"E-tailer Spotlight" - Tickled Pink Scentsations

Mia of Tickled Pink Scentsations is a warm, down-to-earth person with a “Tickled Pink” family of customers that love her and her products. She describes her products as homespun, yet girly and sophisticated. She makes most of her own products and loves to build scent blends from scratch. Mia sent Julie & me each a “goodie” bag in with her samples for the box. I will be reviewing them later in the week. If you are lucky enough to get one of Mia’s samples (I should say bag of samples) in our box, you won’t be disappointed! Actually, you’ll be “Tickled Pink”! Be sure to go to Mia’s website athttp://www.tickledpinkscentsations.com/ – check out her products, then come back here and post your review. She is offering a 15% off coupon code for the drawing. I’m sure everyone would like to win 15% off of her products! We will draw for the lucky winner on September 5th.

Tell me a little about yourself and/or your business.

Hi, my name is Mia! I’m a 40 year old mother (41 next month but who’s counting =) of 3 boys, have a wonderful husband of 18 years, and I am the one woman show behind Tickled Pink Scentsations.

How or why did you start your business?

I started my business on ebay, and it really grew from there. I had only planned on selling some scented roll-on’s. I had worked since a teen until this time and although my husband and I logistically planned for me to become a stay at home Mom for the first time; for some reason, I felt the need to keep myself busy and make extra income. Well the busy part came to pass, but the extra income? That is a grey area….J/K. I always say this is an expensive hobby =]! I have the best time with it and get to have customers that are like family to me, so I continue to do this and will press on until the demand is not there.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

Quite a few and many more are always brewing in the back of my head! If it smells good and makes you soft, I am a big advocate! My products are created with my customers in mind; along with what I *myself* am looking for as a consumer. I have really gotten to know the ladies I make products for and I cater to what they want to see me create. The products are seasonal in some aspects. Tarts, Lotions, and Body Fragrance are the biggest and hottest selling items.

Do you carry handmade products? Do you make them yourself?

I make 95% of what you see on the website from scratch. I have dedicated workspace in my home that I refer to as the “mad scientist” lab. Many great things and many disasters have come out of this area!

What’s your favorite product to make or create?

I love to make the Velvet Veil Body Lotion and Perfumes and Mists. My favorite part is mixing scents to come up with something truly unique.

Do you have a storefront, sell strictly on-line or both?

I currently operate out of my home, but I feel a store front is in the future. I am always scoping out office space and imagining my business in that capacity.

Website and email address.

www.tickledpinkscentsations.com
tickledpink@charter.net

Do you have more than one website?

No, just the one and only =]

Do you work at another job?

Yes! Chief Cook & Bottle Washer, Therapist, Maid, you get the idea =}, SuperMom Extraordinaire [anotherwards].

What or who inspires you?

God is the inspiration in every aspect of my life (business and personal). =]

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

Accentuate the positive and remember life is a gift-open it up everyday! Also, laughter is the best medicine…

What advice would you offer to someone starting their own business?

Well, I would say to start with “x” amount of products and “x” amount of scents. And stay within those parameters. If you get too diverse in your offerings it can mean the difference in a strong profit margin. But more than anything to love what you do!

Announcing the Winner of The Mom Lady's Beauty Booty

Ms. LisaLisa was drawn to receive a bottle of moisturizing lotion from The Mom Lady's Beauty Booty. LisaLisa please contact Elaine at themomlady@hotmail.com to pick your fragrance. Thanks LisaLisa for visting Elaine's site and taking the time to comment on her products. Thank you, Elaine for being in our "E-tailer Spotlight".

Elaine is running a special right now at The Mom Lady's Beauty Booty. It's never too early to start shopping for Christmas!

Review of The Mom Lady's Beauty Booty

Elaine Neetz, aka The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty of Alaska is in the “E-tailer Spotlight”. This Alaskan Lady Pirate has some fantastic beauty booty. She knows all about sensitive skin that is exposed to the harsher elements of nature. Elaine has perfected her lotion recipe.

