Entrepreneur Gili Zilca has just opened a shop selling hand crafted natural soaps in Pleasantville. The store is called Luisa New York, and is located at 42 Memorial Plaza (in the building next to Starbucks).

Luisa New York is the first retail venture for Zilca, who began her business as an online shop in 2003. Since the start, and continuing through today, Zilca creates all the products, by hand, in the basement of her Briarcliff home.

A customer testimonial: “...The scent was invigorating. The lather was smooth and rich. It wasn't like anything else I had ever tried...” Nina, White Plains NY

On July 18, a Grand Opening celebration is planned. Those who stop by, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. that day, will receive a small gift and be invited to share, as Zilca says, “light refreshments and … happiness.” Luisa New York is open from noon to 6 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays (with Saturday hours still being determined).

Born and raised in Israel, with an impressive background in chemistry and chemical engineering, Gili began her journey into the world of natural skincare with a unique understanding of the chemistry behind cosmetics. Started in 2003, Luisa New York now carries a sizable line of beautiful handmade soap and skincare products.