Homegrown business welcomes customers at holiday open houses

By Deborah Rose

A New Milford business known for its homemade soaps has found a unique way to reach – and build – relationships with its new and longtime customers during the holiday season.

Goatboy Soaps will for the 20th year open its doors to the public for a series of weekend holiday open houses beginning Friday, Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s a one-stop shop,” said Lisa Agee, who owns the business with her husband, Rick. “People stop by, have coffee and cookies, and chat.”

An assortment of Goatboy gift baskets, gift sets and molded soaps will be sold, as will a variety of goods by local artists and artisans.

In addition to Friday, open houses at the 1 Murphy's Way business will be held each Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Dec. 17. In addition, one will be held Dec. 23 at the same time.

Bob Nave, of West Haven, said he and his girlfriend, Teddy, haven’t missed an open house. 

“Teddy and I are big supporters of mom-and-pop businesses, and we try to frequent as many we can because we support the local economy, and (Goatboy) is an example of that,” Nave said.

Patrons are drawn to the open house to purchase soaps, including some of the holiday releases. Other customers come by to visit with the Agee family and see the stars of Goatboy Soaps – the goats.

The business was born of necessity in 2001 as Agee sought a way to help the couple’s son who had been born with severe allergies and could not tolerate cow’s milk or soy.

In doing research, Agee found fresh whole goat’s milk was a winner, and before she and her husband, Rick, knew it, they were owners of goats and in the soap business.

The bars, made of whole goat’s milk from the Agee’s goats, are handcrafted and come in numerous scents.

Nave emphasized how he and Teddy have enjoyed the open house tours, visits with the goats, and their conversations with the Agees.

“(The open houses) are always so nice because you’re going into a business, but you’re going into their house,” he said. “It’s a friendly environment.”

Alissa DeGregorio, a New Milford artist who is one of the participating open house vendors and a longtime customer, agreed.

It is “kind and trusting of (Rick and Lisa) to have people come into their home,” said DeGregorio related. “And It’s incredibly gracious that she includes me and other vendors.”

The graphic designer has an assortment of products for sale. Among them, greeting cards and postcards of New Milford scenes and flower paintings of birth month flowers, painted wood slice holiday ornaments of local sites, and more.

Other items to be sold include books by Bernard Henry and Michael Cefalu, catnip mice, products by Doggylicious, Wrenhouse Candles and Create A Castle, jewelry by Sharon, matted photographs by Deborah Rose, knitted goods by Andrea Dener, Gerri’s Coffee Cakes, and products by Mayapple Farm.

“You never know what you’re going to find here,” said Agee of what local goods will be sold.

The concept of a holiday open house grew from the inability for the Agees, then with young children, to be at multiple holiday fairs and festivals.

The “divide and conquer” mindset became exhausting, Agee said.

Once the couple shifted gears, the open house turned out to be “a nice gathering” and it became a “tradition” for many,” Agee said.

Over the years, a small number of local artists were invited to showcase their goods.

Agee said what she enjoys most about the open house is seeing the people and building relationships with them. 

“It’s so nice to see them,” she said.

Nave related gratitude to the Agees, who last year offered a private open house for the couple because Teddy had a serious medical illness at the time but did not want to miss the event.

“We absolutely love the product,” Nave said, adding he purchases soap for friends, family and co-workers.

[Editor’s Note: In addition to Goatboy Soaps’ open houses, numerous other holiday events are planned in the coming days. Check back here for other stories, and periodically check the town’s community calendar at www.NewMilfordNow.org/events to see what’s happening. New Milford organizations are strongly encouraged to submit their event(s) to the calendar on a regular basis for an extended reach.] 

Deborah Rose/An assortment of unscented and scented soaps - many prepackaged for the holiday season - will be featured at Goatboy Soaps' open houses.

Deborah Rose/Seasonal soaps in various shapes are popular gifts.

Deborah Rose/Art by several local artists, including Alissa DeGregorio of New Milford, whose work is shown above, is featured.

Deborah Rose/The first book by Bernard Henry and Michael Cefalu is available to purchase at the open houses.

Courtesy of Goatboy Soaps/Many customers enjoy stopping by the open houses to visit with the stars of the business - the goats.