STUDIO VLOG // Making Soap, Unpacking New Fragrances, and Testing Out My New Replica Surface Studio

Hi friends! I'm so excited to spend the day with you. I have a ton of soap to make and I got some really fun packages in the mail to unbox. First up is my new Replica Surface studio which is kind of amazing and then I've got some new fragrance oils to test out. Later in the day we chat about markets and you will be getting my very honest opinion on them. I hope you enjoy spending the day with me today!
Here is where you can shop the new Replica Surface Studio: replicasurfaces.com/caitlinblue
Songs:
"Not Blue" by Kylie Dailey
"To Let You In" by Volcan Peaks ft. Cody Francis
Some of the below links may be affiliate links that I collect a small commission on if purchased.
Links:
Pouring Funnel- amzn.to/3HE4SUp
Metal Wick bars (I've found these to be the best when double wicking!)- amzn.to/3sDwrJ3
Grey scale for making products (I have 2 of these and they are my absolute favorite)- amzn.to/3IEfGTG
Pink Shipping Scale- amzn.to/3tlSMdo
Shipping Label Printer- amzn.to/3tsxKde
Shipping Labels- amzn.to/3Kdk0tz
Filming Equipment:
Camera: amzn.to/3iNz0TP
Lights: amzn.to/3oW1Chc
Tripod: amzn.to/3DqmNMy
SD Card: amzn.to/3v2p6lV
Here are some of my other favorite apps and platforms for my small business:
Replica Surfaces ( photo backdrops)- get 15% off when you sign up for text messages through my link!- replicasurfaces.com/caitlinblue
Flodesk (email marketing platform)- get 50% off using my code here! flodesk.com/c/CAITLINBLUE
Inventora (my inventory system)- inventora.co/?via=caitlin
Canva (designing my labels, social media, etc.)- You can get a 30 day free trial via the link here: partner.canva.com/c/3197800/6...
Epidemic Sound (where I get my music for KZbin)- www.epidemicsound.com/referra...
If you'd like to purchase any of my products you can browse my handmade goods at www.fiorellasoapery.com.
Where you can connect with me:
Fiorella Soapery
Instagram- / fiorellasoa. .
Facebook- / fiorellasoap. .
Online Store- fiorellasoapery.com

[@maryvee4896]

I love the calmness of your videos !! Love it Love it .. I follow you on TikTok and you are the only positive creator so far,. everyone else is focusing on the negative comment from their customers and its getting annoying

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you so much! I agree with the amount of negativity there which is so sad. It used to be so light and fun. I will keep doing my thing and I appreciate your kind words!

[@sjastram]

Social media and photography ..my two biggest challenges. Great video The flower is pronounced like psy cla men. I love new fragrances

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you! Ohhhh okay got it. I was so shocked to see a flower name I've never heard of before. Either way it was lovely!

[@myrkobabyaa]

I LOOOOVE these vlogs! It makes me happy when you upload one 🥰. I found on tiktok showing the process of soap making videos does so well and business tips also do well. Hopefully that helps 🙏

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you SO SO much! Love those tips too so I'll work on doing some process videos and tips for next week. Thanks!

[@augustatkinsonillustration5341]

Nice making new soap

[@Leahsluxuryaromas]

I would love to see you doing a full soap making video in detail! 💛

[@caitlinblue]

Oh thanks for the idea! Maybe I can extend a portion of an upcoming vlog or something!

[@Leahsluxuryaromas]

@@caitlinblue that would be fantastic! 🙏🏼💛

[@zaytunTV]

You don't make soap as a hobby like me, but you are an expert in making and selling soap. I learn a lot from you. Thank you

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you! So glad you're learning some things!

[@essentiallynaturals2220]

I love your content! Thank you so much for being so transparent. Keep up the good work & again thank you!

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you so much! That means a lot! 💕

[@MadeByChinkee]

Congratulations Caitlin for the 3k subscribers! 🎉🎉🎉 I really enjoy watching market/pop-up videos. But, yeah, I agree with you. From the prep to the actual market and back, it's really time consuming, exhausting (to think that I'm just a viewer. LoL). I think it's fine for those who likes meeting a lot of people and enjoy such, even if the sales are inconsistent, because of all the effort. I really feel sad if they don't even break even. There are even some markets that would entail driving for hours to and fro! The dedication, it's just amazing. But, yeah, market is not for everyone. Since you're doing really well online, it's much better to focus your energy where you are most productive. More sales and subs to come! 👏👏👏

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much for your sweet comment! I'll try to come up with a creative and informative video on markets but on the flip side I'll also try to share how I drive sales to my online store. I'm sure many of us would love to stop lugging our stuff and sitting under a tent every week!

[@sofiabintmuhammad8763]

Love the vlogs. Would love to see the process of making the soap in detail. Doesn't have to be one of your recipes. ❤

[@madisoncromwell5426]

Hey caitlin! Love your vlogs, I personally like the week ones better but both are great!

[@caitlinblue]

Hi! Thank you so much for the feedback! I will totally keep including the weekly vlogs as they break up the type of videos a bit. 💕

[@MarciesWhimsySoaps]

Thanks!❤

[@jaceeritchie]

Great Vlog! So glad I found someone who thinks the same way I do about markets. They’re just not worth it for me either.

