Prana Pingala founders Marcus and Jeff embarked on this journey when Marcus got the idea that he wanted to start distilling herbs to try and make essential oils. Marcus has an extensive background in scientific lab settings, and the interest was sparked after dealing with several health issues and being on disability with uncertainty of ever being able to work again. He needed something to break the monotony of chasing his health issues day in and day out. This was going to be the perfect outlet, even if only as a hobby.

It all started with a small glass distillation apparatus, and some herbs that they had picked from their garden. It became clear after a few runs with the glass setup that they would need something larger, and more material, to really see what they could yield. The first addition was an electric still, and the purchase of some lavender flowers, eucalyptus, and mint leaves. The break through was when they distilled the lavender and the first bit of essential oils dripped off the condenser and into the separator. This was when they knew they were onto something, but there was only a small amount of essential oil and an abundance of hydrosol. This got them thinking about what all this hydrosol could be used for. Soap was the first thing that came to mind for Marcus and he purchased a melt and pour soap kit.

As Marcus was experimenting with melt and pour soaps, Jeff was doing further research on copper still’s and cold process soap making. Their next jump was purchasing a copper still. Once the still arrived they quickly distilled a pound of lavender flowers, and yielded about 5ml of essential oils. They were both jumping for joy and trying to figure out what would be next to get distilled. They compiled a list of herbs, purchased several books on distillation and soap making, and started putting together ideas of oil and butter mixtures to take the soap making to the next level.

After several hours of distillation, a collection of hydrosol from those distillations, (unfortunately no essential oils) and a bulk order of oils and butters, they were ready to start testing these theories. Marcus and Jeff got right to it, making brick after brick of cold process soap, and the results were coming out wonderfully. Then the creativity started flowing and they started mixing colors and trying their hand at colorful designs. Through this process Marcus has been able to find his creative, artistic side, and has been surprising himself with the beautiful soaps that he’s been creating.

The couple is now starting to experiment with oil infusions, which will be the next test to see how infused oils and hydrosol can work together in the soap making process. The idea behind Prana Pingala is to have a natural process, and not incorporate purchased essential oils and/or synthetic scents and additives. Though their soaps, and future line of cosmetic products, may not be as pungent as others on the market, this is due to the process of distillation and infusion and instilling within the product these botanical aromas naturally.

The couple currently reside and operate in Brooklyn NY, and have a cherished puggle named Lilo. Our other puggle that recently passed last year, helped Marcus’ drive and gave inspiration to finding the company name. His name was Ping Pong. They also have a tortoise Norbert, who’s job is mostly to eat scrap vegetables when they’re cooking, and to provide comedic entertainment when he’s scurrying around with his diapers on, or giving off his little squeaks and screams when he gets excited. They enjoy gardening, tasting different cuisines, love dogs, and are both good cooks. Their favorite vacation trip has been New Zealand where they enjoyed glacier hiking, wine country tours, and just basking in the spectacular beauty. Now, they love focusing on their business distilling hydrosol, and creating products with the botanicals. All hand crafted, with comfort.