Bittersweet and the little soap company

worth the wait...

Bittersweet is getting super excited to share our latest findings with our customers on Saturday! The Bittersweet Spring Twenty-One Collections even have me worked up! We're launching some items that will not only spruce up your wardrobe but also soothe your skin and add beauty to your home sweet home. This collection is by far the best we've ever presented!

The assembly of goods has been carefully chosen to appeal to the most fastidious of tastes. I can say this because I know without a doubt that my taste is picky and hard to please. 

Our new line of Faith Sweatshirts and Tee's is one of my favorites! The words are simple but powerful and we like the idea of spreading positive vibes!

I'm into nine weeks of manufacturing at the studio. This means that there is a supply of new soap flavors that will be offered each week for a nine-week time frame. We're already into April! In fact, I'm on target and excited to share all the new amazing soaps with you!

I'm launching a New Limited Edition called The Essential Collection. This yummy assortment of soaps is infused with pure essential oils. The French rose clay soap is not new to Bittersweet. We offered it several years ago but retired it to make room for new ones. I did however flavor it with a yummy essential oil blend that marries well with the pink clay.  If you're new to Bittersweet then you may not know that we blend our rich olive oil soaps with an assortment of both essential oils and perfumes. There has always been a method to our manufacturing. Since we've been making soap for so long, we've learned a few things about soap making and how different oils work or they don't. It's always nice when they work, but sometimes they don't. That is the nature of soap making. All the books and videos in the world won't teach you this. This knowledge comes from hands-on. This conversation could easily fill an entire chapter, maybe two!

It's hard for me to believe that the calendar is already turning to February! Winter is still brewing outside, but inside the studio, it's shouting Spring!

All of this is worth the wait!

Keep the faith.

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  

 

Lake House

The Feverfew has faded but new ideas are streaming. Introducing our Lake House series. I talked about this limited edition in the last post. 

It was expected to arrive in July but I managed to get it wrapped and available at our door store. Keep in mind it is limited and only available for short summertime. 

We've added a few new Scent Your Own Flavors. This is a busy week as we're releasing several soaps. One of which is Jasmine and our fast selling Oats and Goats and Charcoal will be wrapped and ready by Saturday when we open our Saturday Apothecary. 

We've also brought back our once popular, and making a comeback, Soap on a Rope! Who knew twenty-some years ago that I'd be bringing it back after all this time. It happens. In fact, it happens more often than not. I used to get really surprised when an old product regained popularity, now that it happens so often I simply bring it back and appreciate it once again. It's kind of like someone telling you that if you wore it once when you were younger you probably shouldn't wear it again years later. Nonsense!  You wear what you want regardless of what anyone thinks or says. Now, don't you feel better?

While on the mention of comebacks... There have been many Bittersweet products over the past twenty-three years that have made second appearances some have even graced us with a third!

I make upgrades on the look of the item, and sometimes tweak the formulation, but this is an often occurrence and I'm thankful something holds up to time even if it took a short break in between.

Through the years lavender has never faded. It remains a strong contestant in the aromatherapy world and I would imagine it always will remain at the top for years to come. 

In my world, a day might be spent monitoring trend charts and conversations about future trends in scents and skincare essentials. These topics usually spin out in shifts and vary from season to season very similar to paint color trends, clothing swings, and well you get the picture. 

Bittersweet has never gotten too trendy with our products, but we do every now and then toss in a few with-it fragments. 

Our focus has always been to create an amazing soap and skincare that's free of chemicals. Our second goal has been to offer products that WOW you the first time that you use them! Both concepts offer a stupendous platform and have remained solid for many years to come. In reality, I have learned that this is what folks want! When I make a purchase I expect it to be amazing. Whether that be clothing, accessories, skincare, or home decor.  It must offer to stand out qualities for me to purchase again. There's no in-between or fair to middling. It's really all about choices. 

Nowadays there are so many choices!

I'm winding up some new soap packaging ideas and ready to distribute them throughout the store. 

Meanwhile, it's summer!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 
 

 

 

A big win and some new arrivals...

We're celebrating a big win for our boys in red and the introduction of our latest line of men's grooming collection. Both came about quickly and the results leave me with a smile. 

The store's been spinning as we continue to introduce the new Spring lines. I've mentioned many times about the excitement that surrounds thoughts of new designs and ideas. Those thoughts help build enthusiasm and remind me that Spring is not far. 

