Abbiepql

I have never tried Just Scents. But Peak's is ALWAYS a best seller for me in the fall. A little goes along way too, I get awesome throw at 1 oz pp in my soy candles.

I have never purchased any FO from Backwoods in less than a pound. I have never had a FO from Connie that did not throw or sell great! Connie is a sweetie, we will miss her this year at the gathering in PA.

OK - TLC! It's been a while...but my memories are returning. We met in Canton...Some of your ladies are missing from your table? Where is Ginger or was it GinKay? Has anyone heard from her since she got married? Wow... that seems like YEARS ago. What FUN this will be!

Now we know what to watch out for! I posted Kimberly's "activities" on the website planned for the night prior. I might have missed some of the details, but I think I have got the idea.

I agree with David - wholesale accounts and me just don't jive. I am forever trying to educate the store owners and managers, they try to NOT follow the rules, sneak in orders below minimums, etc. They expect me to "bend" the rules since all the other "big guys" like Yankeeme WON'T. I LOVE my private label customers as they have a mindset much different than wholesale - the candles have "their" name on them and they work hard to sell them - they have a vested interest other then "money". As for consignment, I replaced every wholesale customer (except two) I got rid of last year with a consignment shop and I am a very happy camper. I stock them as "I" see fit (no more candles being picked that they managers like but won't sell), they take orders for me when I am out of stock, I make more money than wholesale, they are as close to having my own store without the headaches as I have found. I guess it's all in the way you work the numbers, but I am done with wholesale for the most part...and my biz has picked up since I dropped them all as my BP has returned to normal!

Congrats on the vacation news! Sounds like a plan -if you are in town, you know where to find us! Summers are a bear for scheduling - but the event is filling up nicely. Sorry you going to miss a great time, maybe next year! Meanwhile... Kimberly is working on some fun plans for the night before...can't wait! We will post on the site soon.

I sell my sachets with the scented material sealed in ziplock cello bag. Then I package that small zippered bag inside another larger cello zip bag with the instructions and sachet bag - they place the scented materials in once they are ready to use it. I found the double bagging is the only way to keep the scent from migrating.

As sad as it is - I picked up three fundraisers from out of town organizations, because their regular chandle makers went out of business. I find most organizers will keep with a hometown handmade products if they can, especially now when they know it's harder for everyone.

Thanks for reminding me Kim, I gotta call and ask the hotel to book karoke for that weekend or at least on night - don't want to miss out on that! Yep - the registrations are coming in, more this year from PA which is GREAT, love to meet local talent!

I am up to about 60 weddings a year and occasionally I do soaps or lipbalms (wildly popular). When I do the soaps, I wrap them completely because they will in most cases be at the reception and if they are smellie they will conflict with the food - especially if they put them at their seats, like many do now a days. But having said that I have done the wrappers and I put the ingredients on the inside of wrapper - easy! That will leave room for the bride & groom details which is the most important to them! LOL

Diana with Southern Garden is going to be doing a demo on these at the Mid-Atlantic gathering in PA - can't wait, looks to be something maybe I could do!

Mike has been in this industry for a long time and has always gone above and beyond in way of assistance and top notch customer service. He knows his stuff and is always a wealth of information. Additionally, Columbus foods and Mike have always been very generous in their support of soapers and their gatherings and soap making events.

MORE FUN! MORE FUN! I am working on updating the site so I thought I would post here some details; Speakers/Demos Planned: Basic Lotion/Cream Creation (Kimberly) Solid Emulsifed Scrubs (Diana/Southern Garden Scents) Current Trends in Fragrances (TBA) Beewax Candles/ Rolled & Molded (Cheryl) Syndet Shampoo Bars (Abbie) Adjusting businesses to accommodate this recession and upcoming industry changes for bath and body (Kelly/Southern Soapers) Attending Vendors: Southern Soapers Southern Garden Scents Craftin' Crates And of course this is just the beginning. We have two other vendors checking their schedules and an additonal two speakers/demos in the works - It's gonna be a blast!

