Things I've Learned Since Opening My Shop on Etsy in 2009

As my 2 year Etsy-versary draws near I think about how far my shop has come and what I have learned. These are the top 5:

1. Tape is your best friend! Always keep a back up to your back up roll. There is nothing more frustrating than running out of tape with only 5 minutes until the post office closes!

2. Adapt to Change! Etsy, social media and the changing economy has taught me that in order to grow you must constantly evolve and EMBRACE change. It can be scary, but you've got to roll with it.

3. Treat your Customers the way you would like to be treated. Whether they spend $1 or $100, always handle their orders with the same urgency, respect and care. Without them your shop is nothing.

4. Your NEVER done working on your shop. As soon as you think your finally finished, you realize it can be better!

5. Every now and then take a break! Breathe and STEP AWAY FROM THE COMPUTER.

Excited and Nervous!

I am feeling so excited and super nervous! This week I'll be moving into a space in a brick and mortar retail shop! I am hoping things go well for my soaps and such. At the same time I am a bit terrified that things will go really well and I wont be able to keep up!!! This is a whole new game for me. I'm used to online sales and this just feels more official. If anyone else has experience on this matter please comment...

The 2011 BBA Historic Buford Spring Festival

Just finished up another great festival! I've come a long way and done quite a few since my original craft fair post. It was the 2011 BBA Historic Buford Spring Festival. I really enjoyed myself. This was my 1st outdoor festval and we were holding our breath because the weather forcast was rain and thunder storms! The craft fair gods must have been smiling on us because those big black storm clouds passed us right by with just a few rolls of thunder. We ended up with a beautiful cool day. Yep, it was perfect and luckily for my daughter we were near the jump houses!

You never can predict what will be the big seller. This time it was my 100% Handmade Body Lotion and my top scents were Cucumber Melon, Honey Almond and Mango Melon Colada.

Craft Fair Pictures!

These are from the Christmas in July Craft Fair in Oakwood, GA 2010. I was scheduled for a few events, but had to cancel due to Thyroid surgery.

So Very Thankful!

I am so very thankful. This has been a great year for me. Since starting Flowery Branch Essentials in June 2009 I have made well over a hundred sales between my shop on etsy and craft fairs. I am so proud of the positive feedback and great things my customers are saying about my products and service. This is a learning adventure and I hope to offer even more affordable products in the upcoming year.
I love to hear what you have to say, so if there are any recommendations for items you would like to see or scents please drop me a line. My email is customercare@fbessentials.com

Thank you to everyone that has helped make this a great year!

My First Craft Fair!

I am so excited and nervous! I have my first craft fair this weekend. I am really worried about having enough items and my presentation. It will be 5 hours and I am just really not sure if I have made enough of everything. I'm sure this is totally normal to feel this way and I just have to remember that this is a fun learning experience. It will be great to get consumer feed back and find out exactly what people want. I'm just guessing as far as scents and what will sell. Wish me luck!

The Reason Your Skin Feels Dry After Using Commercial Soaps

Ever wonder why your skin feels so dry after using a commercial soap that says, "moisturizing" on the label? Here is why, glycerin is a natural by product of making soap (combining oils with lye). Glycerin is very special. It is a humectant which in plain English means that it draws moisture from the air. So if you bathe with soap your skin is coated with glycerin and therefore draws moisture to your skin.
Commercial soap makers discovered that instead of leaving the moisturizing glycerin in the soap they could remove it and sell it as a separate product! Now from a business stand point that it great, double the profit from one product. Plus, now you need to buy lotion because your skin is dry.
Handmade soap is different. The glycerin is left in and a lot of the time extra is added. Those who experience the rich smooth moisturizing lather seldom go back to commercial soap.