By Allie Steers

Deborah Freeman, born and raised in New Milford, is the owner and artist behind O.E.P Soapery, the maker of cruelty-free vegan bath and body soap products. O.E.P, short for Orange Elephant Patch, came about when Freeman decided to use her entrepreneurial skills to create her own source of income.

Freeman’s passion for creating high quality vegan products aligns with her family and business values. She strives to create unique vegan products that are people, plant, and animal friendly with the hope that they will replace conventional products––which can be toxic to the user and environment. 

Freeman individually designs each soap using a cold process soaping technique which gives her the ability to manipulate the texture in various ways, from thick to fluid, and create the desired shapes. Soaps are handcrafted at her own dining room table where she uses organic and therapeutic ingredients such as essential oils, and then tests them on lucky family members. In her spare time, Freeman volunteers for the Women’s Club of Greater New Milford and assists at a local nursing facility.––oepsoapery.com