We're also introducing new packaging and the excitement builds with each new prototype.

We're honored to offer beautiful Rifle paper wrappings on our soap! The paper is stunning and we couldn't be happier with the look. Think Spring!

Our Not So New Scent Department is gaining popularity since we installed the new sign. Isn't it interesting how small things equal big ones? We're mixing and blending and pouring new body fragrances like crazy! We believe that's the way it should be. After all, who doesn't like the option of creating their own scent? 

Our new more open concept is also meeting our expectations. I always know that when you make expectations you set yourself up for disappointment, however, the new ideas that formed the new look are pleasing and met my expectations completely. Thankful. 

I ordered sprigs of Quince from the floral supplier. The branches are in water and will soon burst with their famous coral hues. I can't wait until they begin to sprout!

I couldn't resist capturing the progress. I also realized after seeing pictures of the blooms that we have a quince bush down the street. I have walked by the bush for years wondering what the strange fruit was that appears in the fall. Now I know it's quince! 

I'm also reading this book. If you enjoy the outdoors and walking through the woods I'd highly recommend it. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

just like that...

I believe we're onto something good! The past few days I've been working on the development of a Podcast. The radio keeps drawing me back! We had a three-year run hosting our own show and the last one was a little over a year ago. Ever since deciding to end the show, I've missed it. The show was a labor of love and many sacrifices were made to make it work including the neglect of my shop. That's life sometimes, you have to pick and choose which projects hold the most priority and sometimes it's hard to choose. Maybe we'll talk about that on my new show!

Present-day and shop life is busier than it was a year ago, so I'm thinking there must be a happy medium to pull it off and offer quality listening to the new show.  Actually, missing the show has inspired me to create a new one in Pod format rather than heading to the station once a week. Hiring someone to manage my shop, the cost of hosting your own radio show, the commute, etc. 

A pod would eliminate that. I can shoot it at my shop. It's interesting how most pods also include video. I'm intrigued by that! Of course, when you're driving down the highway you're probably just listening. 

The moment I saw this word there was no turning back! This is the inspiration for the new show. 

I shot a little video at the shop that details information about the new platform. 

Excitement is forming. 

When I ran the radio show all of the equipment was already set up. I was taught how to run everything and the engineering was one of my favorite parts of the show minus the interesting guests. It became a cat and mouse game when the phone lines rang, the mics stopped working, the pre-recorded jingles crossed and well, all of the other live radio goings-on. There are too many crazy radio occasions to count, and I don't want to bore you. I'll just say, live radio is live radio!

Coming up my busiest time of year, and what better time to launch a Podcast, right? I keep asking myself that burning question! One thing I've learned through these many years of business ownership is that if you don't jump in, there's a huge chance you'll pass it up. Don't be afraid, jump on in. You'll never know unless you try!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

fashion forward

I wish we could have fashion shows every fall! Last fall we had a great group of models and everyone seemed to enjoy one another. 

My fashion style changes all the time. I'm not as attracted to trend pieces as I once was, and colors switch from white and cream tones to black and copper. Especially as fall approaches. Fashion is accessible to all ages and it doesn't discriminate. I love that!

My shop reflects my style. Most shops are patterned by the shop owners style. That's what's so great about walking into a shop for the first time! The merchandising and displays that you see are a reflection of the shopkeeper. 

If you study design you always find that common denominator. Sometimes a certain style or look takes off, and sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes it doesn't fit in the present but does in the after. I've had that happen many times with Bittersweet Products. 

For example, we used to make Shampoo Bars some fifteen years ago and they set on the shelves for months. Fifteen years later, and they're flying off the shelf! Why? Timing... First of all "Zero Waste"  products are trending like never before. Folks are wanting to limit their footprint and some are even wanting to go back to simpler ways, days. I'm a big fan of using skincare products that are created with that viewpoint. That is the main reason Bittersweet was born!

It's back!

Newsgirl Hats, Stone Necklace, and Leather Cuffs seem to fit right into our fall lineup!

This melt on your skin Lotion Bar smells like honey! I love the bee molded into the cocoa butter and beeswax. 

We just got in these long sweater cardigans and I love them! They can be topped with a dress like pictured or you can pair it with denim. We also have them available in beautiful fern green. I call it "Fall Green." What is it about green, all of a sudden?   

