Bittersweet and the little soap company

these things, those things...

These things...

What a wonder it is when a store owner forks out her hard-earned money and chooses new vendors only to be excited and somewhat surprised when the shipments arrive and you unveil the box to discover yummy new store essentials. 

Since we are considered manufacture as well as a retail store most of our inventory is made in-house so we know that our selections are one of a kind and unique. When we purchase from other companies I've always felt that it was the luck of the draw when it came to quality and satisfaction. 

We've hit on something...

Fall and winter at the Apothecary Store and the sun is shining as we usher in new items that have exceeded our expectations! These new items will not only make you smile but that smile will continue as you wear your new leather bangle, recycled sweater skirt, or sweater scarf, embroidery face mask, etc. Nowadays, I allow extra time to ponder our orders before actually placing the order knowing how many times I've been disappointed. 

It's easy in manufacturing to re-order. You know exactly what ingredient you need to complete a creme or skincare formulation. When I run low on beeswax for example I know that I need to re-order more.  I also know that the reason I'm re-ordering it because I have sold whatever it is that contains beeswax.

When you order from a vendor, it can be a toss-up and there have been many times that I've been disappointed in not only the quality and craftsmanship, or lack of, but also not knowing whether it is going to be popular with my customers. I know that Bittersweet products are popular with my customers because I build them with the best ingredients and offer them at a reasonable price. I expect the same from vendors but have been disappointed many times. 

Am I repeating myself? I probably am, but I want to convey to you how a small retailer puts themselves out on a limb when ordering new items for our stores. 

Those things...

Ah, this candle smells good, but does it burn evenly and made with safe waxes? This top is adorable, but does in hold up to mild washings without shrinking? This necklace is unique and attractive but will it break easily?  These questions are usually not asked at a big box store where everything is mass-produced. Don't get me wrong, I love big box stores, but in all honesty, small independently owned stores seem to capture my heart.  I've learned to appreciate them even more since having my own shop some twenty-three years. 

You see, I have none of these questions as manufacture.  The reason is simple, I craft everything that I make from the ground up. I know where the ingredients come from.  I know that only the very best is well, required, and that customer satisfaction is key to whether a customer returns and purchases a Bittersweet again. I base my business on these values. 

Being a small retail store owner and being fastidious go hand and hand and run parallel. A small business owner takes great pride in all that they wrap their business in.  Our customers are family and our inventory isn't just randomly chosen. It's carefully handpicked and well thought out not just for us, but for you. When you arrive home and open your shopping bag we want you to smile and be excited about your purchase. It should make you feel extra special! Because you are special! This is how we really feel!

Some food for thought...

Jill 

Keep the faith

 

A Lineage of love

We're winding down the final odds and ends at our door store. We're still awaiting our signage, but everything else is upon completion. 

New formulations have been transferred from paper into an actual hold in your hand. 

The aesthetics of design are what make it stand out first. Looks really are everything when it comes to products. For me, the most important part of a product is the actual product, but I can't deny that its appearance is what guides me to want it!

I've always loved body oils! That affection is probably because I've always had extremely dry skin and a more concentrated oil helps to combat the dryness. Since most lotions are formulated with mostly water, and it does matter the oil, it is easier absorbed and penetrated into the skin which offers a more concentrated and soothing relief. 

While I was on the idea of creating a body oil I also thought it helpful to build a Nourishing Hair Oil. 

Through my research, I discovered the importance of Cardamom and Sesame Oil in helping restore hair loss. I figured, why not include it in the Nourishing Hair Serum. 

I'm intrigued by how one tiny change in a package can transform it! We've upgraded in an ingredient in our sugar polish and I absolutely love the golden bronze hues! 

Labels of all kinds are getting makeovers and I'm cultivating the Bittersweets. 

Grandma Lucy's line is expanding and I'm thrilled to stretch out the Great-Grandma love!

My great grandmother was the first soap maker in my family. Her simple living has inspired me three-fold in recreating her zero-waste philosophy. 

