Monday Maker Series: Meet pennyB’s Natural Skincare of Columbia, CA
Maker Introduction
Welcome to the first installment of The Motherlode Co’s Monday Maker Series! Each week, we shine a spotlight on a local artisan making a difference in our community. To kick things off, we’re thrilled to introduce pennyB’s, a family-owned natural skincare company nestled in the historic town of Columbia, California. Run by husband-and-wife team Blake and Jessica Thompson, with their daughter Penny as the namesake and inspiration, pennyB’s is best known for its honey-based soaps and heartfelt, community-centered approach.
The Story Behind the Craft
Every maker has a story, and pennyB’s is one that began with a humble goal: to create a gentle soap for their newborn daughter’s sensitive skin. Working from their kitchen in Columbia, Blake and Jessica blended oils, herbs, and raw local honey, discovering a formula that left skin soft, nourished, and loved. That same formula evolved into the foundation of pennyB’s — named after their daughter Penny Blake.
Their goal was more than clean skin — it was about building a future. Every bar sold contributes to Penny’s journey, and the business reflects the Thompsons’ deeper values of sustainability, creativity, and meaningful family work.
The Thompson family behind pennyB’s — Blake, Jessica, baby Penny, and their very good dog.
Signature Products
At the heart of pennyB’s are their handcrafted, honey-infused soaps, made in small batches with natural ingredients you can pronounce and trust. Each bar begins with a rich blend of olive oil, shea butter, and raw wildflower honey — known for its humectant properties that draw moisture into the skin.
Some community favorites include:
- Mahogany Nights – A warm, cozy blend of mahogany and vanilla that feels like a fireside hug.
- Beach Bee – A breezy, coastal scent kissed with coconut and sweet honey.
- Lavender & Honey – A timeless favorite for winding down the day with calm, floral notes.
- Golden Zest – Bright citrus with a zing of sunshine in every wash.
They also offer a Bare Essentials line — minimalist soaps made with the most sensitive skin in mind — and seasonal limited editions that celebrate the beauty of the Sierra foothills.
Beyond bars, you’ll find shampoo bars, honey sugar scrubs, mineral “sun shield” lotions, and soothing bath salt soaks. Each one is designed to nourish with intention and simplicity.
Crafting with Care
pennyB’s soaps are made using the traditional cold-process method, which allows the ingredients to retain their natural benefits and results in a bar that’s long-lasting, creamy, and gentle.
From their in-home soap studio, Blake and Jessica carefully mix plant-based oils with a lye solution and their signature raw honey. Scents are crafted using essential oils, and natural clays are used for coloring — never synthetic dyes or artificial fragrances. The soap is poured into molds and left to cure for six weeks, a slow and deliberate process that ensures quality.
Each batch is hand-poured, hand-cut, and hand-wrapped in eco-friendly packaging. Sometimes you’ll even spot little Penny “helping” — suggesting scent names or pressing a label just right.
Their motto? “From our hive to your home.”
Community Connection
Based in Columbia, pennyB’s is a true community-rooted business. They’re a staple at local markets and festivals — from Big Hat Days and Clovis Fest to the Sonora Farmers Market and beyond. Their booth, always warm and welcoming, is often filled with the scent of fresh-cut soap and stories shared between neighbors.
You’ll find their products at places like Columbia Mercantile 1855, Wildwood Collective, and right here at The Motherlode Co.
They’re proud to participate in collaborations like the Sierra Sourced Project and special releases with Visit Tuolumne County — blending local culture and creativity into every bar.
Follow them at @thepennyBs for behind-the-scenes moments, market updates, and a peek into life in their home studio.
Challenges & Growth
Like many small makers, Blake and Jessica have faced their share of hurdles — from ingredient shortages to managing increasing demand.
They’ve learned to adapt: building supplier relationships, organizing their production schedule, and creating better systems while staying true to their small-batch roots.
Launching the pennyB’s Soap Club — a monthly subscription box with exclusive bars and thoughtful surprises — was a major turning point. It became a way to deepen their relationship with customers while adding sustainability to their workflow.
In 2024, they were honored as Tuolumne County’s Entrepreneur of the Year — a deeply meaningful recognition of their growth and mission.
Looking Ahead
In the coming year, pennyB’s plans to expand their product line with lip balms, lotion bars, and even beeswax candles. They also dream of opening a small storefront where they can host soap-cutting demos, teach kids about botanicals, and build stronger connections with their community.
Jessica, a former educator, also hopes to develop workshops for schools and groups focused on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and the science of soap-making.
And of course, their daughter Penny is growing up fast — and ready to take on more creative input in the business that bears her name.
A Heartfelt Moment
During a fall market, a woman named Carol approached their booth. She was undergoing cancer treatment and said her skin had become sensitive to everything — except pennyB’s Calendula & Honey soap.
“It might sound silly,” she said, “but this soap brought me comfort on a really hard day.”
That moment reminded them why they started pennyB’s: to make something simple, beautiful, and deeply human.
pennyB’s is everything we love about small makers — rooted in purpose, full of creativity, and built on love. From Columbia to kitchens across the state, their soaps carry a little sweetness and a lot of heart.
🧼 Learn more about pennyB's at pennybs.com
📷 Follow their journey on Instagram at @thepennyBs
Stay tuned for next Monday’s feature as we continue to celebrate the makers that make our community shine.