How I started my small business (and how you can too!) ✨

Get 100+ soap, bath bomb and skincare recipes on my Patreon here: / jerikazimmerman
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Check out Brittney's soap company! www.stodghillsnaturals.com
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Music through Epidemic Sound (30 day free trial): www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
Products, Companies and Software I love:
- Bath Bomb Machine, mold and curing tray - Bath Bomb Press: www.bathbombpress.com/en
- Bramble Berry: Tumbler - bberry.studio/BBMerch
- Candle-Making Fragrances and Supplies: Morouge Canada - Use the code JERIKA10 at checkout for 10% off your purchase: www.morouge.ca
- Candle-Making Kits for Beginners: Village Craft and Candle - Use the code Jerika5 to get 5% off of your first order!: tinyurl.com/mwhenf2s
- Graphics: Canva Pro (free trial): partner.canva.com/jerika
- How I make my Soap Boxes: Cricut - Use code DNAZHYIIBH18 to get 10% off of your Cricut Machine and bundles! - cricut.pxf.io/jerika
- Laser Engrave Your Soaps, Packaging and MORE! xTool F1 ($80 off through my link): www.xtool.com/products/xtool-...
- Laser engrave wood, soap, paper and MORE using the Xtool S1 ($80 off through my link): www.xtool.com/?ref=1r9Tn2mozr...
- Inventory Management: Inventora - inventora.com/?via=jerika
- My Lashes: amzn.to/3GByep1
- My Favourite Website Platform: Shopify: shopify.pxf.io/jerika
- Premium Fragrance Oils, Soap and Candle Making Supplies: Makesy - makesy.com/?rfsn=7371131.19813f
- Shea Butter Supplier: Baraka Shea Butter - Get $15 off! : barakaimpact.refr.cc/jerikaz
- Soap Supplies and Raw Materials: Nurture Soap: nurturesoap.com?aff=647
- Soap Molds: Winston and Walter: tinyurl.com/ymus2utz
- 24 LB "Jerika" soap mold: tinyurl.com/ymzbss4v
- 7.5 LB "Tall & Skinny" soap mold: tinyurl.com/2tkjcbn7
v e n d i n g -- a n d -- m a r k e t s
Debit/Credit Card Reader (Square): squareup.com/i/QUENCHSOAP
p h o t o g r a p h y -- a n d -- f i l m i n g
What I use for product photos -amzn.to/2JdoNAS
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My old vlog camera: amzn.to/3WI6l46
Phone/Camera Stand - amzn.to/3JwEm0N
Some links above may be affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you click it and/or purchase through that link. You don't pay any extra, but you'd be supporting me and my channel! I appreciate your support SO MUCH and thank you for helping me, my brand and my channel grow! Every little contribution means so much to me and I would never recommend a product that I wouldn't use myself. Thanks for watching and REMEMBER: keep being awesome, keep smiling and keep making beautiful things!

[@anastasialujan6238]

I love your new home and learning about your journey. Thank you for being an inspiration.

[@evelynfilbert541]

You have grown so much & your video’s are so inspirational, just giving you much love 💗 for all the things you share . Your craft room would look beautiful in yellow ✨

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much!! ☺️

[@rhonda4829]

I love her new home with the lake. I love her cozy patio.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you!!

[@my6crazykids]

As a grandparent of a young lady (15) who has her own Soap and Candle business and can definitely agree with you, it's hard at times, and small sales are difficult to get use to. But when a big sale comes along, it makes all that hard work pay off. I love watching her being so happy when these ones come along. The joy in her whole person is a blessing. But she does struggle with the low days and not wanting to make things. She really enjoys watching you, and hearing that is not always smooth sailing. So thank you, from New Zealand.

[@vernareese5733]

We had a chance to visit the North island in December. New Zealand is beautiful. I should have bought some of the honey❤❤❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I wish i started at 15! She’s way ahead of the game ❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

@@vernareese5733New Zealand is on my bucket list!❤

[@Ms97Pinky]

15?! Tell that sweetie pie that SHE is an inspiration!💖

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

The condo ……It was a beautiful “tiny box” in the sky with a million dollar view!……next the Farmhouse was so charming……from the staircase to the over a hundred year old glass …..my favorite room in Calgary for filming was what I called the treehouse room…….airy and mercurial at the same time……the Lake Cottage offers so many opportunities for indoor and outdoor fun from fishing to growing lettuce….Loved the Flashbacks…..what a journey life is…..yes yes yes to some color changes…..

