Altoona area’s Allegheny Hearth brings nature-inspired bath and body items to the Alleghenies Marketplace

Bonnie Klisiewicz Bartley is a soapsmith. “Like a blacksmith, silversmith, or coppersmith, I make soap,” she says. Her products are now available on the Alleghenies Marketplace.

I am inspired by nature: my garden, the spectrum of colors, the textures, the herbs and flowers, the trees, the fragrances – all of creation. I also draw inspiration from my customers. They are the greatest.

Bonnie lives in Altoona on five wooded acres and says she can’t imagine living anywhere else: “I was born in Altoona and have lived here my entire life. It was a wonderful place to raise my three sons, who are now adults. I plan to remain in this warm and welcoming place for the rest of my life.” Her business name, Allegheny Hearth, is inspired by what she called “the glorious Allegheny Mountains.”

Bonnie’s business started out not long after she moved into her current home in 1975 and began making pinecone wreaths from the mature pine trees that lined her yard and giving them as gifts. People began to request them year after year. The store where she worked (and still does!) allowed her to place floral arrangements and artwork for sale. Almost 50 years later, Bonnie still works at the same store where her soap cart now offers her products to customers.

“Soap making is one of my passions. I find great satisfaction in formulating products that pamper the skin and care for my customers,” Bonnie says. “Working with the many aspects of the craft, I am able to be a mad scientist as well as an artisan. I am inspired by nature: my garden, the spectrum of colors, the textures, the herbs and flowers, the trees, the fragrances – all of creation. I also draw inspiration from my customers. They are the greatest. Many of them are so kind to take the time to write me notes and emails thanking me for the results they get from using my products. They sing my praises to their friends and neighbors, which grows my business. I am grateful to them and dedicate my efforts to them.”

Bonnie describes herself as a self-taught artisan who is continually working to improve her craft. “I take advantage of every opportunity to learn all aspects of soap making. I read books, attend classes and conferences, I belong to organizations dedicated to the advancement of the craft and I converse with other soap makers to exchange ideas,” she says. “I am always mindful of the many generations of craftsmen who have passed along their skills. I strive to work for the advancement of the craft by honing my methods and techniques. I willingly mentor the next generation of artisans.”

I dance for joy when the delivery truck brings a new box filled with new delights, begging to be concocted into something unique and original that is sure to thrill my customers.

Bonnie offers demonstrations and presentations at symposiums and gatherings and participates in soap-making forums. “In all aspects of my life, I am known for my organization and attention to detail. That attribute greatly contributes to my success in my family life, career, business and volunteer work. I manage my time carefully in order to meet the demands of a busy life,” she says.

Many things about her work have changed over the years. “I purchase my supplies from many vendors, searching the markets for the finest ingredients available. The internet has been wonderful. I made my first soap in 1979. The only oils and butters were limited to what was available in local supermarkets,” she says. “Now I can revel in delights like shea, mango and cocoa butters, coconut, palm and avocado oils. Essential and fragrance oil selections are astounding. My studio shelves are filled with enticing amber bottles that I can blend to my heart’s content. Colorants safe for cosmetic use are also readily available. I dance for joy when the delivery truck brings a new box filled with new delights, begging to be concocted into something unique and original that is sure to thrill my customers.”

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