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

Quick Tips: How to Make it Big

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance2 Comments

The handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry is one talented bunch and the collective wisdom from the scores of intrepid entrepreneurs and budding business owners is truly astounding. However, it’s easy to miss out on that business savvy when you’re just getting started and aren’t part of any industry groups, pages, or forums. And that’s where the Guild comes in. We … Read More

Going Way Back: The Journal

Executive DirectorMembership & BenefitsLeave a Comment

Bummed that you’re missing out on conference (just about 19 days and counting, you guys!!)? Looking for some best known methods? Wish you had some soapmaking tips and tricks up your sleeves? Just looking for a way to kill some extra time (try not to snort when you read that one)? Have a look at the archived Journals. From 2000 … 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

This Store’s For You

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Do you sell your soap?  Are you trying to expand your reach?  Do you have a website yet?  The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has partnered with HSMG member The Template Place to bring you Soap Guild Stores, a fully customizable webstore available expressly for HSMG members.  The Soap Guild Stores combine all member webstores into a marketplace that assists consumers in … Read More

Label on!

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance1 Comment

Last week, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild welcomed author, past HSMG President, and savvy labeler Marie Gale into our twitter chat room to share some of her vast experience labeling soaps and cosmetics for sale in the US. Read on for highlights of our discussion. [View the story “Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat ” on Storify] Soap and Cosmetic Labeling #HSMGchat … Read More

Come Chat with Us!

Executive DirectorMembership & BenefitsLeave a Comment

We’re having a tweet party and you’re invited!  Come to HSMG’s twitter chat debut on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern.  Resident labeling expert Marie Gale, author of Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English, will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions about labeling. How does it work? … Read More

9 Reasons Insurance is Worth Pondering

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance3 Comments

If you sell your soap, you need insurance.  Despite your careful formulation, good manufacturing practices, and thorough testing, liability claims can happen to any business.  Here are nine reasons why having general, product, and professional liability insurance is a good idea: 9.  Mold infiltrates your beautifully packaged finished soap 8.  A student is hurt while following directions you gave them … Read More

Business Focus: 10 Tips for Holiday Craft Show Success

Executive DirectorBusiness & Finance2 Comments

Here we are again in the final days of November, which means that soapmakers around the world are getting ready for holiday crafts fairs, where they will be showcasing their finest wares. If you are selling soap at holiday boutiques, here are some tips to help you with your holiday displays: Display your products right up front: Because soaps and … Read More