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you SO much! Glad to know others have the same view!

[@bramblemarket7578]

Just wanted to say thanks for all your great advice. I look forward to each new video as it helps inspire me to grow my business!! Most of my income comes from Farmers Markets as this is where my customer base is, I sell Sustainable Beeswax food wraps, so these are my people. I agree it is so much work and long hours. It requires me to be physically present for each sale. I find it overwhelming to try to expand my business to online sales but know this is the only way to grow my business. I just launched my shopify website but have no traction. Any advice to start to get sales online?

[@renitadukes6146]

I am experiencing the same problem. I launched Shopify a couple of months ago and I am on Instagram and Facebook with no serious buyers. I am not sure the best way to market online??

[@caitlinblue]

I totally get it that in person sales are where your business is and I'd say keep that up! The more people spread the word the bigger you'll get. It can be so hard to drive traffic to your website and it's honestly social media. But I'll put my thinking cap on and see if I can't expand a bit on driving online traffic.

[@caitlinblue]

Are you doing and Reels or videos? That's the only way new customers are going to find you these days!

[@renitadukes6146]

@@caitlinblue thank you so much Caitlin!! I love your videos!! You’re an inspiration to me ♥️

[@renitadukes6146]

@@caitlinblue i am doing reels and videos, but I think I need to focus on where my reels are going. Maybe my hashtags are not what they should be. When you did that blog about doing reels, I immediately went out and recorded a reel. I am going to try to be more consistent and focus on reels and videos and streamlining my hashtags. Thank you so much for your response!!

[@adelefoster5153]

Yay! Another vlog! 🥳 (Also, not that you asked, but pamplemousse is French for grapefruit! That was one of the first French words I ever learned. Haha!)

[@caitlinblue]

OMG you're right! I should have known that since I lived in Paris for 6 months. LOL!

[@adelefoster5153]

I didn’t know you lived in Paris! That’s amazing! I’ve only visited, but living there for a bit would be so fun!

[@caitlinblue]

@@adelefoster5153 I studied abroad on college…but that was back in 2008 🤣 so it’s been a while!

[@CavelleWilson]

Pamplemousse is French for Grapefruit

[@caitlinblue]

Yes thank you! Someone else told me that earlier. Such a fun word!

[@TracyD2020]

Where did you get your soap trays?

[@MereofallTrades]

What do you look for in a market? How do you pick which ones to do?

[@caitlinblue]

This is a great topic! I will add it to my list! 💕

[@letlhogonoloramatu]

It is actually encouraged to keep some secrets in business as that is what makes you unique to your customers. My question about market is: what is the reasonable price to pay to participate in a one day market as the prices come in a wide spectrum?

[@caitlinblue]

I agree and thank you! Hmm so the price can be tricky because some of the really expensive shows ($300+ for a 2 or 3 day event) can drive a ton of traffic and the return could be great. And the local shows I've done at a high school or something that cost $25 really don't bring me many sales. I'll work on a full length video soon!

[@phumelelemaduna4342]

Hi, what is the name of the fragrance company you were testing fragrance samples for if you don't mind sharing.Thanks!

[@JeliciaMoss]

What’s the difference between markets & pop up shops? Or is there a difference?

[@caitlinblue]

For me a pop-up is usually done at another retailer like a boutique or flower shop and it's just you. A market is more of an organized event that has tons of vendors. Hope that helps!

[@hilaryquinn8673]

What’s your studio space dimensions? Great blog as always!

[@caitlinblue]

Oh gosh I should know the exact dimensions but I don't off the top of my head. The square footage is just under 450 sq ft. though. Hope that helps!

[@hilaryquinn8673]

@@caitlinblue Sounds good. You’ve made a great use of that space! Thanks!

[@denisemacdonald1257]

Beyond curious - what is in all those little white buckets you keep receiving?

[@caitlinblue]

It’s all my oils like palm and coconut and my whipped soap ingredients!

[@treats_soapworks]

Hey Catlin, FYI your discount code is not working on Replica, I tried to type it as well, means you're not getting your commission. Hope this helps!

[@caitlinblue]

Oh gosh that’s not good, thanks for telling me! I will look into it ❤️

[@treats_soapworks]

@@caitlinblue Sure, I know this is one way you monetize, thanks for your videos, they are so helpful!!

[@mariak8480]

You could use a green screen and add different backgrounds in the matter of a click

[@caitlinblue]

so true! I just really love how these make my products look!

[@os2841]

I want to keep watching your videos but PLEASE for the love of god, your music is too loud. It's cheesy and annoying, so please turn it down.

[@caitlinblue]

I'm sorry you think the music is "cheesy" but I personally love it as do a lot of other followers so it won't be changing. sorry.

[@sweetlipscafe]

I absolutely love the music - have you tried using the volume adjuster on your computer to turn it down...

[@jaceeritchie]

I personally love the music and find nothing cheesy about it. Keep up the great work!

[@Itstiffanyyvette]

I love your videos and the MUSIC. Keep doing you. ♥️

[@yokastamasis7661]

There is nothing cheesy about the music Caitlin, love your good positive energy and all the love you put into your business so we can watch you succeed. Best wishes on your beautiful journey!