It's an exciting time at Bittersweet! I'm honored that you love our new Fall 2019! The best is yet to come!

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

small day, huge hearts...

My cup truly runneth over!

Small Business Saturday was a day like any other. We had over two-hundred people shop small! Never in my wildest dreams, would I ever imagine, but we more than doubled our sales from last year!

Thank you for your support, and shopping small. 

You've heard all the reasons to encourage you to shop small. 

As a small business owner, I believe shopping small really gives back in many different economical ways. 

My phone died early on, otherwise I would have captured the other hundreds of happy shop small customers. 

I did have enough shots to create the collage. 

These two little guys sum it all up! Aren't they adorable?

Again, thank you, thank you. 

We sold out of certain things fast!

I'm working round the clock to fill the gaping holes at the shop. Last minute manufacturing orders have went in, and wholesale suppliers are speedily shipping their merchandise, so that Bittersweet can keep providing you with fresh new goods, every week!

Keep the faith...

Jill 

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summer haze

little town summer

moon shadow

Wow! Amazing! Phenomenal! Stunning! Shocking! Unbelievable! Awesome! Marvelous! Fascinating! King-Size! Monumental! Monstrous! Unforgettable! Historic! Majestic! Mammoth! Awe-Inspiring! Mighty! Memorable! Out of this World! 

Really, no words can easily describe the celestial phenomenon that took place yesterday! 

Where were you the day the sun went out?

Still feeling it!

On this day, a day of unification between all people whom share the same common desire to witness celestial history. Short and tall, black and white, young and old, we're all the same in Gods eyes. 

Personally, yesterday marked a spiritual enlightenment. We prayed for many, many people, places and things. The few moments of totality gave me goose bumps!  It allowed me to look closer at myself. How can I be a better person? I also experienced a since of well being and peace. Afterwards, my emotions were overwhelming, but at the same time comforting, reassuring.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

Did other's experience the same?  I do believe. 

I'm being followed by a moon shadow...

Jill  

 

naturally speaking

I love to incorporate nature into our home. When gazing upon the dried hydrangea or turtle shell, my feelings lean towards those of gratitude. Gentle reminders of favorite summers past and walks through the Missouri woods. Those tender nature feelings attach themselves to the object and help offer a home sweet home balance when mixed in. I'm one of those people that requires objects like this to be in my home simply because they make me feel good. 

Those same feelings are transported to my Apothecary Shop. Seeing jars of dried peppermint, surprise blooming orchids, and more dried hydrangea help set a natural mood and it feels like home.

We're expanding our flavors of perfume oils. So many different oil's to choose. Are you a floral, spice, or citrus girl or boy? Maybe a mixture of either or all. We have an essential for that!

Bittersweet is growing in more ways than one. All this makes me happy, happy, and my heart is filled with joy, joy. 

Grateful, thankful, and always counting my blessings. 

Hard work and determination will never let you down. I promise. 

I'm launching a new line of products today! Bittersweet Spa...Spa like thoughts have been roaming for awhile and it feels like this is a good time to put thoughts in to action. Eventually, Bittersweet will be offering a complete natural spa line in addition to the first three new products. I'm making improvement on formulations, and adding more aroma therapy possibilities. Included in this new line, Charcoal Cleansing Bar, A New Body Scrub with Cocoa Butter, Lavender Eye Pillow, Mineral Salts, and Massage Oil's. The line is specifically designed to build your personal spa in the privacy of your home. Most of my existing skin care products help to enhance your skins natural beauty, already, but I wanted to sharpen and refine. There's always room for improvement.

I love to lay my brown eyes on these colorful mounds of soap! After I make it, wrap it!  

This year Bittersweet, aka, yours truly, will be making between eighteen to twenty thousand bars of soap! So you can only imagine needing to wrap all that soap! Right? Loving it!

Later, I'll be sharing some of the new Spa packaging ideas. I just completed label prototype, and finished products so I've yet to capture their images. 

Later Gator...

Jill 
 

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in honor...

Lets Celebrate!

This is a picture of the very first Jill & Jules Show. I remember the day as though it was yesterday. In my wildest dreams, I'd never imagined ever having my very own radio show.

We'll go back two years...

The owner of little, but not so little, because our J&J sound waves travel to the Iowa border!

Oops, I'm getting off the track again as I often do.

