Hello, I’m Paula Mateo

I am delighted to welcome you to the home of my artisan range of natural handmade soaps, natural skin care and home fragrances. Here is my story…

My childhood was spent in my family owned vineyards, in Pamplona, at the base of the Pyrenees of Spain, and was famous for its award-winning wines. Everything we did was produced with the utmost of expertise and care, literally a labour of love, passed down the generations. So I grew up learning that “anything we produce will only be as good as the ingredients and methods we put in”. This is something that has defined my entire life and everything that I do.

When I was 28, I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. It was a very difficult time for me. After months of devastating treatment, my skin, body and mind were in need of nurturing. Amongst other things, I was extremely careful about what went in and on my body, avoiding any skincare products that included synthetic chemicals . As I recovered and survived cancer, I found the determination to do more of the things I enjoy in life, and be grateful for the second chance I was given.

This journey inspired me to make my own natural soaps and body butters. I wanted them to be a nurturing, luxurious act of self-love that we all need and should give ourselves each and every day….products that were kind and beneficial to the skin and a joy to use. I founded Old Bexley Soap & Candle Co. and started selling my products locally in 2014 and it has gone from strength to strength since.

I love sharing my passion for Soap and Candle Making in my courses. I know the joy of what making something beautiful can bring and the sense of pride it gives me and I love inspiring others to be able to do the same. I have tutored hundreds of students in both group and bespoke one-to-one courses. Many run their own soap & candle businesses and I am so proud of the successes that our alumni have gone on to accomplish. Whether you want to come along and learn just for fun or because you are serious about starting your own brand, I take you by the hand through the process.

I can’t wait to welcome you.