Get to know us

Kia ora, and welcome.

My name is Rika, and I came to New Zealand in 2019.

When I first arrived, I was surrounded by so much nature that the quiet felt almost unfamiliar. Coming from a busy life in Japan, suddenly having more time and space felt both refreshing and new.

While travelling as a backpacker and working on farms, I discovered how grounding it was to live close to nature. I met people from many different cultures, learned new ways of living, and slowly developed a love for creating things with my hands.

I grew up with sensitive skin, so I have always been mindful of what I use on my body. When I began using cold process soap and switched to more natural products, I noticed a big difference in how comfortable and calm my skin felt. This inspired me to learn how to make soap myself at home.

As I continued creating, I found myself thinking:

“Maybe these soaps can support someone else’s skin too.”

That thought stayed with me, and after many rounds of testing and learning, I began selling my soaps at local markets.

Living in New Zealand also introduced me to the beautiful power of local herbs and essential oils—something I had never explored deeply before. I began studying them little by little, and now I use infused oils, botanicals, and natural ingredients to bring gentle, plant-based benefits into my soaps and bath products.

I aim to use ingredients that are as natural as possible, while still keeping safety and freshness in mind. Pure oils can oxidise over time, so I make my products with a balance of natural materials and a touch of safe, supportive science, to ensure they remain gentle on the skin.Creating beautiful soaps has become one of my favourite parts of daily life.

I named my brand R gallery soap because I want each bar to feel like a small piece of art—simple, natural, gentle, and enjoyable to look at.

My hope is that my soaps bring you a small moment of calm in your day, a chance to wash away stress, reconnect with yourself, and enjoy a quiet, refreshing pause.

Thank you for being here.

Your support truly means a lot!!