I just got an email from a fellow candlemaker I met online, Lois.
She actually reads my blog!
That's a little scary. I mean, I really don't ever think anyone is going to bother with what I might write!! I guess I need to step it up! (Thanks for reading, Lois!!!)
I have all these "great" ideas...but I realize that I feel BOGGED DOWN. I want to offer a gift-with-purchase, yet I'm lucky just to include one free sample vial of perfume oil in orders. I want to offer a $5 deal every month, but I haven't had much interest from my mailing list subscribers, so I feel bogged down with updating the website every month. I also want to offer a drawing for my customers, but when I email the person who won, I get no response.
Point being, I want to do away with things that BOG ME DOWN.
I think another executive meeting is in order.
I'll keep you posted.
BY THE WAY...I've been pouring SparklePuss Soy Candles and just want you to know...the "space needle SPICY PUMPKIN BREAD" is REALLY REALLY GOOD!! If you like pumpkin scents, please try this one! There's something special about it!
Thursday, September 18, 2008
OPPOSE the FDA Globalization Act of 2008
Being a seller of handmade perfume, I've been meaning to blog about the FDA Globalization Act of 2008.
Anyone in the industry selling food, soaps, perfume or cosmetics needs to get involved to stop this legislation!
Please read the following.
Many thanks to Mike & Tammy Tivis of www.ElementsBathandBody.com as she gave me permission to copy her entire newsletter! What a time saver!
******************************************************************************************************
The FDA Globalization Act can PUT YOU OUT OF BUSINESS!
Have you heard of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008? If you haven't, you need to know that the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce released a proposal that will significantly impact businesses that sell cosmetics.
A few of the major provisions:
1) $2000 annual FDA registration fee
2) Fees for reregistration, inspections & reinspections, certification, certifying agent accreditation, laboratory accreditation, export certification, and importer registration.
3) Cumbersome paperwork
4) Substantial fines for those that do not comply
Who wins??? $600 million is predicted to be generated from the food registration fees alone.
Who loses??? You, your customers & the suppliers that support your business.
We urge you to sign the petition on Donna Maria's site Indie Beauty Network Business Blog. ( www.indiebeauty.com/indie_business/2008/06/stop-the-fda-gl.html ). Debbie May from WSP is heading to DC @ on Sept 24 to meet w/lawmakers. Please take a moment to also answer her short survey so she is armed w/as much info as possible: WSP Survey to stop FDA Globalization Act. Please pass this info along to your customers, friends and family as well. Anyone that wants the choice to purchase handmade cosmetics needs to sign this petition before it is forwarded to Congress. Together, we CAN & MUST make a difference. Best wishes!
Anyone in the industry selling food, soaps, perfume or cosmetics needs to get involved to stop this legislation!
Please read the following.
Many thanks to Mike & Tammy Tivis of www.ElementsBathandBody.com as she gave me permission to copy her entire newsletter! What a time saver!
******************************************************************************************************
The FDA Globalization Act can PUT YOU OUT OF BUSINESS!
Have you heard of the FDA Globalization Act of 2008? If you haven't, you need to know that the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce released a proposal that will significantly impact businesses that sell cosmetics.
A few of the major provisions:
1) $2000 annual FDA registration fee
2) Fees for reregistration, inspections & reinspections, certification, certifying agent accreditation, laboratory accreditation, export certification, and importer registration.
3) Cumbersome paperwork
4) Substantial fines for those that do not comply
Who wins??? $600 million is predicted to be generated from the food registration fees alone.
Who loses??? You, your customers & the suppliers that support your business.
We urge you to sign the petition on Donna Maria's site Indie Beauty Network Business Blog. ( www.indiebeauty.com/indie_business/2008/06/stop-the-fda-gl.html ). Debbie May from WSP is heading to DC @ on Sept 24 to meet w/lawmakers. Please take a moment to also answer her short survey so she is armed w/as much info as possible: WSP Survey to stop FDA Globalization Act. Please pass this info along to your customers, friends and family as well. Anyone that wants the choice to purchase handmade cosmetics needs to sign this petition before it is forwarded to Congress. Together, we CAN & MUST make a difference. Best wishes!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
ebook
In consideration of what I really enjoy about all of this crazy activity, I'm decided to write an ebook.
Never done it before. I think there's software out there to help me do this.
I'm pretty excited about it!
This ebook will reveal my steps to starting up an ecommerce business (yeah, because I've done it about 50 times and helped others to do the same)! I'm hoping to expand the concept to include selling my SEVERAL ideas that I don't have time to do. I have "turnkey" business ideas, including domain names, just little homebased businesses ready to go! Just add water...
So the ebook with leverage that and provide a simple checklist to setting up shop.
I can SO help you with that!! :)
I think once the ebook is done I can also offer my consulting services for those who want more of a "hand holding" experience. That way the client can have my undivided attention with regards to areas they find difficult to complete.
