Have you ever heard of HSMG’s Golden Soap bubbles? No, this is neither the latest soapmaking technique nor a batch gone horribly wrong, but the Guild’s referral program. Simply put, if you refer a soapmaker who becomes a member of the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild, you’ll receive Golden Soap Bubbles. And what, you may ask, do …
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 …
Coffee has a venerable history in the soapmaking world. In another edition of nearly wordless Wednesday, we’re bringing you some of our members’ coffee-inspired soaps. Settle in with a cup of joe (or your favorite non-coffee beverage) and check out these beauties: Customers love Green Cow Studio’s kitchen soap so much, they introduced Bar o’ …
July is a month of change in the Guild. A new board took office in July: some new, some continuing their 2 year terms, and some taking on new roles. We caught up with the board members to find out a little bit more about the women serving the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild this year. President …
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!’ »
Daniel and Erin are two people that left the rat race to pursue the world of artisanal soapmaking in their Brooklyn home. Erin is in charge of production and recently earned a skin therapists license in order to help produce better soaps, lotions and scrubs. Dan handles all matters concerning sales, marketing and identity creation. …
Continue reading ‘HSMG Blog Spotlight – Serendipity SoapSmiths – Rethink Your Soap!’ »
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’ »
What? A fee free customizable web store at SoapGuildStores.com! Yes, it’s true! A new fantastic member benefit! Taken advantage of your new member benefit yet? All members are eligible for a free webstore at SoapGuildStores.com. The store may be used to actually sell products and take orders or as a brochure site directing visitors to …
Lather*Rinse*Inspire 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 …
Continue reading ‘BLOG SPOTLIGHT – Funky Chunks Soap Company’ »
October 5, 2010 Exhibit at the Orlando or Las Vegas Gift Shows The HSMG will have a booth at both the Orlando and Las Vegas Gift Shows in 2011 and we will select 3 soapmakers participate with us and exhibit their wares. The shows are run by Wholesale Crafts and the American Craft Retailers Expo, they …
Continue reading ‘Exhibit at the Orlando or Las Vegas Gift Shows’ »
Hello Members! The HSMG is excited to schedule an Experts Panel with our very own Sister Cathleen Timberlake, VP, HSMG Board of Directors and Owner of Monastery Creations. She has been making Hot Process Soap for some time, running a successful business and has graciously scheduled some time for you to ask the questions you’ve …
Continue reading ‘HSMG Experts Panel Forum “Hot Process Soapmaking”’ »
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) …
Continue reading ‘The HSMG Acquires the Association of Artisan Businesses (AAB)’ »
Donate Your Soap August 17, 2010 Do you have left over inventory or products that aren’t moving and are collecting valuable shelf space? Here’s your chance to donate some of that inventory to a worthy cause before year’s end. The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild has collaborated with this worthy cause in upstate New York. On September …