How times (and products) have changed

When I started this journey a little over two years ago, I had NO idea where it would lead. It started with bath salts (and not the kind that make you eat people's faces) then lotion for myself and then morphed into what it is today. Little did I know two years ago that I would make these little guys:

Spearmint Lip Balm

Also, I never knew that I would move from this type of soap:

Lily of the Valley Glycerin

 To this type:

Lily of the Valley From Scratch

I've had a few people ask me why the switch. To be honest, I love both. But there is something that truly speaks to me with our From Scratch line. Mostly, I have complete and utter control. With the Glycerin soaps, I have a base, I cut it up, melt it down, add color and fragrance, pour, and move on my merry way. With From Scratch, I mix every ingredient, carefully measure out, determine the type of pattern (and deal with any weird things that the fragrance may do) and then wait with what little patience I have for them to cure for testing.

Sure, not every batch turns out exactly the same as the last, but that's the joy of handmade. No two bars of soap will ever look exactly alike. They each have a personality and a story, just like we all do. One day, I'll go into a more in depth analysis (it is what a do for my day job after all, I'm just a soap ninja by night and weekend) on why I made the switch. But for now, if you've seen your favorite bar take on a more rustic look, that's why.

Inspired Design

I have officially dipped my toe into the world of video making.  As you may know, all of our soaps have a story.  And I am long winded.  I can fit WAY more words into a video than any description online, and I can say it quicker than a blog post.  So I present to you my first video!  Very fitting since it was the first fragrance I ever worked with!

Inspiri Inspired

I've been making bath and body products for just over two years now.  Yet, I feel after the last 48 hours, I've had a major change.  What happened, you may ask.  I'm attending the HSGC (Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild) conference in Raleigh, NC.  I've met so many amazing soapers, including some of my soapy idols.  Soap-alebrities, if you will.

On Friday, there were some really amazing seminars that I got to witness, including how to make natural shampoo, making a peacock swirl (I'll talk about my experimenting with this at another time), as well as  how to make milk soap (which I am planning on trying, I've already got a recipe and fragrance in mind).   Today has been equally as awesome.  This morning, we got to learn about the chemistry of soap, by Kevin Dunn, a professor of chemistry at Hampdon Sydney College as well as learning most about natural and synthetic fragrances (there are definite advantages to both!).  This afternoon, I had the pleasure of sitting in on a class by Ruth Esteves on making soap cupcakes and I have new techniques I can't wait to try.  Plus, a coloring class (you all know how much I love color).  So many ideas! I'm completely blown away by the talent of the people that are not only presenting but so many of the attendees and their knowledge, experience, and creativity.

After being here, I am truly motivated to work harder to bring better products to you.  Not only that, I'm reinvigorated about why I started making these products in the first place.  Because I love them.  Not the well-I-like-this-and-it's-fun kind of love.  But a passionate, honest to goodness, desire to make and bring fantastic, beautiful soap and other products to the world.  I may not be the biggest, and I never expect to be. But I want to do what I can.  I love soap.  I love the colors and the scents.  I love the way it feels and how it doesn't leave my skin feeling dried and taxed.  I love making it and the chemistry that goes into it.  I. LOVE. SOAP.

So if you start seeing more from me, you know it's because of this conference.  I can't wait to get back home to the soap kitchen for experimenting, creating, and crafting.

Stay Inspired!