“Our soap making business began when I tried to find a mild natural soap that would moisturize my skin rather than dry it out,” said LaRee DeFreece. I was looking for a soap made with one hundred percent natural plant-based ingredients and enriched with emollients.” In late 2000, she decided to make her own soap. “That first recipe resulted in … Read More
Texas Beauty Labs Offers 10% Off
In the summer of 2003, Mary Berry, the founder and CEO of Texas Beauty Labs, established b.pure, an all-natural product line. The line was sold in over 200 boutiques worldwide and was featured in many magazines including Seventeen and Lucky. Mary and her employees devoted extensive amounts of lab time to researching the role of natural ingredients in personal care … Read More
Past HSMG Journals Indexed for Members
Hello Members, The Handcrafted SoapMaker – Back Issues (also referred to as “The Journal”) is sent out quarterly. It goes by mail to the mailing address listed in your Member Profile. Back issues are now vailable to members to read on-line or print for reference. They contain a wealth of information! If you are looking for something specific, just sign … Read More
Advanced Certification
Advanced Certification April 16, 2009 — Advanced (Level 2) Certification Testing will be available at the 2009 Conference and by Proctor testing starting June 1st. The Advanced (Level 2) Terms and Definitions along with Soap Evaluation forms for CP Advanced (Level 2) and MP Advanced (Level 2) are now available in the Member Area of the HSMG website. Practice written tests … Read More
Volunteer Spotlight: Chamomile Cottage
Donna Pixton-Hacker became interested in soapmaking for her infant son’s sensitive skin. Familiar with plant remedies and essential oils, she tried a recipe for soap featured by Sandy Maine of SunFeather Natural Soap Co. Finding the soap gentle enough for her son, she told everyone about this natural herbal soap. Once they tried this amazing soap they asked for more … Read More
HSMG Experts Panel – Aromatherapy Day with Kayla Fioravanti!
It is with great respect that the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild, Inc. presents our next Experts Panel, “Aromatherapy 101” Day at the Forum venue, hosted by the most impressive, Kayla Fioravanti, Chief Formulator and Registered Aromatherapist at Essential Wholesale. Kayla will be available Wednesday, May 6, 2009 from 10 am to 2 pm Pacific Standard Time, so post your questions … Read More
Lebermuth Waives Minimum for HSMG Members!
Since 1908, The Lebermuth Company, Inc. has been your family owned wholesale direct source for custom fragrances, pure essential oils and decorative botanicals. Their customer focused dedication and service along with their high quality ingredients allow you to create quality products and successfully build your brand. Please visit them at their booth during the upcoming conference where they will have … Read More
HSMG Conference Sponsors
A special “thank you” to our upcoming Conference Sponsors. The 2009 Conference will be held in Palm Springs, California, May 12 – 14, 2009. www.soapguild.org •· Diamond •· o Essential Wholesale •· Platinum •· o Columbus Foods / Soaper’s Choice •· o The Lebermuth Company •· o Stratus Insurance •· Gold •· o Brambleberry •· o Dead Sea Bulk Materials … Read More
Member Spotlight: Abbey’s Handcrafted Soaps
Soapmaking with a Cause – A Passionate Soapmaker’s Story We are all familiar with the New Orleans flood but Kay Rose and her daughter, Abbey, have taken it personally. Still rebuilding and tearing down many homes, Abbey’s mission group was there right after Katrina hit. Experience came from their mission team helping build houses in Appalachia and Pedros Negros, Mexico … Read More
Congratulations Conference Scholarship Winners!
This year Stratus Insurance generously offered two full scholarships to the 2009 Annual Conference. I am pleased to announce our winners – Susan Houlihan of Alpenglow Skin Care and Holly Mulhaupt of Texas Natural Supply!