Can you imagine how I felt when, with only 16 days left before the show, I found out that one of the soapmakers chosen to represent the HSMG in Orlando was unable to make the trip? WOW! What a rush, both figuratively and literally! With the busiest time of the year behind us and our end-of-year inventory extremely low, I wondered how we would get it all done. I took a deep breath and then did the first thing that came to mind; I booked two flights to Orlando and made a hotel reservation. Oh no! In all the excitement, we had completely forgotten to call our employers first to make sure we could get off work. Luckily, it all worked out.

Also on our side, was the fact that we had exhibited at our first tradeshow just a year before, but with one big difference – we were able to drive to that one. Now we had to think about shipping our products and a portable display, as well as brochures, business cards, order forms…oh, and did I mention we had very little product in our inventory? But, like everything else in life, if you put your mind to it you CAN do it! Working full-time besides our soap and candle business made it very difficult, but we spent every night and days off making soap, lotion, candles and a sampling of every other product we wanted to showcase at this event. (Thank goodness we were able to bypass the curing process of our soap since this was an order-taking event.) We also elicited the assistance of our daughter on her days off and we got it done!

I must say, this was one of the best experiences we have had since opening our business in 2002. As a team, Tom and I were forced to plan for this event with very short notice, work together even when we were exhausted (without getting on each others’ nerves), and make compromises in order to make use of what we had available (even using outdated 2010 wholesale brochures). Tip: Don’t date your brochures!! We placed an online order for a portable display and had it shipped directly to the show – seeing it for the first time when we were ready to set up. It was slightly nerve-wracking for me!

But the highlight of the entire trip was meeting Deb and Darrell from Big Fat Soap Company and Candy and Jody from Nakee’ Natural. There were a lot of emails between the three of us, but we had never met until the show. What a pleasurable experience it was. To be able to talk shop, laugh and share ideas with fellow soap makers for three consecutive days!! I think we all came away from this experience with more knowledge and, best of all, more friends. Thank you HSMG for this opportunity and for all that you do!

Tom and Julie Koenig

Kreative Kraftwerks

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild and Association of Artisan Businesses Reach an Acquisition Agreement

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Marrijane Jones (AAB) or Gayle Vrla (HSMG)

AAB phone -  1-800-542-6183

HSMG phone – 1-866-900-7627
AAB Email:    memberservices@artisanbusinesses.org

HSMG Email:  info@soapguild.org

The Association of Artisan Businesses (AAB) and The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild (HSMG) would like to jointly announce that an agreement has been reached for the HSMG to acquire the AAB.

When Debbie May, President of the AAB, was asked about the industry impact of this acquisition, she stated:  “I am excited to be part of this acquisition.  This agreement will strengthen the industry by providing streamlined benefits to members of both organizations.  The ability to work together on advocacy efforts is a real plus.  Overall, we are not a huge industry but standing together as one gives us a much stronger voice in Washington.  I have a tremendous amount of confidence that the leadership of the HSMG will treat the members of the AAB well and provide them with top notch benefits. ”

When Leigh O’Donnell, President of the HSMG, was asked about the HSMG acquiring the membership of the AAB, she said:  “This is a very positive move for both associations and the HSMG is ready to welcome the members of the AAB.  At a time when it is critical for our industry to stand together, this acquisition will strengthen our position.  We would like to thank Debbie May, President of the AAB for brining this opportunity to us.”

The acquisition and transition process will begin immediately.  If you are a member of either organization, look for the following changes to occur in the month of September:

Current Members of the AAB:

• HSMG New Member Packet
• Access to member areas of the HSMG website including forum, blog, etc.
• A letter outlining options for Product & Liability Insurance insurance.
• Authorization to use the HSMG logo for branded advertising.
• Discounted access to the HSMG Conference. (May 18-20, 2011 Miami, FL)
• Ability to become a Certified Soapmaker through the HSMG Certification Program
• Subscription to “The Handcrafted Soapmaker” the HSMG’s quarterly e-Zine
• Listing on “Find a Soapmaker” on the HSMG website
• Your renewal date will remain the same and now be your HSMG renewal date.

