Bath & Leather Boutique Opens in Mall

Ever since Bath and Bodyworks left the St. Lawrence Centre Mall in Massena, people who really appreciate beautifully scented products such as soaps were left without a source. The Morrison-Nowak family has changed this with the opening of Bath & Leather Boutique.

Operating as a family-owned business, the Boutique offers handmade artisan soaps in fragrances that appeal to women, men, and children. Sara Morrison, our soap maker has several years of experience making these wonderful soaps with simple ingredients that are easily recognizable when you read the labels. But trust your nose, there are sample bars available for smelling of each variety.

Loren Nowak, our artisan leather smith has his workshop located right in the store. When you shop, you’ll probably see him working on the next project or custom order. He stocks over 100 types and colors of leather to meet the needs of all of his customers. Although there are many finished pieces such as belts, purses, wallets, and phone cases to choose from – leather hides and straps are available for a variety of projects ranging from ceremonial belts to moccasins to straps for headdresses. Since there are no local large tanneries for leather, Loren sources his leather from wholesalers from around the world to provide ethically obtained leathers ranging from goat, pig, and cowhide to exotics such as python, blesbuck (a South African antelope), shark, elephant, lizard and others. Each item in the store is handmade and the store supports the Morrison-Nowak family directly.

Although closed on Monday and Tuesdays, you’re still likely to find the store open during the day as Loren works on projects at his workbench. He recognizes that there are specific needs for special types of leather and products within the native community and he strives to be a good neighbor to meet the needs of Akwesasne and area. Children will love the play area that has been set up with a wooden train set, coloring books, and wooden puzzles to play with while their parents and relatives’ shop. As a leather smith, Loren accepts custom orders and does repairs to leather items that need repair or reconditioning.

Just ask, and you’ll be surprised to learn about all of the things that this full-service leather and soap shop can provide. We welcome the Bath & Leather Boutique to our community and hope you can stop in and say hello soon! Tekwanonhwaraton.