Meet Our Team

LaRee DeFreece, Founding Partner

It was LaRee’s idea to make our all natural soap. Though not involved day-to-day, she still counsels the team with legal and ethical guidance. She's married to Ken Gilberg.

Ken Gilberg, Partner

With a background in graphics and communications, Ken creates and illustrates our website and social media, helps with the shop, comes up with new product suggestions, and usually makes lunch for the crew.

Blake Larson, Partner

Blake is in charge of production and purchasing. He’s a whiz with IT and many useful programs. Married to Melissa Gibbs, they share a love of Ultimate (Frisbee). Both are champs.

Melissa Gibbs, Partner

Melissa is the Swiss Army Knife of Herbaria. She’s the interface between us and all of our customers—online, in-store and in retail. She’s our HR department. She’s our graphics designer, making labels, personalized favors, signage and more. We like to brag that Melissa was on the winning team of the World Champion Masters Beach Ultimate 2017.

Soapy, Customer Service Specialist

Soapy is a Catahoula Leopard Dog, State Dog of Louisiana. She came to our door as a puppy in 2011 and took to her job greeting customers and modeling for photos. She gets plenty of attention and love. Follow her travels on Soapy’s Guide to St. Louis or on Instagram @herbariasoap.

our 'Staff Favorites' page.