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Reflecting on 2009 Communication Lessons

January 16, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

As a small business owner I reflect on lessons learned as very valuable experiences.  

Sharing some of my communication-related lessons from 2009:

  • I published a blog post about shipping fees.  After comments and questions arrived I realized what I had communicated was nearly free shipping! Lesson in communication, when writing involves a monetary change, it is good practice to run the article by another set of eyes before publishing.
  • Several customers asked if pricing in my website store was based on one bar of soap or three (I normally photograph 3 bars).  After several questions were asked, I made changes to the written description.  Again, listen to what is being said or questioned, and if it has been said (or asked) more than once, evaluate. 
  • A blog post that is too wordy, with very long paragraphs, tends to glaze the reader’s eyes.  The reality is, many of us are scanners (not readers).  After reading several writing-style articles, and realizing that I am a scanner with little time (with a craving for content), I learned to keep posts much shorter and to the point.
  • After reading an article published by Copyblogger I recognized a problem in my writing style.  To reflect confidence, leave out words such as (I might, I should, I think I will).  Replace those words with (I am, I have, I will, and I do).  Write in a way that reflects committment and confidence!

Many of the blessings in life include learning, growing, and realizing we do not live in a box.  We can continue to grow throughout our lives.  We can study.  We can listen.  We can look at the world as a child does with an open mind, but carry our beautifully earned package of wisdom with us to make sure we walk our life journey with careful steps.  We can also put fears aside, knowing we will not grow unless we let go of the invisible boundaries.

I hope you are enjoying my 2009 reflections.  My intentions are to help someone else (as others have done for me) with my own confessions of learning!

Posted in General Reflections | Tagged , , | 12 Comments »

Beware of the Claims

January 14, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

Recently I have read claims made by handcrafted cosmetic and soapmakers that really “get my goat.”

First, let me explain to you in very simple terms, soap is considered soap until the manufacturer claims that the soap cures or prevents a medical condition.  Notice how I am very careful with my wording in my Product Monday posts? If I claim that my soap clears acne, fights bacteria, you name it, I must call my soap something other than soap.  It is obvious I do not have a license to sell drugs or medications, so I stick with selling soap.

I saw a claim today, via a handcrafted cosmetic ad, that stated, “Ward off H1N1 with these all natural ingredients.”  Oh my word! People…I honestly want to take your ad to the shredder.  First, you cannot stake those claims unless you are a licensed pharmaceutical company with a registered product.  From what I saw, you are not.  Secondly, you make it very difficult for us (soapmakers) to stay credible with the US government.  It is your type of claim that causes the government to scrutinize the simple soap and cosmetic makers more than we know is needed. 

I have learned a lot this year.  And, we all make mistakes! I am much more careful with my product claims.  I tell you the exact ingredients in my soap, and leave it to you to decide what it can or can not do (if anything) for your skin. 

If you have a medical or skin condition, you should always seek advice from your physician!

Off my soapbox for today…I hope I (and other ethical soap and cosmetic makers) can continue to be in business, selling products that are wholesome, for many years to come!

Posted in In The Soap Shop, Products | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments »

The (Simple) Joys Of Networking

January 12, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

As a small business owner I find great joy in the various daily contacts that I make.

Many years ago I thought networking meant selling.  It does not mean that at all! To network, you are communicating via a common thread.

The stone wall no longer holds anyone in.  Networking can come from a blog post or comment, a tweet on Twitter, a post on Facebook, an email, or an actual conversation with a business owner, a banker, or it can be as simple as conversing with a person while standing in line at the post-office. 

Owning an internet-based company in the country could be lonely.  But it is not.  I so much appreciate the contact.  The contacts come with an added benefit, learning.  Listen to your friends, your casual contacts, your customers.  Really listen.  We live in a fascinating world, a world full of brand-new knowledge, just waiting to be gained.

Who would ever think work could be so enjoyable?

My hope for everyone: work towards doing something you enjoy, and enjoy working it once you get there!

Posted in All In A Day's Time, Family & Friends, General Reflections, Inspirations | Tagged , , , | 12 Comments »

Product Monday – Tea Tree and Lavender Goat Milk Soap

January 11, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

tea treeand lavender goat milk soap

Tea Tree and Lavender Goat Milk Soap

I added a new soap to the Annie’s Goat Hill online soap store, Tea Tree and Lavender!

