Valley Green Naturals

Valley Green Naturals has got it going on! Not only do they have dreamy products that cover the range of bath and beauty from head to toe, that have quite the "dream team" to back it up. And they get to create all of their body-safe, eco-friendly, and wallet-happy creams, lotions, scrubs, and suds in a beautiful old farmhouse in Virginia with acres of beautiful greenery to help inspire their creative zen.

I would love to see some pics of your 18th century farmhouse where you create all of you natural, organic, and botanical products! Do you have some you could share?

To see this and more photos, visit our blog.  The picture used here is the second one down on the right.

(Notice the resemblance to their logo.)

Do you purchase natural milk for your own consumption? Legally, it can’t be marketed for humans, but you can buy it marketed in different ways and drink it if you want. I’ve read all of the wonderful things about real natural milk and went to a goat farm and got me some! It was good! But too far for me to travel on a weekly basis.

We don't purchase natural milk for consumption, but we have talked about getting a dairy cow for this purpose. At one point, I considered getting a couple of goats for their milk to use in our products. The problem with having your own goats (just like a cow) is that they need to be milked twice a day, at the same time every day. With our busy schedule, that's something that would be very difficult to do. So, the goats are on hold for now.



Milk-based products for you and yours



We do buy a lot of other natural food products. We love farmer's markets with fresh and organic produce, and we'll travel 40 miles to buy fresh Amish butter in the Shenandoah Valley. There's nothing like it! Here's a link to a blog post I wrote recently about buying natural goods.

So Valley Green Naturals is co-owned between you, your husband, and another couple. How did y’all link up on this business venture?

Our business partnership came together when Valley Green Naturals began to really grow. Art and I couldn't keep up with daily orders, while taking care of accounting, inventory, supplies and marketing all at the same time. Our business partner, Mary Hill, is a longtime friend with whom I had worked in Washington, D.C. She and her husband joined Valley Green Naturals when the company was a year old, in 2010.

Who gets to do what within the company?

 

Mary takes care of all of our accounting and supply orders, which is a huge job. She also works many days in the Valley Green kitchen, managing production for the ever-increasing number of orders we receive each day. Mary's husband, Doug Hill, is an expert in online marketing, and he acts as a consultant in our marketing efforts. My husband, Art DeVore, specializes in Information Technology, and he manages our customer database, web site, and social media links. My job involves developing formulations for our products, studying ingredients, press relations, customer communication, shipping, and lots of work in the Valley Green kitchen. All in all, we make a pretty good management team!

Sometimes, it just all comes together in a perfect blend.  Seems they've got four-part harmony.  Maybe a barber-shop quartet is in their near future.  I bet that would sit fine with the folks in Virginia's Piedmont.

Regardless of location, their day spa package is sure to be a hit with the loved ones in your life.  Lots of weddings, birthdays, and all around hostessing are ahead.  Show your thanks and appreciation with style, while doing your part to help "organify" the world around you.

To learn more about Valley Green Naturals, you can hook up with them at the following locations:

Main web site: www.valleygreennaturals.com

Etsy page: www.cindydevore.etsy.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Valley-Green-Naturals/125929227439654

Twitter: @valleygreengirl

Blog: valleygreennaturals.blogspot.com

Soapapilla

I am all about some form and function in my life.  Soapapilla's Shower Puff Soap takes soap on a rope to a whole new level.  I don't know about you but when I'm showering with my husband (it saves water you know!) the last thing I want to do is drop the soap, lol.  This is just one of the many fun soap products you will find in Soapapilla's shop.

How did you get started making soaps and body products?

In 2009 I was staying in New Mexico with my Uncle Steve & my Aunt Janet. My aunt had started making her own soap and very graciously taught me the art (thank you, thank you, thank you, Aunt Janet!) I was instantly hooked and inspired to push the medium as far as I could. I immediately started to do research on the best methods, best ingredients, and sourcing my area (northshore Massachusetts) for local suppliers. I had (and still have) so many ideas popping into my head for soaps. I started making the soaps myself and giving them to friends and family, which quickly grew into selling them at craft shows and now on Etsy. I have now expanded to include scrubs, lotions, and conditioners & I am continuing to research and experiment with new product development. I made it my New Year’s Resolution for 2011 to get my products in stores, and now Soapapilla can be found in Scrub and in Roost in downtown Salem, MA!

Your birthstone line is perfect for birthday gift sets! When will you have this line completed?



