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10/19/2011
Maak Soap Lab is from Portland Oregon, just around the corner from Bellingham! (Well technically 4 hours down the coast, but you get my drift). We first discovered Maak when we hosted a contest with Fair Ivy (read about the contest here). We fell in love with their detailed packaging, ‘modern rustic’ look and clean website design and it’s a double bonus that they’re located in our neck of the woods, the fabulous Pacific Northwest! Check out the goodies I just bought.
The soaps arrived in a neatly packaged and in a hand stitched envelope. It looked so cute I didn’t even want to open it. I got over that pretty quickly (after I took a photo) and I ripped into it!
Don’t you love the modern packaging style? Maak found a theme and design that worked and they ran with it! I love that they consistently executed that look and feel across the entire line. Their items all fit together nicely and are clearly designed to go together.
I also bought Cedar Essential Oil just to check it out. What can I say, I’m an essential oil enthusiast. The Cedar label was on waxed muslin which made the essential oil seem all the more special.
Get your soap from MaakSoapLab.Com and catch up with them on the Maak Blog.
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10/11/2011
Have you ever been to the Bramble Berry Facebook fan page? If not, head over there right now and join the helpful, inspirational and soap enthused community. It’s a really fun place to share projects, troubleshoot recipes and get feedback on your soap related projects (from soaping fanatics). I’m on Facebook every single day as part of my job. How lucky am I? I get to connect with Bramble Berry’s customers and drool over beautiful soap projects every day. Life is good!
This brings me to the point of today’s blog post. Early one morning (while my sweet baby boy, Jamisen, was wide awake…meaning I was wide awake, too) I saw some soaps that made me do a double take. There were these incredible soap flowers and entire soap cakes with intricate detail that were too amazing to actually be soap (see pictures below). So naturally, I had to share the jaw-dropping soap with the rest of the Soap Queen blogsphere. Oh…you probably want to know who I’m talking about, right? It’s none other than NaYeon Kim from Castle Lake Studio! Three cheers if you know her from Facebook!
Courtney, who you may already know from the BB Facebook page, emailed NaYeon to see if we could feature her soap on the blog. We even tried to buy the soap (below) from NaYeon but she was such a sweetheart and wouldn’t let us pay for it. Thank you SO MUCH, NaYeon! You shouldn’t have…but we’re so glad you did! You should have seen the girls in customer service squealing over it!
Here’s what NaYeon wrote us and how she got into soapmaking!
“I moved to Washington in 2009 September. Because of my husband’s job we had lived in South Korea for a couple of years before moving here. I had always been interested in homemade soap but didn’t start actually creating my own until last year. I had come across the Soap Queen videos one day on the internet and decided to give it a try. I had watched all the videos in the series and bought a book to get me started. The first batch I made was a plain cold process soap without any colorant and scent. I was very excited with my first creation even though they were just plain bars. I then purchased a melt and pour kit from Bramble Berry for Mother’s Day. My mother-in-law really loved the soap I created as a gift which only served to encourage me more!
So that was the beginning of my soap making hobby. I started reading Soap Queen blogs and started putting great effort into creating the soaps that Anne-Marie posted. I also started watching YouTube videos of other soapmaker’s online and was inspired by their creations. This spring I was introduced to the “soap dough” creation process. I’ve been trying to challenge myself on soapmaking and it’s still on going. Bottom line is that I have fallen in love with my soap making hobby. This summer I joined the Bramble Berry Facebook fan page (a really awesome soap community) and have met so many wonderful people and have seen many beautiful, artistic soap designs. The Bramble Berry Facebook page provides lots of inspirations and I continue to learn many things from the site. English is not my first language, which is one reason why I have hesitated to open an online soap shop. Since I’ve joined this group I’ve received so much encouragement from this great community and finally I have decided to go forward. I’m so very glad that I found Bramble Berry. I appreciate their awesome service and the chance for me to experience this wonderful craft.”
Thanks again for the soap, Nayeon. We wish you the best of luck in your new soapmaking adventure and business. People are going to LOVE the soap they get from Castle Lake Studio!