Current Members of the HSMG:

• A “Fee Free” website at Artisans Online.com
• Free business articles from Artisans Monthly.com

Association of Artisan Businesses was founded in 2008 with the mission of being a national non-partisan, professional organization whose mission is to assist individual artisans in reaching their full business potential while also promoting awareness of the artisan industry to the public, government agencies and elected officials.  The members will find the HSMG a valuable organization to belong to.

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild was founded in 1998 with the mission of promoting the handcrafted soap industry; act as a center of communication among Soapmakers; and to circulate information beneficial to Soapmakers.

If you have any questions about this acquisition, please feel free to email either organization!

Sincerely Yours,

Leigh O’Donnell

President

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild

Deborah May

President

The Association of Artisan Businesses

Any soapmaker who has searched for insurance for their small business knows how hard it is to find an insurance company willing to cover them.  It is nearly impossible.  However, Stratus Insurance began focusing on providing product liability and program business insurance to affinity groups like the HSMG in 2002. In fact, groups like the HSMG are their specialty. Here’s a link to all the detailed questions about how their insurance for HSMG members works:  Soapmaker Insurance

Stratus Insurance Services,  as provider of the HSMG Member Benefit Insurance, has generously agreed to sponsor 2 expense paid scholarships to the 2010 Conference!! Congratulations to Dana Callahan of Salem, MA and Erica Pence Bonnie Bath Co, of Boca Raton, FL! Both Dana and Erica have won full scholarships to the HSMG 2010 Conference, including Conference registration, 4 nights at The Inverness Hotel and $500 for expenses. Thank you to all who applied and especially to Stratus Insurance Services for their generous sponsorship.

In a difficult market where insurance programs are being canceled for reasons other than profitability, Stratus Insurance is building such programs a home. Daryle Stafford, the Program Director, is responsible for the creation and ongoing administration of over 20 different association-based and Risk Purchasing Group programs including the HSMG . If you call Stratus Insurance with any question or concern, you will likely speak to Natasha Gray. She says she is happy to answer any question, any time. She also stated that Stratus Insurance is committed to providing quality products and services to their clients. They are dedicated to providing superior service and focused on driving down their clients’ costs. Stratus Insurance may be reached by calling 1-866-395-1308 or by e-mailing beauty@stratusins.com .

It will be hard to beat last year’s Renaissance Carnival also hosted by  Essential Wholesale but again on Saturday, May 1, they will present a Gala Event at the Inverness Resort.   This will be an extremely fun evening after a day of learning and networking.

Kayla will also be speaking at the Conference on the subject:   You are the Secret Ingredient : Formulating Your Dream Business.

Essential Wholesale means top quality natural Soap Making Supplies, Aromatherapy and Cosmetic Making Ingredients. With over a thousand different items to choose from, including Cosmetic Bases, Essential Oils, Carrier Oils, Exotic Butters & Waxes, Cosmetic & Soap Making Ingredients, Fruit & Herbal Extracts, Organics and so much more.

Essential Wholesale has one of the largest selections of natural and organic unscented Cosmetic Bases in the world along with a huge selection of soap and toiletry making supplies plus the best aromatherapy and craft supplies. They can also help you by taking natural and organic cosmetics development skills and help you create your own line.  Their Labs division specializes in natural and organic alternatives for custom formulations, contract packaging and private labeling for all size businesses with the lowest minimums in the industry. If you have ever thought of using a natural custom made cosmetic base or have ever wanted to have your own natural custom formulation, then they are here to help you develop that perfect natural cosmetic line. Essential Wholesale through their labs division, Essential Labs specializes in helping small and large business with truly natural personal care, cosmetics and mineral makeup with low minimums. If you are ready to start or expand your product line, their competitive cosmetic Private Labeling and cosmetic Contract Packaging program coupled with their Graphics Design abilities can turn your ideas into pure success.

Check out their Blog

HSMG Member Discount: 5% Off Most Items (Exceptions Apply)

Discount Code: EWHSMG07

8850 SE Herbert Court

Clackamas, OR 97015

Phone: 503-722-7557

E-Mail: info@essentialwholesale.com

Don’t miss the Annual Membership Drive opportunity and the Early-Bird Rate for the 2010 Denver Conference!  You won’t want to miss what Essential Wholesale has in store this year!

