First, some announcements:
1. Please be sure to check out the sponsors of the blog over there to the right. Your support of them helps support your favorite bath and body products (ok, indirectly by allowing me to continue advertising, but still...)
2. Directly below said advertisers, are the current sales available in the shop and also a variety of give-aways being hosted on other blogs. If you would like your give-away to be mentioned, please send me an email with the URL and End date of the give away so that I can post it for you :)
And now the meat of the post - The Shops!
Running a business alone has been quite a growing experience for me these last few months. Talk about Trial by Fire - nothing like going it alone right before the holidays to really get your mind into overdrive! First there was time management to be dealt with - how do I continue to do all of the things as one person that two people used to do? And, I have to say, it is just not possible. And so, things like blogging, twittering, facebook, etc... fell by the wayside while I focused on the most important aspect of running a shop - filling orders.
I think I have finally gotten the hang of that one (hehe) - though believe me, I have started implementing changes on how things are done because in the process I made many mistakes. In all reality, just keeping up with orders some days was more than I could handle. 20 orders a day to make a part time income sounds easy enough - *if* you have the stock already made and the ability to put in huge supply orders ahead of time. Christmas season is *NOT* the time to realize you are low on key ingredients and short of funds! I wasted a lot of money (no I will not say how much, its painful) on 2-day or express shipping to get my supplies to me in time to fill customer orders. The end result being that for all that I had a fabulous December for sales - I have little to no profit to show for it.
Lesson learned - stock up in June - and always have a back up plan. You never know ahead of time that your car battery will die 3 days before the end of your Christmas purchase/shipping deadline and leave you stranded with no way to get to the post office in the next town over, because the PO in your town has lost so many packages that you refuse to risk shipping any more packages with them. It's horrifying. Plan for it!
I will still continue to make things in smaller batches, but I will, by the end of this month, have an ongoing stock of pre-made items - things that have no expiration date (soap, solid perfumes, lip balms) I will keep the most of on hand. Things that should be used up within a year of production (scrubs, lotions, frostings, body oils) I will keep fewer of pre-mixed, but there will still be at least 2 or 3 of everything, and double that of the popular scents. This will require some good record keeping, and will also mean keeping an eye on non-moving stock so I know ahead of time when and what may need to be put on sale for quicker movement. All in all, its about becoming organized and more streamlined in operations.
So how on Earth, you may be wondering, can I possibly be thinking about opening a second shop when I'm barely recovered from the holiday season of just one?
Well, that's the conundrum folks. You see, I know what my customers want - and many of you have been clamoring for the baby and kid products back. I know there is a demand for high quality all natural baby products. It's a very narrow market, and so I am banking on the idea that since the market is smaller, it will not see the explosive growth that Heathen's Hearth has seen over the last year (sales this past week are 20 times what they were during the same week last year).
Don't get me wrong, I'd be happy to be wrong about the rate of growth - but I am prepared for it, or at least, better prepared for it than I was for facing the holidays. I truly expected that sales would taper off or die out, and they didn't. I certainly, based on last years numbers, never expected them to continue at a rate of 13 a day right up through Christmas day!
Anyway... for now, my plan is to do a soft reopening of Little Heathen's on Friday, Jan 8. I will slowly start adding in items as I get them made (following the same stock plan as above - everything going into Little Heathen's will be pre-made inventory to start with) and then will gradually build up stock as Heathen's Hearth has the funds to add new items (or as custom items are requested).
My current time-line will allow for a total re-opening (advertised, full inventory listed) by no later than February 1st. Assuming, of course, all goes as planned. First order of business is getting the other 22 packages sitting on the counter labeled, packed and to the post office. 1 day at a time, otherwise Murphy will get you!
Showing posts with label Heathen's Hearth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heathen's Hearth. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Because I almost peed my pants
Good feedback is wonderful. FUNNY good feedback is priceless!
For our White Chocolate Truffle Goat's Milk Soap:
"Great quality soaps, great scents and great service. I could gush on and on, but I think that everyone is sick of hearing me go on and on about how great Heathens Hearth is..."heathens hearth this...Heathens Hearth that...". i'm addicted .My family tried to stage an intervention, but i locked the bathroom door..." - houseofv
For our Black Celtic Sandalwood Soap:
"Completely addictive scent. leaves you smelling and feeling like you've been making out with foxy man who is a combination of Braveheart,Marilyn Manson and Zeus." - houseofv
For our White Chocolate Truffle Goat's Milk Soap:
"Great quality soaps, great scents and great service. I could gush on and on, but I think that everyone is sick of hearing me go on and on about how great Heathens Hearth is..."heathens hearth this...Heathens Hearth that...". i'm addicted .My family tried to stage an intervention, but i locked the bathroom door..." - houseofv
For our Black Celtic Sandalwood Soap:
"Completely addictive scent. leaves you smelling and feeling like you've been making out with foxy man who is a combination of Braveheart,Marilyn Manson and Zeus." - houseofv
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Awesome Reviews!
