The HSCG New England Local Chapter is helmed by President Marilyn Plummer, Vice President Barbara Baldinelli, Secretary Jennifer Hofmann, and Treasurer Deborah Miller. Recently, we asked the New England Local Chapter leaders to share a collaborative view of their experiences and inspiration in forming and running their chapter.
What inspired you to form a Local Chapter?
Community. We wanted to create a group where soap makers could get together to learn from each other, to share successes and failures, to have a support system, and meet likeminded individuals.
What do you think is the biggest benefit of participating in a Local Chapter?
We believe local chapters can be very beneficial to Guild members. As a local chapter we can work together, support each other, promote community projects, and network. Our chapter is comprised of both business owners and hobbyists, and we all can offer and bring different qualities to the chapter. We believe our chapter will help and allow members to grow both personally and professionally.
How do you feel your Local Chapter impacts, or can impact, your local community?
We feel it is important to give back to the community. We’re currently working on realizing this. We’re coming up with a program that offers different ways our members can give back to the community – from donating our time, to donating products to local shelters. We’re excited to work on developing this in the coming year.
What is your favorite part about your Local Gatherings?
Talking soap! Seriously, we get to talk about soap all day long and no one tells us to stop. Local gatherings have been a great time for us to teach, learn, and socialize with our fellow soapmakers.
Imagine the future of your Local Chapter: what do you see?
We hope to expand and host more meetings throughout all the New England states. We want as many members as possible to have access to and be able to attend our gatherings. Ultimately, we want to provide a group where soap makers can come to share, learn, and be part of an active soaping community.
Recent Gatherings
The HSCG New England Local Chapter met in early 2019 for a day of soap and bath product making, where a test session was held, and new members were voted to the New England Local Chapter Board of Directors.
Join Us!
If you live in New England and would like to become a part of the HSCG New England Local Chapter, please reach out to our Member Services Assistant Kristine at mbrservices@soapguild.org, or via phone during business hours at 866-900-7627. There is no additional cost to join a Local Chapter for HSCG Members.