Also be sure to check out her Facebook fan page, Castle Lake Studio Soap Art!
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10/4/2011
I recently purchased some calorie free pastries from Lather Unusual- soapy pastries that is. Lather Unusual is a soap company located near my beautiful home town in Seattle, Washington. Logan Niles, a former New York chef with a pastry background, makes each soap with natural and paraben free ingredients and decorates each soap by hand creating an “unusual lather” (sorry, couldn’t hold back the pun). Her soaps look and smell absolutely edible! Check out the quick fire Soap Queen interview with Logan below.
Website: Lather Unusual Website
Blog: Blather Blog
Facebook: Lather Unusual
Soap Queen: How did you get started?
Logan: I started making soap as a hobby after trying my hand at cheese making, which I really enjoyed but found to be very cost prohibitive to do as a weekly hobby, not to mention fattening! I could literally have cheese at every meal it tastes so good. Plus the yield of finished cheese is much, much lower than soap. There’s only but so much whey a family can drink…LOL…even the cats were getting tired of it!
Soap queen: Why desserts?
Logan: After being a chef for 26+ years in New York City, with a pastry background and experience in professional bakeries, it seemed a logical way to utilize skills and tools I already possessed and loved to use. My goal is to make my Soap Pastries look as realistic as possible vs. gimmicky. I’d love to really push the envelope with them and have an ultra-upscale line as well that would rival anything a classical French or Italian pastry shop could put out.
Soap Queen: You have a retail store as well; what’s been the most surprising thing about having a storefront?
Logan: Because I opted working with Lip Labz out of Toronto Canada I needed the space and validity of a store front to put two 6′ custom lip balm & lip gloss kiosks into. So along with all of the handcrafted bath products I make it’s been a necessary step. So far getting people to the shop has been the biggest challenge since we’re not right in the local mall. That’s been changing since we started hosting private events here and will expand class offerings in the Fall. I really love running the shop tough. When it comes to meeting new people I’m very social, chatty and love sharing information. The store experience, in terms of sights, aromas and unique features, is delightful and such an important part of the brand. Everyone who visits has a wonderful experience, and raves about how nice the space feels and uniqueness of the products.
Soap Queen: Your best advice for someone thinking of opening a retail store?
Logan: Don’t do it if you don’t absolutely have to. Without Lip Labz I would have chosen a less expensive artists space to create out of and focused more on online sales and shows. The overhead, even on a small shop, can be a heavy load to carry during slow periods. If you have the capital to burn while business grows, a great location and a strong business plan then it’s something to consider with the proper planning.
Soap Queen: Favorite Bramble Berry product?
Logan: Oh, that’s tough! LOL. I’m a big fan of so many of the foodie fragrance oils like Oatmeal Stout, Cherry Almond and Hot Apple Pie… I don’t think I could choose just one favorite. I love making the Soap Pastries because I get to be really creative, use all of my pastry piping tips and the reaction of customers when they see them. It’s pure joy.
Soap Queen: Thanks for your time, Logan. We adore the soap that we purchased from you! Thanks for such a sweet, fun and wonderful product.
Get your very own pastry soaps from the Lather Unusual Website and keep up with Logan on the Blather Blog!
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8/13/2011
Soap Shout Out! These darling and detailed apple soaps were sent in for the last Bramble Berry Soap Swap. They were scented with a yummy apple fragrance and packaged in a hand painted muslin bags. And keep in mind that she sent in 24 of these soaps…that’s 24 hand painted bags and 24 super detailed apple soaps. Now that’s what I call attention to detail. Get your own Garden of Eden Apple Soap at Her Best Apple. P.S. We’ll be doing another Bramble Berry Soap Swap after the holiday season so you have time to start brainstorming your next project!
Soaps by: Brooke from Her Best Apple
REMINDER! New SOAP Fall/Winter Team. We’re itching to test some of our new Fall fragrance samples that were specially formulated just for Bramble Berry. Do you want to be on the Fall/Winter S.O.A.P. team and be the first to test them? Get the details HERE!
