I’ve been watching your videos for years and years!you were a pioneer of soap making sharing! Back in the day other soap makers were so secretive! You took a lot of heat at first because of your videos. Also I have to say I remember the photos of your shop and to this day it was the most beautiful shop I’ve ever seen! Great advice!
Karen, thank you for sharing these valuable tips. I'd add in one thing.... that is to get your products into an established, trusted business in your own town. I have my products in a local pharmacy/gift shop. I have made an extrodinary amount of money doing this. They knew I made luxury bath/body, skin care and 2 candle lines. I started off with 2 -12 ft long shelves. I had a small selection of soaps with matching bath bombs. My 4 skin care lines (one for oily dry, combination and a natural line) This was on shelf 1. On shelf 2 were my standard candles and the other half was luxury candles. I was in charge of setting up and maintaining the look of my shelves. They took 2% for renting the shelves and collecting the money. In my first week I made a little over 330$. My lowest ever was 129.72$. I averaged at that point just under 500$ a week. This is great money. When people go to our pharmacy. There are places to sit to wait to have your medicine filled. No one sits, lol, they browse through all the selves. So it has been good for my business. I have business cards and flyers that say I do baby shower, wedding guest thank yous, etc. Now if you don't like answering phone calls, don't leave flyers! I still get weekly phone calls from people. "When will you have more such and whatever?" I don't mind at all. I just write it down to make or if I have it, I'll say "It'll be there tomorrow by opening" People love to tell me what they want! Which can be quite helpful. I am up to 5 shelves in the pharmacy now. I am giving up 3.5% of my profits now, but again I'm making more. The pharmacy girls are nice and let me know if things are low on Thursday before the weekend, so it's all good. I'm in there on Mondays and sometimes Thursdays. I always pick up my money on Mondays. These kinds of cooperations between established business and hand made products is a win win in my book. Everyone's deal will be a little diffrent, but the pharmacy has a stream of extra income and I have an inexpensive way to get my hand made skin care out there!!! Jill
Thank you for your kindness in showing the rest of us how to be successful in having a soap business. I started watching you years ago before I had a business, and I could not believe how kind you were in helping others because I noticed how guarded others were about their info. You made me want to try and I did now I make and sell my soaps. Thank you Karen you are who I consider one of the pioneers and great teachers of soap making.
Thank you Lovely. For all your tips on starting a new business. It’s so satisfying making things with your own hands and seeing people enjoying your products. Xx.
I can remember some of your earliest youtube videos, where you used tomato sauce bottle to do frosting, I can just about remeber a video where you showed everyone how to put a tip in. Another video where it must of been a show around your work space, some fruity sponges & plastic tubs with your soap loaves in. Yes you have come far & yes I still enjoy watching you :)
It's funny laughing at some of the things I used to do...hillarious. You are a TRUE fan if you can remember me showing how to glue a nozzle into a bottle, THANK YOU for sticking around for so long, I really appreciate it so much
Great tips. I don't like going into the Body shop for the same reason. They never let you just browse. It makes me uneasy going in there. Lovely soaps and packaging ♥️
I know what you mean when going into a shop wanting to browse. I have done that and been distracted by a well meaning clerk who is trying to sell. I love to test, smell and look at all the offered products at my own pace. I am older and not usually in a rush or I would ask. I wondered if I was the only one like that and glad to know I am not. I also, tend to not return to a shop like that. It's too distracting. Karen, you are the queen of wrapping and packaging! Everything looks so gorgeous and inviting! Hey John! I love to listen to you both talk. I love his minion! 👍😅 Thank You so much for your talk. You are very knowledgeable through experience and it shows. I love smaller crafters. Nothing against the bigtime ones, but I think the small small businesses need a boost. Cheers & Blessings 👍💕
Such helpful information thanks so much. Yes I agree with being bombarded in a shop. I often browse and find little gifts that I save up to give friends during the year. If I’m hit up, I leave! I just love your packaging. It’s so appealing. 💝🥂🧚🏼♀️
I totally agree i really hate when sales assistants want to come over as soon as you walk through the door, as you say ask if you need help ask to let you know but some assistants are so overpowering and i actually walk out the shop without even looking as i feel harassed , definitley good advice Karen.
Thank you so much for sharing. Starting a small business can be very intimidating. And you helped me with that fear. I’ve been watching you for a few years now and you and such a beautiful soul and so very giving of your gift and expertise. Thank you for all you do to inspire us all.