The Wool Dryer Balls are the next best thing to bread and butter, and I feel that Great Grandma Lucy would approve. 

Great Grandma Lucy used her soap for everything! She used it to clean her body and her home. Her dishes were squeaky clean and her home sweet home smelled fresh! To think that she accomplished the tasks with one essential excites me!

I'm excited to share the new Grandma Lucy Line at both our door store and webshop.  

The entire collection was inspired by my Great Grandmother!

On Saturday, January 18 we'll be celebrating at our door store with a Grand Re-Opening! Our winter break has been productive and I believe the many changes that we've made are going to be appealing not only aesthetically but also fire up your senses. We love doing that at Bittersweet!

We're super excited to reveal to you not only our new products but a new vibe!

Our Huge Soap Sale launches on our Grand Re-Opening! This sale allows you to stock up on your favorite soap. In fact, during past Soap Sales, we've had customers fill their soap bags with up to five pounds of soap! For this reason, we usually have a line form outside our shop door. Last winter the line formed during a snow storm! The soap sale consists of the end pieces of our molds that we stockpile during the entire year so that we can offer it to you. 

Aunt Vivian is coming to visit in February! My aunt encouraged me to make soap twenty-two years ago! If not for her enthusiastic soap making love I'd not be where I'm at today! 

In February we'll be celebrating both my Great-Grandma Lucy and my Aunt Vivian at our brick and mortar. Both women have had a dramatic impact on my life and business. 

These soulful pioneers have led a path of creativity for me in a way that cannot be put into words. They've captured my heart and in turn, have inspired me in each and every turn. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill  

 

 

a little to the left, please...

White Cotton, I love you! Wood Beads, I love you too! Galvanized Buckets, you're on that list. For the time being anyway.

It's so funny how my taste has changed over the years. When I look back at past design, it seems my taste went back and fourth, and here and there. I'd like to think that it's leaning towards a more refined appearance.

The shop gets changed around about every other week. New items arrive at about that frequency too. It's so funny, how no matter the size of your shop, you always outgrow the space. There's a technique to make sure all the stuff I make looks pretty. It used to take me a considerable amount of time to achieve this. Now, it most always comes together pretty quickly. Probably because I simply don't have time to pick about with a display. More likely, a yen and yang blend of decorating. There's always a yen and yang formulation.

My home is easy. Minimal table top dressing and function over, well I'm still picky about how it looks, but function takes center stage in our home. Less is more, while at the shop, more is less.

After all, it's a shop!

You can have too much though, I think. If it becomes cluttered and busy, it's hard to eye the treasure. It's also interesting how a small percentage of customers can see through a cluttered shop, while the larger percent does not. Something I've learned over the years.

Even with displays at the shop, I create color or monodrama tic themes throughout. I tend to lean towards neutral tones and natural fibers, textures, plants, and items found in nature. I love to incorporate little gems that I've found while on a walk through the woods or along the beach.

Driftwood, Turtle Shells, Rocks, Pine Cones, Buckeyes, Dried Wild Flowers, or Dried Flowers or Pods of any nature. No pun intended!

The natural elements add to a design and kind of make it feel real for me.

Are you getting bored?

It's that time again. A whirlwind of packaging ideas are flowing down stream. There are prototypes everywhere, and a few new products are making their way to the Modern Apothecary Shop.

New Spring, Summer Frocks are due to arrive next week, and I'm already pondering thoughts of May Day.

It feels as though the months whip by nowadays. Getting a jump on things, allows me to keep up with production.

I'm working on some really cool soap packaging. I am not fond of soap that has the same packaging. I prefer a variety of looks.

Sometimes my mood shapes those wrapping thoughts.

On a sunny spring day, my mind always leans towards flower empowering ideas. 

Simple, less is more, meets my fastidious packaging feelings.

Hoping you are gearing up for spring too.

Won't it be nice to pull out shorts and sandals?

I can't wait!

Think good thoughts.

