Ask Anne-Marie: Soap, Small Business & More | Bramble Berry

[@bramble-berry]

Thanks for watching! For more Small Business resources, you can visit on our website here: www.brambleberry.com/articles/small-business Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro @Tracy Fischer 00:31 - What are the benefits of the small batch, craft soaps to commercial? Why should our customers choose our soaps over, say, the store bought? @11rubina 02:43 - What's the current state of the soaping world and where do you think it's heading? @Shay Florian 05:05 - Is selling on sites like Etsy still worth it or should business owners spring for their own site and promote on social media? @Ashley 06:44 - Tips on how to get into a farmers market? My state has no regulations on soap requirements but the farmers market are always full and booked. What’s a good way to start selling my soaps so my local farmers market will accept me? @Just Kibby 09:07 - What is some general but helpful advice for new M&P makers? How can we make our soap stand out against CP vendors? @cheeky_goat_soaps 11:18 - What are some organizing tips you wish you would have known when you started to grow? @Kelly Lao 14:27 - What advice do you have for soap makers who are trying to start a business. Do you have any tips to get their business running? 17:49 - Lightning Round Questions by @Tracy Fischer, @Shianne Elliott, @hopey stcyr, @Wella Wally, @Justin H, @catkid14, @Odalys Cuevas, @devyani mehta, and Bramble Berry! 21:59 - Outro 22:28 - Bloopers! If you have any questions, feel free to contact our customer service team at [e-mail] or 877-627-7883 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. You can also live chat with customer service on BrambleBerry.com from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. PST, Monday-Friday. Shop Bramble Berry: bberry.studio/_ShopBrambleBerry Recipes, Tips & Inspiration: bberry.studio/IntheStudio_Projects Facebook: facebook.com/BrambleBerry Instagram: instagram.com/brambleberry/ Twitter: twitter.com/brambleberry TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@brambleberry Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/brambleberry/

[@11rubina]

Thank you for answering my question! My aunt taught me CP soapmaking and I practice it as a hobby. The 11 is my birth date, and Rubina is my middle name. My first name is Natasha. :)

[@marielascaris1119]

Hi I'm new have been paying attention. I've learnt so much and still learning..Thank you 🙏

[@ShayVidz]

You are so awesome, can you like, adopt me lol I’m a 28 year old housewife 😂♥️ I would love for you to mentor me

[@shianne1042]

Hut yy uh 66iuuu ou 8 IP 999 civic b. ,,0ZSR UM N.V BBN N N BY THE H.

[@HsandKs4u]

I contemplated making soap because of "over saturation" in the market...I finally started & realized that making soap allows you to let YOUR creative juices flow! No two soaps will be EXACTLY the same! Advice to all: DO IT! #HappySoaping 🤗

[@noellev9332]

“The rising tide floats all ships.” LOVE THAT

[@CheekyGoatSoapery]

Oh my goodness! I didn’t see this until someone pointed out Anne Marie addressed one of *my* questions. Pardon me while I go find a fainting couch. 😅😭🥺 All fan girling aside, thank you so much! I’ve grown so very very fast, and all of your tips and speaking points hit home and are so valuable. It’s incredible to me that you are being generous enough to spend time answering questions from all of us. Your knowledge is invaluable, and I’m beyond words impressed and grateful. (Then go buy a journal or 10, and tell myself it’s okay to let go and delegate. 😅💁‍♀️)

[@MrsTheClown]

It was a great question, thank you! 👍🏻

[@TheEmanueleCastelli]

I can listen to you all day long! Thank you!

[@clairetrethewey2641]

Hi! I’m a huge fan of your account! I’m starting my own business and your KZbin channel is one of the things that made me get interested in soap making! :)

[@MadNaduk]

I absolutely love all your videos Anne-Marie, and as someone who only recently got into soap making (only for personal and family/friends), they have been an invaluable source of information. I particularly love these more candid videos, where your passion and knowledge leap off the screen. My only regret is that I wish you had Bramble Berry in the UK. I just cant afford the postage/import taxes.

[@LouboutinDoll]

I loved this. Thank you Anne Marie. 😊

[@anti-socialmedia]

I have so much respect for Anne-Marie! This was a refreshingly honest and real Q&A, I see so many videos like this and they dodge the real stuff, like hiring out for your less than strong points. Please, please, please open a Canadian Distrubution Center ;)

[@marybeth2507]

Thank you for all of the great information! Very informative, as always!

[@MsAubrey]

Some of us just have fun with our teenagers with the creativity through color and scent. We've only been doing M&P and I've recently purchased rebatch, which I'm excited to try. I make enough to give as gifts or for the family to use... in the long run, it's less expensive. Good luck to all those that are trying to start up a business!!! Before I made my own, I bought soaps from the small, independent soap-makers. My biggest problem is that I can't have coconut oil in my soaps [severe rashes in any amount of coconut]. That's what started me on making my own actually. It gets tiring looking at labels constantly.

