At the Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild, we love to hear the stories of our Members and share these stories with you! This month, we’ll be highlighting HSCG Certified Teacher Tami Thornton of Beehive Soap. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to ask Tami a few questions about how she got started, and what advice she’d give to … Read More
Fluid Hot Process for Beginners
If you are familiar with the soap making process, you know that there are three fundamental ways one can go about making a bar of soap: cold process, hot process, and melt & pour. Each process has its own unique benefits and drawbacks, and most soapmakers have a pretty distinct preference about which one they like! Hot process soapmaking lends … Read More
Marketing Your Business: The Instagram Edition
Marketing using social media is a great way to reach thousands of people you will likely never meet in person. Instagram is an often overlooked but very popular platform that can bring a boost to your business and showcase the beauty and creativity of your business. What is Instagram? Instagram is a social media platform that revolves around pictures first, … Read More
Wholesale: Common Terms and Definitions
Once you’ve established your business and have been actively selling at fairs, markets and shows, you will really start reaping the rewards of your hard work! There are few things more satisfying than watching your business grow, and knowing that the success of it settles squarely on your shoulders. As your business grows, new opportunities will present themselves; the ability … Read More
Member Spotlight: Conny Olarte of Essence of O
One of the greatest resources soap and cosmetic handcrafters have is the knowledge and expertise of their peers. This is why we will be bringing you monthly spotlight stories from fellow handcrafters; we’ll take a look at their experiences, including why they began making soap and/or cosmetics, how they came to be Members of the HSCG, and they’ll share a … Read More
Teacher Spotlight: Lori Nova Endres
HSCG Certified Teachers are a great resource to both Members and non-members. This month, we’d like to recognize Lori Nova Endres, a long time HSCG Member and frequent flier at our Annual Conferences. HSCG: When did you first start making products, and why? Lori: I first started making natural handmade products way back in 2000, after finishing grad school in Hawaii … Read More
Master Batching for Beginners
Going from hobby to business is exciting, challenging and intimidating for some soapmakers. Time is split between formulating, implementing that formulation and finding ways to sell; not to mention regular day to day activities! One method of manufacturing that has saved many Handcrafters quite a bit of time is master batching. Master Batching is the process of mixing a large batch … Read More
5 Tips to Help You Prepare for a Craft Show
As the holiday season approaches, we are now getting ready to enter…craft show season (simmer now, we can hear your heavy applause and yells of joy from here!). Craft shows are a little different than farmers’ markets. Typically it will be a one-day show. There won’t be time for a trial period to see which of your products perform, and … Read More
Marketing Your Business: The Facebook Edition
Love it or hate it, social media is one of the biggest platforms that small business owners have to advertise their business. Sites like Facebook, Instagram and Twitter provide a free way to get the word out about your business, and a relatable way to connect with your customers. In this article, we’ll explore how you can use Facebook as … Read More
Growing Your Business: 5 Ways to Connect With Your Customer
Digital life is an incredible thing. With social media, Handcrafters are able to reach more customers than ever before. No matter whether you sell in person or online, one thing is very important: connecting with your customer. Take a look at five things you can do to connect with your customer and move those fabulous products! Be genuine. Customers can … Read More