I hope everyones’ weekends are off to a roaringly happy start. I’m working from home as I watch a sleeping baby and hope he doesn’t wake up before my nail polish dries! I’m trying the new Zoya “Pandora” color this week.
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7/5/2011
Who is Anne Bloom? According to her blog profile, she’s a northwest native, soapmaker, bagpiper, and teacher; a lover of plants, food, travel, history, and arcane knowledge; a wife and mother of three…who currently resides in Seattle, Washington. If that wasn’t enough, she runs a local soap company Seattle Sundries handcrafted Soaps. I received some of her soaps as very sweet baby gift from one of our fabulous customers. As soon as I saw her adorably packaged products (love love love those tins and whimsical labels), I knew I wanted to feature Anne on the Soap Queen blog. Of course, I had to place an order to get even more goodies so I am positively swimming in Anne’s soaps right now. Let’s find out a little more about the local soapmaker from Seattle…
Soap Queen: When and how did you get started making soap?
Anne Bloom: I started making soap in the early 90s after a friend introduced me to the process. I found that I really enjoyed all of the aspects of soapmaking: everything from the scientific blending of ingredients to the creative and expressive side of scent, color and packaging. For me, soapmaking is the perfect combination of artistry and practical ingenuity. And now that I’m a parent and am increasingly focused on the ingredients that my family uses, I also love how proud I feel making products that are so natural and wholesome. It makes me feel good to make good soap.
SQ: What’s your favorite product that you make?
AB: Don’t ask me that!!! It’s like trying to choose your favorite child. Besides, it really depends on my mood and the occasion. There are certain products that I know I will never remove from my line, though…they are just right. I feel that way about my Bitchin’ Kitchen, Road Trip & Highland Fling Soaps, and the Lavender & Lemon Smooch Stick. I always leave a little room in my product line for change, though. I think that new products help to keep customers engaged, and coming up with new concepts for a product is really half the fun for me, personally. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sat in my office, all alone, laughing out loud to myself about some new idea or name that comes up. Good times…
SQ: Any business advice for the aspiring soapmaker out there?
AB: I wish that I had some profound words of wisdom to give aspiring soapmakers, but I don’t. My business has grown and transformed over the years in a somewhat disorganized, but organic way. There are certain things that I’ve done that have helped to propel it forward in spurts, but nothing that has been an instant recipe for success. I have focused my energy at different times on niche marketing, product development, website optimization and social media, but I mostly just plug away every day at doing something that I really enjoy. Perhaps most importantly, I like my customers. I appreciate people who appreciate what I do. I enjoy getting to know them, hearing their feedback, and coming up with new ideas that I think they’ll love.
SQ: Where do you get your inspiration for the soap and packaging?
AB: One evening, several years ago, I sat around the kitchen table with my brothers, drinking a glass of beer (or maybe it was wine, who knows). We were talking about Bigfoot…because he’s frequently a topic of conversation when I get together with my brothers. Somebody was commenting on how Bigfoot is supposed to smell really bad, then someone else said “you need a soap for that!” I don’t even remember who came up with the idea first. Families can be like that. We had a good laugh about it that night and the next day Sasquatch Soap was born.
The inspiration for my packaging comes from my life. Sometimes it’s a conversation that I have with someone, or a witty play on words that I like (Bitchin’ Kitchen). Sometimes I start with an image and build the concept around that (Gender Neutral). Sometimes I start with a name that I must use (like Potty Mouth), and come up with an image later. Sometimes I pick a “theme” that is fun and I think my customers would like (Gardener’s Gold). And now it’s gotten to the point where family, friends and customers have started mentioning soap ideas to me when they think of them. It’s nice to know that soap is on everyone’s mind!
SQ: I see on your blog that you do other crafts. What are your other hobbies when you’re not soaping?
AB: I have lots of other interests. My mother says I have too many for my own good. ;-) I sew, cook, garden, teach, play the bagpipes, lead a 4H club, and generally like making things and making things beautiful.
Get some soaps for yourself at Seattle Sundries handcrafted Soaps and check out her fun, crafty Blog: Skruben!
