Butter and Oil: What You Need to Know!
Are you eagerly awaiting September first? You should be!
Among the many fine articles in the next issue is Erica Pence’s, In The Search for Sustainability. In it, she provides us with cold, hard facts on environmental and social concerns as they relate to oils and butters that we use in our products. Beware: you may not like what you read!
Thankfully, Erica does offer alternatives, showing us how we can be part of the solution by explaining where to go for more information, and key words that you need to know. To emphasize sustainability, she includes two formulas that will enhance your product line while protecting our future.
Finally, what do you know about essential oils? Perhaps you’re a rank beginner at using them. If so, you’ll want to read Beth Byrne’s interview of Marge Clark from Nature’s Gift, The Essentials of Essential Oils. Marge starts at the beginning, from how essential oils are obtained to safe use, finding a vendor, and spotting a fraud. Even if you use essential oils frequently, you’ll enjoy the information Marge offers. Enjoy the benefits of essential oil use without the dangers!
Coming: Calendula, Social Marketing, and Recycling!
Coming September 1st! Calendula, what do you know about it?
This lovely, prolific herb is just waiting for you to try it. Easy to grow, Lindalu Forseth shares why Calendula (aka Pot Marigold) is the perfect herb to grow and use in soapmaking, whether you’re an experienced gardener/soapmaker or a novice. Look for her Monograph and be amazed at what Calendula can do for your products.
Do you make use of Social Media in marketing your products? Be sure to catch Beth Byrne’s, Five Steps to Social Media Success, where she welcomes back contributor Donna Maria Coles Johnson. Founder of the beauty organization, Indie Beauty Network, dM focuses on helping her members navigate the complexities of building their businesses. Embracing technology and using it as a marketing tool by communicating with customers is an ideal tool for the small business owner. Learn about the various forms of social media and how to use them successfully in your business.
Picture yourself surrounded by the glow of candlelight. Doesn’t it sound romantic and cozy? Picture yourself with the bits and stubs of wax left over from your candle burning. Ugh. Is there anything to be done with them besides the trash bin? Erica Pence has the answer in, Recycled Candles. She explains the process of sorting the candles into similar batches and magically creating new and amazing candles! As if that’s not enough, Erica also explains how to make a lovely autumn tabletop candle from your scraps.
Are You Business Savvy?
Have you been reading the new issue of the Saponifier?
I’m sure you’ll agree that our writers have outdone themselves this issue, especially if you own a business.
Niche? Target audience? What do these terms mean to you and your business success? Read Marla Bosworth’s, Identifying Your Niche and Target Audience,” to find out! If you don’t have one, you need to get one. Marla warns us that instead of trying to be everything to everyone, we need to find a niche market to concentrate on. But don’t forget to peruse the article, or you’ll miss out on some very helpful information.
If you want to keep it local, read Cindy Noble’s informative article, Backyard Marketing. Find out how to put together a business prospectus, how to find the right demographics for your product, and how to get ready to market your business. Additionally, get ideas on where and how to find good advertising sources so that your market can find you. Cindy tells us that although the focus these days is on globalization and international markets, we can still find a foundation at home.
Did you attend the HSMG Conference in May? If you did, read Beth Byrne’s review, Miami Bubbles with Soapmakers, to relive the excitement and energy. If you didn’t attend, read it anyway to see what you missed! Read who came to speak, who came to learn, vendor-sponsors who support us, and much more. You might even find yourself in a photo!
Happy reading!
What’s New in the Saponifier?
Summer is here, or nearly here!
We all know that as much as we love the sun and summer activities, it can be hard on our skin. Want to know all about keeping your skin soft and sexy for summer fun? Check out Sherri Reehil-Welser’s article where she talks about hydrosols and butters that will help keep your skin in great shape. Recipes included!
Are you a melt & pour soaper, or do want to learn? How about candles? Erica Pence has written a how-to article on beautiful fancy soaps and candles that you’ll enjoy making. You’ll amaze yourself at your talent!
Do you know what Business Valuation is? Alexander Sherman sheds some light on the subject of determining the value of your business, and other pertinent points such as adding value to your business. If you’re a business owner, you can’t afford not to read this one!
If you’re looking to add something that will give your products a special touch, consider making gift bags and pouches. Rachel Wolf shows us how to make lovely lined bags and pouches that will set your products apart.
The Saponifier will be at the HSMG Conference! Tamara Dourney and Beth Byrne are attending the conference, so be sure to find them and provide feedback on the magazine. We’re offering prizes for some lucky attendees, too.
Babies & Bases and Codes and Spaces
Have you tried anything formulas or ideas from the new issue yet? Did you learn anything new?
Beth Byrne’s, DIY Bases, will get you started on making your own soap and cosmetic bases if you’re set on your own formulas, but need to save time. Have you tried any yet, or are you planning to try making your own? I think making your own bases is among the best ideas for smaller businesses who are working to be as efficient as possible.
Tamara Dourney’s article about QR Codes was very informative and on the cutting edge of technology. It’s exciting to think about the possibilities that using these codes hold for our future. Don’t wait. Jump in now!
I read with interest Erica Pence’s article, Natural Bath for Babies and Children, about using essential oils in baby care, and will take heed of her recommendations as I make products for the babies in my life. It’s so important to learn all we can about essential oils before we use them, and doubly so when we intend them for use with infants.
With the craft show season upon us, Tamara Dourney’s, Redesigning the Market Stall is a timely piece challenging and encouraging those of us who do shows to give our set-ups some thought and thinking of new solutions to the problem of merchandising in small, temporary spaces. Anyone who has tried it will understand how important it is to design booths to maximize exposure and attract customers, all in a 10 x 10 square! Study the photos and see if you can glean some tips for your booth.
I’m sure that by now, you’ve read at the least, a few articles. Let us know what you think!
Bases, Bases, Who’s Got the Bases?
What a terrific issue! I am thoroughly enjoying the time I get to spend reading this issue of the Saponifier.
I was looking forward to reading Marla Bosworth’s review of melt and pour soap bases. She certainly delivered in this article, as she took on the major sellers and solicited reviews from soapmakers. Did reading her article help you to decide which one you’d like to try? I liked that she established criteria for testing the bases.
Tamara Dourney’s article, Redesigning the Market Stall, was excellent, as well, giving us tips to increase sales, from business plan to focus groups. Anyone selling at shows will benefit from reading this one.
A Canadian soapmaker, Louise Vargas, was the spotlight of Lindalu Forseth’s article. Find out how she went from the bookstore to establishing her own business. She’ll share her success with you!
Are you thinking about using bases for all or part of your product line? Don’t order anything until you read, The Basics on Bases: A Review, by Beth Byrne. She solicited the opinions of other soap and cosmetic makers in order to bring you a good deal of information that will surely help you to decide which bases you want to work with. This may help you to choose the best one for your needs.
What do you think so far?