Tea Tree and Lavender is an all natural soap containing pure essential oils, no colorants, and fresh goat milk.

If you are familiar with tea tree essential oil, you will readily agree with me, it does not have a “pretty” scent.  Tea tree is an essential oil very much in demand with a long history of uses in the world of aromatherapy and skin care. 

If you have any questions, I will be more than happy to answer them.  I welcome your email, call, or questions/comments here!

On a personal note,  we will be waving good-bye to the deep freeze that has gripped us for the past several weeks! Seemingly every joint in my body ached from the extreme cold and damp.  It was difficult, especially the trip up and down from the barn! Now, I am busily working on getting the (pre) and holiday pounds off.  The less weight we carry, the better an old body feels!

Have a wonderful week!

Posted in Products | Tagged , | 12 Comments »

Honesty and Hard Work Does Make a Difference

January 7, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

Today I am sharing a story with you that goes beyond a lesson on soap making.

I have a valued customer that entrusted me with several large standing orders for rosemary peppermint goat milk soap.

She loved her first bars.  Savored them.  She said, “They are aromatherapy in the shower.  Especially after a 12-hour shift at work.” 

Then the troubles began.

I could not reproduce those luxurious soap, regardless of what I did.  I checked and double checked.  I followed the same recipe.  I purchased ingredients from the same supplier.

No luck.

I began to fret.  But I knew there was an answer.  Patience, diligence and prayers were very much needed. 

While batch after batch of soap failed, I continued to stay in touch with the customer.  I was open and honest.

I finally called a person very well versed with milk soap.  She was excellent.  As soon as she asked me the first question about my shop I knew the problem.  Yes, it was written on the wall, in bold black and white!

 I turn the shop’s heat dial down in the winter months to save on electric bills.  I had forgotten to adjust for the cooler room!

For those of you new to soap, or wanting to get into it, keep in mind, at times you need to adjust to the climate.  For example, last spring I adjusted the pour temperature while adding the oils to the lye/milk. 

Goat milk soap making is trickier than non-milk soap, especially with fresh goat milk.  Milk differs from goat to goat (both in water content and fat), and from season to season (grass-fed vs. hay fed), which adds to the delicate workings when making goat milk soap.  Milk also reacts differently to certain fragrances and essential oils.  

And for those of you new to small business, expect challenges.  Honesty pays.  Diligence pays.  Reaching out to others pays.  If I had been less stubborn, and had asked for help sooner, I might have saved both time and supplies.  I might have gotten the job done sooner.

Lesson learned.

A good lesson in life.

I have a beautiful 3-day old batch of rosemary peppermint goat milk soap on the curing rack for my customer.  Soon, it will also be listed on the website again!

Have fun, stay warm, and remember…nothing in life is too challenging!

Posted in In The Soap Shop | Tagged , | 3 Comments »

Product Monday – Still Waters Goat Milk Soap

January 4, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

 Still Waters Goat Milk Soap

Today I am spotlighting Still Waters goat milk soap. 

With this soap I looked for a fragrance fitting for the new year.  I wanted a fragrance that left a person with thoughts of, “Ahhh…I am leaving the last few weeks behind me, no more rush, all is calm.  The new year is going to smoothly settle in, just like Still Waters.” 

Still Waters fragrance is a combination of apricot, geranium and cucumber.  Refreshing, clean, subtle, yet it makes its own statement. 

And such a beautiful statement it is in luxurious goat milk soap!

Still Waters soap, and others, can be found at www.anniesgoathill.com .

Happy new year!

Posted in Products | Tagged | 13 Comments »

Weekend Drive Humor

January 2, 2010 by Mary Humphrey

 

A person never knows what they are going to see when driving along the remote, back-woods roads in southern Ohio.

As we came upon these outbuildings located on the side of the road, my husband, Bob, broke out in giggles.

I quickly spotted the numerous “Bob’s” and arrows, and the word Shorty (which I am lovingly called by my dear husband from time to time).  

It was cute, funny, and added an extra touch of enjoyment to the ride.

Happy new year!

Posted in All In A Day's Time | Tagged | 12 Comments »

Happy New Year

December 31, 2009 by Mary Humphrey

My outlook today is not wrapped around kicking out 2009 by the seat of its pants. I am reflective of the year that is passing in a few hours.

2009 was a tough year for many folks. Countless people, friends and family members, filed for bankruptcy, lost their homes, and lost their jobs. Many that held onto their jobs are still hanging in the balance. They no longer feel the security of, “I will work hard and this job should always be here for me.”