With the business name, I did the same thing. I didn’t use “soap” or “bath and body” in my business name because I make other things as well that I might decide I want to sell. So I used the word “handmade” to drive home the point that I make all of the things I sell. In a way, I wish I would have done differently, and I may still eventually. But for now, it’s working for me. I love the name of your business. It is what intrigued me to your content! This has been a great video and I’m thankful for all that you do. ♥️
Love your ways with eachother, I am trying to get one up and running, slowly as I have to also work full time, I have started a channel, you being so much inspiration to everyone....❤❤❤
that was great to listen to, and I just love hanging with you as you work and chat. I received my first order from you the other day and I LOVE it..the Raspberry soap is out of this world, and that will be a firm regular favourite of mine to get from you. I shan't be getting my soaps from anywhere else now - thats for sure..thanks again for everything...Terry x
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Especially when there are people who would say you shouldn't give away all the info for free, but there's so much more to building a business than just knowing how to make the product! It takes a ton of hard work and a lot of time.
Hi Karen, you and always so helpful and willing to share all your tips and tricks. Other soap makers should be so happy :), I watch because your videos are so peaceful and I have learned so much, if I ever become a soap maker you would surely be the reason. Thank you.
I totally agree with àll your tips and especially the sharing of information as I was a chef and most chefs I know won't give out tips or recipes and I have always said if something happened to me and I didn't share my secret recipes then the recipes disappear. Overly excited shop assistants hovering over me is one of my pet peaves. All your tips are so true and useful. Congratulations to the first lucky winner of your gorgeous products xx
Hi Karen!! I am so pleased with the amount of good info that you give out! Amazing!! Thank you so very much! You are known as the "Godmother Of Wax Melts And Soap" in my house! Winks!!!
You’re so right no one wants to share these only few of you that do share information and I’m one who appreciate your advices thank you for that your products are gorgeous
Wait... hold da phone. Where and when did I miss tha beautiful dark maroon soap? Where is smellavision when you need it? That is GORGEOUS! I have to go find that video...I'll be back! 😲 I'm back...found the video and took notes. Thank you for all the tips Karen! I am going into business with my BFF! Now I'm worried. Wish us good luck!
I do enjoy all of your wisdom. I'm starting year 3 and it is still a struggle with on-line sales. So, in person events are where I do most of my selling.
MY BALLOTIN BOXES www.meridianspshop.com/125g-ballotin-bright-gold-meridiansp/ MY SOAP PACKAGING BOXES www.aliexpress.com/item/33010465710.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.11c04c4dFKSJDx
I need all the advice I can get...I just really don’t know where to start a business. I do know that online would probably make my tiny business pay off a bit more.
Overselling is irritating as hell, the way they leap on you as you step in, such a false economy move, it loses customers. There used to be a jeans shop in our town, their door was always wide open and they’d stand at the door at actually step outside and get in your way and grab you by the arm, and push you in, not joking! You’d see people swerving the door way as they passed the shop as everyone got to know what they did. They closed after a couple of years, we were safe to shop again…
I hate going into shops when you get bombarded 🤣 but at work it’s what we are told to do - I avoid it as much as possible but my manager shoots me a look 🤣🤣
I’ve been watching your videos for years and years!you were a pioneer of soap making sharing! Back in the day other soap makers were so secretive! You took a lot of heat at first because of your videos. Also I have to say I remember the photos of your shop and to this day it was the most beautiful shop I’ve ever seen! Great advice!
