LuSa Organics Coupon Code and Giveaway!

 

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It has been a while since I've hosted a giveaway for my company, LuSa Organics. Since many of you know me just from here rather than through LuSa – and others have come here only after falling in love with LuSa but don't know the story of how LuSa came to be – I thought I'd share the story with you today. In addition, I am sharing a coupon code and hosting my own giveaway, so read on!

You see, I blame Martha. Yes, Stewart.

It was 1995. I was 22 years old. (Feel free to do the math.) I had pink hair. (Magenta, actually.) I was spending the night with Pete at my parents' house. They made us stay in separate rooms even though we already lived together. But I digress. I was sleeping in my sister's old room and found a Martha Stewart magazine by the bed. So me, all punk pink-haired and nose ring decided to read Martha before I fell asleep since Pete wasn't there to talk to.

And inside that magazine I found this article which unquestionalbly changed my life.

I read and re-read the article three times, then dreamily obsessed over the idea of making soap as I fell asleep that night. In the morning I asked my mom if I could borrow the magazine because I needed to read the artile like six more times before I could give it back.

That Christmas my mom gave me "The Natural Soap Book" by Susan Miller Cavitch. I read it as many times as the article, maybe more, building up the courage to actually make a batch of soap.

Fast-forward three years to late 1997. I was a graduate student and naturalist, working without a stipend on the north shore of Lake Superior at Wolf Ridge ELC. I had exactly no money. And Christmas was coming. I lived with 14 other grad student interns and sprang the idea of making soap for holiday gifts on everyone. I think five of my friends (from as far flung as Hungary and the Netherlands) joined my crazy mission. We begged whisks, spatulas, and mixing bowls off of the paid staff and bought supplies from the grocery store and one angelic local soap-maker (more about her in a bit).

Nervously, we set to work on our first batch of soap. It was an unscented honey-oatmeal soap because we had no – nor could we afford any – essential oils. We carefully weighed and mixed the lye, oils, oats, and honey, and stirred. And stirred. And stirred. For like 4 1/2 hours. (Remember that local vetran soapmaker? This is where she really saves our forearms and our night's sleep.) We called the local soapmaker and told her our troubles and she guided us throught the final steps. By the next morning we had soap. Real, beautiful, magical soap! We cut, cured, and gave it all away. It was alcemy.

I was hooked.

While I had gone to the North Shore for an education in my chosen field, I had found soap-making. At the end of the year as we packed up and found the left-over oils I bought everyone else out. I remember the foreshadowing of saying to the others as I packed up the oils, "I think I want to do this again."

I had no idea.

I plunged into a career in Environmental Education (which I loved), working on lovely things like residental environmental ed. for public school kids and endagered species recovery (this project was my last and favorite project I participated in.) But even when working with cranes or kids, soap was in my brain. In the woods on trail with kids I'd dream up new scents. We gave out bars or my homemade soap as favors at our wedding. The momentum of this thing was unstoppable. Soap was in my blood. (So to speak.)

Then when I was preganat with Sage in 2002 I ended my career as an educator and went home. For good.

My soap hobby for the six years since the first batch of honey-oatmeal transformed gradually into a microscopic home-business. By the time Sage was two I was making and selling soap, lip balm, bath salts, sugar scrub, and my baby line (inspired by my first pregnancy and Sage's babyhood), with the first versions of now well-known products like Baby Wipe Juice and Booty Balm.

The name of my business then was Queen Bee's Earthly Delights (body care) and Baby Moon (proudcts for baibes and mamas). By 2006 Pete had also quit his job to join me in the body care business and we renamed Queen Bee and Baby Moon "LuSa" – for Lupine and Sage, the two kids you know pretty well by now. At that time we transitioned to organic ingredients and the products you see here emerged.

And the rest is history.

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Now LuSa Organic employees Pete and I and three other lovely people. We're pretty small. But everything is joyfully handcrafted in our small town. That's important to me. We are still a home-based business (really!) but in two weeks we're moving into our first professional production space. I can't wait to share it with you.

Because of this blog we've sent LuSa Organics products all over the US and to Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Australia, and many more far-flung locations. I love sharing what we make with you.

I'd love you all to try LuSa! It is what allows me to come here day after day to share these words. It's our livelihood and also our passion.

