ANIMAL FAT VS. VEGETABLE OILS

Up until the 1900's, soap was probably second nature for moms, who would make their soap from saved up fats they got from cooking or butchering. But due to war and the economic needs of the time, companies began to make soap as a synthetic detergent.

Animal fats, such as lard and tallow (fats from pig and cattle), are still used today in making handmade soap, but back in the day, ALL soap was made with this type of ingredient. However, over time, vegetable oils from grains or nuts, were becoming the new alternative to making soap.

Even though animal fats do have their own unique quality, producing a hard, mild soap, they tend to clog your pores, whereas with vegetable oils, these tend to better absorb into your skin.

Sources for my research: Handcrafted Soap, 2002, by Delores Boone

HANDMADE VS. STORE BOUGHT

THIS TYPE OF SKIN

VS.

THIS TYPE OF SKIN

What I sell is actual soap made through a reaction of oils and lye called saponification. This chemical reaction creates soap and glycerin.

Most commercial soaps are not soaps at all, they are actually detergent bars. Commercial soaps use a synthetic detergent, which is less expensive, such as sodium lauryl sulfate. In addition to use of detergents as the cleaning agent, the naturally produced glycerin in commercial bars is removed since it can be sold and used for other products.


Some soaps may contain essential oils, but they are ruined because of the added chemicals used to enhance the scent of the soap and disguise unwanted byproducts from plants not grown organically. These ingredients remove the beneficial aspects of the oils and often cause allergic reactions.


Handmade soaps, on the other hand, are generally made in smaller batches (where commercial soaps are made in MASS quanities) with personal attention, where the naturally occurring glycerin is retained in the soap. Handmade soap is also rich and very moisturizing; it soothes, softens, and cleanses the skin.

AWESOME SOAP FORUM

This is an amazing forum. Wonderful place for marketing ideas, recipes, ingredient tips, and basically the ins and outs of handmade bath and body products. Today I learned these interesting marketing tips:

- To try to be featured in magazines, send the editor (whichever one deals with bath and body or beauty) samples of your products, but when you send it, it MUST be very professionally wrapped, including a brochure of your products and information about your business, and even a .jpg (on disc) with your product pics on it; also include your business card and contact info

- It may be easier to get into your local magazine. They are usually looking for interesting local people or businesses to write about.

- The freelance writer or your local newspaper is your BEST FRIEND. Be kind to them and give them any and all the information they need, and afterwards send them a thank you card and maybe even a gift of your products. These folks will often contact you again for information or a related story, and even sell the same story again, but with a different spin on it.

GIVE AWAY AT END OF SEPTEMBER:)

Check out this awesome Give Away Blog from September 26 - October 3! I will be doing a giveaway. I haven't quite decide on what to give away, but I'm thinking of something like 2 soaps, 4 oz. bath salt, a bath bomb, a lip balm, a soap dish, and maybe a whipped shea butter (which I hope to list soon). The verdict isn't in yet, but these are just some of the possibilities.

Products Featured at Wilde Designs Blog

Yeah!! Some of my products were generously featured at http://wildedesigns.blogspot.com/. Check out some of her amazing designs from her Etsy shop at http://www.wildedesigns.etsy.com/.

Didn't Do Speed Networking Function

Well, I didn't do the speed networking. I didn't feel I prepared enough. However, it is definitely something I will continue to look in to and will definitely eventually participate in.

Speed Networking

Has anyone ever gone to a Speed Networking function at there local Chamber of Commerce before? I will be experiencing this for the first time this Wednesday. I am a little nervous, but I have done some research to better prepare myself. These are some of the TIPS I've read so far:

1.) Prepare a 2 minute speech describing who you are, your business, how you can benefit others, and what you are looking for.

2.) Bring a pen (seems obvious, but for us 1st timers, it could be easy to forget, I'm sure) and lots of business cards, brochures, and/or any other marketing materials you care to give out.

3.) When business cards are exchanged make sure to read the other participant's card aloud to help you better remember this person's name and face.

4.) Write a brief note on the back of the other participant's business card to also help you better remember something specific about this person.

5.) Make sure to separate your business cards from the cards you receive from other people. This will help you stay better organized.

6.) If you can provide referrals, services, or products, do so....this shows Good Will!!

7.) Take part in the informal networking sessions at the end to build a stronger rapport with participants.

8.) Be direct, and avoid polite conversation (of course, don't be mean and cold, but this is a business opportunity, so show your strong business side), and make sure to send out some kind of follow up card to participants you had a strong connection with.