Plum Island Soap Company turns 20 - The Daily News of Newburyport

NEWBURYPORT — The first thing people notice after walking into Plum Island Soap Company is the aromatic scent of bar soaps, oils and other products. 

But after 20 years of operating, shipping and making her products at the Northern Boulevard shop, owner Michele Diodati said she doesn’t even notice the fragrances anymore. 

On Saturday, the shop will open its doors to the public for its annual open house. In addition to raffles, bites to eat and spirits, the open house will give visitors a chance to make their own body scrubs or salt products. 

“This is really a thank-you to the community,” Diodati said. 

What started out as a hobby for Diodati 20 years ago has turned into a nationally known business whose signature product, The Man Can, can be found in boutiques across the country.

Diodati said her business can trace its roots to an Amesbury farmers market and one person, Beecher Grogan, who took a chance and began selling Plum Island Soap Company products at the market.

“That was amazing,” Diodati said.

Soon after, another farmers market, this one in Boston, picked up her products and eventually she was receiving cash every week for several months of the year. When she and her husband, William, moved to the area, they settled on Plum Island and her soap company had its first home. 

Once situated on the island, Diodati began pitching her soap to local businesses, including the former P.J.’s Diner, the former Mr. Moe’s package store and Tendercrop Farms. 

“I was just hitting these different places,” Diodati said. 

It took time but her business began building momentum and then came mail orders and the internet. As the wheels began turning, so did sales.

Today, the most popular item she sells is The Man Can, which features soap, shaving gel, bay rum oil, hand butter and a body mitt — all in a gallon-sized paint can. 

“Every time I check email, I go, ‘Thank God for The Man Can, thank God for The Man Can.’ It carries us (through the winter),” Diodati said. 

The Man Can is available online at Amazon, Gift Tree and other virtual shopping sites. Locally, it is available at the shop for $50 and at Soak on State Street.  

“We sell a lot of all their stuff, including The Man Can,” Soak owner Dianne Sirard said. 

Since opening her doors on State Street in 2003, Sirard has been in constant contact with Diodati, mostly to make sure Plum Island Soap Company products are always available at her store. 

“It’s one of our best sellers of the store,” Sirard said of the brand. 

Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Chris Johnson called the 20-year milestone a great achievement. 

“Twenty years is a testament to the great products Plum Island Soap Company produces. They are known across the country and we are proud to say they are in our own backyard,” Johnson said. 

Despite the fact that she has 20 years under her belt and her son, William, has graduated from school, Diodati said she has no intention of slowing down.

“I’m not anywhere near ready to do that,” Diodati said. 

The Plum Island Soap Company’s open house is Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 205 Northern Blvd. The company can be reached at 978-465-0238 or by email at info@plumislandsoap.com. Visit online at plumislandsoap.com.

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