[@gagepet-sitting2664]

Thank you SO much for answering these questions! Your answers are fantastic! Especially the answer to the very first is amazing!

[@sandracaraballo9830]

I knew I loved Anne-Marie the soap maker but GOD do I ADORE Anne-Marie the smart and savvy business women. 👑👑👑👑

[@donnabotsolis1874]

This video was also therapy for me. ..not only am I drawn to os soapmaking for a creative outlet, but I find myself an accidental entrepreneur that has,no idea about the P&L of it..I have recently built a nice following on a selling platform..They now have prohibited hand made bath products..And those 318 base customers are not mine..So I'm back to square one..Thanks for the advice..Respect a d admire you greatly!!

[@niko_OnPoint]

Why does Bramble Berry not have merchandise marketed on every KZbin video? This would greatly expand the brand, increase revenue and increase marketing. I already bought the books (awesome must haves). I’d buy the apron, gloves, coffee mug and decal. You’ve probably already thought about it. Another great content Queen. #BrambleOn

[@zofiaatschool]

You're such a good motivational speaker and these tips are excellent. Thank you!!

[@mattie_cakes]

You fill me with so much inspiration! ❤

[@mjchandlerscorner785]

Thanks for still doing these Q & A videos. I'm a new handmade soap business that just opened my online shop last year, but struggle with getting "noticed". I feel that I have a great product but am buried by lack of social media reach which is frustrating. Generally, how long does it take most soap making businesses to get steady sales?

[@hiyogot777]

I love you!! I've learnt a lot from you 🥺 I started soap making a month a ago after watching your videos for years ✨

[@tiaracottrell792]

I so love this episode well every one but the nuggets and gems that were dropped in this episode! 😍

[@TheSuperKeem]

OmG thank you so much! This was very helpful. I’m in the formulation stage. I hope to be featured one day.

[@sabnijaseem1718]

I have just started making handmade soap three months ago..

[@yoliyoli23]

I just started as well.. We should keep in touch

[@sabnijaseem1718]

@@yoliyoli23 sure

[@poonamgavhane665you6]

Please tell me about process I want to do

[@HsandKs4u]

I started a few months ago as well! #HappySoaping 😊

[@venusianangel]

Ah so much love and gratitude for sharing these really useful tips and making the business experience not so scary to step into :)

[@dolceesoap2966]

You inspire me❤️ making my first cold process soap today! Can’t wait to use my bramble berry products!🙃🙂

[@micaqueenplanetxmicas441]

I love you Anne-Marie, I do support your business AND I love all your products especially your wonderful silicone molds! Thank you for sharing your knowledge #brambleon

[@lubomirakonecna2426]

Thank you, you were my inspiration to start making CP soap.

[@nancykelly9712]

This was REALLY informative thank you so much Anne Marie and BB crew!! ;)

[@angiemeyer953]

I love chocolate chip mint ice cream too!!!!

[@claudiafonseca5810]

Thank you so much for sharing information. Love your products.

[@denisesayles6856]

Such great information. Thank you

[@EricaStrand]

The question of why doesn't soap prepared from a recipe lather well, wouldn't water hardness be a factor there? Perhaps the recipe is a good one but they just have exceptionally hard water in their area. Thanks for this Q&A! Just tuned in and I'm excited to get learning and making!

[@thekissofthegoddess]

I cant live without Dawn dish liquid! Every other bath,body and cleaning product in my home are handmade and "natural", except the Dawn. Nothing on this planet is as good as Dawn 🙂

[@soapcultaustralia]

I always LOVE these segments 🤗

[@firdowskruger9896]

Hi Anne Marie. Thank you for this. Did you ask us to sent in questions? I missed that and I follow BB on YT and IG. Anyways, great information. Thank you very much. Love and greetings from Pretoria, South Africa 😘

[@agray7474]

AWESOME info. Thank you sooo much!

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

You had me at Chocolate Chip Mint. :)

[@thoma2939]

Love your experience & advice!

[@sunupontheflowers]

I’m loving this !

[@karenp5630]

Great as always

[@jrbland18]

I love that flavor ice cream

[@lennyasmrart]

lol txs alot great info ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,ccm is my fave flava too

[@sabnijaseem1718]

I am from India I am watching

[@11rubina]

Me too

[@joniperiu8308]

Hi Anne-Marie. great video, Will you be writing a book on Melt & Pour?

[@bramble-berry]

There is not a plan for a melt and pour book right now but that would be a very fun idea!

[@ibrahimkani3804]

Can Anyone please suggest a good name for starting soap selling business ?

[@sabnijaseem1718]

I learnt everything from you

[@lynnettefaje3037]

Hi Anne Marie, thank you so much for this video.... question where would one go to make my own website?

[@devikapillay2746]

I am also a huge fan of yours

[@charlenec.4457]

Hello Bramble Berry I’m having issue with bath fizzes releasing a clean design with a hand held press mold. Any recommendations.