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yes, so many homes in not a lot of time! Happy Cale was so supportive in my crazy ideas ❤😅

[@mrinmaysamaddar5476]

I have been in the IT Services for 30 years now. I ran an IT Services business for over 14 years. I still am in the IT consulting. But, I always wanted to do something outside of IT. I found some soap making videos and kept watching them for over six months. I tried hard to motivate my wife. We are now trying to create good quality soap that would give a spa like feeling in our daily shower. I take shelter in your videos to learn and keep us motivated. Thanks for uploading the video.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for sharing! Making soap is so addictive, isn’t it? It truly elevates the shower experience… not just using lovely soap but soap you’ve made yourself! So satisfying ☺️

[@mrinmaysamaddar5476]

@@JerikaZimmerman Absolutely addictive. But we haven't tried our soap yet. We are in the process of getting them lab tested. We decided to get them tested from reputed lab before letting anyone use them. We want to make sure that the soaps are okay on the skin.

[@MelanieWatson0220]

Absolutely Love your videos!!! For the walls, paint both yellow and then do an alternating stripe of white or green on the bottom half. Kinda like a white or green picket fence going on both walls. 😊💜

[@jenni-bshomestead9461]

I love your videos! I recently quit my corporate job 3 months ago It was no longer resonating with me. I am now on the soap making journey. Your videos are inspiring and give me hope.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yeah… corporate is not for me! I totally understand that decision. Good luck on your soap making journey!

[@leonormarrero162]

Thank you Jerika, you are an ángel from above. Today I was praying for my small business and your words just answered many questions I was comfronting. I appreciate your time you take to talk of your experiences. It means so much to me. Thank you.😊

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindarichey4689]

Loofah is such a nice scrubby sponge! It’s gentle as well as exfoliating! I think you’ll love it 😊

[@beanartisansoap]

Thanks for being transparent and thumbs up on the yellow 👍🏼

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for watching!

[@garciabreu]

Yes!!! Paint it yellowe

[@sylviabutler8113]

Yellow would be perfect. Such a happy color.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Agreed!

[@marycoyle7788]

Hi Jerika. I love your channel. I’m a new soap business person and appreciate that you talk about this struggle.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You’re so welcome! I appreciate you being here ❤

[@LastWordExisting]

Your video editing skills are ON POINT!!!! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. I am soooo inspired to start my own business. I've had a couple "setbacks"... but I'm not gonna let it stop me from trying. Much Love. ~S

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Good luck!! It’s a tough road, but so worth it!

[@casante111]

Hi from the UK!! Well done!! 💜💜💜

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Hi!! Hello from the USA!

[@dannyhuerfano]

Way to go. I appreciate the new format and honesty. This is awesome. I think providers are making all this buzz about “having your business overtime” when in reality , on average it takes about “7 years in the making”. 🎉❤ love it! Very inspiring

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you for the feedback! I’ve been loving the vibes of the videos lately too! ❤

[@teresavega4293]

I just want to say that I have been watching grow and I am very happy for your success. You are definitely my motivation to start my small business as well.❤

[@StodghillsNaturals]

Thank you so much! Your journey has been such an inspiration to me on making soap! We grow luffas and one day I looked up luffa soap and went down the soap making rabbit hole and got fully hooked and then eventually found your videos and did an insane amount of research on my own then dove in...I appreciate your work and dedication so much! Hope you like the Moringa luffa soap and the shower luffa ☺ 🫶🏽

[@happybrushchely7170]

You can cut the tendrils as long as they have nodgels on them. Then ant them back in the same pot they will root and give you a fuller plant.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I am going to try that!!! ❤

[@sandrineconway5098]

You’re so true to yourself. I love your honesty thanks for being transparent.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome! Thanks for being here!

[@revegacosmetics]

I think you need to be a documentary maker on the side! Lovely video. You made me laugh by saying that your hobby room is too dark, as I'm about to do up my entire studio dark grey 😂 It's my brand to be dark though and I think I've figured out the lighting.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

My studio in Calgary was grey! It worked for the time, but I’m definitely in my bright colors era! Excited to see your finished studio ❤

[@joytomasevic9679]

yellow room; absolutely: yellow lifts spirits, inspires creativity and just feels good

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yes yes yes!!! ❤

[@kaykkupid714]

You can see the happiness in your face, this was such a beautiful video. May God continue to bless you. ❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much! ☺️

[@CarynCraggs]

I so enjoy your videos, I have been sooo inspired by you. I am learning, but enjoying the journey for sure.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You can do it! And thank you for watching ❤️

[@BenandKenny]

Thank you Jerika. This is so inspiring because I am about to start my skincare line.

