Bittersweet and the little soap company

the looking glass...

The other day a friend sent me a copy of an ingredient label from a jar of body cream that another friend of hers was raving about. She was asking my opinion on whether the ingredients in the cream were safe. The list of ingredients was long as they often are, but in between the pure ingredients was a long list of chemical ingredients that caught my attention. You know, the chemical names that you can't pronounce and have no idea what they are until you look them up. There were lots of those! She told me that her friend was selling this cream through a network marketing company and folks were purchasing it like crazy. She had told her friend that she didn't think the chemical ingredients were good for her skin and her friend replied that the people buying it didn't care. They loved the way that it felt on their skin so it didn't matter what was in it. Not what I'd like to hear, but in the business of skincare I used to hear this often. Nowadays, I hear it less, and I'm thankful for that. 

As we got to talking she mentioned to me how she felt that Bittersweet should boast more about the transparency of the ingredients in their soap and skincare products. I often take these transparency thoughts for granted since it's always come naturally for me to create a pure and chemical-free product for the skin. Taking thoughts for granted happens sometimes when you manage your own business. You somehow think that everyone should just automatically know what's good and what's not, but this just isn't the case, and her comment helped me to be more aware. 

Over the past twenty-plus years Bittersweet has not only taken great pride in creating a chemical-free line of body essentials and we will never waver in those pure thoughts. After all the time it takes to make a skincare product from the ground up it has never made a speckle of sense to pollute that product with harmful ingredients. In fact, I've always used myself as a guide. If I wouldn't put something on my skin, I'm sure not going to offer it to a customer! 

I believe that this manifesto is why Bittersweet has been successful. Rest assured, I will never abandon these thoughts! I also believe in offering the best skin care at an affordable price! So often there are too many fingers in the cream! The topic of wholesale, retail, etc. comes to mind and I'm not going to touch on that, but in a nutshell, less is more!

It's challenging to make folks aware of this, and I feel fortunate that my shop is pioneering the wave of clean products to the consumer. 

Boy oh boy, am I loving the new shop layout!

It is funny how my shop really isn't very large, but the placement of furniture and objects of attraction seems to be endless! We love having our Scent Station in the back room. The new space offers more room for the unique department. 

I'm working on yet another new line. Honestly, it's becoming a challenge to keep up with all of them! This is the most recent and will follow, Bedtime Bath. At least that's the plan for now. 

We're getting ready to bring these back! I'll be putting together the diffuser formulation next week and introducing them at the shop. I'm making this old, but new aroma tool part of our Scent Your Own so you'll be able to choose from our large menu of essential oils and fragrances to scent your diffuser. How fun is that? 

A few years back my Aunt Vivian visited me from Santa Fe and we visited one of my favorite Missouri antique shops. She spotted these pretty china saucers. I purchased them and then captured this image alongside a bouquet of seeded eucalyptus. It's one of my favorite pictures and makes me think of my aunt and spring! The flowers remind me of how much I love them! I'm yearning to pick up our fresh flower orders again. We offered fresh bundles of seasonal flowers at our shop last year. There's nothing better to surround yourself with better than flowers! Well, maybe artisan soap and apothecary! Feeling it! Lucky Girl! I hope that the feverfew is available. It's one of my favorites. It may be a tad bit early. The fresh seeded eucalyptus can be hung from the showerhead to help clear nasal passages. If you've never done it, you should!

What is it about the two of these? Linen and Indigo, love! We're getting in our spring/summer lines and they are blowing us away! It's an exciting time at Bittersweet!

Our Zero Waste line is humming a happy song! Have you ever used wool dryer balls? If not, you may wish to start! Add a few drops of your favorite essential oils to the balls, or not, if you prefer unscented. Their main job is to control static. They are amazing! My only issue is that if you have a dog, you may very well find some missing!

It's time again for this Lip Balm! I'm obsessed with anything peach! Looking forward to bonding with a new Peach Soap soon!

