making a difference in our community and the world,” says Gia. “The journey has been incredible, and we’re excited to see where the next 10 years will take us.”
As Maison de Savon looks ahead, the legacy of hard work, quality, and family values will continue to drive their success. The future is bright for this woman- and veteran-owned business that has already made a significant impact on the industry.
Ready to experience the artisan touch of Maison de Savon? Visit their website at www.maisondesavon.com to explore their handmade bath and body products, book a private shopping experience, or sign up for one of their popular classes. Follow them on social media for the latest updates and special promotions. Maison de Savon isn’t just a store; it’s a place where quality, creativity, and community meet.
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