Jill

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xo - Bittersweet and the little soap company

Winter Biscuit

Sitting here pondering simple thoughts on this cold winter day.

Sometimes it's refreshing to have a simple thought day.

Sunday feels like that day, most always.

We're moving and a shaking things up however in the home studio. Three coats of varnish were applied to the extra wide wood counter top. Not a great idea, by the way, in the dead of winter to apply a toxic material inside your home. We had a warm day, and I opened all the doors and had a steady flow of fresh air, but looking forward to repeating the process next week when it warms up.

Things are looking good, minus the enormous mess of unorganized stuff sitting everywhere. I'd share a picture, but just can't find it in my heart to pass those pics on. Part of my make up, I suppose. I'm better at after pictures, than before. I'm also a instant gratification type girl, so that gets in the way too. We are who we are! Horrible grammar, I'm sure, that's another thing I'm not that great at.

We're having an ice day today, and all I can think about doing is cooking. The new studio is last on my mind, but should be first on my list. Sometimes you just have to shut it down.

Looking forward to next week. I have new shop music! Isn't it fancy how the anticipation of listening to new music excites ones soul? Love it!

My inspiration and the push needed to finish the soap house studio. Love this extra sized wall calendar. A gentle reminder that a New Year brings with her new ways of doing things. Yes, my New Year's are always female!

This year I'll be listening more to those little voices. Not real little voices, but you know what I'm referring to, instinct. We all have this amazing instinct within our souls. It's there for a reason. Use it or, sometime lose it.

We're going to mix up a batch of homemade biscuits for breakfast this morning. What is about winter and biscuits? Winter Biscuit. Hey, I kind of think that would be a great name for a winter soap! Winter Biscuit.

Stay safe out there, and trust your heart.

Jill 00

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Moonshadow

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I'm being followed by a moon shadow
moon shadow-moon shadow
leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
moon shadow-moon shadow
and if I ever lose my hands
lose my plough, lose my land
oh, if I ever lose my hands
oh, if...
I won't have to work no more
and if I ever lose my eyes
If my colors all run dry
yes, if I ever lose my eyes
oh if …
I won't have to cry no more.
yes, I'm being followed by a moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow
leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow
and if I ever lose my legs
I won't moan and I won't beg
of (oh)* if I ever lose my legs
oh if...
I won't have to walk no more
And if I ever lose my mouth
all my teeth, north and south
yes, if I ever lose my mouth
oh if...
I won't have to talk...
Did it take long to find me
I ask the faithful light
Ooh did it take long to find me
And are you going to stay the night
I'm being followed by a moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow
leaping and hopping on a moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow
moon shadow - moon shadow

The words from this song always touched me. How about you? If feels good to know that some thoughts stay the same and even feel more powerful over time.

I've been pondering some deep thoughts lately. Those soulful feelings are wrapped with gratitude, always. What are those thoughts, you ask? Well certainly, I would love to explain.

My tender thoughts come from the heart and soul. They fill my heart and soul and without them I would be lacking in substance. I feel that, anyway.

My life is structured around creating. I create from the moment I rise, till the moment I fall. There is some down time, but not a lot. I enjoy a simple life for the most part, but that simple life is filled with making things. Honestly, I know and can tell you, if I was not able to create, my soul would be empty, and I would probably die.

Now this might sound a bit extreme to some of you.

Over the past nineteen years, since I've managed and maintained Bittersweet Soap & Apothecary my days have been filled with prototypes and all things soap. To some, a boring life, but to me a dream come true. To some, a lot of work. To some, not their thing. But to me, a personal journey that is overflowing with true genuine gratitude and fulfillment towards my expectations. Still speaking personally and from the heart, soul satisfying beyond words. 

It's not easy, I will attest. Hard work and determination is never easy, my friend. It's not for everyone, but for me it  feels just right.  A metaphor would be when Goldilocks finally discovered bed three. Perfect.

To date: I make over thirteen thousand bars of soap annually. In addition to the soap, I make over one-hundred other Artisan Essentials.