Another collection! I'm kind of fond of collections...That little coffee or teacup sold fast! I believe we have two left at the store and we're not able to order any more. I'm finding that to be the case in our wholesale ordering. Items are here, and then they're not. At least you don't need to worry about that with Bittersweet products because Jill will make more!

I made a lot of fresh Car Spice before I left the shop yesterday. It's coming at that time of year when we want to freshen our cars and closets and spaces with scent. 

Now just look at that rich and frothy moisturizing lather! Take a close look. Then think to yourself how it's chemical-free and so yummy for your skin! I enjoyed taking this picture. I grabbed an enamel basin from the back room and filled it with warm water. Then I took a bar of Bittersweet and swooned it around in the water. The lather filled the bowl!

Our newest Bittersweet addition, Rosewater Face and Body Creme made its debut last week! We almost sold out! No worries, I'll make more!

Then the hats... The summer hats are coming!

I've never been more excited to share our collections!

Keep the faith and spread some love...

Jill 

 

 

Sit by the fire, and sing me a song...

Boy oh boy! Or in this case, girl oh girl! We're scurrying around moving fast and each move that we make has a purpose and completion. It feels like as soon as the calendar turns the page to November so does the frenzy and fast-paced goings-on of a busy soap manufacture! Every year it seems to sneak up on me. It's a fun sneak up, though. One that I've enjoyed for the past twenty-three years. 

We're bringing back some things, and we're taking away others. The Lavender Sticks have been away for a while and I'm happy to announce that they're back exclusively for this holiday season. 

I've made the final adjustments on the packaging and I believe we're geared up for what just might be the shortest season to date. In fact, our store is only open twenty-two more days before Christmas! Since we've shortened our hours at our door store to accommodate this corona climate this season is going to be brief. 

We're updating our web store and all of our social media sites and in the next couple of weeks, they'll be everchanging as we present our custom allotment of Holiday Soaps and special artisan collections. I had mentioned in my last post that we're keeping it simple. Sometimes, less is more...

 The white pinecones are strung and the fluffy lambswool adds the perfect drop! Hints of brass and twinkling lights center our holiday stage. 

We've fallen back and enjoyed an extra hour's sleep this morning. 

 

A Partridge In A Pear Tree and Two Turtle Doves will be arriving on November 13. That's two weeks away but it will feel like tomorrow as I work steadily on getting each bar wrapped in its beautiful paper. Then I'll change displays to make room for all of our artisan creations! 

Ever since I discovered this origami fold I've been enchanted with its simplicity. The small paper pouches display our cabin in the woods motif that we're incorporating into all of our holiday packagings. I've had the hand-drawn image for several years and have always been fond of it, but this Christmas I was compelled to make it our focus design. The simple sketch conjures up warmth and coziness and I even believe a sense of well-being. It felt right to choose this image for this season's offerings. 

I'm waiting for Norfolk Pines to arrive and fresh evergreens to line the store porch. 

Wishing you peace and happiness. 

Jill 

harvesting the artisan

I started harvesting the lavender! It was a joy to cut fat bundles that filled my arms with their perfumed goodness! I'm going to mix and mingle the bundles into our holiday designs at the store. If you frequent the soap maker's blog then you know how fond I am of blending in natural elements into all of the designs that we create. It just feels, well natural, to do that. 

The store was closed this week to finish holiday manufacturing and put the final touches on all of our new seasonal designs. The time designing and working out creative elements that complete the final prototype is best done in isolation.  It's kind of what I'd imagine a writer to do. Long walks and quiet time help lend a hand to a burst in creativity!

This year I've changed the labeling on our Twelve Days of Christmas Soap. I love the cabin nestled in amongst the tall pines. The image conjures up feelings of safety and security. Both of which, we could all use. It's always exciting to design around the holiday and gift-giving season. I love sharing my artisan designs with everyone!

