Courtesy Photo This is a photo of the demonstration lab used at Soaps and Such in Alpena used during a recent event. More events are being planned in the future.

Soaps and Such hosted a public open house on Saturday where the public was able to tour the lab where natural bath and beauty products are formulated and hand-crafted in small batches right inside the retail shop.

Kelly Bruning conducted a lotion making demonstration in which the public learned the properties of the natural ingredients and why they are important to a healthy body. “Abracadabra” was heard when the aqueous part of the formula was combined with the golden skin loving oils and shea butter making the formula turn from gold to a creamy white then stick blended into its final formulation.

Guests took home a complimentary bottle of the all natural lotion and people traveled from as far away as Northport to attend the demonstration.

The all-natural formulation is proprietary and was created by Kelly as she stated it took three trial runs to get the thick, creamy, non-greasy feel of the lotion which is the #1 seller at Soaps and Such.

Bruning said people who are interested in purchasing products from the shops should add them to a wish list and sign up for a new loyalty program, as well as participate in a drawing of five giveaways.

She said she plans to repeat the demonstrations at future events.

Bruning added that she welcomes inquiries from the community for requests of future demonstrations, speaking opportunities, and make and take events, and customized products.

Soaps and Such will celebrate its 15th anniversary of its presence in downtown Alpena in February with another open house being planned.