Member Spotlight – Earth Essentials Soap

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Barbara Downey- Earth Essentials Soap Barbara Downey wanted to learn to do something that would create greater self-sufficiency in her life.  She had been buying hand-milled soap at local stores and fell in love with good soap.  Since she had a love for cooking and appreciated following a good recipe, cold process soapmaking seemed like a natural choice. After much … Read More

HSMG Experts Panel Forum “Grow Your Business” Day

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Hello Members, Kelly Bloom is one amazing lady and we will have her at the next Experts Panel – “Grow Your Business” Day at the HSMG Forum. She does it all as a Supplier of Extraordinary soapmaking supplies, Soapalooza! Soap Arts Studio owner, Blog: southernsoapers.com/news/ & Southern Soapers Yahoo Forum owner as well as mother to five children. Find out … Read More

FDA Act 2009 – Letter to Congress

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I have been working with Donna Maria (Indie Beauty Network), along with terrific input from Anne-Marie Faiola (Brambleberry) and Kayla Fioravanti (Essential Wholesale) to review the FDA Globalization Act of 2009 (HR 759). Our contact at the House Commerce and Energy Committee requested our input and was quite interested to know if we could “come out in support of the … Read More

Membership News and Notes

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As you have noticed on this blog, February is our month for a Membership Drive and the benefits to you could not be better!It’s “Double Bubble” month. For each new member that you refer to join the Guild you’ll receive ‘double bubbles’ for your use in the HSMG merchandise section of our website.  The member who gets the most member referrals … Read More

Member Spotlight: A Wild Soap Bar LLC

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Maggie Hanus, Soap Bartender http://www.awildsoapbar.com Maggie’s nostalgic story comes from reading Sandy Maine’s first book. It inspired Maggie to give soapmaking a try and over 14 years later she is hopelessly addicted to the craft. Maggie taught herself many handcrafted skills like crochet, beadwork, jewelry, pressed flowers, nature prints and even home building! The same with soapmaking, she just dove … Read More

Conference and Certification Scholarships

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2009 Conference Scholarships Stratus Insurance is generously offering two scholarships to the 2009 Annual Conference! The scholarships will cover Conference registration, 4 nights hotel stay at the Miramonte Resort and Spa and $500 in cash for travel and other expenses. Scholarship Based on Need One scholarship will be based on need. Applicants must fill out a questionnaire including an essay … Read More

FDA Globalization Act – 2009

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With the new administration and the recent salmonella outbreaks, Rep. Dingell has submitted a new version of the FDA Globalization Act.  It is HR-759, was introduced on January 28th and has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee. The good news is that our voice was heard and the section on Cosmetics has been considerably toned down from … Read More

Volunteer Spotlight – Pat Allen

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HSMG Volunteer Spotlight  – Gran’ Nanny’s Goat Milk Soaps, Inc. – Pat Allen Goats got Pat started in soapmaking when looking for ways to use surplus goat milk. Introduced to goat milk soap by a neighbor, she started researching and in Pat’s words “Whooooo … I had no idea that goat milk had so much to offer.”  Coming from a … Read More

Don’t miss the special Early-Bird Rate for the 2009 Conference

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Don’t miss out on the registration discounts available now for the 2009 Conference in Palm Springs, CA. These special Early-Bird rates will expire in February. The 2009 Conference is a perfect way to jump-start your business, get valuable information, talk to experts and other soapmakers and just reaffirm your love of the craft. The Miramonte Resort & Spa is a … Read More

Soapmaking Safety New Forum Topic

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Soap Guild Member Forum Information forum for Soap Guild Members A new section has been added to the HSMG Forum under Art of Soapmaking called Safety.  It is ready to populate it with knowledge, bloopers and blunders that would be helpful to all Members.  I know I have a few.  http://soapguild.org/forum/ Maria Gelnett P&S Chair