The owner of KCXL dropped by the shop on that bright and sunny September day and said that I needed my own show. Seriously, at the time I thought she wasn't serious. Later that day I received a phone call from her and she asked me when I was going to start a show. I've never been on the radio before, I said. She replied, you will do just fine. Okay.

So plans began to brew... I called Julie and asked her if she'd like to be on this radio show with me. She said yes. That's a good start, I thought.

Now what do we call this show?

I know, The Jill & Jules Show   Perfect!

What do we talk about?

I know, how about since we love our Historic Downtown, we'll chat about that. Maybe some apothecary talk mixed in. Possibly a guest or two. Must be on the look out for interesting people.

Hey, I know, it's a fetch, but I wonder if Mr. Jeff Black would be interested in being a guest on the Jill & Jules Show? It wont' hurt to ask, I thought.

Here stands an amazing banjo man, Mr. Jeff Black. I'm honored to have you on the show. Thank you.

http://chirb.it/fN7eAg

What fun this is!

Even more fun than I ever imagined.

Who's our next guest?

First we need to celebrate!

No wait, I'm not quite ready to stop reminiscing yet.

That's us now. A lot has changed since then.

That was then, and this is now.

The day changed. We went live...

A year or so into the show, I pondered the thought of learning how to engineer our show. I wonder...

It won't hurt to ask...

I called and asked the owner of the station if he thought that was possible. He said yes.

Wow!

So now, each show feels like my birthday!

What a hoot! This radio business.

Feeling grateful.

 

Feels like my birthday!

Thank you KCXL Radio. Thank you Darren Smith. Thank you to the man above. Thank you, you, for listening.

Thank you.

Tune in this Thursday and listen live at noon on 1140 AM or 102.9 FM to the Jill & Jules Show.

I also pod the show and copy a link so you can listen at your leisure. It doesn't cost anything for the pod.

Happy Days.

Jill

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May Stay

The invites are sent. The goody bags are made. The flowers are planted, (almost), and the menu is carefully planned, (I've added a couple more confections.) Always happens. I believe Bittersweet is ready for the big day. Since May Day is on a Sunday this spring, we'll be celebrating on both Friday & Saturday at the shop.

There's a lot that goes on behind the scenes to plan this event. In between, I'm making sure the shopper bags are well stocked, and the soap cubbies are filled with freshly wrapped bars. Inventory is looked at to make sure everything is in stock for the busy two days and then we're set to go!

I spent the afternoon cleaning off the shop porch and planting fresh flowers. We have a few porch events planned for later this summer and now we'll be ready to accommodate the crowds.

Usually, and in recent years, Jules and I have traveled to the big outdoor flea market the day before the May Day Party. This year, I don't believe I'm going to go. My business is growing and I'm feeling pressed for time to get more things done. No worries, I'll go in the fall. Frankly, the last time we went I was disappointed in the offerings. My taste is changing and evolving, and I'm not on the hunt for the same items I used to be searching for. I really don't need any more stuff! I look around my studio and the shop, and I think, look at all this stuff! Even the word stuff, is becoming a bad word. I'm into less is more lately. There, I've convinced myself it's not worth it. Do you do that?   

I've been mushroom hunting with my friend Sam. We've concluded it's not a good year. Yesterday we hiked for five hours and found two dried up mushrooms. He found one, and I found one. We had an early spring and then it rained, (perfect), but then it got cold, and then warm, and then no rain. Funky Spring, few mushrooms. I've been chatting with folks around town, and I'm hearing they're just not finding but a few, and most of those have been dried up. Regardless of whether the mushroom is dried up, typically that doesn't matter. Because your blood, sweat, and tears, have endured the hunt. You're going to treasure that room, no matter what!

I took a cooler with ice and we placed the dried up morels in the cooler. They started to freshen once they hit the melted icy water from the cooler.

I gave them to Sam. Hoping it rains, and warms, and then possibly, there might be a few more before the season ends.

More about May Day...

I've been hosting this event for many, many years. Next to our Holiday Open House, it's the biggest event. In fact, It may be right up there along side the Holiday Open House. I do know this, as much work is required to prepare for it. I consider it fun work and enjoy it tremendously.

The May Day celebration is an effort to show my appreciation to my local customers. I do that my baking and cooking up some home crafted food. Always has been my way of spreading some love, cooking...

Hope your spring is kicking off with a song and a dance.

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

Jill 00

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