If You Start Me Up, I’ll Never Stop

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance2 Comments

That’s what we’re hoping, at least. Do you make the most bodacious bath bombs? Perhaps you’ve perfected a body butter? Or maybe your soap swirls are ready for prime time. If you’ve been thinking about moving beyond a cosmetic-crafting hobby into a business, we have a little something to help start you up. Introducing the Business Start-Up Toolkit, accessible from … Read More

Round ’em up, Social Media Pardners!

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual ConferenceLeave a Comment

Did you attend this year’s HSCG conference in Tucson? You may have caught some of the media coverage (including a live spot on KOLD and coverage in the Arizona Daily Star), but, as usual, attendees were hard at work sharing live updates from conference. There’s no substitute for being at a conference, but get a feel for some of the … Read More

Need Low-Cost Advertising? Read This!

Executive DirectorMembership & BenefitsLeave a Comment

Do you make a great line of products that are professionally packaged? Know that people will fall in love them, if only you could get them in front of more potential customers? How would you like to accomplish just that at very low cost? You can! The HSCG, offering another benefit to its members, has found beauty bloggers who will … Read More

Can I get a little REQUEST?

Executive DirectorMembership & BenefitsLeave a Comment

Have you ever wondered if a soapmaker could create a soap just for you? Maybe you wanted a Pennsylvania-based soapmaker who would make Philadelphia bells for you. Maybe you had a novel ingredient you wanted to incorporate in a lip balm. Or you needed 300 heart-shaped soaps for a party. Or peppermint lotion wholesale to Iceland. Perhaps you’re a soapmaker … Read More

Introducing 2013 Conference Keynote….

Executive DirectorHSCG Annual ConferenceLeave a Comment

We can’t think of a better way to kick off three days of total immersion into the art, craft, and business of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic world than with a keynote by a fellow small business owner with a fiery passion for moving your business from “blah, blah, blah” to “BOOM, BOOM, BOOM!”. The HSMG is proud to announce … Read More

Grow America: Compete for Cash

Executive DirectorBusiness & FinanceLeave a Comment

If you’re a US-based maker over the age of 18 (sorry to our international and teen members!) with a fantastic idea, check out Grow America’s latest competition, which opened this week.  With a few simple clicks, you could be in the running for their top prize of $20,000, to be awarded by the end of February. Grow America is a … Read More

Business Planning in the New Year

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Whether it’s bright and balmy or blisteringly brisk, January is a great time to plan for the year.  A mad rush of holidays has ended, affording small business owners a chance to stop, catch their breath, and reset for the coming year. Photo by Flickr member Sally Mahoney. Used under a Creative Commons License. How was your 2012?  What product … Read More

Share Your Voice: US Labeling

Executive DirectorIndustry Advocacy & News7 Comments

The HSMG has submitted a petition that needs your voice. In mid-2012, the HSMG submitted a citizen’s petition to the US FDA requesting a change in the law to make a PO box acceptable on cosmetic product labels in lieu of a street address.  The FDA confirmed receipt in August and has been collecting public comments on the petition prior … Read More

Business Focus: Why Write A Business Plan

moniqueBusiness & Finance1 Comment

When you started selling your soap, did you start out with an idea that you would make handcrafted soap and immediately write your business plan?  Or were you like many small businesses; your hobby morphed into a business and you are just winging it? If you fall into the latter category, it’s never too late to write a business plan. … Read More