Business Tip Tuesday - Market Booth Display Tips

Research – look around online at what others are doing. Browse the various Flikr groups for lots of inspirational craft booth set ups. Visit local markets and take note of the booths that you are attracted to, what makes them stand out? Is it the colors, the signage, table coverings, packaging? Pick the brains of craft show veterans for their advice and tips.

Craft Fair Displays

The Soap Displays Pool

Show Me Your Booths

The Stall Style Pool 

Space – Think outside the box on the best way to utilize your allotted market space. Ask before hand what your space is like. Are you on the end? Will you have access to power? Is your space very limited? (if so consider utilizing vertical space-to allow customers plenty of room to browse your items.)

Lighting – Will you have access to power? A well lit display is a great advantage to your product. Use lighting to illuminate your work or show off your best piece.

Theme – Use a theme to reinforce your brand. For example, if your handmade soap business has a bubble logo, perhaps you could find a table cover with a bubble theme, or spread some fake plastic bubbles around your table. Consider using props that serve a dual purpose for example; a vintage suit case can add great interest to your display and add varying height as well when products are displayed on stacking suit cases.

Color – consider colors that make your product pop. Don’t wash your product out with colors that are to bold or a pattern that is to busy. Keep your theme in mind when selecting a color palette. Think about the mood you want to create when people visit your booth.

Levels – Varying height gives depth and interest to your booth drawing customers your way. Consider this – a table with product at all one level may appear empty from a distance. Use functional props to get them up where they will catch the customers’ attention.

Signage – Be sure to have a clear sign or banner that shows your store name. Make it interesting and attention grabbing. Be sure you have signs indicating the price of each product, some customers will not be comfortable asking and will be turned off at the idea of asking the price of each item. Also, consider that when you are busy you won’t have time to tend to each customer for pricing questions.

Keep it simple – Remember that your display should not overwhelm your items for sale. The idea is to enhance your product not to grab the attention away from your product. 

Oh, and don't forget to have plenty of  business cards available.

A Note to the Shave Round Devotees

Warm Cedar Shave Round 3.75 min.net. wt.

I know that there have been a few who have mentioned that they are patiently waiting to purchase shave rounds. I had hoped to get them listed over the weekend, but instead we decided to upgrade the shopping cart first. This change will allow us much more promotional freedom with promo codes and sale pricing etc. Soooo, all this to say that as soon as possible I will get the rounds listed and rest assured there will be special promotional pricing involved. :))

Earthly Delight Monday-Featuring Ingredients That Make Handmade Soap Special + An Orange Pomander DIY Project

The clove vaguely resembles a small nail in it's shape.

Cloves - (Syzygium aromaticum, Eugenia aromaticum or Eugenia caryophyllata)are aromatic dried flower buds of a tree in the family Myrtaceae. Cloves are native to Indonesia and are popular for use in food all over the world. The English name derives from the Latin “clavus” meaning nail as the bud vaguely resembles a small nail in shape.

The clove tree is an evergreen with large square leaves and blood red flowers. The flower buds are at first a pale color gradually becoming green turning to a blood red when they are ready for harvest. Once harvested the buds are dried to a dark brown hue preventing them from decay. They then shrivel to a brownish black and the spicy tidbits we know as clove.

Clove Lore

“It is said that the nutmegs have to smell the sea and the clove has to see it to grow to maturity properly.” Source: Spices and Herbs Lore and Cookery” by Louise S. Hayes

Burned cloves attract riches, drives away hostile and negative forces, produces high spiritual vibration, and will purify the area.To stop others from gossiping about you.

Worn or carried, cloves attract the opposite sex and brings comfort to the bereaved.

Orange Pomander Balls

To make 2 balls, you will need:
2 oranges (or try apples, lemons, or lime)
Toothpick or pin to ease the cloves into the orange
Whole cloves, at least 1/4 cup, depending upon your design. (I buy mine in bulk as they tend to be expensive.)
Spice mixture (see recipe below)
4 feet of Ribbon

For the spice mixture:
3 Tbs. ground cinnamon
3 Tbs. ground cloves
3 Tbs. ground nutmeg
3 Tbs. ground ginger
3 Tbs. orris root powder (the dried and ground root of certain iris used as a fixative)

Directions
Making a Pomander Ball is easy, but can take some time! Simply stick a clove directly into an orange (or any of the other fruits listed above). You may want to use a toothpick or pin to make the first punctures so that the cloves are easier to insert. It seems that everyone has his or her own method when it comes to filling a ball! You don't have to fill the entire ball though—try a pattern or design if you feel inspired.