I'm headed to the store to begin our holiday merchandising. I'm keeping it simple this year and have planned out in my head the ideas and materials needed to complete those thoughts. The freshly picked lavender was one of those ideas. We will also add to that, pine cones, and lengthy cinnamon sticks. Brass and white will be our layering. 

I heard through the grapevine that snow was in the forecast! A bit early, but nevertheless not surprised given the way the year has played out. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

 

the colors of fall...

We've gathered the swatches and picked our favorites for fall inspiration. These muted autumn tones will be incorporated into packaging, ideas, and store design.  

It feels good to have a starting point and colors to pull for designing. 

We'll also be casting oodles of texture! I'm fond of adding texture to a room. It reflects a warm welcoming atmosphere. 

My zinnias are fading and I'm predicting early autumn here in my little town. The mushroom hues are combined with terracotta with snippets of sand as we reflect our color choices. 

Treasured driftwood from a recent lake getaway helps me to recall how summer was spent, and wooly Indian print kimonos begin to appear here and there at our door store. 

Large bags of Sea Salt fill the studio so that we can mix aromatic blends for our customers. It won't be long before I'll ponder warm candlelight baths scented with lavender. The flicker of a candle while soaking in the tub is one of life's simple pleasures that must not be taken for granted.  The ritual allows for relaxation and a great way to release stress. 

We're gathering inspiration from a time when less was more while all along slowing down to take in each day as it comes. Expectations are moved to the side while we simply go with the flow all along enjoying that concept. 

We enjoyed a new recipe that gathered the ingredients from stock that we had. I get satisfaction from creating a dinner without going to the store! It's keeping warm on the stove. 

Life is different, but it is good and it is constant.

I'm finding myself appreciative of every moment and making every attempt to put a positive spin on it all. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

and the north wind blows...

I can't believe it's August! This month is usually reserved for upcoming thoughts about autumn, but considering the north wind that's blowing through my office window, I find myself pondering those thoughts early. I say this with a throw draped over my cutoffs! 

Late summer, early autumn is always eager to assist me in thinking about dreamy blends of vanilla spice and cinnamon! Yep, that's what a soap maker does. Since Bittersweets' method of soap making requires a four to six week curing time our seasons arrive much earlier than usual. It's ironic how all of that extra time to plan soap menu's and store designs rushes by in what seems like a blink of an eye! The many years of seeing this transformation of time moving at warp speed have convinced me that time does not standstill. I am sure that if it did I would not be fond of time. Time, it's an interesting thing...

I'm beginning to get my mind wrapped around our new store hours. Being open exclusively on Saturdays brings back some sweet memories. I can honestly tell you that this new method of managing Bittersweet feels right. 

The other day I passed by a post that said they were going to introduce their team. Those words made me immediately think of the Bittersweets team. We've always been a one-woman team! 

It boggles my mind some time to think about the duties this team is responsible for. 

Please don't think me to be arrogant. I am not. I am however very proud of the work and admiration that goes into running a growing and successful business!

Web Developer

Marketing Director

Shipping Manager

Photographer

Merchandising Designer

Soap Manufacturer

Skincare Manufacturer

Packaging Consultant

Accounts Receivable

Accounts Payable

Buyer

Store Manager

New Design Coordinator

New Product Coordinator

Tax Consultant

Clerk

Inventory Management

Email Responder

It's interesting how this team of one manages all that! I feel blessed and honored to have the knowledge of learning the steps through trial and error! I didn't start out knowing about how to do any of it, but out of necessity and a lean budget, creativity and productivity are born! I am a firm believer in this is the best way to learn and that these feelings help to develop an amazing passion and determination that is only achieved by this method. 

There isn't a week go by that someone doesn't drop by the store and ask me questions about assisting them with their business endeavors. Depending on the questions, I usually explain about how I could share my knowledge with them, but that it would take the fun out of their journey. My journey began many years ago and each day brought with it new challenges. I think back on the one-hundred dollars that I had to launch Bittersweet some twenty-three years ago. The gratification that was born from that insignificant amount of money is priceless!

