Information specifically for members of the HSMG
You’ve unpacked your soap, set up a killer display and the first person who walks into your booth picks up a bar and asks, “Why handcrafted soap?” Luckily, there’s a brochure for that. Of course your soap is awesome, but we don’t ever want to leave you tongue-tied for a response in the heat of …
Sharpen your pencils and tell us why you deserve a full ride to the 2013 HSMG Conference. If you’ve been as eagerly counting down the days to next year’s conference as we have, but can’t afford it, we have some very good news. Photo by Flickr member -Weng-. Used under a Creative Commons License. Veracity …
Calling all soapers! Have you heard? We’re having a Holiday of Hope Soap Drive. We know that you are already giving soap in your communities, to causes ranging from local food banks to canine rescue. Photo by Flickr member Darren Tunnicliff. Used under a Creative Commons License. Thank you to everyone who’s shared their donations …
We’re deep in the winter craft fair season, which begs the question: have you ever paid a fee for a craft fair or boutique show only to find out as the show drags on that it was not a good fit for your soap business? Even worse, you’ve wasted a lot of time and energy …
Our Black Friday promotion was so much fun we’re bringing it back for the WHOLE month of December. YAY! From December 1st to the 31st, get 25% off your purchase in the HSMG store. What is included in this deal? Books: From aromatherapy to basket weaving, we have a little bit of everything in the …
If the thought of Black Friday makes you shudder, we have just the deal for you this upcoming Black Friday (that would be Friday, November 23). Photo by Flickr member Michael Holden. Used under a Creative Commons License. For one day only (okay, 27 hours, to be precise), we’re running a few specials across the …
We are so excited to bring you a new, improved Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild website. Watch the video below to learn more about the special requests feature and how to set up a brick and mortar location (whether temporary or permanent). If you have Windows Media Player, here’s a larger, higher quality version of the video …
The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild is a trade association, but have you ever wondered exactly what it means to be part of the Guild? We thought Executive Director Leigh O’Donnell gave a pretty amazing definition in her final President’s Report at the 2012 HSMG Annual Meeting. Photo by Flickr member anyjazz65. Used under a Creative Commons …
Do you sell your soap? Are you trying to expand your reach? Do you have a website yet? The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has partnered with HSMG member The Template Place to bring you Soap Guild Stores, a fully customizable webstore available expressly for HSMG members. The Soap Guild Stores combine all member webstores into a …
If you live in the US and have been crafting soap for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard of Bramble Berry. Bramble Berry, based out of the western US city of Bellingham, Washington, has been a vendor member of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild for six years. “HSMG helps to further soapmakers in all …
We’re having a tweet party and you’re invited! Come to HSMG’s twitter chat debut on Wednesday, August 22 at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. Resident labeling expert Marie Gale, author of Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English, will be on hand to answer your most pressing questions about …
If you sell your soap, you need insurance. Despite your careful formulation, good manufacturing practices, and thorough testing, liability claims can happen to any business. Here are nine reasons why having general, product, and professional liability insurance is a good idea: 9. Mold infiltrates your beautifully packaged finished soap 8. A student is hurt while …
Finally, the moment our Canadian members have been waiting for…. We are very pleased to announce that General Liability & Products Liability Insurance is now available to Canadian Members of the HSMG. The coverage will include: • $2,000,000 General Aggregate Limit • $2,000,000 Products-Completed Operations Aggregate Limit • $1,000,000 Personal and Advertising Injury Limit • …
Continue reading ‘It’s here! Canadian Product & Liability Insurance’ »
Since the release of the very first basic certification exams at the 2008 Annual Conference, the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has certified hundreds of soapmakers. Today, you can apply for basic, advanced, and master certification, under either a cold process/hot process or melt and pour track. All in all, you can achieve 6 different certifications. Why …
The HSMG has issued the following Advocacy Position Statement, approved by the Board of Directors on July 14, 2011. The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild (HSMG) is a non-profit trade association for soapmakers, small businesses hand making soaps and the handmade soap making industry as a whole. Depending on the formulation and/or claims, handmade soaps can be …
Over the years the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has been many things to it many members. The HSMG has now taken on its biggest challenge yet: monitoring the “Safe Cosmetics Act” and any federal legislation aimed at the cosmetics industry. An updated version of The Safe Cosmetics Act is expected to be released later this year. …
Continue reading ‘Support the HSMG’s Efforts to Ensure Legislative Representation for Soapmakers…’ »
What an honor it was, last December, to hear that I was selected as an alternate for the ACRE Orlando Tradeshow. Knowing I was competing against some of the best soapmakers in the country, the thought of being an alternate was as exciting as actually being selected. Can you imagine how I felt when, with …
Continue reading ‘HSMG Member, Kreative Kraftwerks – Reflections of the Orlando Trade Show!’ »
They are having a blast and the reports are good! As you may know, the HSMG was offered a booth at both the Orlando and Las Vegas Gift Shows in 2011run by Wholesale Crafts and the American Craft Retailers Expo. We selected 3 soapmakers to participate with us and exhibit their wares for the Orlando show. The Orlando, FL …
Continue reading ‘HSMG Members Exhibit at the Orlando Gift Show!’ »
Yes, that’s right! You may be able to attend for FREE! Stratus Insurance, the HSMG insurance provider, is generously offering two scholarships to the HSMG 2011 Annual Conference in sunny Miami, FL! The scholarships will cover your Conference registration, 4 nights hotel stay at the Hilton Miami Downtown and $500 in cash for travel and other …
Continue reading ‘2011 HSMG Conference Scholarships Available!’ »
HSMG Programs and Services Keeps it Coming! Another NEW Member Benefit! Looking for a better merchant account solutions? We are pleased to announce that the HSMG is now offering a discounted merchant services program to the membership. This benefit is available to both Soapmaker and Vendor members. There are low rates for credit card, debit …
Continue reading ‘Handcrafted Soapmaker’s Guild Credit Card Processing Program’ »