Bridal shower favors

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I have been soaping for just over two years. My mom, who is a china painter and quilter, turned her talents to making cold process soap. As she became more experienced, she not only offered to teach me, but also lent me the needed supplies. After my first solo batch, I was completely hooked! You know how they say that when you find your passion in life, the work is actually fun – that’s how soaping is for me! I quickly delved into learning the art by studying every tutorial on Soap Queen. Afterwards, I wanted to explore more about the design aspect of soaping so I purchased Anne-Marie’s soaping books and experimented with new, elaborate creations. I was delighted with the way my soaps turned out! The Soap Queen video tutorials, informative articles, and blog could not have been more helpful in satisfying my desire to learn more and helping me gain the necessary skills.

Wildflower Honey Soap

What advice would you give to those soapermakers just starting their businesses?
Give yourself time to explore the technique and science of soaping. It is so important to get some good experience under your belt. Soaping as a hobby and soaping as a business are two very different things. Educate yourself on the business aspect by understanding the laws and regulations in your area before diving in. Give yourself time to perfect your recipes. When you are ready, go for it and surround yourself with positive people who lift and encourage you!

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Cold process soap, hands down! I love how cold process soap is 100% customizable from the choice of oils and butters used, to the color, design, and fragrances. I love the artistry of soaping. I truly believe soap is a consumable art form. Making soap is magical to me and truly my happy place. My family can walk in the door and tell I’ve made soap just by the smile on my face and, of course, how wonderful the house smells.

Berries and Vanilla Soap

What inspires you to create?
My family and friends inspire me to create. I love creating a visual representation of a fragrance. It is very rewarding to create soap that becomes a simple pleasure and an added luxury in someone’s life. Soap makes such beautiful gifts. Everyone needs and uses soap!

How did you come up with the name for your business?
Choosing a name was really difficult! It felt like such a commitment! My last name is Potter, so I thought PotterMade, like homemade, would describe my products beautifully.

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself.
I just completed my first half marathon! I had never run more than a few miles at a time and that was way back in high school. My husband inspired me to try after he trained and completed his first marathon a year ago. It was amazing to set a goal to do something I had never dreamt of attempting. I was filled with a huge sense of accomplishment and gratitude when I crossed that finish line. I can’t wait to see what comes next!

Swirl soap

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
My husband and children are my whole heart! I have been married for 18 years and I have four children ages 15 to 6. I love being a wife and mother and I love every minute I can spend with my family. I also love to bake, read, run, and nap.

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
Oh I have so many that I love! I love using Bramble Berry’s micas to create a range of vibrant colors in my soaps. Also, Bramble Berry’s activated charcoal is my favorite of any charcoal I have purchased. It creates a beautifully smooth charcoal bar of soap.

Charcoal soap

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Oh yes indeed! Last Christmas I was making soap to give as Christmas gifts to my friends and neighbors. I was attempting my biggest batch to date – 12 lbs. in one container. I didn’t realize that my stick blender could not reach to the bottom of the container. I poured these beautiful bars with intricate green swirls, with a gold-dusted textured top, that smelled of fresh Christmas trees. The tops were stunning and I couldn’t wait to cut it to see the swirls inside! I noticed the top had a wetness to it I was not used to, but hoped everything would fully soak in and saponify overnight.

The next evening, with my first cut, I noticed tiny lye pockets oozing from the bars. I was devastated! The bars looked beautiful, but the only way to save them was to rebatch them. I may have stomped my foot and shed a little tear, but then I figuratively rolled up my sleeves, grated up each bar then and there, and rebatched them that night. My beautifully-swirled bars were now very rustic green soaps with a rough textured top that resembled tree bark. Thankfully the rustic nature of the bars coordinated with their beautiful pine tree scent. Many people commented how they loved that the bars looked like wood and I never told them it was all because of a careless mistake. I learned how important it is to be able to roll with unexpected results and that even our mistakes can create beautiful soaps that can be enjoyed.

Black and white soap

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
I would give them one of my Honey & Oats bars. It is a very gentle bar of soap with a cheerful sweet scent everyone loves. I stamp each bar with a dusted gold bee stamp and so many customers comment how much joy that little bee brings to them. I love creating products that not only benefit our skin, but also add a touch of happiness to everyday life.

