MION Artisan Soap Co. to open second location

ST. CHARLES - MION Artisan Soap Co. is expanding, opening a second store on Saturday, Oct. 22, in downtown St. Charles at 78 S. 1st St.

MION first opened its doors in downtown Wheaton in February of 2020 ahead of the pandemic, providing curbside pickup and a large e-commerce platform for loyal customers to shop their various all-natural home and skin-care products.

MION began at craft shows and various farmers markets seven years ago in the Chicago area, and featured one simple item: natural bars of soap. Now, customers can purchase everything from natural bath bombs to soy wax candles with various gift and customization options offered in store and online.

Olga Nedelea, MION Artisan Soap Co.'s owner, said she is excited to expand the business to St. Charles.

"I've never been one to look toward the future or trying to guess where we might be in five years," Nedelea said. "My focus pertaining the business has always been living in the present moment and soaking in what's happening on the day-to-day and the opportunities being given."

The new St. Charles location will have the same shopping experience as the Wheaton location, including the signature testing station. The testing station is where customers have the opportunity to test soaps and scrubs ahead of purchase for a true hands-on experience.