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HSMG Conference Platinum Sponsor, Wholesale Supplies Plus!

10 March 2010, 5:48 pm

In 1996 Debbie May was working as a registered nurse and unexpectedly gave birth to a disabled daughter. As her family struggled, Debbie learned the art of soap making and eventually started a small home based business named “May Showers”. Her products eventually sold coast-to-coast through retail stores, craft shows, home parties, and fundraisers. The money earned allowed her to pay the extra medical bills and put food on the table.

In 1998 Debbie was at a craft show and was approached by a woman hand making holiday ornaments. This woman asked Debbie if she was willing to teach her how to make soap. She went on to explain that she needed to learn a good selling craft to supplement her household income because her husband had recently lost his job. Debbie quickly said yes and gave this woman private classes. It was at that time that Debbie realized that her situation was not unique and many families could use help and extra money to “make ends meet.” Debbie was excited and passionate about helping others and it was this enthusiasm that led Debbie’s mother, Karen, to buy her a used computer. It was this computer that allowed Debbie to take care of the kids during the day and teach online classes (through chat lists and message boards) at night.

1999 Debbie May established Wholesale Supplies Plus as a means to provide the public with affordable, professional quality soap making, skincare and candle making supplies. The company offers home based businesses the same access to high quality materials that had previously only been available to large businesses. Due to the company’s success, within 5 years Debbie’s husband Dave left his job teaching high school and came to work for Wholesale Supplies Plus.

Although the company has grown, every customer is still given individual attention and the highest level of customer support. The company motto remains “Your Success Is Our Business”. Wholesale Supplies Plus currently stocks over 2,000 products that are packaged and ready to ship. They employ over 35 staff members and continue to help over 100,000 customers.

Because Debbie and her husband Dave have been personally touched by Autism, when you place your order with wholesale supplies plus you will have the opportunity to make a donation to Life Center for Autism; a charity they established to honor their commitment to give back to the community in which they operate. Life Center for Autism has the mission to socially enhance the lives of those who struggle with autism spectrum disorders.  This is a federally recognized charity and Wholesale Supplies Plus will gladly match all customer donations.

Filed under 2010 Annual Conference, Spotlight.
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HSMG Conference Platinum Sponsor – Lebermuth Company!

8 March 2010, 5:19 pm

HSMG is proud to again have Corporate Member, Lebermuth Company, member since 1998, wholesale supplier of fragrances and essential oils, as a Platinum Sponsor at the upcoming in Denver, CO Conference.

In 1908, Lebermuth Company was founded by a farmer named Morris Brown and his family. They traded in farm produce until they discovered the value of essential oils when someone used peppermint oil to barter for produce. The company began as M. Brown and Sons and while headed by Morris Brown’s direct descendant, Irvin Brown, merged with Lebermuth Company in 1974. Today the Company still prides itself on providing the best possible service and quality products available.

Angie Carter will be attending the HSMG Conference for the third year in a row along with Rob Brown, Irv Brown and Eve Hardin, who is an inside sales representative for Lebermuth. Angie will be manning the Lebermuth booth and asks that you to stop by to say hello. She is proud of the fact that Lebermuth has been supporting our Conference for many years.

Angie stated she supports her customers whether they buy from Lebermuth once a year or every month. Lebermuth offers essential oils, organic essential oils and natural and synthetic fragrance oils. She proudly emphasized that they offer everything for soap and candle making, as well as decorative botanicals. They source essential oils from around the world and have direct relationships with the farmers who grow them.

Lebermuth’s strict quality control ensures that everything meets their specifications prior to being purchased and then again prior to leaving their facility to the customer. In addition, Lebermuth manufactures its own fragrance oils under strict quality conditions. Angie said they are tested by an experienced professional soapmaker prior to being sold to any customer.

Lebermuth is located in the midwest and ship orders within 72 hours. They can be reached by calling customer service at 574.259.7000 or e-mailing info@lebermuth.com.

*NEW* No minimum order for HSMG members ($9.95 handling fee applies)

Lebermuth Company

14000 McKinley Hwy

Mishawaka, IN 46545

Phone: 1-800-648-1123

Fax: 574-258-7459

info@lebermuth.com

www.lebermuth.com

Filed under 2009 Annual Conference, Spotlight.
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A First! An HSMG Calendar of Photos!