From now until September 30 receive free domestic shipping on any retail order over $75 (Use coupon code "CLEANSHIP").

Or type "Clean Blog – free soap" in the comments field and we'll add a free bar of soap to any order over $35. (Our choice.)

Thanks for coming here, day after day to read my words. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sharing this space. It means so much to me.

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Want to try LuSa for free? I'm giving away a LuSa gift collection! (Your choice of A Mama is Born, Welcome Little One, Manly, or Delight gift collections.) Simply leave a comment below to enter the drawing. For additional entries, feel free to share this giveaway via email, Facebook, or twitter (make one comment per entry), or fan LuSa on Facebook, and fan Clean: the LuSa Organics Blog on Facebook.

Comments will close on Sunday. Bring all your friends!

Comments are now closed. Thanks for all the kind words, everyone!

 

The winner is Paula who said:

I would love to win!! thank you so much for the opportunity!

XO

Rachel

292 thoughts on “LuSa Organics Coupon Code and Giveaway!”

  1. Michelle says:

    Great giveaway Rachel. I just placed a big order last week so I’ll be looking for it in the mail! I LOVE your products. Best natural products I have ever tried and I have tried a lot of them. Congratulations on your new space too. M

  7. Jennie D says:

    I love the Martha Stewart back story. 🙂 I admit, I like her Whole Living Magazine even if it is really a mainstream magazine pretending to be all hippie-like.

  10. Cassie says:

    I love your products, and have finally officially converted my husband to your soap. He has used the same soap for as long as I have known him, but I went on a trip, and he ran out of his brand, so he was using mine. When I came home he said “you don’t need to buy anymore of my soap, I like yours more. I feel cleaner and actually like the way it smells too.” Score!! 🙂

  13. angie says:

    i love your story! my mom has made soap for years and it is all i’ve used since she started. just last year i moved far away from my hometown and access to her soap whenever i need it is a lot more limited. my last trip home i consulted with my mom on recipes and what i needed to buy. i am now outfitted to begin making my own soap but am a little nervous to actually start. 🙂 your story is inspiring, however, and perhaps this weekend is the time! thanks for the giveaway!

  29. Heidi-Paul Krueger-Cummings says:

    Thank you so very much for sharing your wonderful story! I have been wondering how it all began! Since that day we stumbled across your beautifully packaged products at the willy st coop it has been an adventure! You really are so very inspiring not only with the Lusa products but who you are and all that you do! We are kindred spirits in a sea of strangers!many blessings!

  32. Cassandra says:

    That magazine was in that room for a reason…I truly believe that. We have to watch for signs in our lives! Awesome story…awesome company. (she types this with hands covered in lavender lotion bar)

  36. Julie Werner says:

    I love your “Martha” story! So inspiring! Congratulations on all your successes!! I have only tried the booty balm, on some little ones I was watching (they had it in their diaper bag!), but look forward to trying some others for myself and my family. 🙂

  38. nannergirl says:

    I love Lusa! That’s how I found your blog. I use your booty balm on youngest and not only does it smell great but it works with my cloth diapers. I’m not gonna lie – I use a bit of it on my wrists…it smells so nice! Thanks for sharing your story Rachel!

  39. Nicole says:

    I love LuSa products and your blog – it’s my daily cup of tea each morning. I’m expecting my first and using Belly Balm daily, and loving it!

  41. Stephanie says:

    I have been using the Lavender Goat’s Milk soap and it is wonderful. I always feel so fresh and clean afterwards. My partner loves my soap (but would prefer something a bit more manly) and I would love to find a scent he would enjoy.

  48. fuscogirl@hotmail.com says:

    Thank you for sharing your passion!! I love your products and will be ordering again very soon!!

  49. Gretchen says:

    Yay for such a wonderful story and a great family, to boot! Our little Lulu LOVES her Booty Balm (well, at least her booty does) and we are so happy to support a family business. Congratulations on the new space!

  50. marni says:

    I really enjoyed reading about your journey. It brought tears to my eyes! I’d love to try LuSa, if I don’t win I’ll have to order soon.
    Wolf Ridge sounds awesome. I went to a wilderness camp as a girl (and was a counselor as a very young adult). One of the trips I did was 2 weeks on Isle Royale, it was awesome. I LOVE Lake Superior.

