"E-tailer Spotlight" ~ Candles and Woodcrafts

This week I would like to introduce you to a very special e-tailer. She is my friend and a partner in Snowberry Creek. This is one very talented lady (I might be a little prejudiced – but not really). If you need something made from a piece of wood, then you need her expertise. She is not limited to this avenue, she possesses many talents. She is a soaper, a website builder, banner maker and well-rounded crafter. At one time, Julie made candles, wax embeds and decorative items. While she still makes these, they are not her main focus.

Julie is offering a handcrafted wooden soap dish with a bar of her wonderful cold process soap for the drawing to be held on Tues. Oct. 7. Visit Julie's website www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com and return here - leave your comments on her products on this blog to be entered into the drawing. Good luck!









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

My name is Julie and I own wood workshop where I design and create original wooden soap molds and displays along with decorative items, candle holders and cold process soap. I build websites and design and create banners, business cards, etc.

How or why did you start your business?

I started my business to stay home with my children and earn money at the same time. I started out making Christmas yard decorations 16 years ago. My business has evolved from this and has undergone many changes along the way.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

All my products are handcrafted in my shop. Some of the items offered are: wooden soap molds – several varieties-standard, pegged, hinged, hinged and pegged combo and coming soon a totally collapsible mold. You may choose loaf/log, slab, or multi-cell molds – double, triple or quad in any of the varieties offered.

What’s your favorite product to make or create?

Wooden Soap Molds are my favorite item to design and make because I love making soap.

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

I sell strictly online.

Website and email address.

www.candlesandwoodcrafts.com
candlesandswoodcrafts@alltel.net







Do you have more than one website?

Yes, I have more than one website. I am a partner in Snowberry Creek Sample Boxes. My website offering cold process soaps will be coming soon at www.snowberrycreeksoaps.com.


Do you work at another job?

No, I don’t have time for another job. I stay very busy in my shop and building & maintaining websites for myself and others.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. ~Mark Twain

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

Never give up ‘cause it’s not going to happen overnight.

Overall Beauty Drawing Winner!!

Thanks ladies for your comments on Kim's website, blogs and products. This week's lucky winner is Lisa Connor. Lisa wins her choice of colors of 2 mineral eye shadows.

Lisa, I don't have your email address or any way of contacting you. Please contact me @ snowberrycreek@hotmail.com or Kim @ kim@overallbeauty.com. I will contact Kim and let her know that you are the "lucky lady". Congratulations! Thanks for taking the time to visit Overall Beauty and our blog. We certainly appreciate everyone's support.

Thank you, Kim for being in our Snowberry Creek Sample Box and for being in the "E-tailer Spotlight". It is a pleasure working with you.

Watch for the next "E-tailer Spotlight".

Overall Beauty Review ~ Drawing Monday

If you’ve not visited Kim’s website at www.overallbeauty.com you have definitely missed out! She offers a vast array of wonderful products. I know for a fact that she has great mineral eye shadows. Kim asked me which color I would prefer. I selected golden salmon. I have been tremendously please with my eye shadow. Thank you, Kim for being generous and sending me one!
Working with Kim has been a pleasure. She is open, friendly, and very knowledgeable about her products. If you have any beauty questions you will most likely find the answer on one of Kim’s blogs. Her blogs are all listed in her “E-tailer Spotlight”. This lady finds the time to manage 5 blogs. I have read on all of them and learned many valuable tips and information.
The drawing for Kim’s 2 mineral eye shadows of your choice will be Monday at 11:00 CST. You still have time to comment on her products on her "E-tailer Spotlight" blog to be entered into the drawing. Don’t miss out!

"E-tailer Spotlight" ~ Overall Beauty

This week’s “e-tailer spotlight” features Overall Beauty. Kim’s slogan is “Where Beauty Has a Little Attitude”. This website is a one-stop beauty site. Kim has everything you could possibly be looking for. Kim’s website offers “deals of the day” and has beauty articles for you. Kim is knowledgeable in the beauty business. If you have beauty questions, just ask her. Kim is the author of 5 blogs. You will see them listed in her spotlight.
Take the time to visit Kim at www.overallbeauty.com , come back to our blog and post your comment about Kim, her website or products to be entered into a drawing for YOUR CHOICE of 2 of her mineral eye shadows. The drawing will be Monday, September 29, 2008. Maybe you will be the lucky lady!


E-tailer Spotlight Questionnaire

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

My name is Kim Snyder and I am the proud owner of Overall Beauty. I am also a beauty blogger. I have been in business going on 5 years now.