You may not have known that. I wanted to tell you.

You may not know also that I'm genuinely appreciative of your patronage over the years. Thank you dear people.

I'm not telling you this for praise or recognition, simply wanted to tell you.

That sounds like a lot of things to make, doesn't it? It is! (Chuckling)

It's my NIRVANA!

My Moon Shadow...

Although I love creating, I also love to make a living from it. I like to eat! Really, I love to eat! Don't you? (Not asking, in a smart /ss way.)

My poignant point...

This life of creating is a business. One that I take seriously. Because, if I don't take it seriously, there are consequence's. One of which I mentioned above.

It's taken me many years to understand and mix the creating side with the business side. Most of the time, this doesn't come naturally. You're either one or the other, but seldom both.

I've learned from my mistakes, and discovered it's best to quickly move on. Change is constant, as it is constructive and valued for growth.

Some things work, while other's don't. The only way to learn is hands on.

Bottom line...

I'm Being Followed By A Moon Shadow, Moon Shadow, Moon Shadow.

Peace to you and yours.

Jill 00

 

   

 

 

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The dried star flower, one of my favorite everlasting flowers! I prefer these natural colored blooms. The ecru blooms look smashing mixed with metal, if I might say?

A big bundle of, no I'm not going to say that! A big bundle of volunteer flowers that popped up in the rock garden. I didn't have the heart to destroy them so I cut their thick stalks and used the bouquets for display. I would imagine in the olden days when money was scarce, these blooms were considered a tiny bloom treasure. Do you recall the stories about picking dried flowers? If not, you can do a search in the search box and the post should come up.

Usher in Autumn and show the world you're a modern vintage type girl by wearing one of these on your wrist... I incorporated vintage pendants and linens into the design. Limited quantity with the holidays fast approaching and the nature of hand made...

By the way, say goodbye to Berries & Butterscotch! The popular holiday soap is sold out already!

It's turned chilly and we've been feasting on cornbread and warm savory foods. The transformation into fall, always urges me to prepare pumpkin and squash dishes. They don't have the baking pumpkins available yet at the market, but I've added a couple to my shopping list. I wasn't able to attend the farmers market last week. I'm guessing the farmers have some small baking pumpkins. Must go on Saturday! The market runs through October. I've been loading up on Peg's gourmet organic garlic. I have a glass jar filled. It's exciting to pick a variety of different garlics from the jar. Some are mild while others are strong in flavor. Depending on what kind of dish you're preparing, determines the variety of garlic you choose! Little things I love, by the way, Pegs Gourmet Garlic...

Boy are we happy the festival is behind us! Until we meet again...A year of preparation is required. Won't get to carried away on this subject.

The shop is beginning to buzz fall.

  I believe you should remind yourself about that little phrase every now and then...

Enjoy caring and sharing days and with all good wishes,

Jill 00

 

 

 

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back to basics

I've been working on a few new products. One that really excites me, essential oil wipes! The packaging has been chosen and I'm awaiting all the loot to arrive so that I can create a prototype. Then I'll work on pricing and samples. Would like to give the new wipes a complete test run before offering them as a Bittersweet product. The best way to perform the test is to distribute a lot of new wipes to friends and relatives and let them sample for a couple of weeks. Testing will include moisture control, meaning the wipes must remain moist after being opened. I purchased a name brand package of wipes over the weekend and was disappointed because they started to dry out in only one day and I was careful and made sure they were resealed. No dry wipes! It's fun creating new products. This particular one started out as moist lavender paper towels in a baggy. No more baggies, and a snazzy label to beat! Thinking of offering several different essential oil blends. I'll also need to decide how many wipes to package in a container. 

Simple cotton soap bags trimmed with vintage bits and pieces. A favorite thing at the soap shop on water street.

Enjoy caring and sharing summer days.