Pearl is June's Birthstone



My handcarved Birthstone & Geode soaps are some of my favorites! I have created a birthstone for each month already and will be completing the postings on my Etsy site over the next month. When I was a little girl, my mother worked in a gem & mineral shop in Albuquerque, New Mexico, making jewelrey that we would sell at the flea market on the weekends. I would go to work with her and play with all of the raw stones, crystals, geodes & agates. Those memories and the Southwest landscape is what inspires the look for my Birthstone, Geode, and Fossil soaps, which are each very close to my heart.

Do the colored soaps leave any type of colored residue either on the body or in the tub?

Nope – no residue whatsoever. They create a nice thick, white lather that feels lovely and leaves your skin nice & soft. I use mostly natural micas, iron oxides, and ultramarines to color my soaps instead of synthetic dyes & pigments. This creates a pure, gentle product that does not stain– plus the micas give the soap an incredible shimmery, pearly finish. My focus on using gentle, natural ingredients is not limited to my selection of colorants – I focus on using the highest quality, skin-loving ingredients in every step of my soapmaking process.

Here in East Texas there are almost as many Mexican restaurants as there are churches. But for the rest of our readers that are not familiar with our Southern ways, explain what a sopapilla is please.

A sopapilla is a kind of fried bread commonly served in the Southwest, USA and Latin American countries. In New Mexico it is usually served after meals and you eat it with honey – completely delicious! My mouth is watering just thinking about them!

When I was trying to think of a name for my company, I wanted New Mexico somehow represented in the name, since it inspires me so much. When the name “Soapapilla” came to me, I just knew I had found THE name for me.

Which soap is the most difficult to craft into it’s finished product?

The most labor-intensive soaps are definitely my handcarved Geode soaps. But it truly is a labor of love! They go through so many stages and carvings to get to their final shape, but its worth every second of it. I get excited every single time I’m finished and get to cut open the soap geode rock to reveal what’s inside. Each one comes out completely unique – just like the rocks themselves.

How is New Mexico treating you this time around? Quite a difference from Massachusetts.

New Mexico is wonderful! I love Boston, and especially the beach, but the sun and the mountains never cease to inspire my creativity. I feel so lucky to have lived in two very different landscapes. I’m also getting the chance to spend time with my family members and I just have to thank them for all of their support! While I’m here I’m also taking the time to seek out some stores to work with to hopefully get Soapapilla available locally in New Mexico. And of course, I’ve been eating plenty of sopapillas (and green-chile-chicken-enchiladas, and tamales with red chile, and breakfast burritos…YUM!)

Any thing else that you would like to add?

Well, there are so many people I am grateful for. I have to thank my family for supporting me in my soaping efforts – even when I manage to turn our kitchen into a soap laboratory. I especially have to thank my brother, Luke – you have truly become a shrink-wrapping master! Thank you, Aunt Janet for starting it all in your “House of Wonders”. Thank you, Aunt Donna for recognizing & encouraging my artistic abilities. Thank you, Aunt Gogi for supporting me and helping me make my trips to New Mexico. Aren’t I lucky to have such a great family?

Soapapilla and the beautiful young lady behind it can be found at the following locations:

FB: facebook.com/soapapilla
Twitter: twitter.com/soapapilla
Blog: soapapilla.blogspot.com
Online store: lovesoapapilla.etsy.com



The Bath Factory

Surely I'm not the only one who wonders how does the bar of soap stay clean?  And my dad always told me it was made from dead horses.  Was he just trying to make sure I rinsed my hands good?  Or am I confusing that with glue?  Just a few more of the unanswered questions in my life.

Thanks to Mya Angelou for filling us in on why the caged bird sings and to The Bath Factory for sharing some of her soap-making story.

I have friends that actually buy pig fat and make their soap the real old-fashioned way. Have you ever tried that process?

Although I do make some of my soaps using the old fashioned cold process soap making method that uses oils and lye...I have never used animal fats. I typically use a mixture of coconut oil, palm oil, rice bran oil, castor oil, olive oil, etc. At this time, the only animal products I use are honey and goats milk.

How much of an investment would you say you have made into your basic must-have soap-making supplies?

My very first investment was less than $20 because I bought a "kit" at Hobby Lobby and was so excited by the results, I became completely obsessed with soapmaking! I then bought close to $200 in oils, fragrances, molds, etc. I am embarrassed to admit that I now have close to 200 different fragrance and essential oils, and about 75 various soap molds. I don't even want to guess at how much I have invested at this point because it just might scare me to death! LOL

Your biker bar soap is really cool. Are you into bikes? With these gas prices, I’m thinking we’re all going to be soon!

Thanks for your kind comments about my "Biker Bar". I am definitely interested in bikes. My husband, Al and I each have Harleys, and we ride every chance we get. We live in Hot Springs, AR which is a very biker friendly area with lots of beautiful riding options. I actually used one of our Harleys as a "prop" in a couple of the pictures for my "Retread" men's skin balm.

