Inspired by Nature, Made with Love

Monday, July 14, 2014

Label Appeal....Really?

Over coffee this morning I concluded that I am a "bitchy soap maker" with a "superiority complex" ONLY because I choose to be truthful, moral, ethical, purposeful and educated. Note: I do not feel my worth is more superior, I feel I have higher business ethics.)

Reasoning......
I was researching an ingredient for a new soap recipe and I read something that threw me for a loop, something I still can't fathom. It's sneaky, manipulative, unethical & frankly it makes me sickening mad.
Issue.....
A Board Member of a top International Soap Guild and successful soap maker told someone to add something to their recipe at the lowest percentage possible (1-2%) just to put it on their label as an ingredient - not for any benefits, purpose or reasoning ONLY to have it listed.. she called it "label appeal" 

Really?

Label Appeal?

Seriously?

And while I'm quoting, she also said (quote) "Can't hurt... but not sure if there is a huge benefit... other than label "ooh and aah"!" (end quote)

(respect lost totally. 100% shot.. GONE)

I buy some of the most expensive ingredients to put in my products for their benefits.. NOT label appeal. I create products to help people's skin ailments.. NOT label appeal. I create products that do not use ingredients that have proven disastrous to the environment or associated with animal cruelty. Not just to throw cruelty free on my label for APPEAL. I buy Organic, Virgin, non-GMO ingredients- some which cost up to $35.00 an ounce, for their benefits, not fricken label appeal.


Reading crap like this and knowing a respected member of the soaping community suggested this practice to another soaper makes me sick and I am quickly losing faith in the "handmade" soap industry. 

Sadly, I'm learning that if it isn't made by me or a trusted friend I will NOT believe the label, ever...

So this leads me to wonder.. what do people look for when buying handmade soap?  Is it the shape, color or claims of improved skin?  Please take a few minutes to share with me what your deciding factors in choosing a soap are.. the curiosity is killing me.

(multiple answers accepted & answers are anonymous)


What characteristics do look for when you purchase handmade soap?
  
pollcode.com free polls 

Blessings,
=) Kristina

Friday, May 2, 2014

Busy Start of a Busy Weekend Planned..

I know I've been quiet and I haven't posted here much, but to be honest I simply have not had the time to keep up with all the media sites I share information on.

I have been posting on our FaceBook page, but have decided to keep the Etsy storefront closed, b/c frankly the fees I was paying a month were ridiculous.  I was paying more fees than what I was ultimately selling overall through them.  Most of my sales come from emails and PMs and paying $50/month for Etsy fees THEN paying PayPal fees on top of that simply has not been worth it to keep it open.  SOOOO.. if you want to place an order.. SHOUT ME OUT an email.. kristina@masquerademarket.com  OR PM me on FB at: MasqueradeMarket

So... this morning was extremely jammed pack full of soap making..  we went from:


to THIS in 5b short hours!!  * Go ME!

(TOP LEFT): Au Naturelle, (BACK MIDDLE) Royal Rose Bud, (fFRONT MIDDLE) Org. Shea Lavender, (TOP RIGHT) Phoenix, (BOTTOM LEFT): Org. Shea Mystique with Rose Kaolin Clay, (BOTTOM MIDDLE) Org. EVOO w/ Act. Charcoal & Pumice & 
(BOTTOM RIGHT) Org. Hemp Seed Oil French Quarter Fig w/ French Green Clay. 

I simply can not wait to cut into these babies tomorrow - keep your eyes peeled for some soap porn ;)

But in the meantime, here is a picture of a beautiful rainbow.. ENJOY!


As always.. Blessings from me & mine to you & yours!
=) K