Jane Maddern started making handmade soap in 1995, using the traditional cold press method. Initially a keen amateur, she quickly discovered a knack for combining essential oils, creating gifts for family and friends. Recommendations quickly lead to orders from further afield and Jane realised that her passion could become her livelihood. Resigning from her job as a speech and language therapist in 1997, Jane Maddern Handmade Soaps was born.

From the beginning, Jane experimented with different base ingredients to make her soaps gentle and nourishing. Goats’ milk soon emerged as the clear winner and Jane found a quality supplier in a local farm in Somerset.

Drawing on her experience and extensive knowledge of skincare and essential oils, Jane launched Milla Maddern in 2012 with her step-daughter Camilla.

The Milla Maddern product range includes; handmade Somerset goats' milk soap, liquid hand wash, hand cream, body wash and body cream. Jane first discovered active Manuka honey a few years ago in New Zealand and having seen its skin-healing benefits first hand, she's excited to use it in all Milla Maddern products.

Jane and Camilla work together at the foot of the Mendip Hills in Somerset. They employ a local team of craftspeople that help with everything from hand-sewing the fabric wrap of the soaps through to making wooden display stands for shops. They are continuing to create new essential oil blends and find new products to add to the existing ranges.