I have tried the Luscious Lavender body lotion. This is a lotion that will absorb into your skin to make it soft and supple. The Luscious Lavender is light pleasing scent. My hands, arms and elbows tend to be a little on the dry side so I have been very pleased with my lotion. If you like lavender scented products, you must try her Lavender Lullaby bath gel. A good sudsy gel that smells heavenly! I tried the Cherry Jubilee lip balm. I like it. It was not too soft, not too hard and just glides across your lips.

I would recommend all of her products. Elaine is easy to order from, ships out fast and has great products. She is currently offering the 2-oz. lotion for $1.00 each. Offer is limited to quantity on hand. Order some extra for your friends, family, stocking stuffers, boss/co-workers, teachers, secret pals, etc. She offers a combined shipping of $9.80 on multiple orders up to 70 lbs. Visit The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty at www.themomlady.com.

Visit our "E-tailer Spotlight" on Elaine. Post about one of her products to be entered into a drawing for a bottle of her fabulous lotion.

"E-tailer Spotlight" - The Mom Lady's Beauty Booty

Elaine Neetz, The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty is going places quickly. She hasn’t been in business long but you will see her all over the internet. Her company is gaining a reputation for its great products. Elaine knows the importance of moisturizing, nourishing skin products to protect your skin from harsh elements. We will be reviewing some of her products later on in the week.

The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty is offering a 30% discount to anyone visiting this blog. Please use promo code DAY30. It’s not too early to do some Christmas shopping. Elaine has gift baskets, or you can make up a gift bag with her wonderful products. Anyone would love to have some of her lotion, lip balm, bath salts or shower gel in their stocking.

Get to know Elaine through the spotlight, visit her site, return to the blog and post something about one of her products. We will draw for a 2 oz. (not a sample size) bottle of lotion – your choice of scent on August 29th. Elaine will ship it directly to you. We will notify you that you have won and send your email address to Elaine. Good luck!

Tell me about yourself and/or your business.My name is Elaine Neetz, and I am a 15-year resident of Fairbanks, Alaska. My husband moved our family here, because of his military career, and we’ve been here since! Our family includes six children (ages 27, 24, 21, 20, 19, and 12), two dogs and two kittens. All of our children have “left the nest” except the youngest, and he is proving to be a great help with the business. His creative ideas have been the inspiration for some of our products. He sure didn’t get his creativity from me!!

As the owner of The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty, I have been fortunate to meet some wonderful local residents, who purchase my products regularly. They tell me of healing properties from my lotions, which are infused with mineral water from hot springs in Alaska. Reports are that the lotion aids in the irritation from eczema, psoriasis, and skin allergies. My products weren’t manufactured for that reason, but I’ve always been one who loves to help others, and I’m glad that can be accomplished through the products I offer.


How and/or why did you start your business?

I am a 15-year resident of Fairbanks, Alaska, and started making lotion several years ago. After the urging of my friends, I decided to go into business and sell my lotion. Then, I realized that I was going to have to expand into more bath and body products for people to even give me a look, so I now manufacture bath salts, shower gel, and lip balm, in addition to my original lotion.

The Mom Lady’s Beauty Booty became a business concept on January 2, 2008, and we’ve been growing since. This is still a part-time venture for me, but it takes time to build a reputation and “get your name out there.” My local customers are many, and they have kept this business going since its inception.


What kind of products do you carry or make?

Currently, I manufacture body lotion, bath salts, lip balm, and shower gel. All products are formulated for sensitive skin and are safe for all ages, including infants. We also offer gift baskets, which are customizable and available for all special occasions. Gift certificates are also an option, if you’re just not sure what to get that special someone on your list!