4 March 2010, 3:57 pm

The first HSMG calendar featuring our fabulous Members’ soaps!

The HSMG is creating its first calendar designed for soapmakers.  The Programs and Services Committee is working on the first phase of the calendar and it involves our wonderful Members best work.  Members are asked to submit their best print ready soap photos (limit of 2) for consideration of use in this HSMG calendar by March 30.

For purposes of impartiality in judging, the soap photo should be a ‘naked’ soap, not wrapped in your business logo or soap name and sent as a blind file (no company name listed).   For best results, use 300 dpi or better image converted to CMYK in 8×10 size.  We welcome all skill levels and soapmaking methods, including cold-process, hot-process and melt and pour.   Seasonal soap photos are encouraged as well.

Entrants are required to email their photo to cathleent@soapguild.org and sign a release form available on the HSMG Website.  The signed release form should be sent to the HSMG office.  Once both are received on file, Members with selected photos will be notified shortly after the March 30th deadline.

The prestige of having your soap in the HSMG calendar for this advertising opportunity is priceless. Please help us make this calendar showcase our Members’ best work!!

Filed under For Members.
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Celtic Naturals – Helping the environment one shower at a time

2 March 2010, 7:41 pm

Angela Buckley, an engineer by trade and environmentally conscious consumer by passion, founded Celtic Naturals in 2009. As a mother, triathlete and professional, it was difficult to find affordable, natural skin care products. She founded Celtic Naturals after years of being exposed to chemicals and realizing that despite precautions, her skin still reacted to them. She also noticed a trend of product lines referred to as “natural,” when components of the product weren’t; in addition to some natural-labeled products that hadn’t taken into account the larger carbon and social footprint, such as shipping, production of essential oils, and similar pieces of the production footprint.

So Angela founded Celtic Naturals, which delivers great soaps and skin care to its customers, along with a commitment to social and environmental responsibility.  However, Celtic Naturals offers more. By visiting the education page, readers can learn more about the soapmaking process and have other questions answered about natural skin care.

Angela’s Milestones: She said “In less than one year, I’ve introduced more than 25 products to the market. I’m currently retailed online and in 2 stores. This week I was named the Official Soap of HFP Racing. Podium finishers for the Girls Tri Too series will be receiving a bar of Celtic Naturals Sport Line soap along with their medals.”

From Angela’s education and work experience, she knows the importance of assuring consistent product quality. Safety is her number one priority. As a single business owner, her systems are in place for an entirely different reason. She said “Where before I wrote job instructions so everyone would do it the same way every time, I now write job instructions for myself. They keep me honest, they establish trust with reporters, bankers and my customers. My documentation is not nearly as extensive as it was when I worked for large manufacturing companies, but certainly sufficient enough that when the day comes for me to hire an employee, they will be safe and provide a consistent quality. I look forward to that day!”

Angela intends to be a full time soapmaker. For now, she currently uses her other skills as a consultant to develop startup capital while this business grows. Angela found the HSMG online. Certainly as a starting point, she found insurance was a great point and was very grateful for the list of vendors. It made her start of the development much easier.

Angela suggests to have fun. Persevere. Read and try. Read and try again. Start by selling to your friends. Unless you are an accomplished entrepreneur, start slowly. Rely on friends and family for support, advice and help. Label chemicals clearly and store them safely.

Today, she focuses on continuing her education about natural products and how they support skin care, and smarter natural skin care processes. She and her husband live in Dublin, Ohio, with their son.

Contact Angela at angela@celtic-naturals.com.

Filed under Spotlight.
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Update – Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act – Letter to Colorado Lawmakers

26 February 2010, 11:41 am

I have written a letter that you can use to send to lawmakers in Colorado in opposition of The Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, HB10-1248.

Please put the letter on your company letterhead to fully identify yourself and your company.

Download the letter (MS Word format).

Leigh O’Donnell

HSMG President

President@soapguild.org

Filed under Uncategorized.
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From the President – Update – Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act

26 February 2010, 8:59 am

Whether you live and operate a business in the state of Colorado or not you need to pay attention to The Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, HB10-1248.  Read the full bill here.