  58. Marvel LaPorte says:

    Both of my children went to Wolf Ridge as a field trip. we live in Superior so I know all about up north lol Born and raised in this area and probably will never leave. I think you are an inspiration to people with your blog Thanks for the oppertunity to win your give away. I have very sensitive facial skin and have a hard time finding products I can use so would love to try but I cant tell you how many dollars have gone down the drain so to speak because of inability to use once purchased lol. My friends love me they get all my cast offs. Evidently thier skin is not as sensitive as mine. Have a nice day dear.

  59. Stacy says:

    I have yet to try your product but see it at our local co-op all the time. I have heard lovely things about them and I really need to give them a try. Also I love your blog and that you are from WI. Also our paths may have crossed at Wolf Ridge. My second trip there with my church group was in the Fall of 1997. I fondly remember the rock climbing wall, making paper, canoeing on the lake and almost tipping because of the wind, exploring the wetlands and streams. I loved it so much I went on to get a BS in Environmental Science 🙂

  63. Robyn says:

    Such wonderful timing! i’ve been obsessed with the idea of making my own soap for months now, and two friends and i are finally getting together tomorrow to make our first batches of soap for Christmas presents!i forwarded today’s blog entry to them for inspiration. I love your products and your blog! thanks for both!

  69. Marian says:

    Maybe, maybe, just maybe I can build up the courage to try a home business too 🙂 though I’m more of a yarn person…for making things that is. For myself I love a luscious handmade soap, so thank you for the opportunity!

  81. Ariadne says:

    Having just tried your body oils for the first time this summer, I’m totally hooked and love smelling the patchouli-inspired mix this time of year! Thanks for taking the deep-dive, sharing your stories, and being an inspiration.

  82. Melanie says:

    Oh Rachel. Our family has been enjoying your blog for a long time! And your body care for even longer. Thank you for the blessings you bring to this world! CONGRATULATIONS on your new space!!!

  83. Nika says:

    Hi Rachel,
    I have been reading your blog for some time. You are a true inspiration to me. I would rather talk to people on the phone than write a letter. I am saving all your recipes in a separate document in hopes to try to make some of the foods myself. I love eating healthy and make my own food. I have been using LuSa Organics products for about 1 year and I love it.
    Congratulations on your business!!! Keep on rocking!!!

  85. Amy says:

    Our mutual friend Abby Moore shared this link on Facebook – you have beautiful products! I am now a fan on Facebook 🙂

  88. Stefanie says:

    I love LuSa products so much, I am so happy a co-worker and friend turned me on to them!! I am always telling others how wonderful your products are. Your story is so fascinating! And truly makes me think about how small this world is. Good for you for following your heart’s desires!

  102. Stacy Levenhagen says:

    Thanks for sharing your inspiring back story. It is amazing how one article from Martha Stewart could transform so much- and help so many people find truly organic and cruelty free products. Keep up the good work! Good luck on your big move:)

  104. Mariah says:

    I’m also a fan of LuSa on facebook!! I’ve been trying to spread the word, especially to a couple of friends who have a lot of chemical sensitivites~ Thank you for the opportunity to win!

  108. susan says:

    I must (yet again) tell you how much I love your products. After my hands turned into a crazy hyper-sensative mess 2 years ago, I had to question everything that touched my skin. Although my hands have healed from the initial severe reaction, I still have to be very careful about what I touch. I’ve used your lotion bars for over a year with great success. And I just got my first order of soap earlier this week. I’ve tried LOTS of different soaps, and up until now I’d only found ONE that I could use – a goat’s milk soap sold at my local farmer’s market… but then I moved and couldn’t find anything comparable in my new town. I was down to my last quarter-sized piece of it when I received my LuSa soaps, and I am so happy to say that the oatmeal honey goat’s milk soap works beautifully without any adverse reactions. That’s a HUGE deal. So long story short… THANK YOU!

  111. Karlamcurry.wordpress.com says:

    I’ve always dreamed of something like this happening to me. I love crafting, pour over books and magazines, have dabbled in all sorts of mediums – but nothing ever takes off. Guess I’ll have to be content with it as a hobby. 🙂

    I’ve been dying to try some of your stuff – thanks for the opportunity and for sharing the story with us.

