I’m Dee Butcher, the face behind Urban Homesteader. My journey into natural soapmaking began after the Christchurch earthquakes when my husband and I rebuilt our lives and our garden from the ground up. What started as a personal pursuit for self-sufficiency soon grew into a passion I wanted to share.

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For over five years, I handcrafted soaps and sold them online, but it wasn’t long before people started asking if I taught soapmaking. That sparked a new chapter: becoming a teacher and author.

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Today, I write, teach, and craft soap with purpose—using only natural oils, botanical ingredients, and essential oils. I believe in creating with care, knowing what goes on your skin, and helping others develop beautiful, practical skills.