Ask the Soap Coach: To Preserve Liquid Soap or Not to Preserve? That is the Question!

August 13, 2012

Dear Soap Coach: “ I currently make soy candles and bar soap (both cold process & hot process). I have made liquid soap for my own use. I joined a liquid soap group & there is such controversy about using preservatives in liquid soap both for and against. In your liquid soapmaking class, do you teach [...]

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Build Deep Before Expanding Wide

August 10, 2012

This week I met with my cousin who retired from a major perfume company a few years ago to pick her brain about my soap line, Nyah. At the time her husband who is also retired (pharmaceutical sales), came home and he was briefed on what we were up to. I had mentioned about how [...]

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The Power of Pinterest

August 6, 2012

Not another social media avenue that I have to maintain!!! I know what you are thinking cause I thought it too. But not until recently have I personally seen the power of pinterest. On my soap making parent website, Nyah I recently had a sale. Great right!  This time the sale was different because it [...]

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2012 CNY Annual Soap and Candle Gathering

August 5, 2012

 All Photos Courtesy of: Sarah Hayes As always a great time is had at the CNY Soapmakers Annual Gathering which was held this year in Syracuse, NY.  Over 30 soap and candle makers were in attendance for the NY Bubble and Blazes Gathering. Our day started off rainy which ended being great because we had [...]

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#Handmade Chat: Small Business Success Books

August 5, 2012

As an entrepreneur reading small business success books can really help to keep you motivated and moving forward to achieving your goals and aspirations. A few of the books in  my library are shown in the picture to your left.  But let’s face it. Life happens and it can be hard to find time to [...]

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10 Beauty Secrets about Hibiscus Flower

July 24, 2012

Their big beautiful blooms will captivate you immediately. But this flower has more than just natural beauty. It actually has a few other great health and beauty benefits to offer. I posted this picture on Facebook and one of my students mentioned that in her country, Panama, they used Hibiscus as a natural shampoo and [...]

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#HandmadeChat: Organizing Your Day For Maximum Productivity

July 20, 2012

Are you tired of running the rat race? Spinning your wheels feeling like you  are going no where in your business? With so many hats to wear while running your business organization is crucial to operate a successful business.  So then why is it so hard to be organized for maximum productivity. This weeks #HandmadeChat discusses just [...]

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Featured Student: Ayanna Ngina of Aya’s Natural Treasures

July 19, 2012

Eager is the word that comes to mind when I think of student Ayanna Ngina.  She registered for 5 classes straight in a row.  She was eager to learn and absorb all that she could about the natural soap making and bath and body classes she had registered for.   She had a desire to [...]

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#HandmadeChat: Getting Things Done With Young Children Around

July 14, 2012

Having young children around and running a business is one thing I haven’t had the joy to experience.  But in this weeks #HandmadeChat the discussion was about the 21st century entrepreneur who has young children around at home while running their business. Many points were addressed ranging from child care, companion support and engaging your [...]

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#HandmadeChat: Content Ideas for Your Newsletter and Blog

July 13, 2012

Blogging and sending an email newsletter are great tools for today’s small business entrepreneur to utilize in building their business.  It can be challenging to find the time to fit these tools into your work schedule but if you don’t your business can be behind in the times and you don’t want to be left [...]

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