“Twelve years ago, when Narnia Studios sold out their first 60 piece order of our SoapRocks in one day and ordered more, I first checked to see if I had any relatives in Hendersonville, North Carolina! When the store called back again to double their order and then sold them out the next week, I had to know more.
Then I talked to Barbara Hughes, owner of Narnia Studios, and I immediately knew why! She is an inspirational dynamo!
Our soaps sell well in gift stores, but rarely have we seen the kind of overwhelming interest that Barbara is able to generate. Over the years, we’ve put a great deal of care and effort into creating SoapRocks bath soaps, which have the individual beauty that rivals precious stones. But only by word of mouth do people truly get the whole story of our SoapRocks, which came to me as an inspiration in the shower 18 years ago.
With great personal attention, Barbara helps reveal to every visitor (I do mean “every”) the magic of each artistic piece, as she leads you to the personal “treasure” that awaits you when you wash with SoapRocks. She shares the details we convey in our literature, and she speaks from personal experience: “Made from a vegetable glycerin base each SoapRock variety has its own unique scent, beautiful naturalistic color, and all are especially long-lasting and gentle to use. They wake you up with wonder. They are art that touches you intimately. It is nature that cleanses you, body and soul. Some say they are too beautiful to use, but I WON”T LET YOU BUY ONE UNLESS YOU USE IT!”
Now, in 12 years, she has already sold more than 55,000 SoapRocks! She continues to astound us by connecting with each person that buys our SoapRocks and giving them the whole story. Narnia Studios is the number 1 independent retailer in the world for SoapRocks.
An amazing world of delights awaits anyone who enters and explores Narnia Studios. When you visit, you’ll get a personal guided tour through the land of discovery at the root of artistic inspiration. It seems Barbara’s mission is to help local residents and visitors alike keep in touch with the rest of our country’s craftspeople. When she travels throughout the country to find rare and interesting products, she returns to offer them to Hendersonville with the complete story of their creation. That’s the kind of communication getting lost in big box stores, where products seem to materialize from some foreign shore, without any history.
When you talk to Barbara, you’ll rediscover the time-honored relationship of trust, between store owner and customer, which once made small businesses the backbone of every town. That’s an essential communication that makes Narnia Studios a local treasure. it’s the kind of connection that builds community!
Thank you, Barbara! Thank you, Narnia Studios! “
All Best Wishes,
TS Pink
Creator of SoapRocks
Barbara created a beautiful casket arrangement for my dad. It was full and lush and exactly what I had in mind. Barbara is a very kind, compassionate person and has a shop full of beautiful things. If I need flower arrangements in the future I will call Barbara at Narnia Studios.
~ Heather B.
Barbara is the best! Excellent customer service and real kindness! She cares about her customers and her community.
~Tracie W.
Love the hand carved soaps that look like large gems.
~Cheryl K.
“I love the box Mike got me! He always gets great gifts from your store.”
~Bethel D.
“One of my favorite places in Hendersonville for many years — I highly recommend you stop in. Personally, I love the stained glass lamps but there's so much more! Home decor, jewelry, garden, bath & body — so many fun treasures to discover. If you've never heard of Soap Rocks, you don't know what you’re missing! … Go to Narnia Studios and Barbara will tell you all about them! Oh, and I always get my fresh cut flowers from Narnia. So many reasons to go to Narnia!”
~Nicolai R.
Barbara did a beautiful floral arrangement for my friend and tennis lover, who recently passed away. It was gorgeous! Thank you Barbara - Narnia Studios.
~Stephanie D.
“Based upon my personal experience, Narnia Studios is the only florist to choose if you want to feel confident that your floral gift will be delivered safely, correctly, and beautifully. Living hundreds of miles from loved ones, it can be challenging to find a florist who puts that personal touch into online orders and one that responds promptly to questions and special requests. The just-because bouquet that we recently ordered was delivered contact-free, placed at the location we requested, and arrived fresh, colorful and fragrant. The recipients were delighted and we gift-givers were relieved that the entire process was so positive. We will definitely be repeat customers based upon this 5+ star experience.”
~ Local Guide, Discovering Home
“I live in Wisconsin & have used Narnia Studios for a couple years now for a family member that we have in Hendersonville. She always raves about her arrangements. They deliver in a timely manner & are always friendly to deal with. I’ve ordered online & through phone calls & have had great service every time. It’s nice knowing that I have a reliable place any time I want to send beautiful bouquets.”
~ Laurie J-R.
Thank you, Barbara, at Narnia Studios for making this gorgeous bouquet from my Valentine this year!
~Carolyn R.
Soooo happy to receive these beautiful lavender roses from Narnia Studios for Valentine’s Day!
~Ellen T.
“If you are looking for amazing unique gifts or flowers Narnia Studios is the place to go in Hendersonville! The owner Barbara is also the founder of a wonderful annual event called "Chalk It Up" where thousands of people come together and watch chalk art created on Main Street. Come down to see all of the amazing works of art!”
~ Michael S.
“From my first visit to Narnia, Barbara made me feel more like a friend than a customer. She has a unique assortment of Made in America goodies. Her handmade "Treasure Boxes" are one of my favorites. We bought several as bridesmaids' gifts for my daughter's wedding. She personalized each one with their name and the date. The girls were blown away with these one-of-a-kind keepsakes. I'm also very taken with her Soap Rocks. They last ages and smell delicious. Stop by, wander around and let Barbara help you find that special something you've been searching for!”
~ Alice S.
“II LOVE Narnia Studios! In addition to the magical wonderland of fairies, mystical, beautiful and intriguing, Barbara Hughes creates gorgeous arrangements with nature's bounty of flowers. Her talents in creating these works of love far surpass any other floral arrangements I've seen!”
~ Sara A.
“Crossing over the threshold through the door of Narnia Studios, one is entering a world of magic and enchantment. Once inside, the brightly colored walls hold hidden treasures of local art, collectibles, and even lovely soaps fashioned to look as gemstones. There is something for every room in the house. Even a beautiful hand-blown hummingbird feeder for the master gardener.
Owner, Barbara Hughes, also combines her eclectic style in floral design. Her fusion of vintage and progressive arrangements has no rival in traditional florists.
Take a moment and go to Narnia. There will be something special waiting just for you!”
~Mary Jean R.