How or why did you start your business?

Funny way to start a business, I was in a car accident and could no longer do the job I had. I was looking for something to do out of my home. I took a course in web design, passed it and my kid brother (owns a hosting company) thought I should start my own site. Looking for something I am totally passionate about (beauty & makeup products). I started
looking into what it would take to find and promote beauty based products. I
didn’t start out thinking about my own line of products, just wanted to help others get their products out there on the web. I started out carrying only two products, Lash Eyelash Enhancer and Mood Changing Nail Polish. Now we offer almost 300 by about 15+ different companies.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

Most of the products I offer are handcrafted by other small companies other than myself. I offer natural and organic skincare, organic massage candles, Beth Bender Beauty Get In Line Eye Stencils, Makeup DVD’s for Halloween and for brides just to name a few. I have started offering my own mineral makeup line and the number one product out there for eyelashes, Magic Lash Eyelash Enhancer. Which has been my number seller for 4 years running now!

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

I mostly have natural handcrafted skincare products by some really wonderful ladies. And even a few handmade cell phone bags I made myself. I crochet as well.

What’s your favorite product to make or create?

My favorite product is the Overall Beauty Minerals. I have found that there are colors of eye shadows I can’t find so I got to playing with colors and now offer about 20 colors. My other favorite product is Magic Lash. After reading and talking with others about the cost of eyelash extensions, wow I think Magic Lash is the best deal ever!

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

I am right now only online.

Website and email address.
http://Overallbeauty.com

Do you have more than one website?

I have one main site:
Http://Overallbeauty.com and I have 5 sites/blogs going right now as well.
Http://Overallbeauty.com/beauty-blog/
Http://Easyskincaretips.net
Http://Accessbeautysecrets.com
Http://Accessbeautysecrets.com/secrets-of-beauty/
Http://Havecoffee.blogspot.com
And coming soon:
Http://Healthyebooksforyou.com

Do you work at another job?

No. I have issues with authority. lol Been my own boss for too long now to be able to work for someone else. Love working with people just not for them.

What or who inspires you?

Getting a email from a customer surprised that yes I do ship to their country and wow Magic Lash works! I get lots of those. :) People inspire me knowing that what I offer makes them happy.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“Do or do not ~ There is no try”. And “Change your Mind ~ Change your Life” I’m really big on believing in one’s self own personal power and self worth.

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

Be totally passionate about what you want to offer. Be willing to learn what it takes to run a website because these days it doesn’t matter what you offer, you need a site. Be honest in all that you do. Try to treat others as if they are new found friends. If you can’t do something, find someone who can to help you. Never be too proud to ask for help. Be willing to give back as much as you take, either in time or product. Like anything else it’s all a matter of how much you are willing to do that makes a business work.

Lathered Up's Drawing ~ And the winner is......

The Muse! She is one "lucky lady", winning 2 weeks in a row. She always takes the time to read about the e-tailers and check out their products. It is paying off for her! Pansy, “The Muse”, is the lucky winner of Angelene's special product set including an oil, bath salt, sugar scrub and soap bar set.

Thanks Panz for your continued support and for taking the time to get to know these independent business owners. I'm sure you will love all of the wonderful products that Angelene sends to you.

Thank you, Angelene, for allowing us to "spotlight" you and for being in our box. We wish you continued success with your business!

Sample Boxes on Sale!

This month’s Snowberry Creek Sample Box will be on sale Monday, September 22. We have a talented group of e-tailers participating this month. You will receive a box “full” of wonderful “goodies” for your indulgence. Or you may wish to split the “goodies” up and share with others. There are many uses for the products in our sample boxes. Not all items are “sample” size. You will receive many full-sized items. If you have the time, go to the “e-tailer spotlights” below to get a glimpse into the lives of a few of our e-tailers and see pictures of some of their products. It is getting close to Christmas. You could very well find a new place to shop for that “hard to buy for” person on your list!

Lathered Up Review & Special Discount Promo Code

Lathered Up is your one-stop bath shop. She offers body scrubs, bath teas, bath salts, soaps, body oils, and body butters in a variety of scents. Soap-making takes a lot of practice - trial and error. Angelene has perfected her soap-making! I’ve not smelled any that I didn’t like. If you like lavender – you will want to try the lavender fields. This is great smelling lavender! The mint medley is another of my favorites. Her products are made “with love” and the finest ingredients available.

