The Power of Email Lists and Why Every Soap and Skincare Business Owner Should Have One. This blog is a short version of a YouTube video that you can watch here.  Today I'm diving into the topic of email lists. I know, for some of you, it might sound like a bit of a taboo subject and on the too difficult to do list but quite honestly no-one ever wishes they hadn't started one and if you do it properly it will be the best thing you have ever done. Here's why you need an email list over social media. You're not at the mercy of social media algorithms Social media platforms like Facebook ..read more

Why You Need To Start Selling Your Soap And Skincare Products Wholesale Today! Today's blog is an overview of a YouTube Video I have created and in which I cover the topic in greater detail. If you would prefer to watch the video (recommended for the most imformation) you can find it here.  In my The Dog and I business as much as 70% of my sales are wholesale and I absolutely swear by it as a method to grow and create a good income without having to attend in person events. Without it I do not think I could have got to the point that I did whilst working just a couple of days a week ..read more

What elements should your website include to maximise the chances of making a sale? We're not talking about the basics like privacy policies and contact details, I am not even talking about SEO although that is really important. I am going right back to the bare bones of the things that normal people like you and I may look at when deciding whether or not to make a purchase.  Easy Navigation. First things first, in today's world it is well known that attention spans are shorter than ever. That's why it's imperative to have an easy-to-navigate menu or, at the very least, a search bar. I ..read more

So you're ready to take your soap and skincare business to the next level in the UK? Fantastic! But there are a few key questions you need to ask yourself first. In this blog post, I will cover 5 key considerations that will get you thinking outside of the box. Prefer to watch than read? You can find my YouTube video on this topic here. 1. Where Do You Want to Be in Five Years? Let's start with the big picture. Close your eyes and imagine where you want your business to be five years from now. Do you envision yourself giving up the day job to focus solely on your business? Are you dreamin ..read more

How can I leave my day job? How do I start my own soap business? These are questions I get asked a lot and the answer is 'not easily' and in the current economic climate it takes determination and tenacity as well as a good business head but today I want to bring you a feel good story of how someone else has done it. I am loving the opportunity to be able to share this inspiring story of a lady who has created an amazing business out of her passion for a particular rare breed of sheep and is proof that it can be done, you can follow your dreams. I will hand you over to Lucy herself t ..read more

  What Are The Predictions for Small Business World in 2024 I have been carrying out a little research and these are a few observations I have taken from across the board and that seem to crop up in more than one place. Craft Businesses Are on the Rise: In 2022 and 2023, there was a 16% increase in new craft businesses. While the specific figure for soap and skincare businesses isn't clear, it's a trend worth noting. Youthful Entrepreneurship: The 16 to 25 age group are starting more new businesses than ever before which is brilliant.  With more young individuals starting businesses ..read more

Ok, so I know we are now at the end of 2023 and heading for 2024 but the costs will vary very little between now and then. I was asked this very question just last week and now seems to be as good a time as any to answer it. Starting your own soap or skincare business can be exciting but it's essential to be aware of the potential costs involved. Many aspiring entrepreneurs jump into the world of soap and skincare products without fully understanding the expenses. In this blog post, I will take a closer look at the various financial aspects to help you make informed decisions. The figures are ..read more

How to sell more of your handmade soap and skincare products in the lead up to Christmas. Today I want to share some ideas for boosting your sales in Quarter 4. These strategies are perfect for small businesses, particularly those in the soap and skincare industry, but can be applied to any handmade or small business. As a small business owner I know how busy you are and how overwhelming it can seem at times and whilst these do all require some level of effort they are manageable, even if you pick just one or two ideas that it is a start.  Having been extremely busy with a rebrand and new ..read more

A guide to teaching soap making and skincare classes.  Are you a soap and skincare product maker who wants to add an extra income stream to your business by teaching classes? If so, you might be wondering how to get started and what is involved. Read on and I will give you a quick overview.  Why Teach Soap Making and Skincare Classes? Teaching is an great way to share your passion and expertise with others while adding an extra income stream to your business. It's also incredibly fulfilling to witness your students create their own delightful products and relish the entire journey. M ..read more

Why is sodium hydroxide aka lye, not listed on soap labels within the UK? Why is glycerin on a soap label if it is not one of the original ingredients?   I often get asked about the labelling requirements for soap here in the UK and although it is a simple subject it can be a little bit confusing initially. Anyone who has made soap will know that we use sodium hydroxide in our recipe, indeed it's not possible to make soap without it, however you will never see this ingredient listed on the label of a bar that is compliant with the legislation within the UK . Why? To answer this quest ..read more