I also believe that each person is assigned their personal journey long before it begins. Some journeys involve more than one team while others prefer the solitary method. There is no right or wrong way, but in only trusting your instincts and keeping a focus on your vision all along the way. 

It used to be an infrequent process of checking and double-checking the many processes of whether my methods were functional and productive. Nowadays those fast checks are almost weekly and my team visits with their teams (giggling),  to make sure that what we're doing is working and the best possible way to gain productivity and growth.

Today marked the first day of fall, winter manufacturing! 

I can hardly believe it to be here!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

  

 

HomeGirl

I'm beginning to settle in to this new "Home Girl" way of life. My errand list is getting longer by the minute! It's quiet time and an opportunity to reflect upon one's self, which by the way, isn't too bad. As with anything new, it takes time to adjust, and I'm starting to appreciate the time at home. 

Elle and I are enjoying spring walks through the neighborhood and taking in the patchy spring-like weather. 

I've been digging out favorite recipes that I normally don't have time to make because of their time-consuming methods. Years ago my friend Gayle made these and I loved them! I doubt that this was the recipe, but it does sound close. I remember she used dried onion and that made a huge difference in the flavor of the roll. There are other recipes that use fresh onion and I have made them, but after testing several different recipes I found that dried onion gives the rolls the best flavor. This recipe sounds good too. I did have a little problem finding yeast at the market. All of the bread was gone so I'm assuming lots of homegirls are making their own bread. You see, good things are forming from something bad. 

We made these biscuits last night for dinner. This is a great recipe!

We have lavender plants and butterfly bushes coming! Those thoughts are encouraging in themselves. I'm going to plant lettuce and Swiss Chard in pots on our kitchen porch. 

The humble little marigold is on my flower list. 

I love this! Well, of course, I've known all along, but it's been a challenge to convince others. Until now!

A great little video by Alton Brown...

Thank you, Alton!

Tomorrow I'm going to start digging around in my studio. I don't use the word dig lightly! The manufacturing area has been neglected for some time. I know it will feel good to get in spruced up, and I have plans to organize my spice cabinet in my kitchen. Are you like me and have one-hundred spices? I love experimenting with new ones. Mustard seeds and Coriander, Clove and Cinnamon, Nutmeg Nuts. Fresh Nutmeg, nothing compares...Add a pinch to macaroni and cheese. 

Our customers have been very supportive since we temporarily closed our store. I've been packing orders daily and I feel fortunate to not only have supportive customers but am grateful for my mailwoman. We process the shipping online and have the boxes picked up at our studio. We're limiting hand contact and making sure our studio is clean and sterile as we pack your orders. Thank you! I was unsure about how all this would play out. You are not only building moral but reassuring me that we're going to be just fine.  

Yesterday I was sharing posts about the virus on our social media platforms. Tomorrow I'm planning on sharing more creative and upbeat ones. What a difference a day makes! Right?

It is also comforting to know that each one of us is in this together. There isn't one human that won't be impacted in some way. If you see someone that needs a helping hand nows the time to lend it. Simple kindness will never grow old. 

I'm hunkering down!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

bringing it in...

If spring doesn't come to us we're going to offer a dose of her in our shop! Fresh flowers always add the perfect topping to a home or shop. 

Preparation has started for the dreaded gathering of expenses and paperwork needed to calculate taxes. Ugh! At least I can find beauty at the apothecary shop and my mind can be free of the dreaded task.

Small business pays its fair share of taxes. I will leave it at that... Moving on to more pleasant topics.

The soap studio is brewing up some amazing New Spring Scents! The apothecary cabinets are beginning to be filled after our winter break and we're playing catch up on manufacturing. 