[@calezimmerman2435]

All the best to you!

[@r.durante528]

I love your videos. I learn so much. I am getting ready to move back to the country. As soon as I get settled I am going to start trying to make soap. Fingers crossed. Because of your videos I feel I can do it. Thank you. Also. Just a side note. Yellow is the one color hospitals never use because it’s the least relaxing. Cream On white cream might be nice with accent colors from the things you have in there.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Oh wow, thank you for that tidbit about yellow! That certainly helps to know that! 😅

[@nicolesakowicz2949]

Check out magnolia colors - Joanna chooses colors that are always the right hue and you’re not left wondering which shade of the color to go with.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Great suggestion, thank you!

[@carolp5993]

Your home is beautiful and the area is so serene. Wish you both the best ox I’ve been following you for a while now and you’ve been inspiring me to stay focused and it’s okay to have ups and downs.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you so much!

[@crazywowable]

Yellow & grey is a great colour combo. With the right lighting it will be amazing!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Ooh that’s a combo I haven’t seen suggested yet!

[@couchtomatosoapsllc]

Those are super cute soaps Jerika! I love your story! Makes me feel like I can do it!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

If I can, anyone can! ❤

[@couchtomatosoapsllc]

You make it look so easy though!

[@w0nd3rcub]

Jerika thankyou for being an inspiration to me for my future adventures. You give me hope and excitement for my long exciting journey!! 37 years old and going to start my own bath nerdy product company!! Can’t wait!! Thankyou for showing your journey!!❤❤

[@calezimmerman2435]

You got this! Great age ;)

[@melissaedwards498]

Ooh!.. what about a pale pink and light yellow for your room! Both are bright & cheerful colours 💛💝

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Omg!! Pink!! That’s also a great suggestion ❤

[@chubbybottomacres]

yes yellow!!! and white

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yellow and white - an elegant combo!

[@momoftwins95]

Loved today's video. Needed to hear your comments. I needed inspiration.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Glad it was helpful!

[@donnaflorek2697]

Recently retired I was an Event Director at Morgan Stanley NYC just moved to Delaware. I make soap and bath bombs as a hobby, but my hopeful retirement "job" is sewing and embroidery. My new home has a beautiful bonus room that I painted Tiffany Blue. I absolutely love it. I saw someone commented on Sage Green. That would be nice too! I've been watching you for several years now and see a huge transformation! You have worked extremely hard to get where you are! I love your view of the lake!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you for being here all this time. And sage green is such a pretty color… it’s definitely a contender!

[@kellyquinn1468]

💜💜💜 Another great video, love watching you create! The walls…keep the bottom half of all the walls the navy blue to ground the space and then paint the top half yellow - love blue and yellow. You can also add a chair rail or something where the colors meet to tie the two colors together. Can’t wait to see what you decide. 💜💜💜

[@JerikaZimmerman]

This is an interesting idea!! I’ve got so much to think about ❤

[@maybellgreen]

An all white wall always, makes everything brighter 😅

[@JerikaZimmerman]

White is a classic choice indeed!

[@kimwagner8640]

Hi Jerika. Loved the video. I think the navy wall is pretty and would look great with a pale yellow on the other wall. Not sure if it would give you quite as much light as you’d like but would warm it up some. I’m anxious to see what you end up doing. Cheers!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Some days I love the navy! A pale yellow on the other walls would be nice too!

[@billmusall]

thank you for this video. Your words are so encouraging and motivational. I've recently decided to jump into the soap business and sometimes it's hard not to wonder if I made a mistake. Starting over at 53 (54 next month) is really scary, but I'm determined. I want to succeed and even though I'm jumping into a large pool as a very small fish, I'm excited. It's people like you and how you encourage others that make a difference and help to keep all of us going. Thanks.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

It’s so daunting, but constant effort does pay off down the road ❤

[@sherrellloyst1296]

Love yellow, one of my bedrooms is yellow lol all walls. It is bright and cheery

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you for the feedback! ❤

[@mellisaburger2439]

a very light pastel yellow would look great

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I think so too!

