The Heart of Island Thyme: A Story of Sanctuary

For nearly 20 years, Island Thyme Soap Company has been a place of scent and serenity. But if you’ve been following my journey lately, you know that the last few years have tested every fiber of my being—and in the process, redefined what "comfort" truly means.

From Corporate to Coconut Milk

My journey began in 2006. After a life-changing diagnosis of MS, I left the high-pressure corporate world to find healing in the therapeutic rhythm of soapmaking. Inspired by a trip to the South Pacific and the "Old Florida" charm of Indian Rocks Beach, I dedicated myself to creating luxurious, natural coconut milk soaps and clean-burning candles that serve as a sanctuary for the skin and soul.

The Season of Caring

In 2020, life called me to a different kind of service. I became the sole caregiver for a dear friend diagnosed with Alzheimer’s at just 58 years old. For more than five years, my kitchen island—once a place of production—became a place of vigilance and profound vulnerability.

I learned that dementia caregiving is a 24/7 journey through fear, repetition, and eventually, a sacred kind of love. It stripped away the non-essential and taught me that patience is a muscle that strengthens only when you think you’ve reached your absolute limit.

Finding Strength in the Flood

In the midst of caregiving, 2023 brought another trial: a midnight flood. A pipe burst under our home in Indian Rocks Beach, forcing us to leave our little slice of paradise and move five miles inland. It was a literal and figurative washing away of the familiar.

Two months ago, my friend finally found peace. While his passing was heartbreaking, I felt a quiet relief that he was no longer tortured by the demons in his mind. He was a gentle, kind man who faced a cruel disease with a grace that I will never forget.

Why This Matters for You

This season of caregiving and loss has changed my hands and my heart. You can read more about the journey in the blog posts "When Life Calls: A Season of Caring" and Coming Home"  and "Hygge in the Hardest Moments."

I no longer just make "products"—I craft tools for survival. * I understand what it’s like to need a moment of peace when your world is in chaos.

• I know the power of a familiar scent to calm an agitated mind.

• I’ve discovered a strength I never knew I possessed, and I want to share that resilience with you.

Melt into the Moment. Recharge. Stay Fierce.

Today, Island Thyme is more than an apothecary. It is a community for the "movers of mountains"—the women who are fighting for their families, their health, and their communities. Whether it’s through our Gourmand Collection that brings warmth to a cold winter night or a Gratitude Journal that anchors you in the storm, we are here to help you protect your spark.

"Patience is a muscle that strengthens only when you think you’ve reached your absolute limit."

Thank you for being part of this journey. Thank you for your patience while I tended to what mattered most.

Welcome home to the new Island Thyme Soap Co.

Beryl Anne Coder