Goat Milk Soap and other products made locally on Long Island, NY.
Michael Fiorentino is the co-founder of Handcrafted by Hedges and the person behind the agricultural heart of the operation. His connection to the outdoors started early, growing up with a strong appreciation for nature, animals, and how healthy ecosystems work. with a Bachelor's in Animal Science from Cobleskill and a Master’s in Agoculture & Extension Education.
That early curiosity developed into a deep understanding of animal care and sustainable practices. At Handcrafted by Hedges, the goats are very much his domain. The herd that provides the milk for many of our products is raised and cared for by Michael with patience, knowledge, and genuine dedication.
His perspective helps keep the work grounded in respect for the land, the animals, and the craft behind everything we make.
Co-Owner
Hi, I’m Collin Hedges, the founder of Handcrafted by Hedges.
I’ve always enjoyed working with my hands and creating things that feel real, useful, and thoughtfully made. Handcrafted by Hedges grew from that interest, combining small-batch craftsmanship with inspiration from agriculture and the natural world.
I grew up in 4-H, where I developed a deep appreciation for agriculture, sustainability, and the responsibility that comes with caring for land and animals. Those values still shape how I approach the work today.
Entrepreneurship also runs in the family. My grandfather often put me out by the roadside to sell the fruits and vegetables he had grown. It was an early lesson in independence and pride in what you produce.
Handcrafted by Hedges is a continuation of those roots, a place where agriculture, craftsmanship, and creativity come together through things made by hand.
Meet the Owner’s
Why Goat Milk Soap?
At Handcrafted by Hedges, our soap begins with fresh goat milk from our own herd. Goat milk has been used in skincare for centuries because it is naturally rich in nutrients that support healthy skin.
Benefits of Goat Milk Soap
• Gentle on Skin – Goat milk has a similar pH to human skin, making it less drying and more balanced than many commercial soaps.
• Naturally Moisturizing – Packed with fats and proteins that help keep skin soft and hydrated.
• Rich in Vitamins – Contains vitamins A, D, and B, which support healthy skin.
• Mild Exfoliation – Natural lactic acid helps remove dead skin cells gently.
• Great for Sensitive Skin – Many people find goat milk soap soothing for dry or sensitive skin.
Unlike many store-bought soaps that use detergents, real goat milk soap is made through traditional soapmaking methods that create a naturally nourishing bar.
Real Soap vs Melt-and-Pour Soap
Not all handmade soaps are made the same way.
Our soap is made from scratch using oils, lye, and fresh goat milk. This process is called cold process soapmaking.
Cold Process (What We Make)
• Made from raw ingredients and fresh goat milk
• Oils and milk are turned into real soap through a traditional curing process
• Naturally produces glycerin that stays in the bar for extra moisture
• Cures for 4–6 weeks before use
• Each batch is truly handcrafted
Melt-and-Pour
• A pre-made soap base is melted and reshaped
• Often used for decorative or novelty soaps
• The soap itself is already manufactured before the maker receives it
Both methods can be creative, but cold process soap allows us to control every ingredient that goes into our skin.
These are our goats!
American Dairy Goat Association registered Alpine Dairy Goats
Featuring a few of our Boer goats.
Why Soap? Why Goats?
Coming from a strong 4-H, Ag and teaching education background, You come across things that you know you feel the absolute need to share. I found soap fascinating. It’s something everyone uses and it has a large chance to get overlooked. Though it is really much more incredible. A good soap uses materials strategically. Additionally soaps can be fun! They can be bright and warm, have so many different shapes, and most importantly they can have scents or as i like to call them “flavors” from all over our world. Add in a little bit of home farm TLC and a dash of passion and you can create something people will really love. It’s so fun to cycle through new things and change it up every few weeks. A good soap can take you places. Whether it hits nostalgia or take you out of Buffalo winters to a warmer time. The animals are just a bonus.
Here at HandCrafted By Hedges we turn our hard work into everyday comforts. Founded with the goal of harnessing a passion and sharing all that makes it good with the world. Supplied by our own farmstead and animals located on Long Island. We sell handmade goods such as goat milk soap, self-care products, woodworking furniture and home goods.