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Respect the lye. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear. Oh – and clean up right after you finish making soap. I always breathe a sigh of contentment after washing that last bowl or spatula.

Island Escape Soap

Find PotterMade Soap
Online
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Facebook

The post Interview with Ruth of PotterMade Soap appeared first on Soap Queen.

Rugged Soap

How long have you been making soap and how did you get started?
I have a small herd of goats and soapmaking was always on my “to-do” list of uses for their milk. I originally bought goats because my youngest son was highly allergic to cow’s milk and I wanted to give him a good alternative. I made him yogurts, cheeses, and ice cream with the milk, and my family and I drink it as well. I made my first batch of soap in April 2017, so about a year and a few months ago. I remember because I wanted to make something special for my dad for Father’s Day. It was a batch of Sandalwood (goats milk) soap with an in-the-pot swirl made from cacao powder and walnut shell. I didn’t realize until much later that learning to make soap with milk instead of water was not the norm. Once I made my first batch of soap, I was hooked. I wanted to try every soaping technique. I was mesmerized by soaping tutorials from experienced soapers. I tried recipe after recipe until I felt confident in creating my own. I guess I just kept creating and never looked back.

Lavender and Rose Geranium Soap

What advice would you give to those soapmakers just starting their businesses?
I have always found it hard to find a balance between the desire to create and good business planning. This is something I am still working on. But it is so important to set a clear plan for your business. While I feel that the most important part of being a handmade artisan is enjoying what you do; you need to set goals and have a written plan for your business to run smoothly. Sit down, pour a cup of coffee, and figure out your pricing, your product line, where you want to sell, etc. Once you figure out what you would like to achieve, go for it! We all do this because it is something we love! Let that show, pour your heart into your products, give it your all. Your customers will see the love and care you put in and they will appreciate your products even more because of it.

What is your favorite type of product to make?
Cold process soap! While I enjoy making bath bombs, candles, and lotions, my love for soapmaking is what keeps me going. I am always dreaming up new patterns, color combinations, and scents. I love creating a usable piece of art that someone will enjoy. I’m still excited every time I get to cut into a loaf of soap.

Midnight Waters Soap

What inspires you to create?
I am inspired by so many things, it could be a memory, the colors in a garden, a pattern on a dress, a scent, or even a loved one. My mind is always buzzing with a million ideas. I think I have always been that way actually. But I get my best ideas when I am not even thinking about it. When I am relaxed and in a quiet area where my head can clear. Which, unfortunately, is usually while I’m trying to sleep. Most days I’m up at 2 a.m., writing down ideas and drawing sketches of soap. But, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love every part of the creative process.

How did you come up with the name for your business?
The name of my business is actually based on my childhood. The first part, “Bear,” is based on Baby Bear. When I was about 4 years old, my favorite book was Goldilocks and the Three Bears. I made my dad read it to me every night (several times). He read it to me so much that he started calling me Baby Bear and to this day he still does. It was one of those nicknames that stuck, even my friends called me BB for short.

I was a very free-spirited wild child. I hated to brush my hair, and preferred running around in the nude; much to my parents’ dismay. I grew up on a farm and spent most of my days running barefoot through the woods, catching frogs and climbing trees. I wouldn’t come home until I could hear my mother calling me for dinner. Even now you can rarely catch me wearing shoes, unless of course I’m out in public. And, don’t worry – the nude thing was only a phase. I am fully clothed nowadays. So when it came time to pick a name for my business, I didn’t really have to think about it, it is just what best describes me. Barefoot, free spirited, and still a little wild.

Aromatherapy Bath Bombs

What is your favorite Bramble Berry product and why?
That would have to be the natural colorants. I have used clays available from other soapmaking suppliers but, Bramble Berry by far has the best quality. I especially love the Brazilian purple clay and the indigo powder. I love all of the plant-based colorants Bramble Berry offers. I just love the earthy natural colors they give. It’s hard to find such a nice variety and quality anywhere else.