"Misty and Amy make soaps the way I would make them (if I was a soap maker). Their attention to detail and presentation is amazing and very professional. The wide variety of fruit & floral fragrances teamed up with the decorative molds make for perfect gifts or a little luxury for yourself! Unique scents like Brown Leather add depth and excitement to the lineup. The soaps are all very generous in size, and I'm impressed all the way around! They provided excellent communication from start to finish and were very generous with sample soaps and a free gift. Thank you, Misty and Amy! I enjoyed the experience of purchasing from you very much." - stevetoearth
"My son (Eli) has had eczema since he was born - he's 5 years old now. He constantly is scratching because his skin breaks out in these rough, patchy areas all over his body. We're in Florida and the heat makes it even worse because he sweats. Try keeping an active 5 year old boy from playing or sweating in the summer. It's impossible.
We've tried everything...over the counter lotions and creams, prescription steroid creams (Elidel, etc.), baby bathwash, Hydrocortisone cream, you name it - the list goes on and on. Most are ineffective, burn his skin, or are so strong (steroid cream) that we worry there will be long lasting repurcussions. The steroid creams actually changed the color of his skin.
We tried the Oatmeal (Milk) and Honey soap last night during bathtime, with the Orange Ouchy Ointment afterwards. I'm in love!! The soap was gentle but I still felt like all of the little boy dirt was gone. When I rubbed it on Eli's skin, he actually sighed and said "that's nice Mom."
The Orange Ouchy Ointment went on right after his bath. I am so impressed with it because it's just perfect - just oily enough to really coat his skin and gentle enough that it didn't burn or irritate the already inflamed skin. With his eczema, the skin will often crack and split, which makes applying anything to it painful. I've spent literally hundreds of dollars on various things to help Eli's eczema with little to no success - I spent less than $20 on the soap and Orange Ouchy Ointment...and Eli actually had a night free of itching.
You have a loyal customer here...we'll be back for more, guaranteed. And I would definately recommend Orange Ouchy Ointment to anyone who has sensitive skin or is dealing with eczema - especially for children." - TeenyTinyFashions
"LOVE IT!!! First, I have asthma and can't wear many scents, no perfume, etc. This is a light scent that lasts and smells soooo wonderful! Very moisturizing and such a light, delicate scent! I can't describe how much I fell in love with this product! Can't wait to try more!" - Easy123
"As soon as I opened the package from HeathensHearth it smelled like heaven. I was so excited to get to this scrub and I was overwhelmed - stunning stuff, looks and smells and feels so good. Simply divine. I can't recommend this seller enough." - FashionFauxPas
"I dont know what I did before these sugar scrubs...best things on earth!" - mainecoons4
"Oh.My.God. I am OBSESSED with your perfume oils! The scent is insanely long-lasting and smells BEAUTIFUL! I can't stop smelling myself! As usual your soaps are superb - I can't wait to try the Cafe Mocha!! HeathensHearth is seriously the best soap seller on etsy!!" - LoveandLust
"My son (Eli) has had eczema since he was born - he's 5 years old now. He constantly is scratching because his skin breaks out in these rough, patchy areas all over his body. We're in Florida and the heat makes it even worse because he sweats. Try keeping an active 5 year old boy from playing or sweating in the summer. It's impossible.
We've tried everything...over the counter lotions and creams, prescription steroid creams (Elidel, etc.), baby bathwash, Hydrocortisone cream, you name it - the list goes on and on. Most are ineffective, burn his skin, or are so strong (steroid cream) that we worry there will be long lasting repurcussions. The steroid creams actually changed the color of his skin.
We tried the Oatmeal (Milk) and Honey soap last night during bathtime, with the Orange Ouchy Ointment afterwards. I'm in love!! The soap was gentle but I still felt like all of the little boy dirt was gone. When I rubbed it on Eli's skin, he actually sighed and said "that's nice Mom."
The Orange Ouchy Ointment went on right after his bath. I am so impressed with it because it's just perfect - just oily enough to really coat his skin and gentle enough that it didn't burn or irritate the already inflamed skin. With his eczema, the skin will often crack and split, which makes applying anything to it painful. I've spent literally hundreds of dollars on various things to help Eli's eczema with little to no success - I spent less than $20 on the soap and Orange Ouchy Ointment...and Eli actually had a night free of itching.