Thoughts of spring always encourage me to make changes in our home. I'm always impressed with how a few changes can make a huge difference. Right now I'm sorting through an army of cookbooks. It would seem after unloading several stacks of cookbooks that I have a fondness for food. Tomorrow I begin sorting and finding a nook for them all. I already began looking through some of them and certain recipes bring back some sweet memories.  Some of those recipes are still served at our table while others are reserved for special occasions. I can't find myself parting with any of the cookbooks so I'm going to tidy them up for safekeeping. I am one of those people that typically don't hang feel a need to hang on to things, but cookbooks would be an exception. Even nowadays when you have access to millions of recipes online, I still love to open a cookbook and browse through its pages. I'm going to make a point of choosing a new recipe each week from the collection. 

We're continuing to mix and create some amazing scents at our door store. Our new sign has helped to encourage you to formulate a custom body scent, and we love that!

 

I have this thing for bowls and pestles! We actually use them to mix dry herb blends. Patchouli and Chamomile are two of my favorite blended powders and we add them to our formulations and soap recipes. Some are used for color, like alkanet root.

I have always enjoyed planting borage in an herb garden. It's bright blue blooms are fuzzy and unique. It's not only a functional herb but an attractive one as well. 

My spring thoughts floating amongst a meadow of herbs. All is well with the world when you're in your herb garden. At least that's what I believe. 

Slow down, don't move so fast... That's what I keep needing to say.

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

for the love of scent and spring...

I'm often reminded of just how much I love sniffing out really good scents. It's ironic how a table filled with hundreds of essential oils and fragrances can only grab a few favorites. It's always been like that. I can enter a perfumery where the perfume bottles line the shelves and the glass bottles are lined up like soldiers and discover only one or two that I favor.  This fastidious nose comes in handy but can also hold me back. Does that make sense? I'm also reminded that my nose is not the only nose in town! I've been surprised with blends that customers create only to find that I love the option of two noses instead of one. 

My favorite mountains! Soap ones, of course...

This soap maker makes the soap, thousand of bars and then wraps it. For some a daunting task, but for me the pure indulgence of making the final touches.

The Apple Blossoms are blooming! Spring is coming!

One of my friends delivered beautiful paper garland that she made. The paper shapes are attached to sewing thread.  A little spring garland to get you in the mood with bees and butterflies and tiny paper shapes. Hang one here or there. Oh so sweet!

She also made Valentine Garland with vintage music sheets. 

We're offering a limited edition of soap at our door store and online. Our Peppermint Soap sells out quickly. We no sooner get it listed on our web store and it's gone! That's the nature of handmade. Here today, gone tomorrow.

Last summer I ordered fresh feverfew from our floral supplier and as it started to fade I stuck the withered blooms in a vase and allowed it to dry naturally. I love these dried floral bouquets. 

I've been digging through archives of past designs and not surprised about how neutrals still have my undivided attention. It's a design element that I don't believe I'll ever stop loving. 

It's always interesting how past designs influence current ones. It seems nowadays the look is more refined and simple. Things change. 

My current read and I shared this on the last post. A great book to read prior to springs arrival. 

Straw Hats and White will soon be trending. 

Our Door Store is eager for springs arrival!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Football

Our favorite team has the honor of playing in the final grand football finale of the season! We're anxiously awaiting the big game and even more anxious for our Kansas City Chiefs to conquer the San Francisco Forty-Niners. We're looking forward to hanging out with family and watching this exciting football. It's been fifty years since the Kansas City Chiefs have won a Super Bowl! I'm cheering on our great team with a grateful heart. 

I'm launching a New Men's Line of Products this week! An array of nourishing Shaving Soaps, Beard Oil, Balm, Shaving Brushes, and Aftershave. It's exciting to offer this new line and I believe overdue. A large number of my customers are men and love Bittersweet Soap. Now all of you wonderful men that frequent the Apothecary Shop will have an assortment of natural skin care products to admire. 

Bittersweet Spring, 2020 is shaping up nicely. We're still in the beginning stages of packaging and design, but the ideas are in place. It takes time to put those ideas into the actual hold in your hand product. Designing and Formulation are atop the list of favorite things during the process. 

