Elysian Soaps: When Myth Becomes Reality - An Interview with Shannon Constantine Logan

Shannon Constantine Logan is the founder and owner of Elysian Soap Shops, a luxury men's grooming brand, based in Brodheadsville, Pennsylvania. We were lucky enough to catch up with her. Here she is...

I heard in an interview you did about 3 years ago with Pasquale Zamboi, The Italian Shaver, that when you first contemplated starting a business you wanted to do something with your hands. You mentioned that you considered a few different possibilities including crochet and wine, but ultimately settled on soap. Have you always been a craftsy person and enjoyed making things with your hands? What were some of the first crafts you tried growing up?

I have always been a hands on person and I love learning new crafts. These days, when I’m not making soap, I channel my creativity through painting, photography, crochet, and cooking. 

Once you settled on soap, how did you learn about the soap making process? Did you start with melt and pour soaps? How is your soap made today? What process do you use? And where is it actually made?

I started making soap during the lockdowns, so I had plenty of time to research before I actually started experimenting. I did a deep dive on the soapmaking message boards, took lots of notes, and watched a ton of YouTube videos. I started with cold process bar soap with goats milk and gave them to friends and family to try. I was making soap in the spare bedroom of my apartment and curing the bars in my closet. I remember I burned a hole in the hardwood floor with the lye one day, and decided it was time to buy a tarp to put under my soap making table. (My landlord was a good sport about it, thankfully.)

Today, I have a five gallon oil tank that I use to make the soap. I moved out of the spare bedroom and into a 1,200 sq foot basement. The floor is concrete, so I can spill things to my hearts content. 

I also saw in an interview that you did with Tobin Fetters that you started out in Health & Beauty products retail while in college working for brands like L’Occitane and Acqua di Parma. How did that experience help shape your vision for your brand and your products today?

Working in the beauty industry definitely impacted my vision for my business. I like to think that Elysian has some of the qualities of both those brands woven into it. L’Occitane used to have the Cade line of shaving products for men, so, way before I ever started making shaving soap, I was already selling it! 

Acqua di Parma is really a case study in making products that stand the test of time. It’s something I definitely aspire to. I see SOTD posts with those iconic Parma yellow tubs all the time. I’m tickled that my brand is rubbing shoulders with such an esteemed fragrance house. 

The Elysian brand has an air of erudition about it given the mythological references and ancient historical figures. When and where did you learn about the things which you draw inspiration from? Out of curiosity, what was your major in college?

I majored in Journalism, but I guess I’ve always had a thing for literature, mythology etc.

Whether intentionally or not, your brand today seems to have a focus on men's grooming. As a woman who is not a wet shaver, what kind of research do you do when designing your soaps and fragrances for men? How do you know what men want, both in terms of shave experience, and the fragrances they like to wear?

I start out by testing all my products on myself. You’d be surprised, but a soap that performs well under duress—in a hot, waterlogged shower environment—is also a soap that will perform well in a more controlled setting, at the sink, for a man. We are not so different after all. ;) 

I think I have a good nose for what smells good on men, but I also work with a male perfumery partner. He helps my formulas stay on the masculine side of unisex. 

As a perfumer, what do you think are the hallmarks of a well-designed fragrance?

In my opinion, a well-designed fragrance isn’t over reliant on super ambers or whatever aroma molecule is trending at the moment. It shouldn’t smell “dated” after a few years. A normal person is only able to pick out 2 or 3 notes from a perfume, so you have to make those count in terms of quality, novelty, harmony etc. The hallmark of a really great fragrance, for me, is one that I can remember with great clarity even years later. 

I've heard you say that when designing a soap it's all about getting the fats right, stearic acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, tallow, etc. You also say on your website that protection, glide, and post-shave feel are crucial to a successful soap. What are the ingredients other than the fats that you think are most important, and how do you find the right balance?

Glycerin for slickness, Clay for silkiness and glide, and xanthan gum for thickness. As for proportions, you just have to keep testing until you get the ratios where you want them.  

Your brand has some of the most elegant and beautiful artwork in wet shaving. What's your concept behind the designs? Do you make them yourself or work with an outside designer?

Thank you. I work with a professional artist/graphic designer. She’s been with me since the first tin of soap.

Your first soap was a bar soap, Lemon Poppy. And I recall you telling Pasquale Zamboi that shave soaps was something you almost fell into, and that originally you didn't know anything about the wet shaving world. What have been the biggest challenges growing your shave soap line, what is the most important thing you have learned about shave soap along the way, and what is the one thing that surprised you the most?

The biggest challenge is getting rid of some of the less popular lines to make room for the new ones. I have way too many SKUs. 

I was surprised by the fact that male beauty brands get cult followings just like other beauty brands. The enthusiasm still sort of surprises me. 

Most people who aren't Wet Shavers have a hard time understanding what is special and unique about the Wet Shaving community. How would you describe the Wet Shaving community, and your experience with it, to an outsider who knows nothing about it?

I like to call the online wet shaving community the Mannerbund of the metaverse. It’s like a big friendly club of gentlemen who take pride in their appearance, like to banter, and enjoy simple self care rituals. A wholesome hobby, if I’ve ever seen one—and so welcoming! 

What's next for Elysian Soaps?

We are working on retail partnerships and overseas distribution. We will also be releasing a new soap base and aftershave formula later this year with some unique ingredients. And of course, lots of new fragrances are in the works! 

Shannon Constantine Logan