Lotions are sold in three sizes: 8 oz. jar, 4 oz. bottle, and 2 oz. bottle. There are five scents available; all are lightly scented.
Bath salts are available in an 8 oz. jar or 8 oz. tube (depending on what containers I had on hand at the time I made them) and are available in 13 scents. These are triple scented, for jar/tube storage, but leave a nice, fresh scent on your skin. Great for soaking tired feet, too!
Lip Balm is available in a 1.5 oz. tube and comes in 10 flavors. These are made with shea, mango, and cocoa butters and contain no wax. OUR LIP BALM WAS A WINNER in the “Best of Lip Balm” contest on the Products of the Day website.
Shower Gel is available in a 4 oz. bottle (although customers are screaming for larger containers of this stuff) and come in 11 fragrances.


What’s your favorite products to create/make?

I believe in all of my products, but I’ve been making lotions the longest. Because they seem to help with skin problems, as my customers report, I probably enjoy making the lotions best. I’ve always been one to want to help others, and I can accomplish this every time I make and sell my lotion.


Who or what inspires you?

I am daily inspired by God, who has given me this talent to create products for others. Never did I think I could be a business woman making things for others, because I’m such a people pleaser. Yes, there have been those who’ve criticized what I do, but they are few. Their comments aren’t hurtful, because I know I’ve been given this talent for a reason.


Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “A woman is like a tea bag—you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.” I’ve been in “hot water” many times in my life, and this saying has held true!!


Do you sell from a store front, strictly online, or both

Currently, we are strictly an online e-tailer, although the “locals” want me to open a storefront. With this business being a part-time venture, at this stage, opening a storefront will be a future endeavor—not something I forsee for 2008.


Website and email address

Find us at www.themomlady.com or email us at themomlady@hotmail.com


Do you have a blog?

Yes, our brand new blog is at http://themomlady.wordpress.com


Do you work at another job?

Yes, I am the President of Charter College for the Fairbanks, Alaska campus. This is a new position, as I recently left my high school teaching positions due to my mother’s accidental fall down the stairs. Since her fall resulted in a brain injury, my assistance was needed for her care.


Advice for others starting their own business.

Go with what you know! There are people everywhere searching for the next best thing—you could be it!!

Country Keepsakes "E-tailer Spotlight" Drawing Winner is...........

Junkie Chic. You are the winner of a sample from Country Keepsakes. Please contact us at snowberrycreek@hotmail.com with your shipping info so we can get your prize to you. Thanks for taking the time to visit Becky's site and comment on her products.

My Review of Country Keepsakes

Visit Becky's store at Country Keepsakes , pick out an item you like, and post about it on the "E-tailer Spotlight" featuring Becky. We will draw from the people who have posted on her "Spotlight" below. The winner will receive a sample-sized item that Becky has sent in to Snowberry Creek Sample Boxes.

I ordered potpourri from Becky. It has a wonderful aroma that makes the room smell heavenly. Not to mention, her potpourri is very appealing to the eye. She has all kinds of prim fix'ins in her potpourri. It just depends on your preference - she offers several varieties and scents. It's not scented too strong, nor is it too light so I think it is "just right". Christmas is just around the corner, a bag of her potpourri is an excellent choice for someone on your list.

Now we get to the food items! I ordered three Farmhouse Dips from her, yes three! I really haven't decided which is my favorite. I loved all of them. The minute the family saw the dip mixes, they wanted to try them. They were big hits in my house. I ordered Spicy Cajun, Mexican Fiesta and Garlic Onion. I love Mexican food so maybe the Mexican Fiesta was my favorite. The Spicy Cajun had just the right amount of spice. The Garlic Onion was very good, just the right blend. They were all very tasty, so much better than store bought dip! I had planned to try some of the great recipes that she so generously shares (for free) on her website but I will have to order more dip mixes for that. I think if you have someone on your gift list that likes dips, these would make up a great gift basket.

I plan to try more of Becky's items in the future and I will update you on my findings. She is great to order from - no hassle ordering, reasonable shipping costs and quick to get your order out.

