Under the Umbrella

If you’re like me, you appreciate and seek out locally-made or designed products because you know the skill and talent that can produce them is where you live, and supporting your micro-economy is important to you.

Because of this, I am so thrilled to announce that A Little Soapy Business is now working with an Artisan Collective called Under the Umbrella that is located in the heart of lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Under the Umbrella is a gift and apparel boutique featuring a curated showcase of local talent found in the Greater Vancouver Area. You will now find our products along with other amazing local talent. Talk about a one-stop shop of perfect gifts and cool stuff!

I love this excerpt from their webpage:

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Find our products in Lougheed Mall!

October was a very busy month for me. Some of you may know that I work full time as a Business Analyst, and A Little Soapy Business is my venture of passion and fun where I get to be creative and make all of my natural handmade goods. In late September, I received an invitation to have my products featured in a mall this year! All I could think is wow, exciting! And WOW, a that’s going to be a TON of work!!

Balance and organization is everything when juggling a full time job and a personal side business along with family, health, among other things.

Honey Body Wash Recipe

Lately I’ve been working on something pretty exciting! Not only am I making goodies to get ready for my summer event where locals can find me at the North Vancouver Canada Day craft show at Waterfront Park, but I’m also lucky enough to be collaborating along with others for a 30 day Beauty Detox Program! If that interests you, not only will this feature locally based wellness experts (to Vancouver), it will also be free! More on that in the next few days…

In the meantime… this collaboration inspired me to look making an easy soap based recipe. I’ve concocted a mosturising, good for your skin, Raw Honey Body Wash. Not only is this simple to make, but you can customize it with a scent that you love… such as Relaxing Lavender, Uplifting Sweet Orange, or Floral Ylang Ylang and Jasmine essential oils.

Popping up in North Vancouver!

North Van Craft Fair – Photo from North Vancouver Arts Council

Exciting news! We’re going to be popping up in North Vancouver on Wednesday July 1st Canada Day Celebration along with other local artists at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver (the park is located just a few steps west of Lonsdale Quay).

Live in North Vancouver, or surrounding area? Come meet your soap maker! I will be there all day from 11-4. I’m looking forward to seeing you! For more event information, check out the North Vancouver Arts Council Website: http://nvartscouncil.ca/events/craft-fairs 

Naturally yours, Susan

Good News + Bad News = GOOD NEWS!

I recently had a couple of chances for some really important feedback. The first was positive. I put my products in front of a jury for the first time and they were judging on presentation, packaging, originality, scent, price point, etc. I felt on top of the world having been approved to be in my city’s Craft Fair and I was relishing in their kind words. The other situation wasn’t as positive. I had shipped some product and I was upset to hear that they didn’t meet their expectations. It caused me to take a step back and I actually started wondering if I should even do my Little Soapy Biz stuff any more. Yep, I’m that dramatic.

As a person that is always striving to make the best natural goodies that not only works for myself, for my family, for my friends and for people I’ve never met; it was hard for me to receive some critical feedback since I put my heart and soul into this! I usually get really positive feedback and feel so proud of what I create. Heck, I use this stuff everyday and so do many others. I just haven’t had too much negative feedback and I’m used to being the main one criticizing my own work and then improving on it! However, I really appreciate it when people are candid and honest with me. While it may have taken me aback at first, I began to strategize on how to make those particular products even better.

We’ve Turned 1!

I am so excited to share that A Little Soapy Business has just turned 1 year this month! It’s been such an incredible journey and I appreciate you all for sharing your feedback, being my guinea pigs and sharing my passion for natural products.

An anniversary can only mean it’s time for a give-away! Yeah!!!

Enter here to win an all-natural, preservative-free gift basket from A Little Soapy Business valued at over $100!

Gift basket includes:
– Handmade soap
– Natural pine soap dish
– Brightening face polish and mask
– Balancing skin toner
– Spritz on deodorant
– Solid lotion and massage bar
– Susan’s amazing herbal salve
– 2 hand-poured lip balms
– Bath truffles
– Bath salt fizz
– Sugar scrub cubes

Contest ends February 28, 2015

Click here for Contest rules and details.

Contest listed on:

http://www.allcanadacontests.com”>Canada Contests at AllCanadaContests.com

Sensual Massage Oil Recipe

Looking for a thoughtful Valentine’s Day gift? (or for birthday, or anniversary)? I’m going to share a lovely massage oil recipe that you can make yourself. What could be more romantic and personal? This is such a special way to take care of your Valentine and spend some intimate time together.

Valentine’s Day Massage Oil Recipe

Ingredients:
28 grams Carrier Oils:
16 grams Grape Seed oil
8 grams Sweet Almond oil
4 grams Jojoba oil

6 drops Essential Oils:
2 drops Ylang Ylang
2 drops Sweet Orange
1 drop Lavender
1 drop Jasmine

Feel free to use all of the above carrier or essential oils or make a special blend of your very own. Just make sure you calculate the total amount.

Instructions:

Add 6 drops of essential oil to a 1 oz glass dropper bottle or clean container of choice. Using a digital scale, weigh out the oils into a separate clean glass jar or beaker and pour into the final container with the essential oils.

Customize with label and decorate the container if wish. Use a sticker label or paper and adhere with tape over top.
I used a rubber stamp on precut label paper for my label. Simple. You could also draw or print your label.

Please note that allergies or skin sensitivities should be considered when making any blends.

Enjoy! Let me know what you think!

Bath Truffles

New! Bath Truffles

New bath treat made by a Little Soapy Business. These little bath truffles are a pure indulgence! They are handmade in small batches with ingredients like clay that is known for pulling impurities from the skin and skin softening baking soda which combined with citric acid adds a bit of fizz. Shea and cocoa butters in this little bath truffle will leave your skin feeling so soft and moisturized. Choose from scents like lavender or chocolate. Stay tuned for Rose Geranium that will be added to the collection in time for Valentine’s Day!

To order, contact us directly or order through our Etsy page here.

BC Family Day Pop-Up Market

A Little Soapy Business at the Family Day Pop-Up Market – Monday Feb 9

A friend of mine, and owner of Compass Fitness, is organizing a Family Day Pop-Up Market at South Bonson Community Centre in Pitt Meadows. Many local vendors and A Little Soapy Business will be there and it’s going to be a lot of fun!

If you’re in the neighbourhood, come check it out! This is a family friendly event and is a great way to support your local businesses. Also, Valentine’s day will be less than 1 week away, so you can find that something special for your Valentine!

For more details, the latest information or to simply RSVP for the free admission event, check out the Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1528847790713912/