ASM '09

The Alabama Soap and Candle Association held it's 11th Annual Soap Meeting in Prattville, AL. I'm so glad that I took the chance and went without ever having been before. A big leap for me. This group is made up of fabulous soap and candle makers who were friendly,sharing, and knowledgeable of their art. It was a busy two days full of demos, shopping,mingling and some good food. Our keynote speaker, Kelly Bloom gave an informative speech about reaching a point in your small business where having a product that needs to be branded and trademarked well before it is on the market. A small business that is trying to create an image for their product needs to make sure no one has created a brand or logo with what is in your company's line. She explained how to save yourself from a costly disaster by checking your brand whether it be through Google searches or through a government ran website like www.uspto.gov/main/trademarks.htm. Kelly stressed how important brand identity is as well as it must be unique and of your own in that it creates a mental image or feeling for the consumer. Later,Carol Barber went on to give crucial FDA information that lays the foundation for guidelines that as a soap maker,a small body care business needs to adhere to when selling to the public. All the demos performed had me eager to try them. The door prizes where great.Yes,Lady Luck even shined on me.I won this great soap mold made by Cumberland Acoustic that has me wanting to make some round soaps! The vendors all knew their stuff too. I will be going back as long as they allow me to.

At 3 a.m., I've finally decided to set up my blog for mobile uploads! Yay, for me but when will I ever sleep today. Lol.

I'm not sure about this...

Soon I will be heading off to Prattville, Alabama. Yes, you have read correctly and I'm truly excited to go as well! I'm taking a mini vacation just for me and it's going to be all about soap! Yay for me. It's been a long while since I've been able to talk soap. Normally, I get this reaction when I talk soap to outsiders;eyes blankly glazing over and a couple of "oh's" or "really". I do understand that most everyone doesn't want to learn about something that isn't so interesting. I once hated sitting in Algebra class and thought it was a complete bore. "Please kill me now" was circling my brain like the Times Square ticker. I apologize to Mr.Smith, Mr.Howard and Ms. ?. I really apologize for not remembering her name. She was a nice teacher and 10th grade was a long time ago!
Now, back on topic. My trip will be full of "how to's" and other tutorials that will give some insight about running a business as well as trademarking. This is my first time going to this grup. Kelly Bloom from Southern Soaper's will be our keynote speaker. She is the owner of a supply company of the same name and owner of my Southern Soaper's group on yahoo. Most importantly, I will make some new friends that know something about soap! I'm so excited and nervous too. Hopefully, I can put names and faces to online names. Make sense?
I do recommend that if you have any hobbies or interests, go to yahoo for groups and type in what group you would like. I discovered my groups(all four of them)on yahoo. The yahoo group that I'm meeting up with is http://www.alabamasoapmeeting.com .These groups are full of very nice and knowledgeable folks that can help you hone your craft. I've been fortunate enough not to come across anyone who has been rude or inappropriate.There are some great listmom's that nip it quick! Good luck. Some good, clean fun are ahead for me!

Gift orders & Aubrey's 4th grade graduation

It has been a long while since my last post. I'm not being a good blogger, now am I? Today I have some gift orders that I will be putting together. A cute wooden soap crate with a couple of bars of soap in them that I will shrink wrap. I think I need to get some shredded craft paper to give the gift more bulk. This is my first time using the crates. So lots of anxiety to achieve perfection first time around. The creative gift wrapping fairy needs to visit me! I will post pictures later.

I have to get my Aubrey an outfit for her 4th grade graduation. I can't believe my baby girl is growing up and growing so fast! I will miss this one day. The only thing we can do is enjoy the time we have together, give her encouragement and be here when she needs me.