Motherhood Sparks the Launch of Hygge Suds, a Virgin Islands Skincare Brand Rooted in Comfort

What began as a mother’s quest to soothe her son’s eczema has since blossomed into a growing skincare business rooted in wellness and self-care. Iveliz Petersen shared the personal journey that led to the founding of her brand, Hygge Suds—one that started with homemade remedies and evolved into a mission to bring comfort and confidence to others.

Ms. Petersen's revealed that as she waited for her baby to hopefully grow out of his eczema, she began to try to relieve his symptoms by creating her own topical treatments.

“I took that time and I nourished him with shea butter and so forth, creating my own concoctions,” Ms. Petersen told Laura Forbes during her “Live with Laura” Women's History Month special programming on Sunday. After about a month and a half of her ministrations, the boy's skin had cleared up. “That was what pushed me into that industry,” said Ms. Petersen.

Initially, the concerned mother wasn't focused on starting a business. However, she soon began to enjoy the work that she was doing. “I liked the fact that I was making my own stuff,” Ms. Petersen admitted. Soon, she was making soaps. “It just evolved from there.” Ivy's Unique Soaps was born.

Approximately three years ago, the business underwent a major rebrand. “I went through a personal experience…that really pushed me and motivated me into helping other women in practicing self care,” Ms. Peterson said. Ivy's Unique Soaps became Hygge Suds, named after the Danish word that describes coziness, comfort and wellbeing. The brand's focus, explained Ms. Petersen, is on “comfort and creating joy within yourself and who surrounds you.”