Hug a tree.. February 8, 2019 13:49

You know, when I started this business, it wasn't out of any great desire to save the planet.  I mean, that was nice, and all, but really, what can one small woman do?

The answer may surprise you...because it's actually a lot.  Have any of you been fortunate enough to live in a community where organics recycling was a thing?  You know...you can toss your coffee grounds...your lettuce ends...the food your kid swore they were hungry for... into an annoyingly biodegradable bag, and then into a yard waste/organics cart?  Ever noticed how SMALL your regular garbage collection becomes?

I'd like to argue that the same principle applies to natural products for the home.  In using shampoo bars, I'm no longer adding a plastic bottle to the "recycling".  In using bar soap, there are no more plastic pumps.  In working toward making my own body cream (it's coming, gang) I'm no longer using a plethora of squirt bottles made out of...you guessed it...plastic.

Plastics, you see, not only contain petroleum based substances, but require the uses of toxic chemicals to clean them for recycling.  So, no matter what your intent in recycling - and it's FAR better than not - the processes that we have to use to get the lotion/shampoo/substance of choice  off the plastic before recycling still are environmentally harmful.

Next week, I'm going to start playing with a new line - waxed fabric food wraps.  I've got my testers all lined up, my raw materials are on the way, and I am ready to see what happens when I start playing with formulae for the coating.

Restock January 22, 2019 07:00

Y'all...I'm restocking as fast as I can.  But, I'm telling you, there are SO many good spring/summer scents out there.

I'm trying to figure out what I'm adding.  And it's hard.  Do I go fruity?  Do I go beachy?  Do I go all coconut and get the whole tropics vibe going?  What about floral?  What about, what about?

And then there's the new products...do I add body care for next fall, and spend the spring perfecting formulations?  What about Shampoo Soap?  I've got a formulation that works great for my hair...but it's such a texture-driven product...I'm thinking I just don't do that?  

What do you think?  Leave me a comment below and let me know your thoughts for spring/summer scents or for new products!

Shaving Soap January 18, 2019 17:26

I've been asked, recently, if I make shaving soap for men.

Right now, that answer is no.

Did you see the right now?  I'm looking into this as a small addition to my lines.  It seems to me that if environmental impact is one of my biggest concerns, then it's a no-brainer.   However, every type of soap requires different materials, different base oils, and different molds -- and that requires research.

I know, right?  You'd think that soap is soap.  But it's not.  Because the different parts of our bodies - while covered by the same organ - are exposed to different environmental and circumstantial factors. Think about how sun and wind hit your face in ways they don't other parts of your body. Think about how getting rid of stubble requires .. dare I say it...a sharp blade to scrape the epidermis.  

So, my friends, the answer is "not now".  Because when I launch a product, I want it to be the highest quality at the most affordable price.