Once the ball is completely studded with cloves, roll it in the spice mixture and set it aside for a couple of weeks in a cool dry spot so that it will dry. Once dried, tie a ribbon around the ball for hanging. Multiple pomander balls also look beautiful displayed together in a large decorative bowl. 

Source: Organic.org

Beautiful Thing Friday

I don't have an image today - so sorry.

Instead, I wanted to make an attempt to express my thoughts on how beautiful life is, how beautiful friendship is, how amazing people are. First thing this morning, upon checking e-mails my spirit was lifted and transformed for the day. A friend in the soaping community that I don't even know on a personal level had replied to some "good mojo" emails I had sent his way over the last few weeks. This person is half a world away and is dealing with some rather serious health issues and as part of a community I wanted this person to feel my energy and presence. I was very honored this morning to hear from this person and even though he is in the midst of dealing with some "serious unknowns" my spirit was lifted and transformed by his humor and attitude. I often wonder how it is that people dealing with such serious life issues can have such a positive effect on others -others like me; going through life - generally taking such important things as health, family, friends etc. for granted. In all honesty I have wondered what is fair about all of this? What lesson is it that I am meant to take from all of this? Today, I think I caught a glimpse - I am supposed to open my eyes and realize what a delicate balance life really is-how I need to live every day as if I may have no tomorrow - I need to treasure my health, value my children, my  husband and friends and even though we don't have a lot of "things" when it gets right down to it - things truly don't matter. I know it's "cliche" and we hear it all of the time, but when people are facing tribulations of epic proportions in their life - I don't think it's the things that matter. My heart is full as I "get" this very important life lesson from someone with such humor and zest for life.

Thank you my friend - you are a fine teacher!
(((warm hugs)))

I Heart Clove

Clove Shave Round 3.75 min. net. wt.

Hints of clove warm and spicy in a traditional shave round. Olive oil nurtures your skin while castor forms a satisfying lather that is given a fine slip with the help of kaolin clay.  The results are a clean, aromatic shaving experience.

You Might Be An Optimist If...

"An optimist is someone who goes after Moby Dick in a rowboat and takes the tartar sauce with him."
--Zig Ziglar

Fresh,Clean and Traditional-Lavender Shave Rounds

Lavender Shave Rounds - 3.75 min. net wt.

Lavender: herbaceous with a balsamic woody undertone; a fresh clean floral. Olive oil nurtures your skin while castor forms a satisfying lather that is given a fine slip with the help of kaolin clay.

Shampoo Bar Challenge - Day Fourteen

Day Fourteen - Wow! the time just flew by. I was thinking I needed to post an update on how the shampoo bar was coming along, but I didn't realize that today was actually the 14th day. (Thanks Rose Marie-for the reminder.)
I am happy to report that today, I am loooving shampoo bars for my hair. My hair is shiny, manageable, and soft. I desperately need a  hair cut and I will be able to tell more about how it handles then - right now it is a challenge because it is sort of at an in between length and cumbersome to manage. I will be getting it cut this week so we'll see. The long and short of it is, that I am glad I made the switch and looking back to a few years ago when I tried it(and didn't stay with it) I wish I had known the weird gumminess, funkiness would pass.

Business Tip Tuesday – Utilizing Business Cards

Even in this age of technology where much of your business identity is online – there is still a place for the old school business card. Consider this – business cards are one of the most cost effective marketing tools you can have especially for a start up business. A business card is another way of reinforcing your branding, a way for a potential client to remember your name and to always have your contact information at hand. Due to a business card’s small size and portability they are indispensible; always have them in your pocket or purse, have them on your table at the Farmer’s Market, send them along with your outgoing orders to customers, always leave a business card with your potential wholesale customer.