For sure…  Essential Wholesale is the kind of company that knows how to give back and we are thrilled to have their support.

Board Members Cathleen Timberlake and Maria Gelnett

Thinking about joining the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild? Now’s the time!

February is the month of our Annual Membership Drive, during which you can earn DOUBLE golden soap bubbles AND special prizes. Any member who refers 5 or more NEW members will receive a free membership for their next year (a value of $100, insurance not included). Additionally, any person who joins or renews in February will be entered into a drawing for a free membership their next year (a value of $100, insurance not included).

The Annual Membership Drive starts at midnight on February 1st and runs through midnight on February 28th which is also the last date to get the Early-Bird Rate for the 2010 Conference. Don’t miss it!

Tons of benefits! Check them out!

Membership Benefits

Product Liability Insurance

Soapmaker membership in the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, Inc. automatically includes $1 million product and general liability as part of the membership benefit. The insurance is effective immediately upon receipt of dues and processing of the membership. See the Insurance FAQ for detailed information about the insurance.

International Members: The member benefit insurance is only available for soapmaker within the United States; for soapmakers from other countries the insurance is excluded from the membership and the membership price adjusted accordingly.

Existing Insurance Coverage: For soapmakers who already have product liability insurance, the insurance portion of the membership may be waived and the membership price adjusted accordingly.

Member Forum

The Member Forum is place where members can exchange information, ask questions, keep up-to-date on HSMG goings on, find out about activities, discounts, product information and more. The advantage to a Member Forum is that unlike a “Yahoo Group”, the information is stored permanently so there is a searchable history.

The Handcrafted SoapMaker Subscription

The Handcrafted SoapMaker is the quarterly journal of the HSMG. There are four issues per year, each packed with information and articles helpful to soapmakers, vendors and members. One 32-page color issue is published (2nd quarter) and the other three issues are black and white.

Member Resource Library

The Member Resource Library is a library of information, articles and references of value to soapmakers and those in the industry. All manner of information is stored, including study guides for the Soapmaker Certification Program. The Resource Library is an on-going accumulation of pertinent information.

Soapmaker Certification Program

All members have the option to participate in the Soapmaker Certification Program. There are 6 certifications available: CP/HP Soapmaker, CP/HP Advanced Soapmaker, CP/HP Master Soapmaker, MP Soapmaker, MP Advanced Soapmaker and MP Master Soapmaker.

Referral Program

The HSMG Referral program is in development. Once completed, Members will receive credits when they refer other soapmakers or vendors to join the HSMG. Referral credits may be used toward membership dues, conference registration, advertising or HSMG merchandise.

eNews

eNews issues are sent by email to members to keep them up-to-date on news and activities of the HSMG.

Advanced Lye Calculator

The HSMG Basic Lye Calculator is in development for members and non-members in the “Industry” portion of the website. Within the Members area, an advanced lye calculator, will be available that allows the soapmaker to set more detailed information about his/her recipe and the specific oils used.

Conference Registration Discount

Every year the HSMG has an Annual Conference. Conference attendance is open to both members and non-members. Members receive a discount on the registration fee and are also eligible for an “Early Early-Bird” special registration price.

Conference Vendor Table Discount

Vendor, Dual and Corporate members can receive a discount on a Vendor Table at the Annual Conference.

On-Line Soapmaker Roster Listing

The On-Line Soapmaker Roster displays in the public area of the website and is a way for soap consumers to locate soapmakers by their company name, state, country or type of products. Listings include the company name, website, city-state-zip, and a brief description. There is a “More Info” link which takes the visitor to a detail page displaying more information and contact information. Soapmaker, Dual and Corporate members may have a listing included in the Roster.