Huh.
Sounds good! I better sell something so I can buy the software!
Have I mentioned that "I love my fan"? It has been very hot here in Seattle. Most of us don't have air conditioning, so when it gets into the high 80s and low 90s, we just melt...or rather...bake.
Have a great weekend!
Never done it before. I think there's software out there to help me do this.
I'm pretty excited about it!
This ebook will reveal my steps to starting up an ecommerce business (yeah, because I've done it about 50 times and helped others to do the same)! I'm hoping to expand the concept to include selling my SEVERAL ideas that I don't have time to do. I have "turnkey" business ideas, including domain names, just little homebased businesses ready to go! Just add water...
So the ebook with leverage that and provide a simple checklist to setting up shop.
I can SO help you with that!! :)
I think once the ebook is done I can also offer my consulting services for those who want more of a "hand holding" experience. That way the client can have my undivided attention with regards to areas they find difficult to complete.
Huh.
Sounds good! I better sell something so I can buy the software!
Have I mentioned that "I love my fan"? It has been very hot here in Seattle. Most of us don't have air conditioning, so when it gets into the high 80s and low 90s, we just melt...or rather...bake.
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, August 7, 2008
LMAO
I love that I can never take myself too seriously.
First off, I've decided I really do prefer my blog in Trebuchet and not Verdana. It is this ONGOING thing for me. And who's to say I can't just darn well use both fonts if I want to!?
Next, I posted my last post on one of my other blogs I don't ever use. So I'm all excited to PUBLISH POST and what comes up? Some strange blog I never use! FUNNY!
First off, I've decided I really do prefer my blog in Trebuchet and not Verdana. It is this ONGOING thing for me. And who's to say I can't just darn well use both fonts if I want to!?
Next, I posted my last post on one of my other blogs I don't ever use. So I'm all excited to PUBLISH POST and what comes up? Some strange blog I never use! FUNNY!
Acceptance. It is a good thing.
Well.
This is more of a personal post...I've come realize a few things in the past couple of days.
First-I went to check out some commercial space...the excitement of possible expansions...was dashed. I just don't want to. I thought I did. I can work hard for no money. But I've come to admit that I'm not really a "business-owner" but more of a glorified "hobbyist". And I think I like it that way. Anger. Denial. Grief because I like to think of myself in this lofty way, "I'm a business owner". I went through all those stages (it took me about 8 hours). Now I'm OK. Really. I think I've come to grips with the fact that I like my life...just the way it is. For a long time now, I've had this DRIVE to do more, be more, dobedobebdodododoo more More MORE! And within hours (ok maybe it was over the weekend), somehow, my perspective has changed and my priorities are shifting as we speak. This leads me to
Second-A new season...people know about "empty-nesters" and it is really easy to spout off about "the seasons of life" when I no idea what it is like...but I'm totally going through one and I feel utterly unprepared, or rather, I'm sorta shocked. Both my children will be in elementary school in a matter of (gasp) 4 weeks, yes, that is less than TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS! Many of my friends homeschool...this phenomena will never happen to them...so they don't understand. Only those who have this tragic-ecstasy happen to them understand. As I ponder the thought, I get a little tingly and light-headed! But then some time will pass and I find myself a little sad...cheated...surprised...tragically aware that my life truly IS passing by. No one really prepared me for this transition...oh, sure, it goes like this, "someday your kids will be in school honey, then you can (insert-go clothes shopping alone, go to the bathroom alone, sleep in, etc)" All that sounded WONDERFUL when I had bottles, diapers and goldfish crackers up to my neck. And back then, I didn't really have a braincell to even ponder it. But now...well, I'm going to miss all that. NOW WAIT A MINUTE, how does this happen!??!?! I have no regrets...I've tried to make the best of every single day of my kids' childhood...I think the thing that is just hard for me is that...I can NEVER go back. I hate not having options (!) It seems almost cruel. My mother-in-law says it all the time, "oh, just to have Johnny for a moment at the age of 4, I loved that". I kinda get it now.
Or maybe it is there's a new benchmark..."when your kids go to school"...next for me is "when they go to junior high, high school, college, leave home" and that all goes really TOO fast for my taste!
So where does all this leave me but in standing in a puddle of my own teardrops?
Well, acceptance is a good thing. Today, despite my quivering lower lip, I have decided, IT IS OK. Feel the pain, feel the joy...it really is all part of life. And I want to LIVE LIFE to the fullest! So I must feel it all...pain, joy, etc. So I'm embracing these next four weeks with...well, nothing. I'm just going to BE with my kids...no grand "trying to make up for mistakes along the way" or "let's cram massive kid events into these next 28 days"...just being with them...I think I'm ok with that as I prepare for the inevitable next phase of being a mom...and THAT is a good thing!