What Information Should Be On A Business Card?

• Your Name and or Business Name
• Your title and or descriptive text if it’s not obvious what you do from your business name
• A way (preferably multiple ways) to contact you; e-mail, phone number, web page…
• Social media addresses if your industry calls for it
• Your company logo

Earthly Delight Monday - Featuring Ingredients That Make Handmade Soap Special + Honey Lavender Ice Cream Recipe

The Origin of Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) is an ancient aromatic herb and like rosemary-a member of the mint family. Spike shaped flowers range from deep purple to pale pink and even white. Having originated in the hot Mediterranean climate, lavender thrives best in hot dry climates with rocky,alkaline soil.

It is believed the word lavender was named by the Romans who used it in their famous baths. The word “lavender” is derived from the Latin word “lavare” meaning-“to wash.”

Lavender Lore

Legend tells that Adam and Eve took lavender with them upon being banished from the Garden of Eden. Lavender is said to have received its distinctive perfume when Mary laid Jesus’ clothes on a lavender bush to dry.

Lavender was reputed to be a safeguard against evil. A cross of lavender was hung over the door for protection.

Women used to throw laundry over lavender bushes so the clothing would absorb the scent of lavender as it dried.

 Honey Lavender Ice Cream

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup half-and-half
• 2/3 cup mild honey
• 2 tablespoons dried edible lavender flowers*
• 2 large eggs
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

Bring cream, half-and-half, honey, and lavender just to a boil in a 2-quart heavy saucepan over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, then remove pan from heat. Let steep, covered, 30 minutes.

Pour cream mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and discard lavender. Return mixture to cleaned saucepan and heat over moderate heat until hot.

Whisk together eggs and salt in a large bowl, then add 1 cup hot cream mixture in a slow stream, whisking. Pour into remaining hot cream mixture in saucepan and cook over moderately low heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until thick enough to coat back of spoon and registers 170 to 175°F on thermometer, about 5 minutes (do not let boil).

Pour custard through sieve into cleaned bowl and cool completely, stirring occasionally. Chill, covered, until cold, at least 3 hours.

Freeze custard in ice cream maker. Transfer ice cream to an airtight container and put in freezer to harden.

 Source: http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Honey-Lavender-Ice-Cream-108526

A Few Words About Sticking Your Neck Out

"Behold the turtle, 
he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out."
Bruce Levin

Sometimes, I feel intimidated when I think of all the hats a small business owner has to wear; business manager, copy writer, product photographer, graphic artist, salesperson, customer service rep,soapmaker, packaging specialist, chief cook and bottle washer.... that it would be easy to just throw in the towel. Some of these duties are things I am not necessarily good at, and some are just plain out of my comfort zone (such as sales calls), but because I love all there is about handmade soap (and I believe in the quality of my product) I am motivated to "stick my neck out."

It's tough to put in all that effort only to be rejected by a potential wholesale account, but in the end how rewarding is it when after facing rejection you get that one wholesale account you've been doggedly pursuing?  The one you stuck your neck out for and tried because you had nothing to lose and so much to gain.

Newsflash

This just in straight off the Twitter news wire(according to a very reputable source--Anne-Marie herself)

The Bramble baby will be here soon folks....

Thinking of you Anne-Marie-sending much easy labor mojo.
We can't wait to meet you sweet little Bramble boy : D

He's here, he's here - the Bramble baby's here. Go to twitter to see his photo! He's just perfect.
Welcome to the world little man.

Beautiful Thing Friday

 

The throat of an iris - I planted last summer (they happen to be very special iris's from some friends - my mother grew iris's and they make me think of her.)

"I decided that if I could paint that flower in a huge scale, you could not ignore its beauty."
Georgia O’Keeffe

This feature will be a way for me to remember that there is beauty all around me – I just need to stop and take a look. Often when things are  hectic or I'm in one of life's slumps I forget to look around me and consider the beauty. 


Take some time to look around today and post a beautiful thing in the comments...

A Little "Soapy Love" from Great Cakes Soapworks + Don't Forget

One of my first customers since going live with my new website was Amy from Great Cakes Soapworks. Just the other day she received her order, and because she is the kindest, sweetest person ever she gave Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps a little air time. Check it out! Thank you so much Amy, I am so glad to know you are enjoying your soap.