Are you wanting to grow your "manly manicuring" products?

I am steadily adding to my men's line-up of products. So far, I have shaving soaps, Retread Men's Skin Balm, and various soaps with manly or unisex scents...such as Yacht Club, Sportsman, and an upcoming one called Zen. I plan to continue adding more men's products in the near future.

The vanilla silk goat’s milk soap is a work of art! How do you get that "sepia" edge look?

Anytime vanilla is added to a soap recipe, the soap will darken with time. It always darkens from the outside in. It is a reaction from the "vanillin" in vanilla, and can turn from a light tan to a deep, chocolately brown, depending on the vanilla content level in your recipe. The soap in the picture was freshly sliced, so the inside had not begun to turn dark yet...but the outside part that is exposed to the air was getting fairly dark already.

A beautiful soap, indeed!  I always feel bad using my beautiful soaps, like lighting the real pretty candles.  However, at wonderful prices like what you find at The Bath Factory, I'm going to enjoy every shower to the max.  Now, if I can just find a way to get the kids to leave me alone while I shower. 

Where to find The Bath Factory:

Facebook fan page is at www.facebook.com/TheBathFactory

And BIGGEST NEWS OF ALL....I am opening a new brick and mortar store in the next few weeks! It is called The Bath Factory and is located at 238 Central Avenue in historic downtown Hot Springs, AR...right across the street from the famous bathhouses. I am really excited by this latest adventure, and can't wait to get everything done so I can open for business!

Brick and Mortars aren't for everyone, but that is a perfect spot for her perfect shop!  I know that she will do well.  Lots of tourists, both on foot and on bike.

"The caged bird sings with a fearful trill of things unknown but longed for still and his tune is heard on the distant hill for the caged bird sings of freedom."--Mya Angelou

Not that Mya Angelou has anything to do with soap-making, but for those of you who keep up with my quirks, you know that I tend to wax poetic in the wee hours.  Something about the dark hours and ice cream.  It just does something to me.  And I like it!  lol

The Nib And Quill

Last year, my then three-year-old daughter brought me a pen and some paper and asked me to "type" her name.  I tried to explain to her that she meant "write", but she insisted it was "type".  Being a computer geek, I have raised my kids on the computer from a young age.  We have tons of learning games that have you "type your name to get started."  This was also a child that loved Baby Einstein and communicated in sign language instead of talking.  She's not deaf--she just preferred sign language.  Thankfully, she now loves to "write" and use her voice.  Maybe she'll be a journaler one day....

If she is, I'll make sure to purchase one of The Nib and Quill's fine selection of coptic-bound journals, either in regular, small, or miniature size.  Regardless of the size, they are all beautiful and made with love.

What does "coptic bound" mean?

The Coptic Binding technique dates as far back as the 2nd century AD in Egypt. A Coptic bound Journal usually has an exposed spine. It is an intricate way of knotting to create a chain that appears braided. I really love the beautiful and vintage way it looks. One benefit to using this stitch is the fact that it will lay completely flat without hurting or putting stress on the spine. This is a must for me when I journal. Once you have it this way, it is very hard to go back to the old spine!

In your journal descriptions, you say that it is made of signatures.  What does "signature" refer to?

The signature is a grouping of paper that is folded. I like to use 4 sheets of paper that I hand tear. When folded, it will allow 16 pages front and back for that signature. I also cover that signature with a special paper. Once all the signatures are folded and sewn, all the different colors of the signature wraps come together to make a gorgeous look.

Where did you get the idea to do a mini journal?

The mini journal was created to up cycle leather that I had around the house. I hate to throw things out and had tucked the leather away for a rainy day. I decided to first use it to make baby journals as a little happy to give to my Etsy customers. They are about an inch wide. They are very fun to make and the customer can add them to key chains, necklaces, or just to have as a cute conversation piece. My daughter wanted one that would fit in the palm of her hand. I made a few for her to give to the neighborhood children and they were such a big hit that I had to put a few in my shop!

You say that your mom is also an artist. What type of art does she create?

My Mother, Pat Barnes, is an amazing artist. She specializes in an art form known as "School girl art". That is where young schoolgirls in the late 18th and early 19th century were taught art techniques on boxes to give as gifts. It is a beautiful technique of watercolor and pen and inks. She uses the techniques for her original art wooden boxes as well as her paintings. She has been very inspiring to me and has taught me many of things.

In your profile, you reveal that you are known as the "Cupcake Friday" lady because you make cupcakes for the neighborhood kids on Friday. Is there someone from your childhood that is inspiration for this?

