By David Sommers, DMA Board Member
Em’z Blendz Soap Co., a woman-owned business specializing in handcrafted, all-natural bath and body products, is expanding its presence in Downtown Medford with the opening of a new production and retail facility in the historic Hoover-Cooper Building, a registered landmark built in 1890.
“For us, Downtown Medford has been a great place to grow our business,” said Andy Whitlock, co-owner of Em’z Blendz. “As we looked at the next phase of expansion, staying and growing downtown was an easy choice. The support we’ve received from the Downtown Medford Association has been instrumental in making this move a reality, and we’re excited to contribute to the momentum of downtown’s revitalization.”
The decision to establish a production facility in Downtown Medford represents an investment in the city’s economic growth, demonstrating the potential for local businesses to not only thrive but also expand within the downtown community. The Hoover-Cooper Building, one of Medford’s most recognizable historic landmarks, provides the perfect setting for Em’z Blendz to merge tradition with modern craftsmanship, reinforcing its commitment to quality, sustainability, and local engagement.
Founded in 1998 by Emily Whitlock, Em’z Blendz began as a small-batch handcrafted soap company in her home kitchen. Over the years, it has grown into a thriving, woman-owned business known for its handmade, organic, and eco-friendly bath and body products. From artisan soaps to skincare and wellness essentials, Em’z Blendz has built a loyal customer base both locally and through its expansive online store. Sustainability has always been a priority, with the company using pure ingredients and environmentally conscious packaging.
“This move takes me back to my roots—back to how I started in my first shop in Ashland in 2004,” said Emily Whitlock, founder of Em’z Blendz. “Over the years, we outgrew that space and shifted production to a warehouse. While functional, it lacked the ability for customers to truly see and experience what we do. It’s important to me that people can watch the process firsthand and understand that everything we create is truly handmade.”
With the expansion, visitors to the new 232 E Main Street location will have the opportunity to see, smell, and experience the soap-making process firsthand through an open production area, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship that goes into every batch. Live demonstrations will be introduced later this spring, making Em’z Blendz not just a place to shop but a place to connect with the art of traditional soap-making.
“One of the things I’m most excited about is having everything at my fingertips,” added Emily. “No more running between my workspace and our retail space—it will all be in one place. This also opens the door for us to focus more on developing zero-waste packaging, which has been a long-time goal of mine.”
Customers can begin shopping at the new Downtown Medford location immediately, while on-site production will be phased in over the coming months. Live demonstrations and expanded product lines will roll out throughout spring 2025, ensuring a seamless transition while maintaining the company’s high standards of craftsmanship.
While the Ashland boutique will remain open, the majority of production and operations will now take place in Medford.
“This is a win for Downtown Medford,” said EJ McManus, Board President of the Downtown Medford Association (DMA). “When local businesses see their future right here—choosing to grow downtown—it’s a testament to the business environment we’re building. The DMA exists to support and advocate for businesses like Em’z Blendz, and we’re thrilled to have played a role in helping them navigate their expansion.”
“Andy and I both grew up here, and there’s an incredible sense of camaraderie among the business owners in Downtown Medford,” said Emily Whitlock. “There are several husband-and-wife teams like us, and the level of support is amazing. Downtown brings in such a diverse range of people, and we love getting to meet and connect with customers from all over.”
“This expansion isn’t just about growing our business—it’s about helping downtown Medford thrive,” added Andy Whitlock. “We want to create a space where shopping isn’t just a transaction but an experience that connects people to the craft.”
Visit Us at Our New Home
232 E Main Street, Downtown Medford
Stay Connected
Follow Em’z Blendz for behind-the-scenes updates, live demonstrations, and grand reopening details:
- Instagram: @EmzBlendz
- Facebook: @EmzBlendz
- YouTube: @EmzBlendzSoap
For more information on Em’z Blendz, visit www.emzblendz.com.