2009 was also a year to learn and grow. It was a year to look at the outlying pressures and say, “Okay, enough of that. I can be strong, I can survive. I can move forward!” Living for this very moment became the focus. Seeing our savings, our retirement, and our personal possessions diminish was disturbing. But learning to focus on what we can change, instead of what we cannot change, became the key. Difficult times can teach us to be flexible. It can be a tremendous time for personal growth.  And it can become a time to celebrate the small things in life, which are truly the big things!

I am looking forward to 2010. Anticipating a new year includes gratefulness for life itself, a yearning to continue to grow and experience whatever life brings. A thank you to God for life. An absolute time for joy!

Happy New Year!

Posted in All In A Day's Time, General Reflections | 13 Comments »

What Type Of Soap Should I Use?

December 27, 2009 by Mary Humphrey

goat milk soap

When I receive questions that I think others will benefit from I like to post them here. 

These are some recently asked questions:

Is your goat milk soap considered a body or facial soap?

  • Both.  When I create a soap I keep skin types in mind.  Some of the soaps are good for oily or combination skin (such as lemongrass, cedarwood).  Some are a good match-up for skin blemishes (such as lemongrass, patchouli, or tea tree). Some of the soaps are less drying, great for mature or dry skin (examples are:  unscented or honey oatmeal soaps, lavender, and orange mint).

Can your soaps be used as a shaving cream replacement?

  • Yes, I consider the lather from my soaps to have a thick luxurious feel.  This enables a smooth shave with less skin irritation, resulting in less nicks and chafing.  Honey oatmeal, for example, provides a wonderful rich lather that leaves the skin less irritated (as compared to shaving cream).

Do any of your soaps contain an exfoliant to assist with dead skin removal while cleansing?

  • Yes, the honey oatmeal is very mildy exfoliating.  The lemongrass poppyseed contains a natural exfoliant, poppyseeds. ,

Are any of your soaps or lotions helpful to those with”special or sensitive” skin conditions?

  • When using a new product I advise the client to 1) begin using the product in a small test area, 2) use the product sparingly, 3) overall body use must begin gradually. 
  • I suggest, when a person has tried many products that have failed, to give your skin a rest.  Try one product at a time.  There is something to be said about goat milk soaps and lotions, with their  lack of detergents and chemicals, but I cannot say they cure, heal or treat any certain condition.   Results (if any) depend upon your personal skin type.  Always consult with your physician!

If you have anything to add, please jump in and voice your comments. 

If you have questions, this is a great place to ask, someone else may be wanting to know the same thing!

Posted in Products, Skin and Hair Care | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments »

Day After Christmas Digest

December 26, 2009 by Mary Humphrey

Hello!

I hope you had a great Christmas!

We had a very relaxing Christmas day! I think I gained a few pounds.  Well, I know I gained a few pounds.  Friends and family indulged us with candy, cookies, not to mention the pie that I already had prepared.  Dinner was a pan of lasagna that held its own for 3 days!

Christmas was a windy, wet and cold day.  It was good to be inside.  It was wonderfully quiet.  At the same time I missed my family (my son’s families, my grand-children, my deceased parents, and especially my sister and nieces).

Spike, our boxer, ended up off his kibble.  His toe swelled up.  He chewed his toenail off last night, yes, down to skin level.  Today he went to the vet.  He had not been weighed in many years.  I guessed him at 90 pounds.  He looked thin this morning, dehydrated, even his collar was hanging loose.  They sure drop weight quickly.  He weighed in at 89.8 pounds! Besides that astonishment (size-wise), the doctor put him on a pain med and antibiotics, and gave us well-wishes as we went out the door.  Perhaps now I can sleep a bit better.  How and why do we allow ourselves to love our animals as much as we do? It scares me, it truly does.

I had to replace my CPU, translating to no new camera.  I did a back up as my old machine slowed down.  It sounded like a barber’s electric razor.  As I sat at my desk Christmas Eve morning I was almost startled out of my seat by the racket of the dying machine.  The new CPU is working and the files are slowly being restored.  Life is good.

I would love to hear some of your Christmas stories and adventures!

And, I hope sunshine returned to you as well! It is a beautiful day after Christmas here!

God bless.

Posted in All In A Day's Time, Family & Friends | Tagged , , | 15 Comments »

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