You have a loyal customer here...we'll be back for more, guaranteed. And I would definately recommend Orange Ouchy Ointment to anyone who has sensitive skin or is dealing with eczema - especially for children." - TeenyTinyFashions
"LOVE IT!!! First, I have asthma and can't wear many scents, no perfume, etc. This is a light scent that lasts and smells soooo wonderful! Very moisturizing and such a light, delicate scent! I can't describe how much I fell in love with this product! Can't wait to try more!" - Easy123
"As soon as I opened the package from HeathensHearth it smelled like heaven. I was so excited to get to this scrub and I was overwhelmed - stunning stuff, looks and smells and feels so good. Simply divine. I can't recommend this seller enough." - FashionFauxPas
"I dont know what I did before these sugar scrubs...best things on earth!" - mainecoons4
"Oh.My.God. I am OBSESSED with your perfume oils! The scent is insanely long-lasting and smells BEAUTIFUL! I can't stop smelling myself! As usual your soaps are superb - I can't wait to try the Cafe Mocha!! HeathensHearth is seriously the best soap seller on etsy!!" - LoveandLust
Friday, June 26, 2009
Take a stroll down our aisle
We've rented a booth at Handmade Crafts for the month...stop by and check us out! You can find us at Booth B-11 or under the Bath & Body category!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
A new way to do a craft show!
Online! How amazing is that? Now, like a lot of people, I love going to a local craft show and browsing the aisles and tables...I always find some really great stuff. But now you can do that from your couch if you want to, day or night!
Handmade Crafts is a virtual craft show where handmade crafters and artists can showcase and promote their items online. You can find anything from Bath & Body and Candles to Jewelry and Metal Crafting...and everything in between!
Check them out: www.handmadecraftshow.com and watch for us, as we should have a booth up there soon!
Handmade Crafts is a virtual craft show where handmade crafters and artists can showcase and promote their items online. You can find anything from Bath & Body and Candles to Jewelry and Metal Crafting...and everything in between!
Check them out: www.handmadecraftshow.com and watch for us, as we should have a booth up there soon!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Art + Yard Sale = Yart!
We are participating in the Yart Sale on Etsy sponsored by Team ESST!
-Sale runs June 10th through June 14th.
-Save 15% on everything in our shop (does not include shipping charges).
-Your refund will be issued via Paypal after payment is received! If paying by USPS money order, please convo us for a revised invoice.
-Sale runs June 10th through June 14th.
-Save 15% on everything in our shop (does not include shipping charges).
-Your refund will be issued via Paypal after payment is received! If paying by USPS money order, please convo us for a revised invoice.
Monday, June 1, 2009
What an honor!
Many thanks go out to Debbie May and Jill Speegle from Wholesale Supplies Plus for featuring my Tuscan Vineyard Soap on the company blog today! I can't tell you how happy that made me!
Check it out here!
And since we're talking about it, here are some of my other CP soaps that will soon be listed in our shop....just as soon as they are done curing. I should have the Sangria, Honeydew Melon and Black Canyon listed within the next week.
Orange Mocha
Sangria
Black Canyon
Honeydew Melon
Check it out here!
And since we're talking about it, here are some of my other CP soaps that will soon be listed in our shop....just as soon as they are done curing. I should have the Sangria, Honeydew Melon and Black Canyon listed within the next week.
Orange Mocha
Sangria
Black Canyon
Honeydew Melon
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Lemony Goodness Giveaway!
What happens when you mix a bit of DoubleDippedSweets and a bit of Heathen's Hearth? A blend of deliciousness for your tummy and your body!
We have decided to team up and offer some smell-goods and some taste-goods! Something that will satisfy your taste buds and your skin!
Since Summer is almost upon us, we have chosen a flavor (and scent) that will be refreshing, sweet, dreamy and just altogether wonderful...
From DoubleDippedSweets, you can win 16 oz (that's ONE POUND!) of Lemon Cream Caramel Popcorn.
"The flavor of this is incredible! Tart, yet sweet, and very smooth. We take our Homemade Caramel Popcorn, and cover it in White Chocolate that is flavored with Lemon extract. Lemon zest is then generously sprinkled over the entire batch."
From Heathen's Hearth, you can win a 5 oz bar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Natural Goat's Milk Soap...and a 10 oz jar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Shea & Aloe Sugar Body Polish! These items are so new, they aren't even listed in our shop yet!