With all good wishes,

Jill 00


 

 

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Ever so often I ponder thoughts of favorite past designs. Certain thoughts travel back and forth, like why did I retire this or that? Typically when a design is layed to rest it remains at rest. However, sometimes the design makes a comeback. Case in point... French Basket Savon. Since I'm favoring a more modern vintage feel to my line of products it felt right and even kind of nostalgic to welcome back this exclusive line of apothecary. The look is appealing and I'm starting with floral blends to add to the basket of French.

I spent the afternoon wandering the craft store looking for the perfect patina of paper. I always find it utterly amazing how I can search an entire craft store and not find the exact item I have imagined in my mind. I don't like settling. Sometimes a teeny tiny something can make all the difference in your design. Bittersweet is all about the smallest of detail and I believe it's crucial in the construction of a design. Just as a carpenter has the desired size boards, trims, windows, so does the artisan. 

Oodles of new bittersweets being created. Simple objects being transformed into objects of affection

Enjoy caring and sharing days.

With all good wishes,

Jill 00 

 

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making it

Fresh tubes of lemon nail creme , Aristocrat cuffs and organic mitts upon display at the apothecary shoppe. A happy little setting amongst the fresh spring flowers. 

Our friend Beatrice is hosting a tea on Saturday at her boutique. I've been pondering thoughts of piggy backing with other shops during special events. I'm creating little note cards with Aggieal's Attic discounts and a voucher for a complimentary paper tea bag soap. I believe it's crucial that we continue to combine our efforts and pool together when having downtown events. If you're visiting our lovely downtown on Saturday, drop by Bea's Design and then hop on over to Aggieal's Attic and Bittersweet Apothecary. We will make you feel right at home. If the weather is spring like, we'd love for you to relax and take in the downtown spring day on our front porch. You can grab a cuppa tea of coffee and maybe one of their famous scones as they're the tastiest scones this side of the Missouri!

I made new linen drawstring bags. I employ deep admiration for anything made from linen. You probably know that if you read my blog. Right?

Charcoal Savon, a popular soap at the apothecary shoppe. Tea tree oil is added to the olive oil formulation to create a simple healing bar. 

For the guys... An old fashioned and simple shaving set. A bar of Beer Soap, natural bristle brush and a wooden bowl to hold the rich creamy coconut lather. Wet the brush and make a couple passes over that rich bar of aromatic bay rum soap and oodles of lather magically appear. I might add that my original soap formulation is over 70% olive oil. Toot-toot!

The small antique toddlers bed is filled with mountains of Bittersweet!

We traveled over the hill and through the Missouri woods yesterday to attend one of our favorite annual antique shows. We came home with a grouping of items. Most of which I will share later on in the week. This booth is my favorite. No sooner as I enter the pop-up antique show door, I make a bee line to this. You would not believe the enormous selection of vintage white apparel. I left with a large assortment. Some of which I plan to wear! Have I got your curiosity going? Good... To be continued...

Not a very good reflection of what is offered in this little pop-up. I was sitting in the cafeteria having a piece of apple pie and quickly snapped the photo. This show is temporary housed in a high school. This is their 43rd year of having the event! The money the school takes in is used to fund their prom. 

Enjoy caring and sharing spring days. 

With all good wishes, 

Jill 00

 

 

 

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New Year ♥

We had a soft, quiet Christmas. We've already taken down the tree! A busier climate awaits this soap maker. 
After Christmas things tend to move pretty fast around here. Pondering thoughts of new spring bittersweets dance in my head.

Since my apothecary business is expanding and growing  increased soap manufacturing is mandatory. I've created an early spring soap menu. Several more flavors will be added to the list. 

I'm switching up. Changing labels and tweaking some packaging ideas. New patterns, designs and aroma's await the final prototype.

January is my May. That's the way it's been rolling since 1997. 

A linen line of bittersweets, including the lavender heart sachets like the picture above. Cottage aprons and a new lavender line. A customer requested a soothing lavender wand or stick. The new relaxing stick will be made similar to a headache stick. 

Wishing you a happy, happy, new year ahead. 

Warmly,

Jill 00

 

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