Community Story: From a Chance Encounter to a Skincare Staple

Meet Aaliyah — 23 | Student & Bartender | Pontiac, MI

Aaliyah wasn’t planning to buy soap that day. She was just running errands when she stopped into a small, family-owned health store in Pontiac to grab some vitamins. Inside, she noticed a table set up by the entrance — covered in natural skincare products and manned by a tall guy named Jacob.

“He had this calm energy — not salesy at all. Just laid-back, but clearly passionate about what he was doing.”

Turns out, Jacob was one of the co-founders of Motor City Organics, and he was doing a community demo day.

“He asked me what I used on my skin. I told him honestly — just whatever was on sale. I’ve always had dry patches and dark spots, but nothing I tried really made a difference.”

Jacob handed her a bar of Turmeric Lemon Soap — now known as Turmeric Citrus Grove Soap.

“He gave it to me for free. Said, ‘No pressure — just try it. You deserve to feel good about what you put on your skin.’ That stuck with me.”

A week later, Aaliyah DM’d the brand on Instagram to let them know: the soap was actually working. Her skin felt smoother, her tone looked more even, and she wasn’t left with that tight, stripped feeling most drugstore soaps gave her.

“I’ve tried the trendy ones — the Squatches, the celebrity ones. They smell nice, but they’re gimmicky. This? It’s just real. It works.”

Now, she orders two bars a month and even got her aunt and roommate hooked.

“I love that it started local and I love that the ingredients don’t make me guess. You get what you pay for.”