Lori, get on the Yahoo group and ask if there is anyone in need of a room mate. I have not heard of any needing them so far, but they don't always say unless it's asked.

OH Nancy...do you not love me anymore? I wrote to you and asked how you have been and no answer :-( I know...I know...I ended up in the spam filter! Thanks for the info Sophia, yeah - I think gatherings get lost in the marketplace at times. How close are you? Last year only 4 from PA, we were so sad - we wanted to meet local talent! We are over half full - we are not in a huge room this year, cuz we wanted to try the Meadow Lands and their ballroom was taken, so we are in a 50 - 60 room - 60 would be lovely, gonna be tight. Everybody, draggin...their feet...thinkin' something better is gonna come along...then there will be no room left! I will let you know Nancy if we have a run on the seats, I know your situation - and of course I would LOVE to see you there. Sign up for the Yahoo Group to keep updated, it's been quiet but as we firm up speakers, vendors and plans it will be a good resource. Mystical Angel - you are already registered girlie :-) And Kimberly - I have written you, lost your number - let me know what I can do for you!

Well pick another day for vacation, and after that big hoopla on July 4th you will need a day of fun to unwind with all of us! That is alot of money to make on pennies, I might actually try that? I heard from another person in PA that said the casino and slots were a blast, so I think that will be a nice diversion while "learning, networking and shopping" right? LOL

We are working on vendors and speakers...once we get some stuff firmed up we will post the schedule, the speakers and the vendors. The sponsors are so sweet, they have been eager to participate again, which is nice! This is going to be a really GREAT time, so register before we run out of seats *shameless plug*.

Candybee, I hear you - it's really hard picking a date that is good in the summer. So many holidays and then there are festivals and family reunions, etc. Unfortunately we can't win them all, we just try to pick a date that hopefully works for the most and does not overlap another gathering or holiday.

Ever heard the song "if it weren't for bad luck, I have no luck at all" that is me and so I am not betting on anything. However, I love to watch the races - very fun. And the atmosphere in a casino/track is fun, so I will be there for sure, even if I don't win moola! YES - Early regisration ends on Saturday - saves you $10 over regular registration, don't miss out!

I just wondered if any of those from PA have been to the track? I am all about the new outlet mall across the street - but hubby likes the slots. Just curious if anyone has the scoop.

Oops...vacation, forgot about those...have not had one in so long. I looked for Chicago in August, but so far have not found any info. Texas, I forgot to post - but I will get a link up there for them as well - thanks!

We posted on our website all the gatherings we had notice of from vendors. In case anyone needs those links they are on the main page. I don't recall any gatherings in Chicago, or in GA for June, but maybe I missed some? LOL

I think this year being at the race track/casino and across from an outlet mall will only add to the experience! I know it will make hubby happy to have something to do without dealing with city traffic. Deb we sure will miss you and your Mom - one of the greatest things last year was meeting everyone! Kimberly bring your fan club, I am working with the hotel on scheduling a karoke night when we are there! Spread the word! I know some peeps don't get to the business section often.

Connie, you are such a sweetie - thank you for your kind words. We will miss you!

We are in the initial stages of planning for the 2nd Annual Mid-Atlantic Lights & Lather Artisan's Gathering in Pittsburgh (Washington, PA) on Saturday - July 18th. We are going to be at the Holiday Inn, Meadow Lands (at the racetrack & casino) this year instead of the airport. Given the economic climate, before we make financial obligations for the space, within the week - we would like to get an idea who is genuinely interesting in attending. We must have 25 guests to make costs, we have about 10-12 committed right now. We have room for 50. We had a GREAT time last year and we would love to do this again. Please let me know if you are interested, you can PM me here and I will email you the link for our Yahoo Group. Thanks for your time ~ Abbie:-)