The Gilded Olive Handmade Soap Collection

Meet the Maker: Valerie of Gilded Olive Apothecary

An appreciation of Everyday Rituals

There’s something so comforting about the small rituals we don’t really think twice about - enjoying a hot shower, lighting a candle at dusk, or simply taking a moment out of a busy day to sit in quiet. Valerie DeVito, the maker behind Gilded Olive Apothecary, has built her brand around those simple pauses, turning them into something just a little more enjoyable.

Her small-batch soaps, body care, and soy candles feel as though they belong in another time, inspired by the elegance and spirit of the 1920s - when beauty was intentional and even the simplest luxuries were meant to be savored.

4 photos of selected soap,  body butter and candle products at Gilded Olive

Shop at Gilded Olive

Where It All Began

As a young girl, Valerie was captivated by her grandmother’s collection of pretty soaps and perfumes - small treasures, carefully arranged atop an old wooden dresser. 

Years later, while working as a Licensed Massage Therapist, she noticed how common dry skin was and decided to try making her own soap. What started as a practical solution soon became something more, as friends and clients shared how much they loved using it - and how soft it left their skin.

 

Small Batches, Thoughtfully Made

Everything at Gilded Olive is crafted in small batches using carefully chosen, plant-based ingredients. From olive oil soaps and nourishing lip balms to hand-poured soy candles, each item is made with intention and care.

But beyond ingredients and process, there’s a feeling woven into every product. Each scent and design offers a quiet nod to old-world charm, blending nostalgia with high-quality, modern ingredients.

The flapper soap set - purple and green soap stacked.

The Flapper Soap Set

The Power of Scent

Choosing a favorite is no easy task, but Valerie often returns to her olive oil soap -  the product that started it all. Known for its rich, creamy lather, it leaves skin feeling clean and comfortable, never stripped or dry.

And of course, unforgettable fragrance is where the magic truly happens. A candle can instantly call up a memory or emotion, and that’s why scents like Cuppa Joe and Christmas Past hold such a special place. They’re not just popular - they feel familiar, comforting, and deeply personal to so many of us.

Glass jar candle with lid leaning against candle jar

Cuppa Joe Soy Wax Candle

Turning the Ordinary into Something Meaningful

Gilded Olive Apothecary is rooted in the pleasure of everyday moments and the small luxuries that make them memorable.

Already smitten? Valerie is offering our community a little thank-you: enjoy 15% off your order from Feb 16–21 2026 with code PAULA15 at checkout.

Shop now at Gilded Olive: 

https://www.gildedolive.com/discount/PAULA15

 

 

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