A zesty lemon rind aroma rounded out with buttery yellow sponge cake, toasted coconut and buttercream frosting....in our all natural goat's milk soap and our brand new, thoroughly decadent, 100% natural Shea & Aloe Butter Sugar Body Polish.
So how do you enter this delicious giveaway? Let me count the ways....
We have decided to team up and offer some smell-goods and some taste-goods! Something that will satisfy your taste buds and your skin!
Since Summer is almost upon us, we have chosen a flavor (and scent) that will be refreshing, sweet, dreamy and just altogether wonderful...
From DoubleDippedSweets, you can win 16 oz (that's ONE POUND!) of Lemon Cream Caramel Popcorn.
"The flavor of this is incredible! Tart, yet sweet, and very smooth. We take our Homemade Caramel Popcorn, and cover it in White Chocolate that is flavored with Lemon extract. Lemon zest is then generously sprinkled over the entire batch."
From Heathen's Hearth, you can win a 5 oz bar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Natural Goat's Milk Soap...and a 10 oz jar of Iced Lemon Biscotti Shea & Aloe Sugar Body Polish! These items are so new, they aren't even listed in our shop yet!
A zesty lemon rind aroma rounded out with buttery yellow sponge cake, toasted coconut and buttercream frosting....in our all natural goat's milk soap and our brand new, thoroughly decadent, 100% natural Shea & Aloe Butter Sugar Body Polish.
So how do you enter this delicious giveaway? Let me count the ways....
- Go to our shop, Heathen's Hearth, browse our items and come back here, leave a comment telling us what your favorite item in our shop is.
- Go to DoubleDippedSweets shop and choose a favorite item, go to her blog, and leave a comment with your favorite pick.
- Blog about our contest (make sure you comment here with a link to the post for verification).
- Twitter about our giveaway, and again, comment here with a link to your Twitter.
- Link our giveaway on Facebook, Myspace, or another social network site (you know the drill....comment here with a link to your site, lol).
- Purchase from either or both shops: Any purchase made from our shops will earn you entries into the give away. **1 extra entry for each item purchased. Make sure you leave a comment letting us know you purchased!
- Be a follower of our blogs. If you already are, make sure you leave a comment letting us know!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Soap of the Day ~ Monday, May 18
The Heartsabustin Natural Goat's Milk and Glycerin Soap!
A sparkly blood red top layer in natural glycerin soap over a creamy white layer of natural goat's milk soap in the delicious scent of Strawberry Cream!
Our embodiment of Heartsabustin is bright, fruity, and delicious...and of course in the shape of a heart! Today it is 25% off, only $3.75.
Visit Heartsabustin at http://www.heartsabustin.etsy.com!
A sparkly blood red top layer in natural glycerin soap over a creamy white layer of natural goat's milk soap in the delicious scent of Strawberry Cream!
Our embodiment of Heartsabustin is bright, fruity, and delicious...and of course in the shape of a heart! Today it is 25% off, only $3.75.
Visit Heartsabustin at http://www.heartsabustin.etsy.com!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
~~~~~~~~~~SATURDAY NIGHT SPECIAL~~~~~~~~~~
Take 25% off EVERYTHING in both shops (does not include shipping): http://heathenshearth.etsy.com and http://littleheathens.etsy.com and receive a free 1.5 ounce soap with your purchase!
Special runs from Saturday at 5 PM EST thru 6 AM EST Sunday Morning.
25% refund will be issued via paypal after payment is received! If paying by USPS money order, please convo us for a revised invoice.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Teakwood - Tuesday, May 12 Soap of the Day!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009 Soap Of The Day is Teakwood Natural Goat's Milk Soap!
A blend of Teakwood, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla...this is a sweet yet earthy and exotic scent that is perfect for men or women.
A blend of Teakwood, Sandalwood, Cedar, Vanilla...this is a sweet yet earthy and exotic scent that is perfect for men or women.
Save 25% on this soap...it's only $3.75. The listing is already at sale price, so no waiting for a refund....just grab and buy!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Soap of the Day - Monday, May 11, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009 Soap Of The Day is Vanilla & Brown Sugar Natural Goat's Milk Soap!
A very light and basic scent for those of you who like sweet, but not too sweet, and simple over complex. Our all natural goats milk soap is specially formulated to help your skin recover from winter's drying cold and drier heat, and the brown sugar is perfect for gentle exfoliation.
A very light and basic scent for those of you who like sweet, but not too sweet, and simple over complex. Our all natural goats milk soap is specially formulated to help your skin recover from winter's drying cold and drier heat, and the brown sugar is perfect for gentle exfoliation.