Once again, this is where my daughter comes in to play. It started when we first moved to Virginia. I was pregnant with my 3rd child and wanted to create something special for my middle child, Olivia. The first cupcake I made her was sunflowers with ladybugs on it. It just happened to be a Friday. I had found it in a cookbook, so I can’t take credit for the design. It was a special surprise for her. She wanted to share with the neighborhood kids and next thing you know, I am drowning in icing every Friday! The kids love it!

These would make great gifts for a new mom, dad, or grad in your life who is starting a new phase of theirs.  Or get one for yourself, and document the changes going on around you. 

Find The Nib And Quill at any of the following online junctions:

Etsy:  http://www.thenibandquill.etsy.com/

Twitter:  twitter.com/#!/TheNibandQuill

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/pages/The-Nib-and-Quill-By-Kristi-Baker/191422800889844

The Man Cave

Yes, fu-man-chus are sexy, but there is just something about a freshly shaven man.  I know because I happen to have one!  He has to shave everyday for his job, incase he has to put on a gas mask and take some fools down.  (He works at a prison.)  When I kiss my husband goodbye at 5:30 in the morning and tell him to be careful, I'm talking about more than his driving skills, ladies. 

But he wakes up to danger.  His razor of choice is not the Mach 3.  Oh, no, nothing so ordinary for my extraordinary man.  He uses straight razors!  He does keep an old-school (and I mean way old school!) single-blade shaver for the days when he's in a hurry.

I surprised him with The Man Cave's Sedona shave soap and aftershave last month.  (See my photo to the right.)  Maybe next time I should go with Colt .45?  Those are just two of the scents that are offered.  Here is a complete list of scents:

Colt .45, Chick Magnet, Gatsby, Mountain Man, Gentlemen’s Tweed, Black Tea and Leather, Vetyver, Commando, Bay Rum, James Musk, Sedona, Shirt and Tie NOT Required, and Redwood. 

And the scents are available in aftershave, body wash, crème, shave soap, and solid colognes.  She's got this thing figured out.  And, yes, I did say "she".  We all know behind every successful man is a good woman, and it looks like behind this uber-successful men's bath and body shop is also a good woman.  With over 1,200 sales in 15 months, I bet there are a few things we could learn from her.

First, I have to brag on the overall appearance of your shop. All of your products flow smoothly from one to the other, both in form and in fashion. The photography is divine! Just like the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, the way into a purchaser's cart is through the eyes. Awesome job on your presentation and photo sets. Is this something that you had to work on or did you hit the ground running with great sets?

I began my 1st shop on Etsy, Mountain Mama Chic, a few years ago with an organic, all-natural body products concept.  I realized then what an impact your photographs have on site traffic as well as visits translating to sales. My customers can't smell my wonderfully scented products, but I can try to tantalize them with appealing pictures and graphic descriptions.

I need to insert here that her ladies' shop is just as successful, with over 1,800 sales in 3 years!  Take note that she has two different store fronts for two different consumer bases.  This can be very advantageous, because it allows you to target your audience.  I've got an article coming together about this!  Just have to find time to write it....

How do you come up with the names for your manly products?

I am inspired by the different facades of a man's personality; sometimes he is strong (Colt .45), a gentleman (Gentleman's Tweed), outdoorsy (Redwood or Mountain Man), etc. Sometimes I take in a new scent I blend and let it sit with me for weeks or more until I find just the right name. I actually named my unscented line of products Commando from an episode of the TV show Friends!

How many formulas did you have to go through before you found just the right one for your shave soaps?

Oh my goodness, I went through at least 5 or 6 until I was happy with the end product.

Do you print your own labels or order them?

I print my own and I am proud of that. I'm not an expert, but I'm always learning. Not only do I sell online, but I'm continually expanding my wholesale business. I think of my soaps and aftershaves sitting on shelves in small, handmade driven shops across the country. What packaging and labels would make a customer HAVE to have that soap and shaving set for their husband/boyfriend?

Even though your soaps are for mens' faces, how well do they work on ladies' legs? Growing up, I always used my dad's shaving soap. Haha, he would get so ticked when he couldn't find it.

They work wonders - giving ladies soft, moisturized skin sans nicks and cuts! Expanding this concept into Mountain Mama's offerings is definitely on my To-Do list for 2011!

Here are her links one more time.  Do your Mother's Day and Father's Day shopping early!

www.etsy.com/shop/mountainmamachic

www.etsy.com/shop/mancave1

I'm going to be so disappointed when I take my shower tonight, with my little sliver of store bought soap.  However, I happen to know where some awesome shave soap is.  He would probably love for me to shave my legs, even if I did use all of his soap, lol.