The main “intent” of the bill is to ban all ingredients known to be carcinogens or reproductive toxins in the state of Colorado and allow consumers to sue manufacturers that violate this with $5,000 – $10,000 fees.

The main problem with this bill, as written, is that it is very vague and confusing.  I have been consulting with leaders in our industry all week as well as many small soap and cosmetics manufacturers.  Even with all these minds put together we are having trouble decifering the nuances of this bill.  It raises too many questions, for example:

  • How will this “list” of banned ingredients be created, maintained and updated and by whom?
  • The bill mentions “authoritative bodies” or “formally organized groups” as the source for these banned ingredients.  What criterion will be used to deem whether or not a “group” is an acceptable source?  Here is the specific language from the bill:

(1) “AUTHORITATIVE BODY” MEANS THE FOLLOWING AGENCIES OR
3 FORMALLY ORGANIZED PROGRAMS OR GROUPS RECOGNIZED AS
4 AUTHORITATIVE FOR PURPOSES OF IDENTIFYING CHEMICALS THAT CAUSE
5 CANCER OR REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY:
6 (a) THE UNITED STATES ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY,
7 OR ITS SUCCESSOR AGENCY;
8 (b) THE UNITED STATES FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION, OR ITS
9 SUCCESSOR ENTITY;
10 (c) THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND
11 HEALTH, OR ITS SUCCESSOR ENTITY;
12 (d) THE NATIONAL TOXICOLOGY PROGRAM, OR ITS SUCCESSOR
13 PROGRAM; AND
14 (e) THE INTERNATIONAL AGENCY FOR RESEARCH ON CANCER, OR
15 ITS SUCCESSOR AGENCY.

  • The bill opens the door for fraud and abuse of the court system, allowing the consumer to sue manufacturers for $5,000 – $10,000 fees.
  • The bill isn’t clear on whether it will only regulate manufacturers of cosmetics in the state of Colorado or will it also regulate manufacturers outside the state that sell in Colorado.  The specific language in the bill is here:

11 (3) (a) “MANUFACTURER” MEANS ANY PERSON WHOSE NAME
12 APPEARS ON THE LABEL OF A PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT PURSUANT TO THE
13 REQUIREMENTS OF 21 CFR 701.12.
14 (b) “MANUFACTURER” DOES NOT INCLUDE A RETAILER THAT SELLS
15 PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS AT RETAIL TO CONSUMERS UNLESS THE
16 RETAILER IS ALSO THE MANUFACTURER OF THE PERSONAL CARE PRODUCT.

HB10-1248 is being sponsored by The Women’s Lobby of Colorado in conjunction with The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.  The Women’s Lobby holds meetings at the Colorado Education Association at the corners of Colfax & Grant (1500 Grant Street) from 12:00 – 1:15 with lunch included.  Here are the upcoming dates:

  • March 3rd
  • March 17th
  • March 31st
  • April 14th
  • April 28th

There will be a hearing specifically for HB10-1248 on Monday, March 1st, held by the House Judiciary in rm 0107 in the basement of the Capitol Building.

We will post a letter later today that you can personalize and send to the representatives in Colorado opposing this bill for both residents and non-residents of Colorado.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to email me: President@Soapguild.org

Leigh O’Donnell

HSMG President

Filed under FDA Globalization Act, For Members, Legislation, Uncategorized. Tagged , ,
3 Comments

From the President – Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act

23 February 2010, 5:46 pm

Colorado has proposed a bill known as The Colorado Safe Personal Care Products Act, it was introduced by the Colorado Women’s Lobby under the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics. If passed, Colorado will place a ban on all personal care products that contain carcinogens or reproductive toxins, placing $5,000 to $10,000 fines on any manufacturer that violates this ban. To read the entire bill visit here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/CLICS/CLICS2010A/csl.nsf/fsbillcont3/399D0F36FF7CAE54872576BD006FDDEC?Open&file=1248_01.pdf

To follow the progress of the bill visit here: http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2010A/csl.nsf/BillFoldersHouse?openFrameset

The Bill is numbered HB10-1248.

The problem with this bill is that it is so broad and vague and the penalties so stiff that small businesses may no longer be able to do business in Colorado.

