New owners expand a handcrafted legacy with fresh energy and Alaska SBDC support
Nestled near the top of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, Alaskan Mist Soaps, LLC is entering an exciting new era. The new owners, driven by a passion for handcrafted goods, the unique beauty of off-grid living, and a strong sense of purpose, have taken the reins of this well-loved brand and are already infusing it with fresh ideas and plans for growth. Their entrepreneurial journey is a powerful example of how dedication, vision, and the right guidance can lead to remarkable outcomes.
Taking over an existing business is never a small task, especially in a remote area like Southeast Alaska. From structuring a business entity and applying for new licenses to navigating legal documentation and preparing financial materials, the new owners faced a steep learning curve.
Their dream of purchasing the business depended on being fully prepared to navigate both the transition and the investment involved—challenges that required clarity, planning, and support.
Determined to move forward with the purchase, the new owners, Robin and Jim Acord, turned to the Alaska Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and began working with Rural Business Advisor Katie Nave. Katie provided critical guidance, covering everything from business licensing and EIN updates to legal structuring, industry research, and financial readiness. She introduced the clients to SBDC educational tools and resources, shared professional referrals, and offered step-by-step support through Alaska’s business systems.
In addition to one-on-one advising, Robin and Jim also took advantage of the SBDC’s broader educational offerings by attending four different business workshops, gaining valuable insight into key topics that complemented their advising sessions. This hands-on learning helped deepen their understanding of business fundamentals and added to the strong foundation they were building.
Katie also helped ensure the business had the necessary documentation in place – positioning them to successfully complete the acquisition and make early investments in the company’s growth. Her advising removed barriers, boosted confidence, and gave the owners the tools they needed to move forward strategically.
As Robin shared, “The support from our SBDC Business Advisor, Katie Nave, was crucial in successfully purchasing our business. The SBDC provided invaluable advisory services in business structuring, licensing, and business acquisition. The services were top notch—meeting and scheduling was efficient, and Katie’s knowledge in business was exceptional.”
With the acquisition complete in September 2025, the owners have hit the ground running. They continue to craft high-quality, plant-based bath and body products using the cold process method. Soaps, salves, and bath items are made from carefully sourced ingredients like olive oil, coconut oil, palm oil, shea butter, and beeswax – completely petroleum-free and environmentally friendly.
Now operating out of a growing facility, the team is preparing to move into a new 900 sq/ft production space to increase capacity and develop new product lines. The expansion will help them better serve both retail and wholesale customers, and keep pace with growing demand. In early 2025, Alaskan Mist Soaps will showcase their offerings at the Wholesale Trade Show in Anchorage, a milestone opportunity to connect with new retailers and expand brand visibility statewide.
Rooted in tradition and guided by a vision for the future, Alaskan Mist Soaps is more than a business-it’s a tribute to craftsmanship, community, and the beauty of Southeast Alaska. With the support of the Alaska SBDC and the dedication of its new owners, this beloved brand is poised for a bright and promising future. Customers, both old and new, can look forward to a continued commitment to quality, care, and a few fresh surprises along the way.
Located in Whale Pass, you can learn more about and shop Alaskan Mist Soaps at alaskanmistsoaps.com and on Facebook!
