This week, I had the opportunity to meet with Dorrie LoBue, owner of Goat Queen Gifts. As expected, the best conversations begin with a carefully crafted, blended‑to‑perfection cup of coffee, and this one was no exception. From the very start, it was clear this was a hidden‑gem story worth sharing.
Only a few sips in, it became clear that Goat Queen Gifts is far more than a shop. It’s the result of creativity, resilience, and a deep love for animals and handmade work. What began as a hobby farm has grown into a locally loved business offering goat milk soaps, lotions, memory keepsakes, crocheted animals, and thoughtfully repurposed goods, all created by hand.
Early on, my curiosity was drawn to the evolution of her business, beginning with a name that carries more meaning than it first appears. “The name Goat Queen Gifts has a story of its own,” she explained. “Years ago, while working as one of only a few women in an executive role, I was jokingly called the ‘Goat Queen.’ Over time, the name stuck, and it turned out to be surprisingly fitting. You see, in a goat herd, the queen isn’t the most aggressive; she earns her place through leadership. She leads the herd to pasture, eats first, sleeps in the most comfortable spot, and sets the rhythm for the rest to follow. That same spirit of earned leadership and quiet strength now defines my brand.”
Before soap entered the picture, goats were simply part of life on the farm. For years, Dorrie raised goats without any intention of turning their milk into products. The shift came from a desire to do something meaningful and sustainable with the farm. Soap making is a challenging process. It’s chemistry. Temperature control, precise ingredients, and the careful denaturalizing of lye, which can burn skin if mishandled. Dorrie found someone willing to teach her the traditional method. From there, the learning never stopped. Today, her soaps are cured for weeks before they’re ready, ensuring quality and longevity. Goat milk is prized for its nourishing properties, while essential oils are selected for both scent and purpose such as lavender for relaxation, citrus oils for freshness, and even specialty soaps made with jewelweed for poison ivy relief.
What sets Goat Queen Gifts apart is the range of items and the meaning behind them. Beyond soaps and lotions, the shop offers crocheted animals, handmade washcloths, loofahs, keepsake jewelry boxes crafted from farm wood, and repurposed items like wine-bottle lamps and bird feeders.
Among the most meaningful items Dorrie creates are her hand-sewn memory bears. Memory bears are thoughtfully made from a loved one’s clothing. These projects are deeply personal, often created from workwear, jackets, or cherished fabrics, and require careful attention to detail. What customers receive is more than a keepsake, it’s a tangible source of memory and comfort.
“Everything in the shop is handmade. From woodworking to sewing to crocheting, if it’s there, it was created by me or someone in my family. Repurposing is a core value, whether that means turning feed bags into useful items or transforming old jeans and coveralls into something new.
I asked Dorrie how she hopes people feel when they walk into Goat Queen Gifts for the first time, her answer was heartfelt. "It should feel natural, creative, and welcoming.” In order to create that feeling, Dorrie uses bright colors, handmade displays, and a relaxed atmosphere that invites people to slow down and explore. The feel of the shop reflects the business itself, nothing artificial or mass-produced, just thoughtful, handmade gifts.
As with any business, much of what makes Goat Queen Gifts successful happens quietly behind the scenes, where running the shop requires a constant balance of creativity and practicality. Inventory is tracked by hand, and when something runs low, whether soap, crocheted animals, or sewn items, it’s time to make more. That same level of planning also supports collaborations with local businesses, for whom Dorrie creates custom soaps and products tailored to their needs. Pricing those handmade goods is part of that same balancing act, requiring careful and honest cost consideration while still honoring the time, skill, and artistry involved. Along the way, Dorrie has learned that some ideas have a natural lifespan, and that knowing what to let go of can be just as important as knowing what to pursue.
Running Goat Queen Gifts hasn’t been without challenges. Dorrie was able to pull from her past experience in business management to help her navigate liability concerns and balance creative passion with financial realities. Each challenge reinforced the belief that it’s possible to build a life around what you love. The long-term vision isn’t about becoming bigger; it’s about becoming more community connected. For Dorrie, building a life around what she loves, and sharing it with others is what matters most.
"Supporting local artisans, organizations, and customers isn’t just part of the business model, it’s the heart of it."
Over time, Goat Queen Gifts grew into more than a creative outlet. Its influence widened through local events, craft sales, and shared creativity. 2026 marks a special milestone as Goat Queen Gifts celebrate ten years. At the heart of the celebration will be one of the shop’s most beloved traditions, the annual baby goat photo event held each spring when the ‘kids’ are just a few weeks old. For a small donation, visitors can meet the baby goats and take photos. This tradition blends fun, community, and fundraising where proceeds support local nonprofit animal organizations. In addition, this year’s celebration will also include local vendors, feature area artists, display homemade items, and more.
At its core, Goat Queen Gifts stands for creativity, resilience, and community. It’s proof that with patience, learning, and heart, what began as a simple hobby farm can grow into something meaningful for everyone who walks through the door.
Goat Queen Gifts is located at 10766 Ditney Hill Rd., Elberfeld, IN 47613. Shop in person or via Goat Queen Gifts Facebook Page
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