The bill is currently in the House Judiciary Committee and is sponsored in the house by Dianne Primavera, Dennis Apuan, Joe Miklosi Cap and Karen Middleton.

Here are their phone numbers & email addresses:

Dianne Primavera – 303-866-4667 – dianne.primavera.house@state.co.us

Dennis Apuan – 303-866-3069 – repdennisapuan@gmail.com

Karen Middleton – 303-866-3911 – repmiddleton@gmail.com

Joe Miklose Cap – 303-866-2910 – joe@joemiklosi.com

If you are a member that lives and/or does business in Colorado we urge you to contact the reps to have your voice heard. If you have already done so and have additional information please email me at:  President@soapguild.org

Some talking points:

Will acceptable limits be set for ingredients that are considered safe unless used in large quantaties?

What is the “Successor Agency” of the EPA, an “authoritative body” as written in this section of the bill:

“THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY (23) DECLARES IT TO BE IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF THIS STATE (24) TO TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE THAT PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS SOLD AND (25) USED IN THIS STATE ARE SAFE AND DO NOT CONTAIN SUBSTANCES THAT (26) CAUSE CANCER OR REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY.” HOUSE BILL 10-1248″

Soap is not specifically mentioned or exempted, will true soap be exempted from this bill?

Look for more information soon.  I will post as it becomes available.

Leigh O’Donnell,  HSMG President

Filed under General.
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2010 Annual Conference – Denver, CO, The Inverness Hotel April 30 – May 2

19 February 2010, 5:05 pm

Don’t miss this great event! The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild would like to invite you to celebrate our 13th Annual Conference in Denver Colorado! It will be at the Inverness Hotel and Conference Center.

Why do you need to attend this Conference!

Fabulous Keynote Speakers!

Increase Your Sales!  Learn marketing strategies, creative display techniques and how to boost online sales!

Improve Your Soapmaking Skills! Boost your understanding of the art and science of soapmaking and learn cutting edge techniques to create soaps that SELL!

Raise Your Profitability and Efficiency!  Benefit from the experience of successful soapmakers and learn to avoid common pitfalls that can ruin your business!

Stay Informed about Legislative Issues!  Get current information about upcoming legislative issues so you can prepare your products and business.

Conference attendance is open to members and non-members of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, Inc. The registration fee includes attendance to all classes, demonstrations and workshops, participation in door prizes, drawings and prize awards and optional participation in the Soapers Showcase. Meals and snacks are provided as part of the conference fee. See the Registration Info for details about what is covered in your registration fee and for data on bringing guests.

On-site sign-in starts on the evening of Thursday, April 29th and continues on the morning of Friday, April 30th. Conference classes and activities run all day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the Annual Awards Dinner on Sunday evening. See the schedule for details. There will be well-known industry speakers giving presentations on a wide variety of topics, as well as two special events.

All levels of certification (from Basic to Master) will be scheduled during the conference (only members can be certified).

Following the conference, an optional tour of Denver will be available to attendees and their guests who wish to stay an extra day to take in the sites.

Be sure to visit all the 2010 Conference pages to get a complete picture of the conference and what you can expect. There are “Jump To” links at the top of every conference page.

Thursday, April 29

Evening Registration

Certification Testing

Friday, April 30

Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun – past US Senator and Ambassador to New Zealand and now Found and President of Good Food Organics

Debbie May

Kelly Bloom

Cindy Jones

Anne-Marie Faiola

Amy Kalinchuk

Debbie Chialtas

Marla Bosworth

WHOLESALE SUPPLIES PLUS SPECIAL EVENT!

Saturday, May 1

Robert Tisserand – expert in aromatherapy and essential oils. Alliance of international Aromatherapists Lifetime Achievement Awardee and author of several books on aromatherapy.

Certification Testing

Alison Covarrubias

Maria Arango

Kayla Fiorvanti

Marie Gale

ESSENTIAL WHOLESALE SPECIAL EVENT!

Sunday, May 2

Legislative Panel

Donna Maria Coles Johnson

Kevin Dunn

Debbie May

ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER!

Register Today! Special discounted room rates for conference attendees!  Early Bird Prices expire February 28, 2010!!