Soap Gallery

The Soap Gallery displays images of soap made by Soapmaker, Dual or Corporate members. In order to have an image included in the Soap Gallery the member must also be included in the On-Line Soapmaker Roster. All images are linked to the Soapmaker’s information and/or website. Images display based on what listings are displayed; if no images exist for those listings (or no listings are displayed) then 6 random images are shown on the page. Soap Gallery images are always shuffled and displayed randomly so one member is not always shown in the same location on the page (giving fairer exposure to all).

On-Line Vendor Listing

The On-Line Vendor Listing displays in the industry area of the website and is a way for soapmakers to locate vendors by their company name, state, country or type of products. Listings include the company name, website, city-state-zip, and a brief description. There is a “More Info” link which takes the visitor to a detail page displaying more information and contact information. Vendor, Dual and Corporate members may have a listing included. When displayed to non-members, those vendors who offer a discount to HSMG members are marked with a star; when shown to logged-in members, the listings include the actual amount of the offered discount and the code to access it..

Personal Listing Page

Members who have a listing included in either the On-Line Soapmaker Roster or On-Line Vendor Listing may choose to upload their own personal page which will display instead of the generic detailed information when the “More Info” link is clicked.

Sales Leads

The HSMG runs magazine ads in national magazines promoting handcrafted soap. In addition to directing the reader to the HSMG website (where they can view the On-Line Soapmaker Roster and Soap Gallery, readers may fill out a card requesting more information. The HSMG receives the names and addresses of the readers who want more information. They can be downloaded by Soapmaker, Dual and Corporate members who can send information to the requesters.

Public Info Requests

On the Find a Soapmaker page, there is a form that a website visitors can fill in to request specific information. Often they ask for soapmakers who can provide a particular type of soap. These “Public Info Requests” are published in the Members Area and Soapmaker, Dual and Corporate members may respond to them directly.

The Handcrafted Soapmaker Advertising Discount

Vendor members receive a 5% discount on any advertising placed in The Handcrafted Soapmaker.

Monthly Promotion Email

Vendor, Dual and Corporate Members may contribute ads and specials to be included in a monthly promotional email sent to all members.

Listing in The Handcrafted Soapmaker

When a vendor, dual or corporate member joins or renews, their name will be included in the next issue of The Handcrafted Soapmaker.

Blog Spotlight

Each vendor, dual and corporate member will be featured in a spotlight post on the HSMG Blog.

Bi-weekly listing of Vendor Specials

Vendor, dual and corporate members may submit specials to be included in bi-weekly listings which will be announced through all HSMG social media (blog, Facebook and twitter).

Right to Vote

The HSMG Annual Membership Meeting is held during the Annual Conference every year. All members may attend (whether or not they are attending the conference) and all members have the right to vote on issues presented at the Annual Meeting. The senior managing body within the HSMG is the membership and it is through voting that the membership expresses how the HSMG should be run. The President and all members of the Board of Directors are elected by vote of the membership. The membership also approved major policies and activities of the organization by voting.

Right to Serve on a Committee

All members have the right to volunteer and to serve on a Committee if they so choose. The HSMG has 6 standing committees: Member Services; Membership (procurement); Marketing; Conference; Finance; Policies, Procedures and Bylaws; and Ethics. In addition there is currently a Certification Committee.

Right to Serve on the Board of Directors

The President and Board of Directors are elected at the Annual Meeting and serve for two year (staggered) terms. Any member may serve on the Board of Directors so long as they will have been a member for one year upon taking office (July 1st after the election).

Associate Members

Corporate Members have a Primary Member and are allowed up to four Associate Members. Associate Members have all general membership benefits, with the exception of separate listing in the On-Line Soapmaker Roster Listing or Vendor Listing and the right to vote (both of which are reserved for the Primary Member).

Patron Benefits

A Corporate Member receives all of the benefits of the Patron Level Membership, including a 468px x 60px banner in any of their listings, inclusion in the Benefactor List and special discounts. (See Benefactor Levels for more information on Patron level membership.)

Priority Placement of Ads and Banners

Corporate Members get priority (top) placement of banners on the Benefactor List, On-Line Soapmaker Roster and On-Line Vendor Listing. Ads in The Handcrafted Soapmaker are also given priority placement.