  114. Lynne says:

    I would love love love to try your products! Your blog has been an inspiration for me in so many ways, and has helped me to feel good about choices I had already made. Sometimes it’s good to know you aren’t the only one making unique decisions about your child’s life. We would love to sample your goodies!

  115. meg says:

    Loving your blog, Rachel. I’ve learned a lot from you already. Thanks for inspiring me daily and I’d love to try your yummy products. Thank you for this chance! And congrats on the new space!

  120. karen says:

    have been using booty balm and baby wipe juice since my firstborn joined the family in february. love them both and have gifted your baby gift box to other new moms – a cascade of new devotees! thank you for making such a wonderful product and congrats on your growth. please enter me in your giveaway!

  121. Mikaela says:

    Hooray! Free, beautiful bodycare products! Your blog means so much to me. Thanks for sharing such heartfelt and thoughtful posts that never fail to focus and pick-up my day!

  123. Amanda says:

    I would love to give your products a try! I am so inspired by you every day, thank you for all that you share here!

  128. Leah says:

    I shared the link for the coupon code and giveaway on facebook- I’m happy to spread the word about your products!!!

  129. Leah says:

    I would love to try any one of the gift packs you are offering- even “manly” for my husband!
    LuSa Lavender and Lemongrass Balms made it possible for me to work in the Kindergarten kitchen, washing my hands very frequently through the winter without cracked, dry hands. I can’t say enough how much I appreciate that.

  130. Sarah says:

    I love hearing stories like this one about finding your true passion, and also that you guys are a small business using natural ingredients and doing great things. Thanks for sharing this story!

    sarahepardee(at)gmail(dot)com

  135. Dyke says:

    I love to visit your blog. Your words is so honest and true. The message about your boy when he is a baby, it is like reading exactly what in my mind. I have the exact same experience. I admire that your family can spend time together so much (without TV, movies, DVDs…)I am a small jewelry business owner and I found that I am not able to spend as much time with my kids as I want too. I always go to your blog to get some good ideas about what to do with my kids. Thank you so much for your time.

    I made a batch of soap last month, it turns out pretty good. But I am not sure if the oil that I use is not all top grade, the soap seems ok, but not anything that I will say WOW. I would love to try yours. Cross my finger.

  145. Carole says:

    Such an inspiring story…I bought ingredients to make soap almost 6 months ago and I still haven’t had the guts to do it !! I would love to try your products.

  146. jenn says:

    Lovely story!! I have been wanting so badly to try my hand at soap making but have yet to do it. Your story is inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story, your home, your beautiful family, and your dreams of making soap… o and your soap =)

  148. bridget says:

    I would love to try your products! I have enjoyed your blog so much and just made my own butter following your instructions! It was so easy! Thanks for inspiring 🙂

  151. J. Asher says:

    I stumbled across your blog just now by way of researching homemade yogurt and I have been immersed in it for the last hour. I think I absolutely fell in love when I read that you actually let your kids help you with hot applesauce; what a refreshing change from the norm! I have never tried your products (I am unfortunately unemployed and very broke right now) but love how you got started! Maybe one day. Anyway, I have a kitty desperate to get back on the keyboard, so I’ll wrap this up with a quick thanks for a lovely hour! 🙂

  157. Ashley Daoust says:

    This is crazy but I’ve been a blog reader without realizing there was a product line! I’m so happy to have found that out, though! Just in time for my first little one to arrive, too. Thanks for the giveaway, hah!

  159. Mama Jen says:

    My house still smells lovely from a recent order…love that you don’t even have to open the box to smell the goodness. I’d love to win a giveaway:)

  160. jennifer graf says:

    I love your products! I have been a huge fan of your soap since the Queen Bee years (I’m lucky to live in Madison & able to get your products at the farmers market). I’m currently 9+ monthes pregnant & have been faithfully been using my belly balm & am happy to report that I don’t have a single stretch mark. Another great product! I may break out the labor massage oil tonight to see if can work some magic :).

  161. Ronna says:

    The “Welcome Little One” gift set is my favorite baby shower gift! I’ve given away more than 10 of them, and each one has been a hit with the new parents. It’s my little way of sharing some Wisconsin homemade love and helping spread the word about the awesomeness of LuSa!