This is more of a personal post...I've come realize a few things in the past couple of days.
First-I went to check out some commercial space...the excitement of possible expansions...was dashed. I just don't want to. I thought I did. I can work hard for no money. But I've come to admit that I'm not really a "business-owner" but more of a glorified "hobbyist". And I think I like it that way. Anger. Denial. Grief because I like to think of myself in this lofty way, "I'm a business owner". I went through all those stages (it took me about 8 hours). Now I'm OK. Really. I think I've come to grips with the fact that I like my life...just the way it is. For a long time now, I've had this DRIVE to do more, be more, dobedobebdodododoo more More MORE! And within hours (ok maybe it was over the weekend), somehow, my perspective has changed and my priorities are shifting as we speak. This leads me to
Second-A new season...people know about "empty-nesters" and it is really easy to spout off about "the seasons of life" when I no idea what it is like...but I'm totally going through one and I feel utterly unprepared, or rather, I'm sorta shocked. Both my children will be in elementary school in a matter of (gasp) 4 weeks, yes, that is less than TWENTY-EIGHT (28) DAYS! Many of my friends homeschool...this phenomena will never happen to them...so they don't understand. Only those who have this tragic-ecstasy happen to them understand. As I ponder the thought, I get a little tingly and light-headed! But then some time will pass and I find myself a little sad...cheated...surprised...tragically aware that my life truly IS passing by. No one really prepared me for this transition...oh, sure, it goes like this, "someday your kids will be in school honey, then you can (insert-go clothes shopping alone, go to the bathroom alone, sleep in, etc)" All that sounded WONDERFUL when I had bottles, diapers and goldfish crackers up to my neck. And back then, I didn't really have a braincell to even ponder it. But now...well, I'm going to miss all that. NOW WAIT A MINUTE, how does this happen!??!?! I have no regrets...I've tried to make the best of every single day of my kids' childhood...I think the thing that is just hard for me is that...I can NEVER go back. I hate not having options (!) It seems almost cruel. My mother-in-law says it all the time, "oh, just to have Johnny for a moment at the age of 4, I loved that". I kinda get it now.
Or maybe it is there's a new benchmark..."when your kids go to school"...next for me is "when they go to junior high, high school, college, leave home" and that all goes really TOO fast for my taste!
So where does all this leave me but in standing in a puddle of my own teardrops?
Well, acceptance is a good thing. Today, despite my quivering lower lip, I have decided, IT IS OK. Feel the pain, feel the joy...it really is all part of life. And I want to LIVE LIFE to the fullest! So I must feel it all...pain, joy, etc. So I'm embracing these next four weeks with...well, nothing. I'm just going to BE with my kids...no grand "trying to make up for mistakes along the way" or "let's cram massive kid events into these next 28 days"...just being with them...I think I'm ok with that as I prepare for the inevitable next phase of being a mom...and THAT is a good thing!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Oh Yeah, The Sense of Utter Satisfaction
Ah.
THAT is a deep sense of satisfaction.
Grin.
SparklePuss.com will turn THREE in December...amazing.
Since the day I officially launched in December 2005 (with $300 click budget on Yahoo and a website no one knew about!) I've been in WAY over my head!
Today, alas, I am FINALLY in a place where I am very proud of the items I offer and equally proud of the fact that I can produce these items in a timely manner!! Reducing my scent choices to NINE has made all the difference and I'm really excited as we move into the buying season.
SparklePuss offers NINE NEW SUPER SCENTS as of August 1st:
please welcome...
alki AUTUMN HARVEST™
fremont FIR BERRY™
emerald city EVERGREEN™
madrona MIDNIGHT MOON™
magnolia SPICY MANDARIN™
pike place PEPPERMINT CANDY
pioneer square CINNAMON PEAR™
ravenna VANILLA VIXEN™
space needle SPICY PUMPKIN BREAD™
Back in action, the (truly) beloved small soy jar candle! I sold out of these like two years ago and have secured a west coast supplier! My prices have bumped up on the soy candle (so I can like stay in business people!) :) Trust me, they are totally worth it...they burn beautifully!
As you can see, I do need a new photo...consider it 'coming soon'.
Sad and missing a favorite scent?...contact me! I'd guess I still have it! I'm offering discontinued scents on my SparklePussOutlet.etsy.com site (sorry, you do have to log in) and that is the place to request scents at half off! I can certainly set up a page on my main site to purchase with debit or credit if you don't want to do that through PayPal. Just communicate with me...I don't bite, just scratch. hehehehe
Four Seasons Fragrance & Lemon Lollipop are up for some web-work and holiday gift ideas (sorry, I have to do this NOW to be ready for you!)
Mr-Yummy.com has been left in the dust for the moment.
THAT is a deep sense of satisfaction.
Grin.
