Walking through Soap Bartender Maggie Hanus’ production area recently, you may have stumbled over several hundred pounds of soap in process. “Inspired back in 1995 by Sandy Maine’s “The Soap Book”, I taught myself how to make soap through trial and error and haven’t been able to stop ever since!” Maggie is part of the team behind Texas-based A Wild … Read More
Announcing 2014 HSCG Conference Keynote
We may be knee deep in snow, but we are already dreaming of May as we happy-soap-dance our way through the final stretch of planning for HSCG’s 17th Annual Conference, being held May 20-22 in Tucson, Arizona. We are proud to announce Professor Dr. Vijai K. S. Shukla as this year’s conference keynote speaker. So who is Prof. Dr. Shukla? … Read More
Member Spotlight: K.I.S.S. Keeping It Simple Soap
Shock, fear, and anxiety typically accompany the loss of a full time job. For Kathy Bosk, owner of Keeping It Simple Soap (K.I.S.S), it was the impetus to start a company. And oddly enough, it was her daughter who introduced Kathy to soapmaking. Two and a half years after its genesis, New Hampshire-based Keeping It Simple Soap carries lotion bars, … Read More
Hot, hot, HEAT: Conference Sell Out Countdown
There are 118 days and counting (okay, maybe 117 + hours depending on how you’re counting!) until the official kick-off of our 17th Annual Conference, held this year at the gorgeous Loews Ventana Canyon in Tucson, Arizona, from May 20-22. We sell out every year and despite booking a larger capacity venue this year, we’re planning to sell out again. … Read More
Member Spotlight: Fish Princess Farm
In shops spanning California’s central coastline, from Sausalito to Carmel, you’ll find soap and lotion from a company named Fish Princess Farm. Who on earth would name their company Fish Princess Farm? And how does a company with such a silly name have such beautiful packaging? We knew there was a story here and so, off we went to search … Read More
Get more out of your conference experience with Intensive Seminars
You’re making the investment to come to HSCG’s 2014 Conference, May 20-22, in Tucson, Arizona. How would you like to get some extra class time in while you’re there? You can do that with our in-depth seminar sessions. There are four intensive seminars being held on Monday, May 19th, the day before the conference officially begins. These are hands-on, intensive … Read More
Member Spotlight: Spoon Handmade Soaps
Many cosmetic handcrafters report falling in love with making soap after experiencing the skin-loving benefits of a handmade bar of soap. California-based Kiyoko Puyaoan, started her handmade journey and her company, spoon, after her handmade skin lotion had achieved what no other cosmetic or medicine had, clearing an eczema so bad it had earned her the childhood nickname “red panda”. … Read More
2014 Conference: The Soapy Trail
Don’t think that you have to be a seasoned professional to attend HSCG’s annual conferences. They are, in fact, perfect for soapmakers of all skill levels. And since we started as the Soap Guild, you can bet that we have some of the best soapmaking sessions around (not that we brag…much). Today, we’re presenting this year’s HSCG conference speakers who … Read More
Member Spotlight: Talkeetnagirl Designs, LLC
Living in Alaska is incredibly rough on the skin, so using soap that doesn’t lead to dry, cracked skin is a tall order. Karen P Harvey, owner, designer, creator, and cleanup crew for Talkeetnagirl Designs, makes soap that more than lives up to the challenge. “It always amazes me that such simple ingredients can make such luscious creams and balms. … Read More
Happy New Year!
Just like that, 2013 is gone. Happy 2014 from HSCG headquarters! Gosh, it seems like just yesterday that is was March or July or October. Are you reflecting on 2013? Did you have a favorite moment, something that went unreservedly right for your business? Are you already looking forward into 2014, planning what will be a transformative moment for yourself … Read More