VÉLA Elements carries forward a French apothecary tradition for modern self-care … handcrafted soaps and sensory tradition inspired by the French 500 who settled Gallipolis, Ohio in 1790. Each bar is infused with essential botanicals, local goat milk and oats. A homage to those who crossed the Atlantic seeking beauty, culture, and a new beginning.

Our signature lavender-pine blend fragrance recalls the settlers’ first steps on the riverbanks - the bright promise of bergamot and citrus, the calming grace of French lavender, the floral hush of lily of the valley, and the grounding strength of Nordic pine and spice. It’s a scent that carries both Old-World refinement and the wild freshness of the Ohio frontier.

More than a soap, each bar is an invitation… a return to stillness, presence, and the quiet luxury of caring for oneself with intention. From the moment you unwrap a bar, you are part of a story that began centuries ago…a sacred tradition carried forward in every handcrafted detail.

VÉLA (pronounced VAY-lah) takes its name from the Latin and French roots for “sail” … a nod to the voyage of the French 500 who crossed the Atlantic to settle Gallipolis. It also references the southern constellation Vela, symbolizing exploration, guidance, and destiny. Vela embodies movement toward renewal, heritage, and a sacred self-care journey in every bar handcrafted for you.