What are some of your other hobbies and interests?
When I’m not making soap I enjoy painting, redoing old furniture, and baking. I love working around my small farm and caring for my goats. I’ve just started growing a small orchard, I have a veggie garden and a small herb garden as well. I work from home and am a mom to two amazing little boys. Watching them learn and grow is by far my favorite thing to do.

Shayna’s goats

Tell us something unusual or unique about yourself.
I was homeschooled until high school and I just started homeschooling my kids this last year. We’ve only just started, next year my eldest will be in 1st grade. At times it’s hard to balance being a mom, being a teacher, and running a small business from home. But I feel so blessed to be able to stay home with them and watch their little minds grow. I have so many wonderful memories of learning from my mother. From poetry to science, from baking to math, she taught me so much and I hope that my children will one day look back and remember me the same way I do my mother.

Wild Rose Soap

What is your number one soapmaking tip?
Patience, something that took me a while to learn. From planning out your soap, taking the time to make an intricate design, waiting to cut the soap, and then the curing time. It all takes a ton of patience! But, the more you learn to be patient, the better you will be as a soaper.

Have you ever experienced a soapy fail? How did you work through it, and what did you learn?
Yes, plenty of times! Usually the culprit is a misbehaving essential oil or fragrance. More than a few times, all was going well with a batch of soap, I add the scent in and bam! Soap on a stick. The best way I’ve found to avoid this is soaping at a cooler temperature and whisking in your essential oil instead of stick blending. I also like to add a well-behaved essential oil in with one I know will move fast to give me some extra time to work. It can definitely be frustrating when a batch of soap doesn’t turn out the way you planned. But with every failure there is knowledge to be gained. Take some notes and try again.

Floral and Stripes Soap

If you were to give one of your products to a stranger, what would you choose and why?
That’s a hard one but, it would have to be one of my Salt Bars. Most people I meet have never tried salt soap, which is a shame because it feels so amazing to use. The best way I can describe it is that it feels like a bubbly exfoliating stone. If I could pick one more, it would be the Bee Magic bar. It is so soothing, the shea butter and raw honey give it such a nice creamy lather. It is one of my top choices for anyone with sensitive or dry skin.

What do you love most about creating bath and body products?
I love experimenting and trying new soaping techniques. When I first started making soap, with each batch I tried a new technique. I love to challenge myself and try new things.

Soapmaking has given me a wonderful creative outlet. There are so many possibilities, I don’t think I will ever get tired of it.

Sunflower Soap

Find Bearfoot Gypsy Soap Co
Online
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The post Interview with Shayna of Bearfoot Gypsy Soap Co. appeared first on Soap Queen.

Both Etsy and Ebay allow the user to create an online shop, which features different pages for each product. These product pages include photos of the product and information including ingredients and pricing. This format allows the customer to learn information regarding each product easily and quickly. When selling in person, it can be difficult to present as much information in such an organized way.

The down side to selling products online is that customers are not able to touch, feel and smell the merchandise. Because customers can not see the product in person, it’s important to have quality, clear images that really pop. If you’re looking for tips on how to photograph your products, check out this blog post.

Another factor to consider with selling merchandise online is product needs to be packaged and shipped. For some consumers, shipping costs make or break a sale. With the popularity of free shipping from large companies, many customers will not purchase items unless shipping is free or extremely cheap. Since there is really no such thing as “free” shipping you must consider how you will cover the costs of shipping. Most businesses increase the price of the product to cover the expense of shipping and packaging.

For more information regarding selling merchandise online and  social media tips, check out the blog posts below! Remember, a lot of the social media tips are helpful even if you choose to not sell your items online.

• How to Set Up an Etsy Shop
  
• How to Set Up A WordPress Blog
• How to Set Up A Facebook Business Page
  
• How to Set Up And Use a Twitter Handle
  
• Business Best Practices: Facebook
• Etsy Updates Policies on Cosmetics Making Claims
• Pinterest and You

Pros: Opportunity to sell beyond the local community, ease of use for customers, social media means free advertising, no physical display costs (booths, shelving, etc).
Cons: Customers not able to see products in person before purchasing, must factor in packaging costs and shipping prices, building relationships with customers can become more difficult.