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4/12/2011
Loving my order from,
Zoe-Life! When I saw these happy and foody soaps I couldn’t resist the splurge!
Below are some pictures from Erika, owner of Zoe-Life.
Naturally I loved her sweet cupcakes and kisses soap so Erica (Zoe-Life creator)was kind enough to share her technique so the Soap Queen readers could have their hand at making their own. Here’s a brief description of her process.
“Ok, this was my first attempt, but I adore these little cupcakes I found. I have a soft spot for all things sweet. I made this Cupcake ‘n Kisses soap using melt n pour for the cupcakes and chocolate kisses. I used the basic soap recipe but replaced the water with Aloe Vera juice and used three oxide colors, pink, turquoise and titanium dioxide. I used Bramble Berry lcp melt n pour for the cupcakes and the kisses. I used glitter and some sugar sprinkles to cover the top (next time I will use jojoba beads for the sprinkles.) Then I used a yummy peppermint patty fragrance. It smells so sweet and good. Anyway, you were an inspiration for me to do something with cupcakes. It was lots of fun!”
Want more of Zoe-Life? Check out her website, Etsy shop and Facebook!
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4/4/2011
Today is the day we find out the NEW floral fragrances for Spring 2011. Me and my fabulous team get to read the surveys filled out by our hard working/testing S.O.A.P. team. Thank you for all of your hard work ladies! Click on the links below to check out all of their fabulous blogs. I love my job!
Holly with Lotion Bar Cafe: Holly tested the fragrances in candles, bath fizzies, room spritzers, lotion, lotion bars, melt and pour AND cold process. Wowza. Thanks for covering it all, Holly!
Ruth with Sirona Springs Handmade Soap: Ruth tested in cold process and she went over the top with her designs. We were impressed with her individual designs for each batch of soap.
Ann with Pitter Patter designs: Ann also tested in cold process, lotion bars and bath fizzies. She had great photos and comparisons of the discolorations. Side note: Ann has a delicious looking Peanut Butter Cupcake recipe on her blog. I can see that cupcake in my near future. And, she makes the CUTEST burp clothes and baby schwag in her Etsy shop.
Erica with The Bonnie Bath Co.: Erica tested in lotion and melt and pour. She even did a contest on her blog to win all of the lotion samples (great idea). I wonder who the lucky winner was?
Catherine with Catie Beth: Catherine had the help from her crafty husband to create a special mold to test the gardenia fragrances in cold process. Everyone needs a crafty husband! I’ve got one and even made a list of why crafty husbands make the best husbands (even back in 2007, I knew I had a gem!).
Excellent gel phase example on the left.
Amber with Addicted to Crafting: Amber tested in sugar scrub cubes, melt and pour and had great notes on discoloration and and first impressions. Didn’t her sugar scrubs turn out cute? My new favorite word is, “adorb” and these definitely fit with that word.
Meghan with Dreaming Tree Soapworks: We loved her initial fragrances notes and can’t wait to read the survey for more of her testing notes.
Thanks again, S.O.A.P. team, for taking the panel testing so seriously. You are all rock stars! Off to read the surveys with the BB team and decide on some new Spring fragrances. Stay tuned!
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3/28/2011
The Fair Ivy contest entries are starting to roll in like wild fire. It’s so fun seeing all of the amazing soaping techniques and products. There are so many creative entries that we might have to pick 10 projects to send on to Lucy at Fair Ivy. You guys are making this hard on us! We’ve received out of this world melt and pour robot soaps, brilliantly swirled cold process soaps, fruity sugar scrubs, moisturizing salves and fun bath bombs.
Here’s just a handful of what we’ve received!
Row One: Rose Bouquet by Magic Senses, HoneyDew Pear (with a handmade box) by Country Meadow, Robot Love by LoveLeeSoaps
Row Two: Fruit-A-Licious by Aunt Nancy’s Handmade Soap, Wicked Queen by Dreaming Tree Soapworks, Cherry Cola by Burnt Mill Candles & Soap
Row Three: Kaleido-Bomb Bath Bomb by KBShimmer, Bamboo Zen Tea by Soap on a Whim, Lemongrass Felted Soap by Joan’s Garden
Inspired? It’s not too late to enter the Fair Ivy Contest. Read the rules here and send us your product by Friday April 8th which still leaves you two weeks! Thank you to all of the participants thus far!