Gail thank you for watching for such a long time xx
I agree with the shop. I hate it when they jump on you as soon as you walk into them kind of shops. Definitely makes me walk out without buying
Karen, thank you for sharing these valuable tips. I'd add in one thing.... that is to get your products into an established, trusted business in your own town. I have my products in a local pharmacy/gift shop. I have made an extrodinary amount of money doing this. They knew I made luxury bath/body, skin care and 2 candle lines. I started off with 2 -12 ft long shelves. I had a small selection of soaps with matching bath bombs. My 4 skin care lines (one for oily dry, combination and a natural line) This was on shelf 1. On shelf 2 were my standard candles and the other half was luxury candles. I was in charge of setting up and maintaining the look of my shelves. They took 2% for renting the shelves and collecting the money. In my first week I made a little over 330$. My lowest ever was 129.72$. I averaged at that point just under 500$ a week. This is great money. When people go to our pharmacy. There are places to sit to wait to have your medicine filled. No one sits, lol, they browse through all the selves. So it has been good for my business. I have business cards and flyers that say I do baby shower, wedding guest thank yous, etc. Now if you don't like answering phone calls, don't leave flyers! I still get weekly phone calls from people. "When will you have more such and whatever?" I don't mind at all. I just write it down to make or if I have it, I'll say "It'll be there tomorrow by opening" People love to tell me what they want! Which can be quite helpful. I am up to 5 shelves in the pharmacy now. I am giving up 3.5% of my profits now, but again I'm making more. The pharmacy girls are nice and let me know if things are low on Thursday before the weekend, so it's all good. I'm in there on Mondays and sometimes Thursdays. I always pick up my money on Mondays. These kinds of cooperations between established business and hand made products is a win win in my book. Everyone's deal will be a little diffrent, but the pharmacy has a stream of extra income and I have an inexpensive way to get my hand made skin care out there!!!
Jill
Such fantastic tips Jill thanks for sharing
PLEASE would you send me some photo’s I’m so intrigued
Thank you for your kindness in showing the rest of us how to be successful in having a soap business. I started watching you years ago before I had a business, and I could not believe how kind you were in helping others because I noticed how guarded others were about their info. You made me want to try and I did now I make and sell my soaps. Thank you Karen you are who I consider one of the pioneers and great teachers of soap making.
Thats super kind of you to say
Thank you for being a member for a month
Thank you Lovely. For all your tips on starting a new business. It’s so satisfying making things with your own hands and seeing people enjoying your products. Xx.
Good tips! I still watch the older videos too. There is something that is so calming and relaxing about you!
I can remember some of your earliest youtube videos, where you used tomato sauce bottle to do frosting, I can just about remeber a video where you showed everyone how to put a tip in. Another video where it must of been a show around your work space, some fruity sponges & plastic tubs with your soap loaves in. Yes you have come far & yes I still enjoy watching you :)
It's funny laughing at some of the things I used to do...hillarious. You are a TRUE fan if you can remember me showing how to glue a nozzle into a bottle, THANK YOU for sticking around for so long, I really appreciate it so much
I have to say that the soapers I watch are all the "you're my soaping sister, not my competition" and I honestly love that mentality.
Great tips. I don't like going into the Body shop for the same reason. They never let you just browse. It makes me uneasy going in there. Lovely soaps and packaging ♥️
I love how your package your products. You’re correct, a lot of small strip malls are closing.
I don't have a business but ill keep these tips in mind if I think about it.
Thank for watching Kristy
I know what you mean when going into a shop wanting to browse. I have done that and been distracted by a well meaning clerk who is trying to sell. I love to test, smell and look at all the offered products at my own pace. I am older and not usually in a rush or I would ask. I wondered if I was the only one like that and glad to know I am not. I also, tend to not return to a shop like that. It's too distracting. Karen, you are the queen of wrapping and packaging! Everything looks so gorgeous and inviting!
Hey John! I love to listen to you both talk. I love his minion! 👍😅
Thank You so much for your talk. You are very knowledgeable through experience and it shows.
I love smaller crafters. Nothing against the bigtime ones, but I think the small small businesses need a boost.
Cheers & Blessings 👍💕
You deserve 1 million followers, I just found your channel. I love it so much. You're absolutely talented and an amazing person.
Omg Karen! God knows what we be allowed to say in 10 years is right! John’s a hoot!! Love it!! ❤️
Absolutely
Such helpful information thanks so much. Yes I agree with being bombarded in a shop. I often browse and find little gifts that I save up to give friends during the year. If I’m hit up, I leave! I just love your packaging. It’s so appealing. 💝🥂🧚🏼♀️
I totally agree i really hate when sales assistants want to come over as soon as you walk through the door, as you say ask if you need help ask to let you know but some assistants are so overpowering and i actually walk out the shop without even looking as i feel harassed , definitley good advice Karen.
Thank you so much for sharing. Starting a small business can be very intimidating. And you helped me with that fear. I’ve been watching you for a few years now and you and such a beautiful soul and so very giving of your gift and expertise. Thank you for all you do to inspire us all.