Selling at  a Market or Craft Fair
Craft fairs and farmers markets are a great way to sell products to the local community. Being able to talk to customers in person is invaluable; questions and concerns can be answered on the spot and personal connections can be made. Many consumers find products made locally to be more valuable, and meeting the person who made the amazing handmade beauty product also enhances the value. Not to mention, selling in person gives the opportunity to talk up your products!  Customers are also able to feel the product in hand, and possibly sample the product.

The Daily Scrub’s eye catching craft fair display. Selling at a craft fair or farmers market allows customers to touch and smell product.

In addition to connecting with customers, selling at a market or fair presents the opportunity to meet other small business owners. Building relationships with small businesses in your area is incredibly valuable. Doing so is a great way to learn from others and find new marketing opportunities. Small business owners are passionate about local business, and are often each other’s biggest support system.

While selling directly to the customer in person has many benefits, it’s not for everybody. If talking to a lot of strangers sounds overwhelming, selling online or in a retail store may be a better option. Time is also a crucial factor; selling products at a craft fair is an all day commitment. Between setting up the booth, selling the products and taking down the booth, craft fairs and farmers markets take a lot of time! If you do not have the time to commit to a fair or market, it may not be an option.

• Selling Success at Fairs and Public Markets
• Fundraiser Kit + Craft Show Tips Galore
• Craft Show Tips
• Shopping is Psychological

Pros: Customers able to touch and feel products before purchasing, building connections  with customers becomes easier, no shipping costs, build relationships with fellow entrepreneurs and local businesses.
Cons: Requires display items (shelving, labels, etc), can be intimidating/stressful for introverts, requires a lot of time (preparation, setting up booth, selling, taking down booth), unable to reach customers beyond local community.

Selling in Retail Shops
For some, selling products in a retail space is a possibility. This may be in a retail space of your own, or selling products inside an already established store. Selling products in a retail space of your own usually requires an established customer base to thrive. Many soapers who open a retail space start with selling at fairs or online to find and keep loyal customers. A great example of this is Josie of Josie’s Beauty Boutique. To read more about Josie’s selling experience, click here. For businesses who are not yet ready to open their own space, selling products inside an established retail space is a fantastic option.

Inside Kensico Soap Bar’s beautiful store. Read the interview with Kensico Soap Bar here.

When identifying possible retail spaces to sell your products, it’s important to first do your research. Find a store that has a similar aesthetic to your products. Doing so ensures the customers who already enjoy the items inside the store will also be attracted to your merchandise. Next, find out more about the company. Some questions to ask: How long have they been open? Do they have multiple locations? Do they already sell similar items?  What is their social media and advertising presence like? It’s important to consider factors that will help your products sell (loyal customers, multiple locations, strong social media presence), but it’s also important to consider how your products will help the store. Remember, this selling situation is a partnership.

Once you have identified a store that you want to work with, it’s time to approach them for the sale. Learn more about this process in the Writing an Introduction Letter to Buyers: Ask for the Sale blog post. Selling your products in an established retail store means they are doing half the work for you – advertising, selling, displaying, etc. On the flip side, you may not have as much control on where and how your products are merchandised. The salesperson in the store may not be educated about your products, and may not be able to speak to their amazing qualities.

One of the major cons of selling in a retail space is that this format requires wholesale pricing, which is typically 50% of retail pricing. When starting out, many crafters forget to factor in all of the costs of doing business and price their products too low. You may not be able to afford a 50% discount when you are first starting out, but cutting your costs and making your process as efficient as possible is always a good thing to strive for to reach that price point.

• How to Sell Consignment
• Selling Your Soap: More Wholesale Advice
• Writing an Introduction Letter to Buyers: Ask for the Sale
• Thinking About Opening a Store
• Gettin’ On My SoapBox – Sell, Sell, Sell!

Pros: Less time spent selling means you have more time to make products, tap into already established customer base.
Cons: Wholesale pricing, give up control of merchandising, not able to represent your product yourself.

If you own a soapy business, how do you sell your items? I would love to hear about your selling experiences, and why you sell the way you do!

The post Where to Sell Products: Online, Markets and Retail appeared first on Soap Queen.