Filed under 2010 Annual Conference.
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Columbus Foods! Awesome Platinum Conference Sponsor!

16 February 2010, 5:34 pm

Columbus Foods is a Platinum sponsor for our Denver Conference this year and the HSMG is thrilled!

Columbus Vegetable Oils began in the mid 1930’s as “Eagle Can Company” and then became “Columbus Packing Company” when a shortage of cooking oil became an opportunity during World War II. The name “Columbus”, as in Christopher the explorer, was selected to represent the Company’s Spirit and leadership in the early vegetable oil industry. The current President, Pualette Gagliardo, is a direct descendant of the original father and son founders and she ensures that their vision continues to be reflected in the Company’s mission.

The Director of Specialty Foods, Mike Lawson, says Columbus Foods offers a full line of oils especially for the soapmaker and has a special soapmaker’s page for ease of ordering. They offer oils in smaller quantities for the hobby soapmaker all the way up to large quantities for the full scale professional soapmaker. Their website includes soap recipes, an SAP calculator and helpful links to other websites.

Mike stated that he is an accomplished soapmaker himself and can answer any question that comes his way regarding soapmaking. He and his wife, Melinda, learned soapmaking from Deana Gentle of Gentle Ridge Emu Products and Jill Sidney of Iowa Natural Soapworks and fondly remembers the early days of the HSMG and their involvement in its conception. Since then he has taught soapmaking himself and still does in a sense when he assists his customers with their soapmaking dilemmas.

Mike told us that Columbus Foods was named Saponifier Magazine’s Supplier of the Year for three consecutive years. Mike joined the HSMG in 1999 and was made a lifetime honorary member in 2006. He said Columbus provides oils to buyers throughout the world and strives to offer the lowest price possible for the best quality.  Did he say great customer services as well!

Columbus Vegetable Oils/ Soapers Choice

30 E. Oakton Street

Des Plaines, IL 60018

Contact: Michael Lawson

Phone: 800 322 6457 x

Fax: 847 257 8870

E-Mail: mlawson@columbusfoods.com

Website: http://www.soaperschoice.com

Specialty Oils for Soap and Toiletries, Vegetable Glycerin M&P Soap Base, Exotic Butters Low Prices, Top Quality, Quick Shipping. A Family Owned Business.

Filed under 2010 Annual Conference.
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Spotlight – Lambfeather Natural Soap – Gwen Van Scoy

10 February 2010, 7:06 pm

Gwendolyn Van Scoy, Lambfeather Natural Soap, started making soap in 1994 as a hobby due to skin problems as a result of radiation treatments she had to go through 30 yrs. ago.  She read about the benefits of handmade soap, that it was better for your skin, and after making her first batch was convinced.

Her business began in 2008 when she was unable to return to her previous career.  She just celebrated a first full year in business this past August.

She opened an online store last summer and won second place presenting her product line in an Art Festival.  Her husband built her a soap studio when soap took over the house, and had a grand opening ribbon cutting this past November.

The best thing she has learned so far is to let the business grow organically to avoid spinning her wheels. She says, “I do the next right thing and new opportunities continue to present themselves. I have learned not to be in such a hurry. Soap takes time and so does a well lived life.”

Gwen is a full time soapmaker when she is physically able to do so. Gwen likes to read, cook, do needlework and as well as owns an amazing perennial flower garden and vegetable garden. She is a member of Soroptomist  International which focuses on improving the lives of women and children locally and throughout the world.

She found the HSMG online when searching for ideas.  She joined for many reasons:

  • to have insurance
  • to learn and ask questions
  • be of service in some way
  • It is the “water cooler” around which soapmakers can chat, share ideas, commiserate, whatever is needed.

Gwen is an HSMG Volunteer and serves on the Social Media Committee.

Gwen’s advice on getting started in soapmaking is to buy serious soapmaking guides. Susan Miller Cavitch is her soap bible. Start small and simple and work your way up. She emphasizes to take the safety warnings very seriously and treat lye with respect. However, she guides to be adventurous and give yourself permission to make mistakes.

Check out Gwen’s business at gwenvanscoy@aol.com.

Filed under Spotlight.
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