Branded Lye Calculator

Corporate Members may have a version of the Lye Calculator branded with their business name and a special link that can be used by their customers to access the branded lye calculator.

FREE Conference Registration or Vendor Table

Corporate members receive one FREE Conference Registration or a FREE vendor table at the Annual Conference.

Suzanne has won a free Conference admission by joining the HSMG as a Vendor Member!

The HSMG would like to welcome all of our new, renewing and upgrading Vendor Members.  Check them all out here. There are lots of great discounts for HSMG members offered by our fabulous Vendor Members.
Look for some HSMG Vendor booths at the upcoming 2010 Denver Conference.  What a great opportunity to meet them face to face and learn about their products first hand!

The generous support of our Vendors is also shown in those stuffed to the brim huge Conference goodie bags – Everything from water bottles to supplies. They also donate thousands of dollars worth of door prizes and host stellar parties, events and speakers.

HSMG truly appreciates our Vendor Members whose contributions make our industry excel.
Congratulations Suzanne! See you in Denver!!!

Here is how it works!

*Soapmaker members refer a new vendor to join between now and 10/31/09 and both are entered into the drawing.

*Current soapmaker members upgrade your membership to vendor or higher and are entered into the drawing twice. Once for renewing and once for upgrading.

*Suppliers, become a vendor member (or higher) or renew your current membership and are entered into the drawing.

*Vendors become or upgrade to one of the three benefactor levels – friend, supporter and patron. Benefactors have additional benefits such as exposure on the website, various recognitions and special discounts.

*Enhanced Vendor Membership Benefits
-Complementary inclusion in monthly promotional emails to over 1150 HSMG members
-Complementary vendor listing at with your vendor renewal in the HSMG journal
-Vendor Spotlight on the HSMG Blog
-HSMG website vendor listing 24/7
-Inclusion into bi-weekly HSMG posts to social medias.

If you would like any additional information, contact:
Gillian DeConto, HSMG Membership Committee Chair, GillianDC@soapguild.org
or Feleciai Favroth, HSMG Programs & Services-Vendors Chair, FeleciaiF@soapguild.org