Drawing August 22 for Sample from Country Keepsakes.

Feeling lucky? Go to Becky's store Country Keepsakes, find a product you like - return to the "E-tailer Spotlight blog below - post your comment. You will be entered into the drawing on Friday.

Good luck!!!

"E-tailer Spotlight" Drawing

This spotlight is our way of showcasing our talented e-tailers. The e-tailers spotlighted are contributors to our Snowberry Creek Sample Box.

The e-tailer featured in the "E-tailer Spotlight" is Becky Willis of Country Keepsakes. Come by, get to know her and check out her wonderful array of handmade items. If you go visit her website www.cntrykeepsakes.com, then come back to our blog and post about a product on her website that you like or would like to try, you will be entered into a drawing for a free sample from Country Keepsakes. The sample will be sent to you directly from Snowberry Creek Sample Boxes and will be something that Becky sent in for the sample box. We will pay the shipping. Be sure to leave your correct email address so we can ship your item out promptly.

Good luck to everyone!

"E-tailer Spotlight" - Country Keepsakes

Snowberry Creek is proud to introduce our very first "E-tailer Spotlight". We will be featuring a new E-tailer every two weeks. Please check out their websites and the wonderful products they carry. We are happy to introduce Ms. Becky Willis.

Tell me about yourself and/or your business.

My name is Becky Willis and I own Country Keepsakes Retail/Wholesale. I am the mother of 3 kids (ages 17, 14 & 12 - 2 boys & 1 girl). Happily married going on 13 years.

I have owned Country Keepsakes for almost 1-1/2 years, but worked very closely with my sister for over 2 years prior to that when she had the storefront. I started making soybean candles back in Oct. 2002, which is where I "originally" started.

How and/or why did you start your business?

As I previously mentioned I started out making soybean candles and had my own website "Brambleberry Candle Company". I had a website-but at the time I didn't know how to market or get my name out there. Eventually, I sold what business I had to my sister so she could wholesale her other products along with the candles. For quite a while I kicked myself as I really enjoyed making the candles and was mad at myself for "giving up" on myself so soon. I did, however, work closely with my sister-learning what I could about the other parts of the business. I did create her website originally and market her site as I had learned more about doing that. In January 2007, my sister asked if I would be interested in taking over the business (purchasing it from her) as she was ready to move on. She had already closed the storefront buisness and was mainly doing things from home, more wholesale than retail. I was so excited. We set the date of March 13th for me to take over *2007* and the rest is history.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

We carry soybean candles (3 sizes), melts (3 or 4 different kinds- "buttons", muffins, stars/hearts, and "tops" -like muffin tops and cake tops...), pillars, cake candles, electric lights, potpourri, potpourri fix'ins, soybean lotion, bar soap, farmhouse mixes (like cocoas, cappuccinos, dips, cheesecakes, pancake, waffle, side dishes, muffins & cookies). We were/or look like we are still carrying rag quilts, handmade dolls, and rag balls-but recently my Mom has opened her own site "The Grungy Cupboard" and that is where the purchasing of the dolls will come from. It will still be shipped from Country Keepsakes and orders can be combined.

If you carry handmade products, do you make them yourself?

95% of the items we carry are made here at Country Keepsakes. The only things we don't make are the silicone dipped bulbs, tart warmers, and rusty pans. Together with my Mom, Linda everything here is made to order. I make all of the candles, where my Mom does the mixes, sewing and packaging during busy times. It wouldn't be possible to do it all by myself.

What's your favorite product to make or create?

I would have to say I most enjoy making the candles. It is especially enjoyable when I "create" a new scent or a "new look" when it comes to the Grubby Cake Candles.

What or who inspires you?

I would have to say originally, my sister inspired me as I didn't realize the hidden talents she possessed. After having the business for over 1 year, I am inspired by what I see out there. I have found that you can't compete (well only with yourself). It is never possible to carry everything-and what you do carry, you should make sure it is the best that it can be.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

I have had many-but I have 2 that I refer to often.

