Boston - September 30, 2008

Soap Opera

Stella Marie Soap Company

In order to best channel creative energy, some paint nudes, while others compose a ditty.

In a dirty world, Kim Gonzaga makes soap.

The Massachusetts-bred founder of Stella Marie Soap Company, “a twisted little soap store,” just moved from Somerville to a larger space in Providence to better construct sudsy paeans to her idols.

Gonzaga mixes olive and coconut oils into her 100 percent vegan, 98 percent natural products (the baby soap is fragrance and dye free) to create bars like Crimson and Clover, a black heart-studded tribute to punk pioneer Joan Jett, and the scrumptious banana-choc Beastie Bar, an ode to the Beastie Boys.

The company itself is a poetic nod to her two grandmothers, with the wisteria-scented Lalka and lavender Pauline soaps inspired by each.

That oughta be enough for a clean sweep.

Available at Blue Cloud Gallery, 713 Broadway, Ball Square, Somerville (617-776-2700 or bluecloudgallery.com); online at stellamariesoap.com.