Rebuilding Life Through Soap: The Inspiring Journey of Laura Armstrong
A Sudden Loss
In April 2023, Laura Armstrong experienced a profound loss when her partner, Christopher, passed away due to a sudden heart attack. Together for 15 years, they had a deep connection, celebrated through a Viking-style ceremony in 2014, though they had not formalized their relationship legally.
Following Christopher’s death, Armstrong found herself in a precarious situation, being left without financial security or a legal claim to the assets they had built together. The absence of a will complicated matters further, as Christopher’s family quickly asserted rights to his belongings, leaving Armstrong feeling isolated and distressed.
The Struggles of Grief
Armstrong’s grief was compounded by the legal turmoil that followed her partner’s passing. She described her experience as both emotionally and mentally draining: “It broke me, and I wasn’t allowed to grieve for my husband,” she stated. The strain of legal battles made it difficult for her to process her sadness over the loss.
Relocating to a smaller space at her daughter’s home marked a significant adjustment for Armstrong. She had to adapt with her beloved dog, Hondo, moving from a spacious home to a modest basement, yet this transition opened the door for a new beginning.
Finding a New Purpose
In her quest for solace, Armstrong took to YouTube, where she stumbled upon soap-making videos. Inspired by a tutorial discussing the benefits of homemade soap for skin issues—particularly for her granddaughter, who suffers from eczema—she decided to give it a try. Her first creation was a basic hot process soap infused with apricot essential oil.
This initial success instilled a newfound pride within Armstrong. “After handing the soap to my daughter, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride that I hadn’t experienced in so long,” she recalled.
Transforming Grief into a Business
Armstrong’s hobby quickly evolved into a flourishing venture named Pasli Pelican. She started producing various soap designs and quickly expanded her product line to include sunblock, bubble bath, sleep spray, and a children’s line known as Pelican Puffs. With her creative outlet, she estimated that she had handcrafted over 1,000 soap bars, which provided her the mental focus she desperately needed.
“Soap making gave me purpose again,” Armstrong reflected. “It allowed me to pour myself into something instead of staying stuck in grief.”
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
For the first time in years, Armstrong feels she is moving forward and healing. She advocates for the importance of preparing a will to prevent similar situations for others. Yet, through her journey, she stresses that it’s never too late to start anew. “Beware the woman in grief. She’s already lost everything once. She’s not afraid to start over,” she said.
Armstrong encourages others to pursue their passions, regardless of external opinions. “Life is far too short,” she advised. “Make a list of the things you’ve always wanted to do, and just start doing them.”