June 10 2009 From the President

Well, the conference is over, the election held, the dust is settling from the flurry of activity over the last six weeks. You’d think things would be quieting down a little, but actually there is lots of activity going on and BIG plans for the next year in the HSMG!
Conference
The 2009 Conference was a rousing success! Attendees were enthralled by Erin Brockovich, entertained by the Essential Wholesale Renaissance Party and educated by a host of speakers on a myriad of topics. You may have seen the discussions on twitter, the HSMG Facebook page or the Member Forum. A summary of the conference with pictures and descriptions is now posted on the HSMG Website.
Annual Meeting
As usual, the Annual Meeting was held during the conference. Attending members heard reports from the President and Committee Chairmen on the accomplishments of the past year and got a glimpse into what’s in store for the coming year. The complete meeting minutes will be posted to the Member Area once they are finalized and approved by the Minutes Review Committee. In the meantime, there a couple of important announcements.
Elections
Leigh O’Donnell was elected President; Maria Gelnett, Feleciai Favroth and Deb Scanlan were elected to the Board of Directors. All will start their terms on July 1st and serve for two years. Denaige Shanks had to resign from the Board of Directors effective May 18th. She got a great job which will make it impossible to fulfill her Board responsibilities, so the Board of Directors reluctantly accepted her resignation. Feleciai Favroth was appointed to fill Denaige’s seat for the remainder of the current term (until June 30th).
Honorary Lifetime Members Linda Stevens, LaShonda Tyree and Marie Gale were all awarded Honorary Lifetime Member status in recognition of their long years of service to the HSMG. Awards Dinner At the Annual Awards Dinner there were more awards given than ever before. It was quite a night, both for the HSMG and for me personally!
Longevity Awards
Longevity Awards were given to all the attendees who have been members of the HSMG for 5 years or more, as a way to acknowledge their continued support of the organization. This year a total of 24 members were given awards. See all Longevity Award recipients with pictures Certified Soapmakers
This year Advanced Soapmaker Certification for both CP/HP and MP was offered for the first time. Certification Exams were held twice during the conference. We ended up with 21 Level 1 Certified CP/HP Soapmakers, 7 Level 1 Certified MP Soapmakers and 3 Level 2 (Advanced) Certified CP/HPSoapmakers. In addition, 10 soapmakers passed the Level 2 (Advanced) CP/HP written exam and 1 passed the Level 2 (Advanced) MP written exam; they will be fully certified after they send in soap samples and pass that portion of the exam. See all 2009 Certified Soapmakers with pictures
Membership Dues The current Board of Directors met at the beginning of June and reviewed the status of the HSMG. We made the difficult decision to raise membership dues, effective September 1st, 2009. This very tough decision was based on the fact that membership dues have remained the same since 2004, while the services and overhead have gradually increased to substantially higher levels. As of September 1st, the dues will be as follows: Soapmaker Membership (with insurance): $500 (increase of $20) Soapmaker Membership (no insurance): $100 (increase of $20) Vendor Membership: $200 (no change) Dual Membership (no insurance): $280 (increase of $30) Benefactor memberships will also be increasing slightly. All the new amounts will be posted to the website shortly. Anyone who renews their membership prior to September 1st (even if their membership expires after that date) may do so at the current rate. As I’ve said, this was a very hard choice to make, but we (the entire Board) felt that it was a necessary change and we wanted to put it in place before the new board takes office.
About the “Passing of the Guard” I have great faith in the incoming President and Board Members. Leigh and I have worked closely during the past years while she’s been the Vice-President and I am assured that she has an excellent feel for the organization and the skills to keep it moving forward. The skill sets of the existing Board Members and the incoming Board Members mesh extremely well. I am confident that they will be able to not only continue all the successful actions we have implemented, but will able to build on them to further expand the reach and benefits of our organization.
LaShonda Tyree and I will complete our terms and then be off the Board of Directors as of June 30th. We are both working hard for the remainder of this month to make sure that the turnover is smooth and that the business of the HSMG continues as ususal. I will continue on as the Webmaster and as Editor of the Journal.
On a Personal Note
At the Awards Dinner I was surprised to be the subject of much pomp and circumstance, including being given a wooden spoon scepter, a plastic cap crown and a “throne” and being crowned “Soap Guild Queen”. Of course, that was followed by a Roast – all of which was highly entertaining. Part of it was captured on video and is included in the summary of the conference. Following that I was honored to have people I consider to be our industry’s VIPs speak about me in glowing terms. It brought tears to my eyes and a warmth to my heart. I love all the people in our industry – passionate soapmakers, supportive suppliers and vendors and most of all, the members of the HSMG who make up this terrific organization. I have greatly enjoyed being the President, and look forward to continued expansion of the HSMG under the new Board and President.
Sincerely,
Marie Gale, President
President@SoapGuild.org

Maria Gelnett, P&S Chair
Getting volunteer of the year was really rewarding! It helped me grow in many ways!

As you’ve noticed, there is a lot going on within the HSMG and it takes dedicated soapmakers’ ideas and energy to keep it growing to fill all of our desires as members. We have over 1050 members (highest ever) and that’s increasing steadily. Our Board of Directors will be meeting and their Committees setting new goals to fulfill their duties and increase the benefits and out-reach of the HSMG.

Our standing committees will be looking for able-bodied volunteers for specific jobs. Look for a call to members in June, but in the meantime search your gifts and ideas and study about the HSMG at our website at http://www.soapguild.org/about.php

Thanks for all your support and if you have any questions, please email me at mgelnett@soapguild.org.

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 will get to attend our upcoming conference for free!

If you are a Soap Teacher, have you spoken about Membership in the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild to your students? As you know February is the shortest month in our calendar year so don’t let it slip by without taking advantage of the great promotions available to Guild Members this month.

Last but certainly not least, have you made your plans to join us at our upcoming HSMG 2009 conference in Palm Springs? If you have never attended the HSMG Conference before now is the time! If you are a veteran Conference goer…you know what awaits you.

See you in Palm Springs!

Sr. Cathleen Timberlake – HSMG Membership Committee Chair