[@KimberlyDeacon]

I love watching your videos, I am not a fan of yellow, but what about a soft sage color? It would match with your other wall colors and would be a very relaxing color. Whatever you decide, I am sure it will be perfect.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Great idea!! Sage is up there on my choices

[@mikablackman]

As someone who is working on getting a hair and skincare line off the ground, starting with soaps, i am grateful for your honesty here. I'm not the most patient, but my determination outweighs my immaturity 😂. I am scared. Honestly, i don't know if i can handle some of the things you mentioned, but i guess I'll cross that bridge when i get there. I wish i had the emotional and mental support from my family and people around me doing what i am doing, but it is what it is. Thank you for putting this video out there, I have some very unrealistic expectations about this journey. This helps put things into perspective. ❤😊

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Determination, grit and persistence are super powers… use them! They’ll get you far❤😊

[@themossgarden9698]

I worked in retail since 1999. For other companies. I gleaned a lot of knowledge from that and incorporated it into our small business. I love researching and learning!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Me too!

[@LESCreations]

thank you so much for all your inspiration!!! I'm not sure about the yellow only because you have a lot of wood accent and the wicker? lamp so I feel the yellow won't allow them to shine as indi ideal statement pieces! maybe do the wall a sage green because the green could look good with the light grap but if it's still too light do the light walls a soft white!

[@LESCreations]

individual *

[@LESCreations]

gray* 😂 sorry typing too fast LOL

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for the tips and suggestions!

[@iamboatsy]

I’m a new sub. I make candles in San Diego California. I’m so happy I found your channel

[@iamboatsy]

Let me know how that light works out. My work space looks like a dungeon too lol

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for subbing! And welcome!!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

@@iamboatsyI love it already !❤

[@AB-xd3de]

Hi there! I would keep the navy wall but lighten all the other walls in the room to a pale sand colour. Then I would put a whole heap of lime washed floating shelves on the navy wall to store your plants and books etc. Covering the navy will take a load of coats if you are going lighter (like a yellow).

[@JerikaZimmerman]

This is really great advice, thank you!

[@Bmoore126]

lol I'm a soap maker named Brittany too. I was like "I sent Jerika a package??"

[@JerikaZimmerman]

😂❤

[@my_foodforthought]

For the walls I would do yellow on the dark and a nice wallpaper on the other, maybe cream and yellow stripes!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Wall paper sounds soooo daunting but I am very tempted!

[@gessicaalarcon8826]

You're amazing Jerika,you're such a harkworking lady.And i've learned a lot in your video.I love also making soap bus.and i'm just starting investing my soap materials.I will start my bus.when i go back go my country.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You’re amazing for being here!!❤ thank you for watching!

[@vintagetwistco]

Just wind the long branches of the plant up the hanging cords. Those plants grow up in nature. 🥰

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for the tip!

[@susanarellano2364]

So glad you are thriving in these United States!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I absolutely love it here! 😊❤

[@susanarellano2364]

@@JerikaZimmerman your home place is absolutely Devine…thank you for sharing 😌

[@shayzie]

You can lift those vines on the plant and start entwining them up around the macramé hanger. It will look fuller. btw, I love the new lamp.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Great idea!! I think I may need to repot it and I’ll consider trying that too!

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Hey from Southern California

[@phxentrepreneur9153]

Another great vid! Thank you for everything that you share about your soap journey. I'm beginning right now to start making soap and im curious, what your first line of products were before you were able to scale to what you've become now? What started it all for you?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

My first line of soaps were a lavender, an apple, a coffee and a champagne-scented soap! Still making that lavender soap and coffee soap to this day 😊

[@heathermoreland6015]

What do you think about a golden squash yellow and cream for the other walls. I think it would allow what light you do get to bounce around and brighten up the space. Thanks for the video I always love to hear how journeys begin. 😊

[@JerikaZimmerman]

That's a great idea! The room needs some cheer! ☺️

[@creativebathsuds]

I think a yellow wall is very uplifting and will definitely brighten the room. I was thinking you should hang a mirror also, it will make room look larger and also the sun will reflect and add more light ❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

These are such good suggestions, thank you!!!

[@marydoherty9188]

i can onlyever wish to have your confidance :( much love from the uk xxx

[@JerikaZimmerman]

It takes practice!