  165. Anne says:

    What a lovely story! I made soap a couple of times several years ago. It might be time to experiment again–I’m sure my kids would love it. I’ll have to check out your offerings.

  178. Margaret says:

    I am a fan of your blog too. I enjoy your stories and photos and recipes. and I am sure I would lover your soaps too!

  182. Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard says:

    Left a comment on your fb page but I guess we were to leave them here – thanks for the giveaway 😉
    brendawitherspoon at hotmail dot com

  183. mayme says:

    What a cool story! I love that it started with Martha Stewart, that is too funny. Good job on a such a successful business!

  194. JC says:

    You worked @ Wolfridge?!?! I LOVE that place! I took my 5th graders (North Mpls kiddos who had (mostly) never experienced the “great outdoors”) there when I taught in Mpls (04-07). BEST ELC EVER! 🙂 Great story! Excited for your new location!

  201. anna says:

    Love love Lusa! And I love to give away lusa delicious products, the mama to be would be perfect for a dear friend 🙂

  203. Sheryl says:

    My 9 YO loves the booty balm for her bug bites and dry skin…Looking forward to seeing your new digs the next time I pick up an order…congratulations!!

  205. Lori says:

    So proud, so glad, so grateful, so lucky to be one of those five, stiring…stirring….stirring in the north woods of Minnesota. I gave one my Christmas honey oatmeal bars to my then-boyfriend’s mother. I’m confident that’s why she’s now my mother-in-law. So happy for you and Pete, Rachel! Lori

  207. paganmama says:

    I’ve tried only the bug spray and the cranky pants EO blend, and both work like a charm. I look forward to trying more and love hearing your story.

  213. Leah B says:

    I have been enjoying your thoughts, recipes, joys, dreams and life for many months now, and I would love to enjoy your soap!

  215. Josie Marsh says:

    Hi Rachel- I was just ordering some soap and we’re expecting a new addition to our family so I’d love to be entered in the giveaway. I’m a fan of Clean on FB, too. Thank you!

  226. Laura says:

    I have been following your blog for a long time and am so inspired by the beauty you create. I would love to try your LuSa products! Thank you.

  228. Anna says:

    Just discovered your blog and products this week. You are in my bookmarks and I can’t wait to read more. We are living the dream in northeast WI. 3 goats, chickens and a garden bigger than the city block we used to live on.

  239. Charmaine says:

    Hooray for the success of LuSa. It’s the ONLY soap I’m using now and well, I usually end up giving a bar of your soap to birthday friends, mama-friendly goodies to new mamas and of course, Booty Balm to all the new babes in our life. Keep up the great work and I look forward to when I can carry your products in my yoga studio. For one thing, the space will smell SO GOOD. 🙂

  259. laura says:

    i love, love lusa products…would love to share them!!! especially with my sister in law who is pregnant with her first sweet babe!

  261. Angie says:

    I’ve sort of heard that story over the years but thanks for sharing in full – fun and inspiring and makes me think about things that have been twirling in my brain for years that I just haven’t taken the plunge on.

  262. Cara says:

    What a lovely giveaway! I discovered LuSa thanks to my cloth diapering addiction, which led me to the Booty Balm and Baby Wipe Juice 🙂

  266. Kristin says:

    Yay Lusa! My hubby found your delicious soaps at the Midwest Renewable Energy Fair back in your Queen Bee days. I absolutely adore all the goat milk soaps – they are the only things that help with my dry skin in the winter. My husband and I also love your “naughty soap” – hehe. And we just found out we’re expecting! (not sure if those two are related…) I can’t wait to try out all of your mama goodies. Belly balm, here I come!!! Thanks for being here!!

  267. Courtney M says:

    Congrats on your budding business! I loved reading your back story of how your business came to be. It’s a nice personal touch to a great company! I look forward to trying your products!

  273. Nava says:

    I’m new here and loved learning about how LüSa came to be! Seeing the faces and inspiration behind companies is what makes the connection so much stronger than just buying faceless items off a supermarket shelf.

  282. Melinda says:

    I love your stuff & I can’t wait to read that Marta article. I so badly want to try making my own soap but am so scared. You are inspiring. 🙂

Comments are closed.