SparklePuss.com will turn THREE in December...amazing.
Since the day I officially launched in December 2005 (with $300 click budget on Yahoo and a website no one knew about!) I've been in WAY over my head!
Today, alas, I am FINALLY in a place where I am very proud of the items I offer and equally proud of the fact that I can produce these items in a timely manner!! Reducing my scent choices to NINE has made all the difference and I'm really excited as we move into the buying season.
SparklePuss offers NINE NEW SUPER SCENTS as of August 1st:
please welcome...
alki AUTUMN HARVEST™
fremont FIR BERRY™
emerald city EVERGREEN™
madrona MIDNIGHT MOON™
magnolia SPICY MANDARIN™
pike place PEPPERMINT CANDY
pioneer square CINNAMON PEAR™
ravenna VANILLA VIXEN™
space needle SPICY PUMPKIN BREAD™
Back in action, the (truly) beloved small soy jar candle! I sold out of these like two years ago and have secured a west coast supplier! My prices have bumped up on the soy candle (so I can like stay in business people!) :) Trust me, they are totally worth it...they burn beautifully!
As you can see, I do need a new photo...consider it 'coming soon'.
Sad and missing a favorite scent?...contact me! I'd guess I still have it! I'm offering discontinued scents on my SparklePussOutlet.etsy.com site (sorry, you do have to log in) and that is the place to request scents at half off! I can certainly set up a page on my main site to purchase with debit or credit if you don't want to do that through PayPal. Just communicate with me...I don't bite, just scratch. hehehehe
Four Seasons Fragrance & Lemon Lollipop are up for some web-work and holiday gift ideas (sorry, I have to do this NOW to be ready for you!)
Mr-Yummy.com has been left in the dust for the moment.
Have you visited Seattle-Scents.com yet? I'm really having fun with this one!
And coming this month...BirthstonePerfumes.com :)
Thanks for reading this far. Gotta go!
Saturday, July 5, 2008
CUSTOMER PERKS!
I don't think I've ever blogged on the GREAT CUSTOMER PERKS I offer! And you'll WANT TO KNOW this! :)
For confirmed subscribers on my mailing list:
Once per month I send out the "newsletter" with What's New, Monthly Drawing Prize and Monthly $5 Deal.
The Monthly Drawing Prize is awarded to ONE confirmed subscriber to my mailing list each month. Just being a CONFIRMED subscriber on my mailing list makes you eligible for the drawing each month. Make sure you are ON the mailing list and you are CONFIRMED. I will contact you by email if you win! See makeScentsLLC.com/mailing_list.html for details.
The Monthly $5 Deal is ONLY AVAILABLE from the newsletter...each month I select an item from my product line-up to offer for only $5!
I think I'll blog on the night I finish the newsletter with the new info.
-What's New for July: Mr-Yummy.com launches!
-July Monthly Drawing Prize: Three wickless super-scented soy candle tins in your choice of scents by SparklePuss
-July Monthly $5 Deal: Any TWO Shea-Glycerin Soaps by Seattle Scents for $5
(see newsletter for details, make sure that my email is on your approved list... makeScentsLLC@gmail.com)
AND...I've been wanting to do THIS for a long time-offer a gift-with-purchase!
ALL orders on my websites or Etsy shops will receive the monthly Gift-with-Purchase. Gifts change every month on the first.
July's Gift-with-Purchase: one sample Lemon Lollipop perfume oil AND lemon lollipop!
Thank you very much for your support!
For confirmed subscribers on my mailing list:
Once per month I send out the "newsletter" with What's New, Monthly Drawing Prize and Monthly $5 Deal.
The Monthly Drawing Prize is awarded to ONE confirmed subscriber to my mailing list each month. Just being a CONFIRMED subscriber on my mailing list makes you eligible for the drawing each month. Make sure you are ON the mailing list and you are CONFIRMED. I will contact you by email if you win! See makeScentsLLC.com/mailing_list.html for details.
The Monthly $5 Deal is ONLY AVAILABLE from the newsletter...each month I select an item from my product line-up to offer for only $5!
I think I'll blog on the night I finish the newsletter with the new info.
-What's New for July: Mr-Yummy.com launches!
-July Monthly Drawing Prize: Three wickless super-scented soy candle tins in your choice of scents by SparklePuss
-July Monthly $5 Deal: Any TWO Shea-Glycerin Soaps by Seattle Scents for $5
(see newsletter for details, make sure that my email is on your approved list... makeScentsLLC@gmail.com)
AND...I've been wanting to do THIS for a long time-offer a gift-with-purchase!
ALL orders on my websites or Etsy shops will receive the monthly Gift-with-Purchase. Gifts change every month on the first.
July's Gift-with-Purchase: one sample Lemon Lollipop perfume oil AND lemon lollipop!
Thank you very much for your support!
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