With the business name, I did the same thing. I didn’t use “soap” or “bath and body” in my business name because I make other things as well that I might decide I want to sell. So I used the word “handmade” to drive home the point that I make all of the things I sell. In a way, I wish I would have done differently, and I may still eventually. But for now, it’s working for me. I love the name of your business. It is what intrigued me to your content! This has been a great video and I’m thankful for all that you do. ♥️
I think I used handmade too at one time. Thanks for sharing your story
I love watching you talking and packing at the same time thank you for your information ❤
Love your ways with eachother, I am trying to get one up and running, slowly as I have to also work full time, I have started a channel, you being so much inspiration to everyone....❤❤❤
that was great to listen to, and I just love hanging with you as you work and chat. I received my first order from you the other day and I LOVE it..the Raspberry soap is out of this world, and that will be a firm regular favourite of mine to get from you. I shan't be getting my soaps from anywhere else now - thats for sure..thanks again for everything...Terry x
I appreciate you for giving us new beginners tips. thank you so much.
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. Especially when there are people who would say you shouldn't give away all the info for free, but there's so much more to building a business than just knowing how to make the product! It takes a ton of hard work and a lot of time.
So true Bookmouse (love your profile name)
Happy Caturday from Florida! Thank you for so kindly sharing this information!
Hi Karen, you and always so helpful and willing to share all your tips and tricks. Other soap makers should be so happy :), I watch because your videos are so peaceful and I have learned so much, if I ever become a soap maker you would surely be the reason. Thank you.
Love the cupcakes. They look so real, I love watching you make all your videos I’ve learnt a lot from you xx
I started making soap about a year ago found you within the last 8 months. Love your videos thanks for your hard work
Thanks for finding me and all the best with your business
I love when John pops in :)
Thank you so much for the tips! I’ve been making soap for 2 years and am trying to start my own business. Your videos have really helped!
Thank you for another wonderful video! All your soaps and packaging look so wonderful. And thank you for all the advice and tips :)
I'm very introverted the talking to people is so hard for me. This is all such good advice.
All comes with practice hun
@@EdensSecret1 thanks Karen. You are an inspiration
Thank you for the business tips. I wouldn't know how to print such beautiful labels, they're amazing x
I think its amazing how you share your knowledge. thanks so much
Thank you so much Karen ❤, I’ve decided to start my candle and wax melt business up again. This info was much needed….😊
Love all your videos, I especially appreciate the advice you give and your calm tone in this video. Thank you. :)
I love the way you have packed your box 📦 😍
I just love the boxes. Your videos are so helpful. Thanks so much Karen.
Your packaging is always so pretty!
I totally agree with àll your tips and especially the sharing of information as I was a chef and most chefs I know won't give out tips or recipes and I have always said if something happened to me and I didn't share my secret recipes then the recipes disappear. Overly excited shop assistants hovering over me is one of my pet peaves. All your tips are so true and useful. Congratulations to the first lucky winner of your gorgeous products xx
Interesting to learn you were a chef Tanya
Yes Karen I worked as a chef for 30+ years, 14 years with my own restaurant until a spinal disease stopped me working in that job
Thank you. This is a wonderful video for anyone trying to create and grow a business.
Love your packaging Miss Karen everything looks beautiful & done with care.
Fantastic 10 Top Tips Karen!…
Can’t wait to see my pack & crack video coming up!
🙌🏼💛😊
Thanks my friend
P.S I see you have a RED emoji, thank you for your 1 year membership
@@EdensSecret1 I love being a membership to your channel Karen,
I’ve receive so much information from you & want to thank you back beautiful lady! 💛
I loved this so much. Thank you for sharing all your techniques and knowledge.
Always so generous with the sharing of info, it's always so funny to me how catty people can get when they think they have competition
Karen, you are so kind to do giveaways and for sharing your tips from your own experience to help other people to start a business.
Hi Karen, what a generous package! How awesome. Thanks for these tips 🙏
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us. Your thoughts and opinions really helps me with my new business 🥰
Thank you for this video, I just watched one from your store from 12 years ago.