We introduced a New Aromatherapy Shower Spray and I'm happy to announce that it's a big hit at our store!  The New Shower Spray is invigorating and intense. Rather than tossing in a shower bomb, the spray allows you to add aroma during your entire shower. I've added menthol to the formulation which makes it pungent and powerful. 

We have these custom made tees at the shop! Everyone loves this phrase, including myself. Courtesy of Marilyn Monroe. We've put another order in for a simple, short and sweet phrase that we believe will be as popular as the Marilyn tees. They should be arriving in a few weeks. 

We're also expanding our essential oil and fragrance menu to be included in our Scent Your Own Department. This section of the shop is popular with all. Who doesn't love to scent their own body care? We make it easy for you to accomplish this. We offer approximately one-hundred and thirty fragrances. A bit overwhelming, we know, but we're happy to assist you. 

We're getting positive feedback on our new shop design. Thank you! We're excited to make the most of our space and continue to offer new products. The new layout helps us achieve this. 

I'm getting ready to make a chocolate cake and am using a new recipe. I have small cake pans and the recipe is made for the smaller pans. The recipe sounded good. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

Nouveau

We're moving briskly into Spring at Bittersweet! Our designs and prototypes are completed and we're putting the finishing touches on all new packaging and products. 

During the winter months I take baths which by the way, I love taking baths! Our 1921 Home was furnished with an old oversized bathtub that over the years has indulged me and offered many days and nights of good old fashioned relaxation. I've had some of my best ideas pop-up while soaking in that tub! 

While bathing in that old tub the other day I reached for the Coconut Sugar Scrub and as I scooped out a generous amount on my hand I said to myself how wonderful it felt on my skin. I then realized that I would love to have small cubes to toss in the bathtub so that my entire body could soak up all that lovely coconut moisture! I thought about how I'd made Bath Melts before, but I was never really happy with the formulation or the packaging. So I spun some fresh ideas around and came up with a simple but Oh So Yummy Bath Melt! I've gone back and forth on the packaging, but I believe that we finally have a winner! Great feeling by the way, when you finalize the packaging. We'll begin making and packaging the Bath Melts this week and offer them at our Door Store, and eventually on-line. 

Yesterday I was visited by the most adorable girls at the store. One of the girls mentioned how she had used an Herbal Bath Spray in her shower and she absolutely loved it. I believe the added herbs were eucalyptus. I love the idea of having a spray to spritz in the shower. Especially when pungent herbs are incorporated like Peppermint and Eucalyptus. Another great idea that popped up like magic! I'll begin working on the formulation this week. I researched several formulations and most of them contained witch hazel. I'm a fan of pure non-alcohol witch hazel, but believe there's a secret ingredient that would serve better. Have I got you wondering? When we get everything in order, I'll share my secret ingredient. 

 A shiny new soap cutter arrived last week. We use it at the store to cut Grandma Lucy's Dish Soap. The new cutter slices one bar at a time and offers a guide for sizing the bars. I remember the day when we cut each bar one by one. Those soulful memories will always put a smile on my face. When I'm at the store and I use the one bar cutter the memories come back. We have a more productive soap cutter at the studio. They cut numerous bars at once and save an enormous amount of time. For a small business, time is your most valuable commodity. You really can't put a price on your small business time.  

 We've expanded our Perfumery! We're blending some amazing new scents and anxious to begin creating Spring Florals!

I'm also excited to welcome a new Gentlemens Department at our Door Store! The new department will offer a variety of natural men's skincare products similar to our lady's lines.  

With so many fresh ideas streaming it's hard not to be excited!

Our Fig Trees are flourishing! I'm actually going to need to cut them back because they're both touching the ceiling. They remind me of the book Jack and the Beanstalk! I need to study up on propagating their stems so that I can start a new baby fig. They love this southern exposure, but I have two at home that enjoy the western sun so I believe the Fiddle Leaf Fig to be a hardy and happy plant! Now that sounds easy enough!

Keep the faith.

Jill