Who We Are

Hello, I’m Ellen, the founder and creator behind Fat Chap Co. I launched this venture in early 2021 with a mission to provide high-quality, nutrient-dense, and affordable handmade bath and body products. At Fat Chap Co., we focus on creating luxurious self-care items that are both accessible and effective for everyday use.

My background is diverse, with training in a wide range of trades, including drawing, painting, printmaking, metalworking, ceramics, machinery, production, manufacturing, culinary arts, and, most notably, butchery. After six years in the butchery industry, I’ve found my true passion in this field. Currently, I work as a butcher at The Meating Place in Hillsboro, Oregon, and previously, I spent three years at a hog processing plant in Carlton, Oregon, honing my skills and learning as much as I could.

I have a deep appreciation for the raw, foundational aspects of creation, and I see soapmaking as a celebration of that process. Through my work in butchery, I've witnessed firsthand the significant waste that occurs when local farmers’ perfectly raised livestock is processed. Items such as organ fat and suet—making up about 30% of the waste—often end up in rendering plants or landfills.

This realization led me to find a sustainable, resourceful way to repurpose this fat, transforming it into nourishing products for dry skin and cracked knuckles.

At Fat Chap Co., we believe in the importance of whole animal butchery, which reduces waste by ensuring that every part of the animal is utilized—from bones and organs to fat. This practice not only maximizes the value of each animal, making it more economical for both producers and consumers, but also supports sustainable meat production by minimizing environmental impact. By preserving these traditional butchery skills, we honor the craft while promoting responsible and sustainable practices that benefit both the community and the planet.