These are great tips, not the obvious. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Karen!! I am so pleased with the amount of good info that you give out! Amazing!! Thank you so very much! You are known as the "Godmother Of Wax Melts And Soap" in my house! Winks!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your business knowledge. I’ve been practicing making soap. I’m truly loving it. I enjoy your channel
6 months a member thanks so much
@@EdensSecret1 you’re welcome 🥰
your products always look amazing & beautifully packaged one day i would love to have foil labels one day i will invest in the laser printer 🥰
You’re so right no one wants to share these only few of you that do share information and I’m one who appreciate your advices thank you for that your products are gorgeous
Thank you, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you
So informative. Even for an experienced soap maker. Thanks Karen
Fabulous video, so much information you shared with us, thank you Karen your a star. 🌟💖
Hi from Florida! Thank you for all these tips!
Hello Sassy in Florida, do you have a link to any socials you'd like to share here
Lovely watching all your videos . I am just starting making wax melts . Thank you for all your help and advice xx
These soaps are beautiful 🤩
Right on.. thanks for the FYI.
Thank you for your 2 month membership
Wait... hold da phone. Where and when did I miss tha beautiful dark maroon soap? Where is smellavision when you need it? That is GORGEOUS! I have to go find that video...I'll be back! 😲 I'm back...found the video and took notes. Thank you for all the tips Karen! I am going into business with my BFF! Now I'm worried. Wish us good luck!
That was Bella Vita
4 months a member thank you
love your channel
Thank you very much for all the tips. 💕
Congratulations Leah ❤💜😀
Great Tips. I have been a hair dresser 23 years. Every tip is the same.
Thanks for sharing Joan
Thanks for being a year long member
I love all your content and your super fun stories you share
As usual your advice is brilliant, thank you for sharing 😊😊😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️
Karen, thank you for your business advice and encouragement. Your beauty and grace is so delightful. Keep on soapin! I will be watching.
Teresa thank you for being a member for 11months
Thank you for the amazing advice.🌸
I love the way you package your soaps. They always look so pretty :-)
I do enjoy all of your wisdom. I'm starting year 3 and it is still a struggle with on-line sales. So, in person events are where I do most of my selling.
I hate it when the employees do that to me too. I might have bought more if I was left alone to look around.
I also love watching you pack orders
Love your videos! What boxes are you using to put the soaps in? I'm looking for a cost effecting cardboard boxing for wax melts
MY BALLOTIN BOXES
www.meridianspshop.com/125g-ballotin-bright-gold-meridiansp/
MY SOAP PACKAGING BOXES
www.aliexpress.com/item/33010465710.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.11c04c4dFKSJDx
Very interesting video Karen, thank you.
You have such lovely packaging. 😊
I do like to see you making your products
brilliant tips from you karen xxx
It makes me feel uncomfortable when shop workers ‘pounce’ as soon as I go in as it makes me feel they don’t want me to browse.
I really like your packaging
These tips are very helpful. I am going to save this video so I can refer to it in future. Thanks.
Paused to say "Hi John" we know he likes to know if people ask about him.🤣🤣
He LOVES it
Amazing tips, thank you 😘
I'm so behind. I've been in business 6 years and I'm turning a small profit. I'm trying to get it going better this year.
Thank you for your video and wonderful chat. Great advice especially the 3 P’s.
I love your videos. I’ve had so many tips from you. I’ve been doing melts for the last month. Thankyou. Lovely lady. 🌺
Thanks Victoria
Great tips x
Your soaps are so cute I wouldn’t use them. Lol!
Hi from Florida! Thank you for sharing all this very helpful information!
I need all the advice I can get...I just really don’t know where to start a business. I do know that online would probably make my tiny business pay off a bit more.
Thank you for this wonderful advice and your time! 🙏🏾
Thanks for the tips. I love your customer service ❤️🧡💛💚💙
Overselling is irritating as hell, the way they leap on you as you step in, such a false economy move, it loses customers. There used to be a jeans shop in our town, their door was always wide open and they’d stand at the door at actually step outside and get in your way and grab you by the arm, and push you in, not joking! You’d see people swerving the door way as they passed the shop as everyone got to know what they did. They closed after a couple of years, we were safe to shop again…
yeah!!
Thank you so much
Hi from Florida! Thank you for sharing this incredibly helpful info!
Hi Karen, new subbie here.... Greetings from Denmark. Love your videos. I watch them as I craft along on my junk journals xxx 🥰
I hate going into shops when you get bombarded 🤣 but at work it’s what we are told to do - I avoid it as much as possible but my manager shoots me a look 🤣🤣
I Love watching all your videos… I’m also in the uk your soaps are amazing xx
Good advice Karen. Thanks as always.🥰