photos by: INGRID RUSSELL PHOTOGRAPHY
Spend just a few relaxed minutes at Magnolia Bath & Soap Co. in Denver, NC, and you’ll feel unmistakable hospitality!
“The magnolia is actually a symbol for southern hospitality, and our team strives to make everyone feel part of our Magnolia family,” shares owner, Jenny Reilly. “Our store is set up to be an experience — where all ages can come delight their senses. I love when children and adults alike come in, engage with the designs, breathe deeply, and find a favorite scent.”
This month, the popular spot will celebrate its first year as a Denver shopping destination.
“We opened in May of 2025, after my husband, Dan, and I felt led to find what would be ‘next’ in our lives,” Jenny adds. This was following a 31-plus year career in ministry, and as their third child prepared to leave for college.
“I love meeting people and connecting in a way that creates a welcoming space for them,” she shares. “When I found Magnolia I fell in love — not just with the products — but I also felt a strong connection with the Hope in Soap program. Then, there was the fabulous Makery Table — a beautiful place where products are made, but also where people can sit, watch the work, or host their own party or gathering. From the moment I saw this in action at another Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. store, I knew I wanted the same for our community.”
Almost all products are made right in the shop at the Makery Table, where only plant-based ingredients and fragrances that are phthalate-free are used. That means no toxins!
Many customers share stories of how their products have made a difference on their skin — and in their homes. Lake Norman real estate expert, Susan Dolan, offers her personal testimonial to the benefits of Magnolia’s natural products.
“With my contact dermatitis and sensitivity to detergents, I had developed a horrible rash across my chest that lasted almost a year,” Susan shares. “While I tried other ‘free and clear’ detergents, nothing healed my skin until I began using the Magnolia Soap & Bath Co. Laundry Wash. My rash is gone!”
“Our popular Laundry Wash can be scented to any of our over 60 fragrances,” Jenny explains. “We offer a variety of products including body butter, sugar scrub, facial care, hair care, cleaning solutions and soy candles — and most are immediately customizable. Special orders for one-of-a-kind soap bars and custom-scented products can also be created for businesses and special occasion events such as weddings and showers.”
For the ultimate hands-on experience, sign up for the store’s Bath Bomb, Shower Steamer, Candle Pouring or Soap Making parties! For younger children, there’s also a Paint Your Own Bath Bomb party — which can be mixed with a “design your own” milkshake or fairy dust party, using the bath bomb mixture.
“The soap pouring parties are my favorite because there’s so much creativity around the table,” shares Jenny. “You choose your own colors, scent, exfoliants and topper designs, making every soap special. Each party has its own flair because each group is so unique, and the reasons they come in are so varied. I get to be a little part of their celebration or gathering story.”
You can also book a Create Your Own Body Mist party — which gives you space to become a “mixologist” and create your own signature scent!
The Hope in Soap initiative has been a true blessing, as the store engages with a community partner each month to design a special soap celebrating the work of that organization, and donating half the sale of each bar sold.
“This shows customers how our community is making an impact, and offers a way to support these organizations while enjoying or gifting a beautiful bar of soap,” shares Jenny. “Our first Hope in Soap was Moving Mountains, a unique creation for the Denver store. As North Carolina’s first Magnolia store, we really wanted to give in a way that made a difference following Hurricane Helene. We gave 100% of the sale of this soap to recovery efforts in the Spruce Pine area. Since then we have supported the East Lincoln Fire Department with its ELF project, the regional Make-A-Wish foundation, East Lincoln High School’s Backpack program, HATS, Amber’s Army, Amy’s House, Go Jen Go, Walk Home Together, Habitat for Humanity, Hearts & Hope, and a veteran suicide awareness and prevention initiative.”
Come explore Magnolia Bath & Soap Co. at 135 Cross Center Road in Denver, NC, 980.287.5803. Follow their website at Mymagnoliasoap.com/denvernc — and on Facebook and Instagram @magnoliasoapdenvernc. Store hours are Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
