Bramble Berry has always been my favorite soap supply company. When I first started making soap, I watched so many hours of Soap Queen videos that I would get the theme song eternally stuck in my head, as did my husband. I feel fortunate to live in Oregon, just south of Bramble Berry's head quarters in Washington.
I have always felt a personal connection to Anne-Marie, Bramble Berry's business savvy founder and owner. I look up to her as a role model, have read all her business articles ( check my iPad underestimate-books). She is close to my age, a mother of young children and a business owner. Granted, her business is much bigger than mine, but she has encouraged me to believe that anything is possible through hard work, good planning, ethical decision making and a positive attitude.
So what does this have to do with the S.O.A.P. Panel? I have always wanted to be a part of this process. As a member of the panel, I would be given 8 fragrances to test in soap. I would then report my findings. What fun! After being in business for a few years, I feel this is my time (or at least I hope so). I am ready and eager to help Bramble Berry by testing potential fragrances. As a handmade soap company owner, I know what I desire a fragrance, so I feel I can help other soap makers too!
So what products do I like best from Bramble Berry? I have bought so much, it's difficult to narrow that list down, but here is the list of items I am never without.
Tools:
5 pound mold with silicone liner
Fragrance Oils:
Energy
Ginger Lime
Kumquat
Oatmeal, Milk & Honey
Colorants:
Fizzy lemonade
Electric Bubblegum
The fragrance oils are my favorite. Aside from the artistry of my soap, what sells my soap is the smell. I am very selective about what I use, and I rely on Bramble Berry fragrances because they are consistently good. I have fallen in love so many times with news scents (Kumquat is my new love). I look forward to falling in love again with some fresh new fragrances.
To be honest, as awesome as Bramble Berry's products are, my favorite thing is not a specific product, but the tremendous community that Anne-Marie and her team have built. The videos, blog, newsletters etc. have all been amazing resources for learning my craft. You better believe that if I lived closer to Bellingham, I would do everything is my power to work for Bramble Berry. Even if I am not chosen, I will forever love Bramble Berry!
Hi! I found you through the comment you left on BB's post regarding the SOAP panel. I've been pouring over your blog for the last hour now. I love your soaps! Your photos are like eye candy! The colors of your soap are so bright and beautiful, the designs so intricate, and the tops so lush; they are truly works of art. I am a new soaper and was going to focus on "natural" soaps, with essential oils, natural colorants, simple one-color soaps, etc... but your amazing, colorful soaps have really inspired me to try my hand at bright colors and FOs. Your soaps are so beautiful to look at, and the names and colors go perfectly together... I could practically smell them through the computer (I wish!) I bet they smell amazing! Good luck with your business and the SOAP panel. I hope you're among the chosen :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! When I started, I wanted to make the more natural soaps as well, but living in Oregon, we have a ton of soaps like that. Having always been creative, I derive so much pleasure for the art of soap making. Every time I cut a loaf of soap, it is like a present inside. I love it!
DeleteThanks again for taking the time to read my blog. It means so much to me.
Good luck on your soap making adventures and keep in touch!
You've also inspired me to purchase Anne-Marie's book! I can't wait to get it!!
ReplyDeleteYay, I saw that you were chosen! How exciting, congrats!
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