"A Champion is a dreamer that refused to give up!" unknown author

"We Create our tomorrows By What we dream Today"

These two hit home with me often.

Do you have a storefront, sell strictly on-line or both?

If all goes well, my Mom and I plan to open "The Grungy Cupboard" as a storefront as well as her website. We are hoping to achieve this by October 15, 2008. Otherwise, right now I am online and have the occasional retail customer and 1 local wholesale customer that stop in at the house to pick up their orders.

Website and email address.

Country Keepsakes (retail)

http://www.cntrykeepsakes.com/ Email: houseonthehill06@aol.com

Do you have more than one website?

Yes- I have Country Keepsakes Wholesale

http://www.cntrykeepsakeswholesale.com/ Email: cntrykeepsakeswholesale@gmail.com

The Homestead Register

http://www.thehomesteadregister.com/ Email: thehomesteadregister@gmail.com

FreeBannerXchange

http://www.freebannerxchange.com/ Email: info@freebannerxchange.com

I also have a Top 100 site http://thehomesteadregister.gotop100.com/

Do you have a blog?

Country Keepsakes Weblog http://countrykeepsakes07.wordpress.com

Do you work at another job?

LOL -sorry...I shouldn't laugh. Actually I am considered my husband's daycare "assistant"- I only assist when it is necessary - whether he has to run errands or pick up kids when they are in school....otherwise no, I don't work another job-not sure where I would fit it in...oh and I am a Mom as I referred to also-which in itself is a job-just not an "outside" of the home type.

What advice would you offer to someone starting their own business?

Research, Research, Research. I feel you have to go into business with a plan. Somehow you have to set yourself apart from others. You don't want to do a business that you are losing more than you are getting. Although, we all know buisness takes a few years to get going-so don't despair. Definitely don't go into a new business adventure thinking you are going to be making money right away-and think long term. Some of the best businesses didn't give up after 6 months - they kept fine tuning and tweaking to get it just right.

Hope you have enjoyed a glimpse into the life and business of one of our Snowberry Creek Sample Box E-tailers. I can attest to the fact that she makes the best potpourri and fix'ins. The dip mixes are very yummy. I have personally tried the Mexican Fiesta, Spicy Cajun and Garlic Onion. Becky offers recipes on her website using the dip mixes. Next time I must order more so I can try one of the recipes. Please stop by and visit her at Country Keepsakes.

What is a Sample Box?

Some people have not heard of sample boxes. They ask the question, “What is a sample box”? I hope to answer some of the questions in this blog.

Our sample box is FULL of samples and full-sized items sent to us by e-tailers who want more recognition of their products and to get them into the hands of more consumers. You may ask, “What is an e-tailer”? An e-tailer is a person who primarily sells their products online either on a website or through auction sites such as Ebay, Etsy, etc.

Many people wonder what kinds of products are in our sample box. The following items may be in the box, depending on what the e-tailers send in. This list is not inclusive. We may have other items that are not on the list. The box may consist of some of the following products: bath gel, handmade soaps, decorative soaps, bath teas, bath melts, sugar scrubs, salt scrubs, massage oil, bath salts, bath fizzes, herbal teas, coffees, suckers, travel candles, votive candles, tea light candles, wax melts or tarts, shea butter, lotion, lip balm, lip liner, eye shadow, perfumes, other cosmetics, air fresheners, jewelry, Christmas ornaments, bookmarks, soy wax chips, potpourri, wax ornaments, container candles, body polish, shea lotion, lotion sticks, bubble bath, smelly jelly air fresheners, and any other items that the e-tailers send in. As you can see, we have a variety of products for your sampling pleasure. We hope you find a new product or a new company that you will love.

I hope that I have cleared up the question of what a sample box is. If you would like more information, please email us at snowberrycreek@hotmail.com.