With all of us living so far away from one another, and in a day and age when it’s difficult for everyone to make it out to the Annual Conference, this blog is a great way to learn more about the Guild, its leadership team, and members. Speaking of the Annual Conference, today’s spotlight focuses …
Continue reading ‘Spotlight – Leigh O’Donnell, Vice-President, HSMG’ »
On September 19th, CBS Affiliate WUSA Channel 9 News in Washington DC aired this segment featuring the FDA Globalization Act and the far-reaching effects it might have. The initial contact was made by Jamila White of j blossom, member of the Indie Beauty Network and speaker at the HSMG 2008 and 2009 Conferences. Both Jamilla …
Continue reading ‘DC News Coverage of FDA Globalization Act’ »
As most know, product and general liability insurance is included as a member benefit for soapmaker members located in the United States. The basic insurance includes $1M in liability insurance and $5,000 in property insurance. For those who needed more liability insurance to satisfy wholesale accounts or craft shows and fairs, an optional increase to …
Available on the HSMG website are the following calendar of events tailored to soapmakers. These events have been submitted by various groups and businesses; they are not sponsored or endorsed by the HSMG. September 2008 September 27 – September 28 (Saturday – Sunday) the ORIGINAL SOAP MAKING BOOTCAMP This popular weekend workshop taught by Lori Nova …
So we can get to know more about the Guild, its Directors, Committees and Members, we will be posting a Spotlight piece on the Blog often. First, our leader, Marie Gale. She started out like the rest of us happening upon soapmaking through circumstance somehow, someway. But who is Marie Gale, certified soapmaker and President of …
Continue reading ‘Spotlight – Marie Gale, President, HSMG’ »
I just returned from a trip to pick the property for the HSMG 2010 Conference. After looking at 11 hotels over 3 days my mind is swimming with possibilities and questions. It is always interesting to try to see our attendees in a particular property, networking and being a part of our growing conference… Over …
The Public Info Requests area has been updated in the HSMG website member area. These were received from public visitors who filled in the form on our Find a Soapmaker and Find a Vendor pages. Any member can respond to each inquiry one time, by clicking on the “Respond” link on the form. Please only respond if you have …
For HSMG members only – Herb Companion and Natural Home past magazine ads updated sales leads are now posted for your use on the site www.soapguild.org in the Member Area. Maria Gelnett BoD Programs & Services Chair
It’s nearing Holiday issue deadline time for submission of print ads to national magazines. We’d like to feature a member’s soap photo in our new ad. If you have a camera ready high resolution color photo you can get to me at mgelnett@soapguild.org, before Saturday, 9/20/08, it will be considered for our new HSMG ad. Only one …
We are accepting bids for an independently contracted (paid) bookkeeper for the HSMG. Prior experience with bookkeeping and/or accounting, an aptitude for problem solving, the ability to concentrate on detail and prior experience with QuickBooks are required. Not-for-profit accounting experience is a plus. Estimated time needed is about 40 hours per month. If you are …
As you’ve probably noticed, there is lots going on at the moment in the HSMG. We have over 900 members (highest ever) and that’s increasing steadily. Our committees are all working hard to fulfill their duties and increase the stability, benefits and out-reach of the HSMG. Now some able-bodied help is needed! Most of our …
One of our members emailed me about the requirements for cosmetic manufacturers in Florida. Their law, enacted July 2008, requires all cosmetic manufacturers to register their facilities and products with the state every two years. The registration fee is $250 – $400. In addition, every product manufactured must be registered, at $30 per product. (Luckily, …
Continue reading ‘Florida Regulations – Similar to FDA Proposal’ »
We are well on our way to reaching that 1000 member mark in the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild! Sign up today…it is a decision you won’t regret and one that you will continually benefit from. If you have some questions or suggestions that we can help with…bring them on! Sister Cathleen Timberlake Membership Committee Chair
Donna Maria, that icon of Indie Beauty Network and staunch supporter of all things Indie, just recently blog-posted 10 Interesting Things About the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild – and they are interesting things! I knew Donna Maria was on the list of people to attend the first-ever gathering in Paris, Ohio (1997!), but I didn’t …
Did you know about Lye Calculators available on the HSMG website? For everyone under “Industry Resources” and an expanded one for Members? Just upgraded a Luxury Bar to Super Luxury by adding Shea Butter and Apricot Kernal Oil. A nice tool to bookmark. www.soapguild.org/industry/lyecalculator.php www.soapguild.org/member/login.php Maria Gelnett Programs/Service Chair
It is with great pleasure that I announce that the HSMG Forum now has a new Forum Moderator – Barbara Downey! Please take a moment to say hello and welcome her to her new role here. So…you may be asking yourself, “that’s cool and all, but what exactly does a forum moderator do and why …
You have probably heard of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008. If not, briefly it is legislation intended to increase the security and safety of food, drugs and medical devices. Cosmetics seem to be somewhat of an afterthought, but they are still included. The way it is currently being written, it which would require, amongst …
Continue reading ‘What to do about the FDA Globalization Act’ »
We hope you can join us at the 2009 Conference in Palm Springs, California on May 12-14 at The Miramonte Resort & Spa. We have been able to put together an amazing list of speakers with cutting edge topics and demonstrations. Here is the list so far! Erin Brockovich – Keynote Speaker Donna Maria Coles …
Welcome! This blog has been created to keep soapmakers updated on the activities of the HSMG. Since we are a trade organization for the handcrafted soap industry, both members and non-members will find information of interest here. Marie Gale HSMG President