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HSCG Podcasts
Welcome to the Master Maker Podcast - your resource for the business of handcrafted.
Being a Maker and an Entrepreneur can be one of the most fulfilling journeys—you’re not just creating products, you’re shaping your own path. But let’s be honest, it’s not always a smooth ride. Entrepreneurship can be as daunting as it is liberating, and crafting can feel a bit like pouring 50 pounds of raw soap into a mold—messy, exhausting, and absolutely rewarding. It requires strength, fortitude and above all grit to succeed.
Join your host, Leigh O’Donnell, Executive Director
of the HSCG, for a series of actionable tips, expert
interviews, and bursts of inspiration to help you level
up your business. Leigh’s not just a veteran of the
handcrafted soap, cosmetic, and candle industry—
she’s lived the maker life herself for over 20 years.
She’s rubbed elbows with industry experts,
suppliers, and makers, and she’s here to bring their
insights directly to you. She has also observed
countless handcrafted soap, cosmetic and candle
businesses and has learned what works and what
propels companies forward.
Whether you're looking to solve today’s pressing problems, stay ahead of industry trends, improve your bottom line or simply find inspiration and community, “Master Maker” has something for you. Get ready to turn your passion into profit with a little help from your fellow makers!
Episodes
S1 EP11: Demystifying the Bath Bomb ft. Robyn French-Smith
S1 EP10: Why Compliance is Good for Business ft. Marie Gale
Every part of the maker journey is equally important, and that means complying with labeling/manufacturing guidelines so your business isn't flagged. Join Leigh O'Donnell as she discusses the importance of industry compliance and labeling with expert Marie Gale.
S1 EP9: A Founder Mindset to CEO ft. La Shonda Tyree
S1 EP8: Building a Thriving Brand with Your Partner ft. Stoney & Baz Morris
What does it take to run a business with your partner? Leigh chats with Stoney and Baz Morris of Dirty Unicorn about everything from building a successful company with someone you love to how to succeed at trade shows, and everything in between!
S1 EP7: Fantastic Fragrances & How to Blend Them ft. Lisa Lester
Tune in as Leigh chats with fragrance expert Lisa Lester about creating unique, meaningful fragrances as a maker
S1 EP6: Making a Move: From Home to Storefront ft. Steve Meka
S1 EP5: Raising the Bar with the Soap Queen ft. Anne-Marie Faiola
Join Leigh as she sits down with Anne-Marie Faiola, visionary founder of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions! The Soap Queen shares her journey in an inspiring episode you don't want to miss.
S1 EP4: Making an Impact: Soap for Hope ft. Samir Lakhani
S1 EP3: Finding Your Maker Identity ft. Priscilla Mensah
Who are you as a maker? Listen in as Leigh O'Donnell chats with Priscilla Mensah of Super Power Soaps about finding your identity as a maker and carving out a place for yourself in the industry.
S1 EP1: Unlocking the Power of Essential Oils (ft. Hana Tisserand)
In this episode of the HSCG Master Maker Podcast, Executive Director Leigh O'Donnell sits down with Hana Tisserand of the Tisserand Institute to talk about the power of essential oils!
