Where it started
We are two sisters – Vicki (in Victoria) and Robyn (in Queensland) – who took the plunge to create an Australian-made, plastic soap shaker. This handy tool, also known as a soap cage or soap saver, is inspired by our mother, Melba May, who used a soap shaker throughout her married life from the 1950s onward. Remarkably, we still have her original shaker, which served as the foundation for our updated design, complete with thoughtful modern alterations.
Our mission is to help our customers make simple, meaningful changes toward sustainable living. We’re here to show you how to reduce household waste, move away from harmful chemicals, save money, and embrace household recycling. Starting small can lead to big changes, and we’re excited to be part of your journey toward a more sustainable lifestyle.
When we decided to launch our business in 2020, we were determined to manufacture our soap shakers in Australia using recyclable materials. Finding the right partner was crucial. Luckily, through Vicki’s son’s football team – the Olinda Ferny Creek Football and Netball Club – we connected with their major sponsor, Garden City Plastics. This incredible partnership helped us navigate the manufacturing process, and in February 2022, we proudly received our first delivery of Australian-made, recyclable soap shakers.
We’re proud to offer the only Australian-made soap shaker, which is recyclable through PP5.com.au. Additionally, we’re committed to supporting local businesses for our supplies, including Bendigo Woollen Mills, Pental Soaps, Australian Cello Bags, and Snap Printing.
At Soap Shakin Sisters, we’re passionate about offering practical, durable products that make it easy to reduce your plastic footprint. Our guiding principles are sustainability, community, integrity, and enjoyment.
When you purchase one of our products, you’re taking a step toward living a more sustainable life and contributing to a healthier environment. It only takes one small change to start—let us help you make that change today!
Fun & Natural
We saw a need for a versatile product like our soap shaker in the market. Perfect for handwashing dishes, doing laundry, or creating suds in the bath, it’s both practical and fun. Children especially enjoy using it to make bubbles during bathtime, turning it into an enjoyable experience.
We recommend using natural soaps such as Sunlight or Velvet, the same ones our mother Melba used. These soaps, still available today, can be easily cut to fit the shaker. With fewer chemicals compared to dishwashing liquids, they’re a healthier choice for your home. The soap shaker also ensures every bit of soap is used, eliminating waste. Whether you call it a soap shaker, soap cage, or soap saver, it’s a simple, effective solution for sustainable living.
Our Inspiration: Melba May
Eco-Friendly
We created our soap shaker to fill a gap in the market for a versatile, sustainable product that fits seamlessly into everyday life. Whether you’re handwashing dishes, tackling laundry, or making bathtime fun for kids, the soap shaker gets the job done. It’s also great for creating bubbles in the bath, turning a routine into a playful experience.
We recommend natural soaps like Sunlight or Velvet, just like our mother Melba used. These classic, chemical-free bars are still available today and can be easily cut to fit the shaker. Compared to liquid alternatives, they’re better for your home and the planet. Plus, our soap shaker ensures you use every last piece of soap—no waste, no hassle.
Whether you know it as a soap shaker, cage, or saver, this practical tool is perfect for anyone looking to reduce waste and live more sustainably.
In the Media
ABC Australia
Vicki was on the ABC’s “Australia All Over with Macca” , when we started in March 2022
Both Robyn and Vicki were in the ABC studios with Macca in late April 2023, while in Sydney, for the Australian Small Business Champions Awards. He and his staff made us feel very welcome and we enjoyed every minute. We chatted everything Soap Shakin Sisters and laughed alot.
PODCAST
Vicki and Robyn, were fortunate to be on the podcast – Turn Up Your Volume with Alison Fraser. Alison is a journalist in New Zealand and has great tips on gaining free publicity. We talked about our experiences, how we divide up our business tasks and our favourite ice cream flavours.
MAGAZINES
Soap Shakin Sisters have had their story featured in Grass Roots Magazine in their October/November 2022 edition. We are very excited to be a part, of this informative magazine. Grassroots has been going since the 70’s and it is the go to magazine for sustainable living, fruit and vegetable growing, preserving, recipes, poultry keeping and much more. Head to their website, grassrootsmagazine.com.au where you can subscribe to it. Robyn and I can’t thank Megg and Emma enough for their work on the article. It shows what like minded people can do when they work together.
RADIO EASTERN FM
Vicki was on Radio Eastern FM, with Nigel, talking about soap shakers/soap cages and her favourite sustainable tips and recycling programs, for the home, that can help you reduce your house hold waste. You can listen back to this by heading to https://player.autopod.xyz/631007 and listen from 2.20.08
