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Kalliste Soap Shop Sells Handmade, Vegan Products

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. – After 10 years of working as an engineer, Marie Labropoulos decided she needed a career change and started a business based on generations of family wisdom – making soap.

Labropoulos opened Kalliste Soap Shop in 2008, and after moving the store from Scarsdale to Cedar Street in Dobbs Ferry, she said she feels right at home.

“This type of store – organic and vegan – vibes better with the Rivertowns,” Labropoulos said.

Labropoulos grew up learning to make soap from her grandmother in Greece, where she lived throughout middle and high school and college. Although the ingredients and packaging are different, Labropoulos said, the technique she uses is the same one used by her grandmother.

The soaps are made through a process in which fats are turned to soap and aged for three to six weeks. And all Kalliste soaps are made in Westchester County, making them good for customers and the environment, Labropoulos said.

Most soap is made from animal fat and contains sulfates, detergents and fragrances, but Labropoulos said her soap is made from olive, coconut and rapeseed oil, ground plants, and essential oils. The store is certified cruelty-free and vegan by the animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

“Recently people have been trying more to use things that are sulfate-free, detergent-free and paraben-free, and generally being more green,” Labropoulos said.

In addition to making and selling soap, Kalliste also sells soap, body lotion and tattoo balm online and wholesale to stores throughout the United States. Although the store sells products other than soap, the main focus is on soap, and Labropoulos said she does not plan to stray from that focus.

The name “Kalliste” comes from Labropoulos’ Greek heritage. “Kalliste” means “for the most beautiful” in Greek.

Kalliste Soap Shop is open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but hours are subject to change as Labropoulos prepares for the arrival of a baby in December. Call 914-574-5467 or check out the Kalliste Soap Shop’s website, Facebook page and Twitter feed for more information.

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