[@Loolul]

@Anne-Marie why don't Bramble Berry have Global shipping! :'( i was soo hyped to start making soap and got devastated when i could not make it deliver to Iceland

[@ivonvalle2683]

Hi loved the video, can I make these for my 4 years old grandkid. Since it contains Slsa. Ty so much

[@bramble-berry]

Yes, you can make products for a 4 year old that use SLSA.

[@jrbland18]

I agree

[@shadowharlequin77]

Good info

[@SerendipitousProducts]

Anne-Marie when will you have the wire cutter back in stock?

[@Nicole7325]

On your site I can no longer find your scent collection boxes. Are you no longer selling them? I like getting the new samples like that in a collection

[@cnuneztrucking]

Do you have a video on how to make a ALL natural organic soap recipe?

[@asiaspyro]

theres probably a video but im pretty sure she made a book on natural soapmaking including what different natural colorants look like in soap

[@bramble-berry]

We have a whole playlist of videos that utilize natural products! Some are 100% natural while others use natural additives in their recipes: kzbin.info/aero/PLr_YF9AaZRqi3FMvf9M8T6F_7NIb2Rwux As mentioned above, we also sell Anne-Marie's book, Pure Soapmaking, which has 32 natural cold process recipes inside: www.brambleberry.com/shop-by-product/books/in-print/pure-soapmaking%3A-how-to-create-nourishing%2C-natural-skin-care-soaps/V000026.html

[@claudianunez6021]

@@bramble-berry I just bought your book today!! Thank you!

[@devikapillay2746]

How much do you pay as cartage when delivering online soap

[@bramble-berry]

Hi! A shipping estimate is available - you will need to start the checkout process and enter your full shipping address to see your shipping options and pricing.​​​​​​​

[@shereenfatima5759]

When I unmold it is not clean it is super soft what to do

[@akhter-u8g]

what is cold & Hot process ?

[@bramble-berry]

Cold process is making soap from Lye and Oils. Hot Process is also making soap from Lye and Oils but you cook it to remove the excess water before you mold the recipe.

[@deedee9312]

do you need insurance to sell soap legally? even if Iam selling at the flea market?

[@bramble-berry]

That depends on the market you are wanting to sell at. Many of them have their own rules and requirements in order to have a booth at the location.

[@deedee9312]

@@bramble-berry if I am selling to the public or friends, who to buy in bulk, in general, do I need liability insurance?

[@SuryaSurya-go5vs]

1:1.5 lye solution caulcation good or bad

[@drrashmisuvarna4281]

What's the ph of cold process soap? What can be done to get the ph between 5 and 6? Can you please answer this?

[@mjchandlerscorner785]

Most handmade soap is between 8-9 pH. There is not a way to make it below a pH of neutral 7 which is the pH of water if you are making handmade soap. I don't think anyone has even been able to get it below an 8. Even melt and pour soap does not reach that level of pH.

[@drrashmisuvarna4281]

@@mjchandlerscorner785 thank you. But with the ph of 8 my skin starts itching. Thank you once again for the reply

[@mjchandlerscorner785]

@@drrashmisuvarna4281 What soap are you using currently that is not making your skin itch?

[@drrashmisuvarna4281]

@@mjchandlerscorner785 I am using melt and pour soaps, they are very much skin friendly.. It was my first attempt to make cold process soap, after doing so much R&D but I feel it's a failure

[@craftysquarantinesoap8471]

I want to know if your bone broth friend is making broth for pets! I'm in Arizona, and bone broth is a great way for pets to stay hydrated!

[@craftysquarantinesoap8471]

Also, I'm watching this every day until one million when all the advice becomes organic and permanent in my brain! Thank you!

[@sabnijaseem1718]

I love you so much

[@sabnijaseem1718]

Dear Ann Marie

[@peachy4713]

Is it getting too saturated?? The soap business ?

[@sueshriver4589]

Question: Isn't lye hard on your skin?

[@jillianj310]

There is no lye in the finished soap. It goes through saponification and binds with the oil to make the compound of soap. Zero lye left, if there is (incorrectly calculated) it would be called lye heavy and unsafe to use.

[@sabnijaseem1718]

Hi

[@sabnijaseem1718]

Because of the unavailability of good fragrance oils, i am not able to make as pretty as your soaps .

[@ramkrishan9432]

Next vido facial bomb

[@Snobbeautyplace]

SO far Etsy broth to me NOTHING but charges for the 3 sales l have that l hustle for and directed people to the website . No free shipping offer or adds running? = No traffic…..You are buried deep in Etsy search engine so nobody finds small guy like me. It took my 1 month to figure out the game that is on and the name of it is RIP-OFF !!!!! when l saw how much money they kindly gave me after all the charges. I was out of pocket lol. Bottom line is ; having your own website or selling it in person is by far better option. Personal opinion but I think Shopify in time will become just like Etsy…..money hungry monster so I am not going there either. hello markets here I come😂🎉❤