 Don't Forget -April 14 - May 14, 2011
Just a little reminder; in celebration of  the Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps website "Grand Opening" all listed products in my shop are 10% off. Now is a great time to order up!

Shampoo Bar Challenge - Day Eight (a PSA)

Day Eight - Ummmm, don't get vinegar in or near your eyes. It burns! Just sayin :>))

A Little "Texas" Love

Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps has been featured in a little "Handmade inTexas" blog. Cindi owner of Rustique Art-Wall Crosses,Christian Home Decor and Accessories,Vintage and Needlework, also does a little bit of blogging in her spare time featuring artists in Texas. Thanks Cindi!

Spicey, Orangey Yumminess!

Spiced Valencia 4.5 ounce

A blend of evergreen beneath juicy sweet layers of sweet orange and cinnamon this soap is mouthwateringly good –a spicy bright citrus you’ll love. Unisex

Really, this scent is hard to explain. I smell a certain sweetness almost reminding me of an orangey vanilla, but with a coniferous note in the background trailing with a spicy cinnamon note. This scent really comes together in such a unified way it is hard to distinguish the different elements. Very unusual and very yummy - a favorite for sure.

Shampoo Bar Challenge - Day Seven

Day Seven - Yes, I am still using my shampoo bar and I think that every day is better than the last one. I have discovered a neat little tip for applying the vinegar rinse.I had some extra squeeze bottles around that I have used for soap colorants(of course this one was an unused one.)You can pick them up from the dollar store for next to nothing-they are clear plastic with the tip you can cut to open it up or just leave as is. I put some vinegar in there and now it is sooo easy to get the vinegar rinse to my scalp and hair and not all over the shower, or running through my hand as I try to make a mad dash to my scalp with whatever is left in my hand. I once thought that I might get a spray bottle, but then I thought it might still land everywhere, but my head.

Also, I made a soap that is a more specific shampoo bar yesterday. I cut the sf down and used jojoba so I have high hopes for it. It's still too soft to get out of the mold as of yet (I have read that this is normal for soaps with jojoba.)but as soon as I can I will get some photos and report how the results of how it performs(after a bit of a cure.)

Business Tip Tuesday - Create Buzzzzzz for Your Business

Create Buzzzzz. Be creative. Look for a way to creatively promote your business; utilize special events such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Global Handwashing Day, Cinco De Mayo or even Dia De Los Muertos to give your customers a special incentive to purchase from you. Use an e-mail newsletter campaign or something out of the norm for your business to get people talking about you, your product or service.

Speaking of special events - don't forget Mother's Day is May 8th.

Earthly Delight Monday - Featuring Ingredients That Make Handmade Soap Special

Rosemary – (Rosemary officinalis ) - a woody stemmed, perennial herb, with evergreen needle type leaves. Rosemary grows abundantly in the Mediterranean region flourishing on the coastal areas where the olive trees thrive. Rosemary is a member of the mint family.

 Rosemary officinalis has needle type leaves

Rosemary is derived from the Latin name rosmarinus with ros meaning “dew” and marinus meaning (sea) or “dew of the sea” aptly named this because; the rosemary plant needs little water and is in fact able to sustain itself from the mist of the sea.

Rosemary Lore

In researching rosemary, I came across some interesting mythological tidbits relating to rosemary – it is said that Aphrodite wore a draping of Rosemary when she rose from the sea ; The Virgin Mary is said to have spread her cloak over a white blossomed Rosemary bush turning the blooms a beautiful shade of blue ( a color most associated with Mary.)

Rosemary (Rosemary officinalis) with it's beautiful blue blooms

Rosemary has a reputation for improving memory and has been used a symbol for remembrance; mourners threw rosemary into graves to as a symbol of remembrance for the dead.

Rosemary sprigs also symbolize the remembrance of love, in the mid century brides and those attending the wedding would wear sprigs of rosemary as a symbol of love. The newlywed couple would then plant a sprig of rosemary; if the branch grew it was a good omen of their growing love.

 Source; wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosemary