Unforgettable -Hutton Farm Soaps and More

Penny Carlton • September 2, 2025

Soapmaker with a pen - Hutton Farm Soaps and More

We occasionally encounter individuals who leave an indelible, positive mark. After my conversation with Maggie from Hutton Farm Soaps today, I found her to be an extraordinary mix of ambition, integrity, practicality, remarkable talent, humor, and sensitivity. What stands out the most is her humility, which is truly grounding.


Having grown up on a farm, she possesses a deep-rooted respect for both the land and nature. She understands the importance of nurturing one's roots while promoting growth. Maggie embodies the type of friend you'd cherish, whose morning coffee conversations could brighten any day. Every woman deserves to have a Maggie in her life.


I met with Maggie to delve into her all-natural handcrafted bar soaps, which I discovered at a local gift shop and instantly adored for their delightful scents. Through our discussion, I realized that Maggie is much more than just "the soap lady.


In 2017, Maggie and her husband made the charming town of Penn Yan, NY their home, with aspirations to establish a Bed & Breakfast. They purchased a beautifully historic Italianate-style residence on South Ave, dating back to the 1800s, and embarked on the journey of restoring its timeless elegance. In tribute to two of its previous owners, they named their B & B after the Hutton family, while the names of their guest rooms pay homage to the Bailey family. Take a moment to enjoy a virtual tour of their Finger Lakes Bed & Breakfast, discover some local history, and perhaps treat yourself to a delightful getaway!


Before departing the B & B, it’s worth noting that Maggie is also an accomplished chef and baker. I've heard that everything she produces in her kitchen is a homemade, delectable culinary experience. Many of her baking recipes come from over 90 years ago, lovingly preserved from her grandparents. She often says she bakes with memory, not just ingredients, her deep-rooted connections to her heritage a whisper in her mind, a reminder that love and perseverance are in the bloodline of her craft. Freshly made and baked with love every day, Maggie brings the rich flavors of her background right to your dining table.


For most, being a successful innkeeper and a culinary master would be quite enough. But Maggie is truly something special. One day, she announced to her husband her intention to create soap—a unique soap for their guests. Maggie expressed, “Our journey into all-natural, handcrafted bar soaps is driven by a commitment to quality and a love for sustainability, staying true to our core values. Just as we honor the land, our property, and our environment through our B & B, we took it upon ourselves to address the need for genuine, organic skincare handcrafted soaps.” What began as a thoughtful treat for their guests has evolved into Hutton Farm Soaps, now available online and in select gift shops around Keuka.


Meticulously created with natural ingredients, their soaps prioritize your skin's health while championing local businesses from which they source their materials and honoring the environment. Each soap carries its own story. Maggie often says, “I shape scent like story, and story like memory.” This is the tale that inspires her to handcraft soaps that magically transform their rich and unique fragrances into a nostalgic experience for those who purchase them. You know when you speak with her that somewhere in Maggie’s childhood she was taught to sit and listen, because some stories are told in silence, not to be heard but to be felt.


She is particularly thrilled about the new autumn scents. She shared, “The air is infused with cider, clove, toasted sugar, and something that prompts strangers to whisper, ‘I need that in my home.’ Hutton Farm Soaps is delivering the essence of the full fall ritual—each scent narrates a story. It evokes memories wrapped in warmth, resting on something shaped by hands that remember. 


Maggie is a prolific writer as she is with every endeavor she undertakes. (Honestly, this has been the most challenging story to tell because Maggie is truly remarkable and undoubtedly one of the finest writers I’ve ever encountered. I’m honestly uncertain I can tell her story as well as she would.)


This past summer, she made the decision to submit a story to Bluff and Vine, a literary magazine in Penn Yan. She reflected, “I never expected to win. I submitted because the story kept me awake at night. ‘Vined in Time’ continuously pulled at my sleeve, urging me, ‘Give it a try.’ So, I did. Quietly. On July 12th, I entered my first piece into a writers’ competition. I had no expectations; I simply wanted to pay tribute to the story that had chosen me.” A few days ago, as she opened her email inbox, she encountered the news. "We are delighted to inform you that we are accepting Vined in Time for Issue Nine." Maggie shared, “I stared at the screen. I read it again. And then I cried.”


When I sat down to talk with Maggie, I thought this would be a story about how she crafted her soap. Instead, I met a kindred spirit. Someone who respected the story of life in all things. A woman who feels the story in her soul and allows it to flow into all she creates. That is special. Even magical. After all, she writes as if she been tasked with naming the stars.


After we spoke, I sat quietly, reflecting on our conversation. I savored the warm hug of connection between two strangers. Maggie is a soapmaker with a pen—her legacy will not whisper, it will linger. She confided that she feels she was meant to be exactly where she is today. And after meeting her, I believe that too. Oh yes, Maggie, you truly are exactly where you are meant to be.



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“When gratitude turns into giving, a community shines brighter.” As I was scrolling through Facebook last night, I came across a post from Lauren McQuaid, owner of Simplicity on Main , that truly touched my heart. Her words carried such warmth, gratitude, and purpose that I felt compelled to share them — not only to help her spread the word, but to celebrate the kindness that makes our community so special. There’s a quiet kind of beauty in kindness — the kind that radiates from people who use what they have to make the world just a little bit better. Here in Penn Yan, that beauty shines brightly through Lauren McQuaid, owner of Simplicity on Main, a women’s clothing boutique that has become more than just a place to shop. It’s a space where confidence, connection, and community come together — and this season, Lauren is weaving those values into something even more meaningful. A Giving Spirit Lauren believes in gratitude in action. As she says so simply, “ When you’ve been blessed with a large platform, you need to do as much good with it as possible.” With the holidays fast approaching — a time of joy, reflection, and often, struggle — Lauren wanted to find a way to lift up those in need right here in Penn Yan. Over the next several weeks, Simplicity on Main will be collecting unexpired pantry goods for a local charity that serves families in our own community. Anyone wishing to donate can drop items off during the boutique’s regular business hours. And, as a sweet token of appreciation, the first 25 people who contribute will receive a small thank-you gift from Lauren and her team — a gesture that reflects the generosity and heart that define her shop. Style with Purpose Since opening her doors, Lauren has created more than a boutique — she’s created a gathering place. A place where women come not only to find beautiful clothes, but to feel seen, celebrated, and encouraged. Her belief that “nobody should ever go without” extends far beyond fashion; it’s woven into the very fabric of her business. Whether it’s through a smile, a compliment, or this latest community project, Lauren continues to remind us that style isn’t just about what we wear — it’s about how we show up for one another. The Heart of Penn Yan Penn Yan’s charm comes from its people — the small business owners, volunteers, and everyday neighbors who quietly make a difference. Lauren’s giving initiative is one more reason our visitors often say, “You can feel something special here.” It’s true — in our little village, kindness isn’t rare. It’s part of who we are. So as you stroll down Main Street this season, stop into Simplicity on Main. Browse the racks, say hello, and if you can, drop off a donation. Because when we come together — one can, one act of kindness, one heart at a time — we make Penn Yan shine just a little brighter. ❤️ Thank you, Lauren, for reminding us what it means to lead with grace, gratitude, and community spirit. 🛍️ Visit Simplicity on Main Let’s do what we do best, Penn Yan! ❤️ Weekly Hours: Monday: 9 AM – 3 PM Tuesday: Closed Wednesday: 9 AM – 3 PM Thursday: 9 AM – 3 PM Friday: 9 AM – 5 PM Saturday: 10 AM – 3 PM Sunday: Closed Address: 📍 1 E Main Street, Penn Yan, NY (The old bookstore on the corner of Main and Water St!) Join Lauren and Simplicity on Main on FB
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