[@marydoherty9188]

@@JerikaZimmerman i will get there one day lol, all that matters to me at the moment is that im having fun :D xxx

[@tammyssudz]

As a soapmaker myself, I can attest to small business is very hard. I've been trying for 3 years to get off the ground. The problem is right now, I have no income because I am disabled and trying to get SSI. so doing farmers markets is out. Hopefully someday I will be able to do some. I do post on social media but will admit I am not consistent enough. Thank you so so much for your videos and inspiration.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

The effort is real! Not an easy task. Good on you for continuing to try… it’s a long road! ❤

[@themossgarden9698]

I found a cool register for cash sales for farmers markets on Amazon, we use square for card sales but the royal 100cx register runs on 4 C batteries, and 3 AA batteries for the memory. Not high tech but, it works!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Oh ya! Thats a nice setup!

[@lindaadams5124]

your place looks amazing so love to have a house on the lake absolutely beautiful

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks so much!

[@teresae4268]

Peaceful voice, motivational and encouraging post, thank you! Would you happen to have a current post talking about an inventory program? I’m in search of one and wondering if you have any suggestions. Thank you for your posts, I’ve been following for a while and love your updates.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I have a link to the one I use in my description ☺️

[@teresae4268]

@@JerikaZimmermanThank you!! 🤗

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Agree that the dark blue is too dark. I love bright

[@AlihassanAlihassanrao]

Beautiful Home

[@49lucky]

Yellow❤❤❤❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yesss! 💛💛💛

[@Ms97Pinky]

Lawd Jesus, did I need this today! Angie D. here. Girlie, I'm glad that I took the time to drop in. I've been at for a few years, business wise, and I'm feeling like it's more of a hobby than a business, because I make a little of nothing doing it. It's a blessing and encouragement to know that this is typical and par for the course. I think I'll stay at it. I do LOVE what I do and WILL be able to support myself this way, one day. Thanks, Jerika. 🙂

[@JerikaZimmerman]

It absolutely is… it’s why so many of us quit. As much as I love the idea of “going all in, full speed ahead”, it’s not sustainable and slow growth always wins in the end ❤

[@joannejensen4369]

Paint it yellow.☀️

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yesss!! Team yellow 💛

[@happybrushchely7170]

I am not a yellow person but a yellow peach would be great.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Ooh yellow peach! Good suggestion 😊

[@sarahwahby5213]

The dangling pothos plant can be cut into long cuttings and placed in water bottles until the roots emerge from them. Plant them in something else and you will have a lot of this plant. I hope Google translation is understandable 😂

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yes yes yessss!! Thank you, been wanting to try this!

[@WhoelsebutStephanie]

Yellow and cream might be nice.😉

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I think so too!

[@cassandra6534]

I started making soap in 2015. I love it but have put off starting my business for so long. I've been thinking about just posting on social media just to show off my hobby. But I don't know.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

That’s a great start!

[@megans789]

I love the blue wall. How about sage?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Green is another color I’m considering!

[@katharinedeniselauzon]

Jerika where did you get your log splitter ?

[@TheRavenBlack1-cw1sr]

❤❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

😊😊

[@sidanish9911]

Hi Jerika, please do a video on on wholesale and Retail. Is is worth it?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Wholesale is a lot harder than a lot of people think. I would say get really good at retail first before trying wholesale because any type of problem you might expect with retail, multiply that by 10. If you can handle that and like a challenge then, yes, I’d say it’s worth it.

[@sidanish9911]

@@JerikaZimmerman Thank you! your response is much appreciated 🤗

[@susanarellano2364]

Sweet beginnings…..

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Oh yeah! ☺️ thanks for watching!

[@linhvo-gf7lj]

Will you ever make soap for clothing? Just asking? I have grandparents who old school, so...😅 looking for solution...

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Not any time soon but that sounds very interesting!

[@linhvo-gf7lj]

@@JerikaZimmerman yes thank you ^^/

[@Truecrimequeen68]

Your property is so peaceful

[@BrendaDavis-1963]

Nice video and congratulations but it’s not. It’s not easy for some of us like myself. I’ve been doing it for years. I’m 61 years old and my business is not even out there so it’s frustrating.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I’m sorry to hear that! It’s not easy for any of us… learning to convert people into customers takes a lot of dedicated time and effort to learn. I’m still figuring it out myself .

[@BrendaDavis-1963]

@@JerikaZimmerman aww ok thank you yeah I love your videos, but I don’t know. I’m giving it a little little bit of a break right now I love the bath bomb machine press

[@Jenroxy2]

😭😭😭

[@JerikaZimmerman]

❤😊