Save 25% on this soap. The listing is already at sale price, so no waiting for a refund....just grab and buy!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Soap of the Day ~ Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009 Soap Of The Day is Rice Petals and Shea Natural Goat's Milk Soap. This soap is so soft and delicate. This soul-soothing fragrance has top notes of ozony sea water, crushed ginger root, and anise leaves. Middle notes of coconut milk and rice flower; and sits on base notes of amber, musk, and sandalwood.
Save 25% on this soap. The listing is already at sale price, so no waiting for a refund....just grab and buy!
Friday, May 8, 2009
Soap of the Day
Starting today, we have a new feature in our Etsy Shop! Every day we will be featuring a different soap at 25% off. The listing will already be at sale price, so no waiting for a refund...just grab and buy!
Friday, May 8, 2009 Soap Of The Day is Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Natural Goat's Milk Soap.
This double layer soap is as adorable as it is moisturizing! The top layer is a mixture of goat's milk base and honey while the bottom layer includes not only goat's milk and honey, but ground oatmeal and a touch of molasses.
Friday, May 8, 2009 Soap Of The Day is Oatmeal, Milk & Honey Natural Goat's Milk Soap.
This double layer soap is as adorable as it is moisturizing! The top layer is a mixture of goat's milk base and honey while the bottom layer includes not only goat's milk and honey, but ground oatmeal and a touch of molasses.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
The SOOOO Close Free Shipping Sale!
We are 12 items away from 1,000 total items sold in our shop, Heathen's Hearth ...so to get the ball rolling at get to that 1,000th sale, we are offering free shipping in the US/Canada!
All shipping charges will be refunded via paypal at the time of purchase!
Take advantage of it to get some of our new summer must haves:
Monday, April 13, 2009
sale, Sale, SALE!
Yeah, the came out about a week ago, but we are having an Introductory Sale for our Perfume Oils.
We've marked them down 20% from $15 to $12 from now until next Monday so get them while the gettin is good!
Check them out! Right now you can choose from:
We've marked them down 20% from $15 to $12 from now until next Monday so get them while the gettin is good!
Check them out! Right now you can choose from:
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Newest in our line of products
Amy and I have always been a HUGE fan of Black Phoenix Alchemy Labs (BPAL)...and we willingly fork out $15 per 5 ml of oil. But we got to thinking...why can't we make this stuff? After some research and testing, we realized we CAN and have come up with 4 scents to start with that will knock your socks off while keeping your bank account happy.
Sang Noir - starts tart and dries down to a dark, sensual blend of Dragon's Blood with subtle undertones of ripe black cherry.
Fleur Noir - starts with the heady aroma of antique rose and dries down to the darker, earthy scent of amber with undertones of Musk.
Sandalwood - an earthy, strong and sensual fragrance that is true to the essential oil for which it is named.
Euphoria - delicate blend of Roses and exotic Jasmine with distinct undertones of heady Sandalwood.
Unlike standard perfumes which evaporate quickly and fade in short periods of time, having a perfume blended in oil allows the fragrance to last. There are an excellent fragrance option for people with sensitive skin as there is no drying or irritation that can occur with an alcohol base.
Each 15ml (1/2 ounce) Amber glass bottle comes with a safety sealed, tamper evident neck ring and removable orifice reducer (yes, I said orifice reducer, hehehe).
To use apply by the drop (seriously, it doesn't take much) to pulse points...behind your ears, the inside of your wrists, the back of your knees, in your cleavage, ladies (wink, wink, nudge, nudge) for a subtle yet long lasting scent that will linger on your skin all day long. Use more as desired for a stronger fragrance.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
I Dropped A Bomb
Or at least it looks like I did in my kitchen.
A day spent making sugar scrubs and then bath bombs has an adverse effect on my normally neat and clean countertops. I didn't even get everything made that I had planned, but I have to admit that the outcome is worth it even if my honey says they look like mini Death Stars. Good thing I'm a Star Wars fan!
A day spent making sugar scrubs and then bath bombs has an adverse effect on my normally neat and clean countertops. I didn't even get everything made that I had planned, but I have to admit that the outcome is worth it even if my honey says they look like mini Death Stars. Good thing I'm a Star Wars fan!
You're So Smooth
ACK! I just can't stop! I think I need 1o more hands and at least 12 more hours in a day in order to make everything I think about. At least my addiction produces some wonderfully decadent treats for your body...and the latest is no exception.
I'm happy to present the first 5 scents of our Scrumptious Sugar Scrubs made with pure sugar and a mixture of sweet almond, evening primrose and jojoba oils:
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