Think of one of your favorite scents right now. Imagine it in your head. What is it? What does it mean to you? Our sense of smell is a truly incredible thing. A subtle waft of buttered popcorn can transport you back to the cramped movie theater where you first saw your all-time favorite movie, or the strong smell of … Read More
2018 Trends: Let’s Talk Inspiration!
We’re only a few weeks into 2018, but the search for inspiration is never ending! As we look back at 2017, it’s hard not to remember the trends and fads that defined the year. Rose gold everything, contouring, fidget spinners, and rainbow colored foods abound. What will 2018 bring? Now, we don’t claim to have a crystal ball here in … Read More
Growing the Customer Experience
There are few things that customers appreciate more than a genuine, meaningful interaction with those they purchase goods from; especially if they are buying products from someone they know has taken the care to make each item by hand! As we start the new year, our resolutions range from healthier eating, to opening that shiny brick and mortar location, to … Read More
How to Keep Cool During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a magical, maniacal time of year when halls are decked, everything smells like cinnamon, and people trample fellow shoppers for the chance to save $15 on a television. So festive! As a retailer, the holidays can be especially stressful. Juggling inventory, dealing with set up and breakdown at shows all while handling your own holiday plans is … Read More
7 Candle Facts to Light Your Fire
Ah, wintertime. Here in Upstate New York, the weather change is marked by the sound of studded snow tires, the feel of fluffy jackets, and the smell of spices. One thing that we can agree keeps us cozy all year long is the benevolent glow of a well-made candle…but do you know the history behind this old flame? There is … Read More
Bath Teas, Soaks and Bombs: Enhancing Your Customers Bathtime
As a Handcrafter, you provide quality products, but you also provide a quality experience. For example, your customer could go to any big store and purchase a bar of generic soap; it would clean them, which is after all, the purpose. But, not only does your soap help them get clean, it also makes them feel good by smelling amazing, … Read More
Atlanta 2018: Meet Your Keynote Power Trio
Like it or not, 2017 is almost over; and time certainly does fly! It seems like we were in Vegas just yesterday getting ready to host the Annual Conference. As the page turns on 2017, we are looking ahead to the awesomeness that 2018 has in store-and that means the 2018 Annual Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The 2018 Annual Conference … Read More
What’s a Tincture?
Tincture: a word that is fun to say, but not a word that most people know the meaning of. Think of a tincture as a really versatile concentrated extract that can be used orally or topically-for the purposes of this article, we will be discussing primarily topical tinctures. What Are Tinctures Used For? Tinctures can be made to solve a … Read More
The History of Cosmetics: Makeup Edition
As a Handcrafter, you are taking part in an industry that has a long and storied history. Products produced by hand throughout the centuries for royalty and common people alike speckle the timeline of handcrafted cosmetics. In this article, we’ll discuss the history behind cosmetics that are applied to the face and hands. Nail polish, eye makeup, lipsticks-all of these … Read More
Let’s Make a Pumpkin Bar!
Fall is here, and you know what that means-pumpkin everything! Get in on that craze and add a little pumpkin to your soap. Oh, Pumpkin Let’s talk about how you’ll be incorporating pumpkin into your soap. We realize that pumpkin is all the rage this time of year, but please: put down your neighbor’s Jack-O-Lantern and grab a can of … Read More