Meet the Founder of Musee Bath: Products Made with Heart, From the Heart of Mississippi
Based in the Magnolia State, Musee Bath is rooted in sparking joyful moments and second chances through community and high-quality, handmade bath products. Get to know its founder, Leisha Pickering! Image: Musee Bath
Leisha Pickering’s journey from Capitol Hill to a Mississippi farm sparked the creation of a unique bath and body company — Musee Bath, rooted in community and second chances. Through her passion for handmade products and empowerment of vulnerable populations, Leisha has built a business and a movement that transforms lives one bath bomb at a time. Get to know this talented FACE of the South!
Can you share a bit about your background and life before moving back to Mississippi?
I grew up in the South, in the Memphis area, but most of my adult life was in Washington, D.C., right on Capitol Hill. I was married to a U.S. Congressman, and we were raising our family just a block from the Capitol. I also worked as a pastry chef, which eventually led to event planning, because I love bringing people together and weaving all the details — food, flowers, invitations — into something beautiful.
We had a rich community there, but with five boys, the cost of living, and our families back home, Mississippi kept calling us back.
What was it like when you returned?
It was a big change — from city life to a farm in Madison County, which borders the Mississippi Delta. The contrast between abundance and need was striking. My boys loved it (hunting, fishing, being outside), but for me, it took time to find my place again.
People would stop by the farm looking for work, and I began wondering if I could create something handmade that would give someone more than just an odd job. I’ve always believed we’re meant to invest in our communities and love the people who cross our path.
How did that idea turn into Musee Bath?
Not long after, I went through a painful season. My marriage ended suddenly, and I was raising five little boys. It’s hard to feel joy in survival mode, but I wanted to create again. I remembered seeing bath bombs in a London shop years earlier and thought, “I can make those, and even better.”
Using the best ingredients, I made them oversized, hid a little “treasure” inside for a bit of whimsy, and started selling them with a couple of helpers at the farmers’ market. I wasn’t trying to start a company — just something small — but it grew.
What was the turning point from local sales to national reach?
The farmers’ market was seasonal, so I decided (probably naively) to rent a booth at the International Gift Market in Atlanta. I’d never been before, but it was enormous — three city blocks, 18 floors, thousands of vendors from all over the world. No one else was selling bath bombs, so I told our story to store owners, and they started ordering right there.
I’ll never forget one woman telling me, “You’re so passionate about these bath bombs.” I laughed and said, “I think we have a really good product, but what I’m most passionate about is the hands that made them.” The heart of anything is the motivation behind it. For us, it’s always been about caring for our community.
What does Musee look like now?
Fourteen years later, we’ve worked with nearly 10,000 stores, been on Oprah’s Favorite Things three times, and been featured on the Today Show and Good Morning America. Microsoft and Amazon have both come to Mississippi to tell our story.
But the real success is our people; this has always been a team effort. My little idea would have gone nowhere without the vision and hands of so many. Watching our employees flourish … that’s been the most beautiful part!
Musee employs women who’ve faced trauma. How does that mission play out today?
Many of the women we hire are coming out of prison, a population often overlooked but really vulnerable. They’ve endured abuse, substance addiction, and generational incarceration. When they leave prison, there’s little support, and many face stigma that blocks job opportunities.
At Musee, we don’t judge by their past; we invest in their potential. Some of our leaders were once incarcerated themselves, and their stories of transformation inspire everything we do.
You also work with people with disabilities and others with unique challenges. Can you tell us about that?
Yes! I have a son on the autism spectrum, so I’m sensitive to the struggles people with disabilities face in finding meaningful work. We employ individuals with Down syndrome, autism, MS, and more. We adjust jobs to fit their needs, not the other way around. For example, one man with MS who can only work part-time came to us looking for purpose, and now he’s a valued team member.
We also have employees who have missed out on educational opportunities, which limits their job options. We help them pursue GEDs, nursing school, coding programs — whatever it takes to reach their goals. We believe in thinking outside the box and meeting people where they are.
You’ve spoken about flexibility being key at Musee. Can you share an example?
Absolutely! One employee lost her car. Without public transit, that’s a crisis. She’d been stuck paying off a bad loan for years. We bought her a reliable used car and let her repay us interest-free. We’ve done this for several employees because reliable transportation is essential not just for them, but for us to keep a dependable team.
What drives your work?
I believe out of brokenness comes beauty. Life’s hard, but joy is possible despite pain. I want to leave this world having loved deeply and made a positive impact. When people use our products, I hope they feel the care and intention behind every item — because that love is what really heals and connects us.
What advice do you have for women juggling business, family, and everything else?
I’ve always worked. Even after having kids, I found ways to bring in extra income. But there’s so much pressure on women to juggle everything perfectly. What I’ve learned is to give yourself grace and be kind to yourself.
Prioritize your children; time goes by so fast. I sometimes wish I could relive those early years, even with all the chaos. Those moments are precious and can’t be reclaimed.
At the same time, don’t forget to care for yourself. I love to travel because it inspires me. But even if you can’t get away, find small moments to nurture your soul — whether that’s a warm bath, a walk, a good book, or coffee with a friend.
When you nurture yourself, you have more to give your children and those around you. It’s not selfish; it’s necessary.
Besides faith, family, or friends, what are three things you cannot live without?
Firstly, my bathtub! For me, a bath is essential; it quiets my soul and helps me sleep better. I also believe in the power of a good nap and always reach for my ChappyWrap blanket when I settle in. Third, I’d have to say fresh flowers; they’re a simple way to make a home feel bright and happy.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Early Bird or Night Owl? I’m an early bird! I love relishing a peaceful, quiet morning.
Last book or podcast that you read or listened to (and loved)? I just finished The Sacred Romance by John Eldridge with my small group, which I loved!
What’s a staple on your vanity? Organic, cold-pressed oils are super healing and moisturizing. It’s all I need for my skin to look and feel healthy.
One place people have to go when they visit Mississippi? The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson.
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Anne Marie Hanna
An Ole Miss alum residing in Nashville, Anne Marie is passionate about telling the stories shaping the South. Outside of work, you’ll likely find her on a porch with a coffee and a good book, gardening, listening to music, or enjoying time with friends and family.