Daniel and Erin tell it like it is:

Why we do what we do…

We have all been duped. We have been made to think that soap is something bought only for price and that all bars do the same thing. Who duped us? The accountants of the large commercial soap houses. They convinced us that our skin wasn’t really that important and that their chemical clones of simple “soaps” were enough to satisfy our needs.

Read all about their change of careers here.

Soapsmiths ares now making a line of beer soaps for the Brooklyn Brewery. How cool is that?

Friend them on facebook at Serendipity Soapsmiths and watch one of their internet commercials with a simple youtube search for the word “soapsmiths”. Here’s one:

Regarding joining the HSMG – “We wanted to work within the handmade community to find like minded companies. Rather than view other members as competition, we enjoy enjoy email brainstorming sessions with fellow producers. I mean c’mon, if we are ever going to get people past Irish Springs, we will have to stick together.”

Serendipity Soapsmiths want their potential customers to ask themself, “Is your soap doing you more harm than good?”

My name is Michele and I’m the owner and Soapstress at the Funky Chunks Soap Company. My love of soap started at a very young age. I was introduced to soapmaking as a small child by my Great Grandmother. Her experiments with soapmaking were never dull and sometimes quite dangerous. She used leftover soap bits, oils and colognes to create some very interesting, if not downright ugly soaps. Those ugly soaps were truly amazing! Even as a small child I knew that handmade soap was something special…and so my love of handmade soap was born.

I started making soap after a conversation with a friend. We were both disappointed with the quality and prices of a certain unnamed soap retailer that we frequented. The conversation ended with me announcing that I could make a much better soap at home. I went back to my childhood memories of handmade soap for inspiration, tweaked and old family recipe and that’s when Funky Chunks was born.

We pride ourselves on paying attention to all of the little details. Funky Chunks uses only high quality vegetable oils in our soap production. We make all of our soaps in small batches to bring you the freshest soaps possible.  All of our soaps are Vegan friendly and have fragrant big bubble lather that is kind and gentle to your skin. We strive to create products that will give you an amazing shower and bath experience. We gather the inspiration for our soap scents from many places. We love to capture the local colors and scents of the Jersey Shore. We also draw from our childhood memories to create some of our more unique fragrance combinations. Our soaps are bright, bold and fragrant. Every day at Funky Chunks is creative and fun and we hope that our soaps bring a little of that excitement to our customers.

We joined the HSMG originally for insurance coverage. It didn’t take us long to discover that the HSMG was so much more! The resources, networking and community have become invaluable to us. I’m positive that they have been instrumental in the growth of Funky Chunks. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.

Michele Y. Rosta

Telephone: 732.682.2530
Email: michele@funkychunks.net
Site: http://www.shop.funkychunks.net/
Blog: http://www.funkychunks.net/

On a more personal note: Michele is an aging punk rock princess from Cleveland that now lives at the Jersey Shore with her punk rock prince and her Siamese cat, Indiana Jones. She is a voracious reader, foodie, music lover and soap addict. She left a 15 year career in retail management to start the Funky Chunks Soap Company.

Michele is also deeply involved in her local community. She is a proud supporter of PassionWorks and donates 20% of the proceeds of online sales to help the less fortunate and homeless in her local area.  You ROCK Michele!

Natalia graciously volunteered to be the HSMG Forum Moderator recently and is doing a great job! She lives in Guatemala and began soaping only about a year ago. She had recently quit her job, needed income and wanted to do something special with her life. In October of 2009, she decided to become a full time soapmaker.  Check out her website at EnJabonArte! 

Like many of us, the beginning wasn’t easy but she is happy to keep reaching her dream of having her own melt and pour soapmaking business. Natalia loves what she does with glycerin soap, because it’s an easy expression of her own art, by adding almost any oil, extract, herb, etc. to make it great on the skin, “Almost as a CP soap (almost!) but i can use it immediately when is done. “ she says.

Natalia said “Thank God, people love my soaps and people started to ask me to teach them, so now I give basic glycerin soapmaking classes too.” Natalia does well as a Sworn Translator and Marketer, but is sure that making glycerin soaps is her thing!

Please join Natalia for interesting soap related discussions on our HSMG Forum!

Ela McAdams volunteered for HSMG Social Media and helps out on Facebook. Her interest in making soaps and other toiletries grew out of a love of herbs.  She has been teaching soapmaking (MP, CP and HP), balm making, lotion making, candle making and other crafts for about 15 years. Since she loves to talk soap and other crafts she has been a moderator on some popular soap forums so you may recognize her from there.

This past conference in Denver was her first HSMG Ela said, “I was so impressed with everything, I learned a lot, and I got to meet in person a number of my crafting “heroes”, including Marie Gale, Debbie May, and Anne-Marie Fiola. I can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Attached are her favorite soap projects, her wedding favour soaps. She was married on a cruise ship so thus the “beach theme”. She used rubber flip flop erasers, cornmeal and clear MP to create a scene of twin flip flops on the beach, sticking their toes in the ocean.

Ela, looks forward to getting to know everyone better!

Lisa

Kristen

Lisa M. Rodgers, founder of Cactus & Ivy and Kristin Fraser Cotte, founder of The Grapeseed Company are soapmakers extraordinaire that are making a difference through their joint website www.personalcaretruth.com.

They founded personalcaretruth.com to deliver scientific based information on what’s in personal care products to YOU.

Their definition of YOU?

is a new gold sponsor for our Conference this year. Oils by Nature, Inc. produces and distributes Vegetable Oils, Vegetable Butters, Specialty Waxes and Essential Oils. Their goal is to meet the cosmetic and toiletry industry’s increasing demand for natural raw materials. They understand that their success depends upon remaining globally oriented, being committed to quality and knowing the value of their customer’s and employees total satisfaction. Visit Oils by Nature at www.oilsbynature.com

Also newly sponsoring us at the Gold level is Lightning Labels.  They are a new kind of label printing company.  Lightning Labels believes in using only the very latest digital technology to print your labels and they believe in doing it fast.  Their state-of-the-are digital printing technology also allows them to print even small orders of custom labels at affordable prices.  Check them out at lightninglabels.com.

New Directions Aromatics Inc. is sponsoring our Conference at the Gold level as well. New Directions Aromatics Inc. is a leading wholesale supplier of 100% Pure, Therapeutic Grade Essential Oils with a goal of supplying their clients with the finest of ethically produced natural materials and specialty packaging. They offer a variety of packaging sizes, ranging from 1/6 oz to 55 gallon drums. They offer honest and competitive prices made possible by their Worldwide Central Purchasing and offer the highest levels of Customer Service backed by their100% Satisfaction Guarantee Policy. Visit them at www.newdirectionsaromatics.com.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.