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3/22/2011
Even though we make 20-40 pounds of soap per month here in Brambleberry Land (testing new fragrances, colors, molds; designing SoapQueen projects, honing new skills etc….), I can never get enough soap. When I saw the Lux Naturals website, I knew I had to try their products too so out came the credit card and incoming were the opinions from the team about what I should order. As soon as my order arrived, the customer service team swarmed
(seriously, squeals and swarming ensued) around me as I tore open the box
(we may or may not get overly excited about soap here). Everything smelled wonderful and we were super impressed with the technique of embedding and swirling melt and pour with cold process soap. The fabulous customer service and marketing team each got a bar to take home and try. The results? We love! Everyone had great feedback about the soap – big bubbles, moisturizing with a strong scent in the shower. I tried the
Live Love Lime and
White Tea and Ginger.
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The combination of cold process and melt and pour gives the soap such a fun and unique contrast in color.
We also bought a giant
Tahitian Vanilla double wicked candle. It’s making the office smell sweet and sophisticated. I never want it to end! It’s so exciting to see small businesses making a big wave in the bath and body industry and we can’t wait to see where Lux Naturals takes their line in the next few years. Their stuff is yummers!
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3/1/2011
Welcome back to the Indulgence Soap interview with Silvia. If you missed the first part of the interview,
get caught up here. Now, back to the interview.
Anne-Marie: What inspires your recipes? Do you follow trends? Listen to your customer’s?
Silvia: My inspiration, when I create soaps or body products, is definitely desserts. I love baking and I find that I get inspired by looking through cookbooks and looking at desert recipes online. I am not huge on following trends. I tend to go with the seasons, my customers feedback and what ever sounds good to me at the time.
Anne-Marie: How did you come up with your unique flare?
Silvia: I love painting, baking, and art in general. I was bored with the plain look of my soaps and figured out a way to incorporate my love of art and baking into my soaps.
Anne-Marie: What’s your favorite product (that you sell)?
Silvia: I love selling my soaps. It is wonderful to hear the customer’s feedback and their excitement when they receive them. It keeps me inspired to keep creating new and fun products.
Anne-Marie: I notice you have a lot of Vegan products. What got you started on the vegan kick? Are you a vegan?
Silvia: I have been around quite a few Vegans through out my life and find their philosophy amazing. I would love to be Vegan but so far have not had the will power. Although I do try to eat a very limited amount of meat. When I first started making soaps I dabbled with animal fats in my soap bars but found that I much preferred the feel of Vegetable based soaps on my skin. Also, tallow soaps and body products can be an issue for vegans, vegetarians, or just about anyone so Vegan products are friendly for all. I find it a very healthy approach to skin care.
Anne-Marie: Do you have any other venues (other than your websites)?
Silvia: I currently have my three websites. One on Etsy, 1000 Markets, and my independent shop. I occasionally will do fairs but am looking to open a store front in the future.
Anne-Marie: What’s the best advice you can give someone wanting to start their own business?
Silvia: Be creative, find your unique niche that separates you from the masses. And just enjoy what you do. Try to always keep it fun and interesting. And above all have a lot patience.
Anne-Marie: What type of things do you outsource (if any)?
Silvia: All of my products are made in-house and it is important to me that no matter how much my business grows that I keep it that way. I want to be involved in every aspect of my business, now and always.
Anne-Marie: Is there anything else you want the Soap Queen Readers to know about you?
Silvia: I am passionate about my business. I am always striving to learn because I believe there is always room for improvement. I believe that great customer service is extremely important.
Anne-Marie: A girl after my own heart! It totally agree. Thank you so much for sharing your insight and knowledge with the soaping community. You’re company is an inspiration and your products are absolutely gorgeous!