Angelene is offering readers of the “e-tailer spotlight” blog a special promo code to be used on her website www.latheredup.com. You may use the promo code SBC20 to receive 20% off of her wonderful products. This offer is valid through 10/15. Hurry on over and shop for Christmas!

I've Been Tagged!

Yes, I've been tagged by The Muse...the creator of A Diva's Hammer. The lady with the mighty pen...and an inspirational word for all.

I'm to share eight things that you probably don't know about me, then continue this game by tagging eight people to do the same.


1. I live in a rural area.
2. I like to cook.
3. I co-chair an annual fundraiser that benefits Arkansas Children's Hospital.
4. I'm a happy kind of person. I see the glass half-full.
5. I collect antique bottles and vases.
6. Oregon is my birthplace.
7. I am an only child.
8. I love Christmas! The smells, the spirit, the gifts (giving and the surprise of receiving something someone picked out especially for me).

I'm tagging:


Country Keepsakes; Bitten by Books; Margarita Bloom; Overall Beauty; MarLee Travel; La Dolce Vita; Just Right Candles; The Hippy Diva Dolls.

"E-tailer Spotlight" - Lathered Up

Angelene of Lathered Up is featured in our “e-tailer spotlight” this week. Angelene shares with us how she started her business. Holding down a full-time job doesn’t keep Angelene from her love of soap-making. On the banner of Lathered Up’s website you will see the words, “Handcrafted From The Heart. To Nourish The Soul.” I do believe Angelene handcrafts her products from the heart. They will nourish your soul – you will receive items for your pure pampering indulgence. When we receive products from Lathered Up to be included in our sample box – it is like Christmas for us just seeing what she has come up with this time. Angelene sends a variety of her products (most are full-sized items). They all smell fantastic!

Well, ladies it is your lucky day. Angelene is offering a special product set for the drawing. It will be an oil, bath salt, sugar scrub and soap bar set. All you need to do to be entered into this drawing is: visit Lathered Up – return to our blog – comment on Angelene’s website or products. You will be entered in the drawing and one of you will be very, very lucky! Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you when you win.

How or why did you start your business?
In early 2000, while living in California, I began making soap and bath products in my home. What began as a hobby and relaxation technique soon grew into a passion. I spent several years making products for myself and as gifts for family and friends. The positive feedback poured in. I was pleased and began to study more about the processes of soap making, essential and fragrance oils, natural colorants, bath and body products and aromatherapy. My products are 100% tested on my family and friends. The feedback continued to be good and the offers to purchase what I was making kept growing. As a result, Lathered Up was launched as a web-based business in October 2007.


What kind of products do you carry or make?
All of my products are handmade primarily from natural ingredients. Infused with fragrant oils to relax your mind and body, while lifting your spirit. I carry a diverse selection of natural soaps, salts, butters, bath teas, and body scrubs. You can view them all online at www.latheredup.com. I also offer useful information for the aroma-thusiast, bath-ologist, or mood-toligist in each of us. Visit my "Featured Article".

My product selection is continually expanding with new items added on a regular basis. Most recently added are my Luxury Honey Bar, Luxury Oatmeal Bar and Mango Body Butter. So be sure to visit often!

Custom Scenting is available in a variety of scents in our wonderful Body Oils and Body Butters. Scents include Lemongrass, Jasmine, Passion Fruit, Patchouli and many more.


Do you carry handmade products? Do you make them yourself?
With a desire to produce handmade natural and skin healthy products that are infused with love, here at Lathered Up, I am committed to bringing you the finest handcrafted products on the market. I make my products in my production shop at my home in Illinois. They are pure handmade products, perfect for self-indulgence and they make wonderful gifts for friends, family and loved ones.


What’s your favorite product to make or create?
Making cold process soap is my favorite product to create. It’s a bit like cooking a gourmet meal. I really get into tweaking and testing new recipes, noting exactly what I did so I can do it again, experimenting with new ingredients and techniques. But most of all I like to test them!!! The anticipation created by the 3-5 week wait while they cure sometimes drives me crazy. I keep going into my pantry to peak at them. I get so disappointed if the bar doesn’t come out exactly how I planned on the FIRST try. I guess that’s because I spend some much time researching and writing the recipe that I just expect it to all work out perfect. NOT!! Try and try again. But when I get it right. Boy there is no better feeling.

Do you have a storefront, sell strictly on-line or both?
I currently sell my products strictly on-line. But one day I wish to open a storefront, or two, or three. Call me ambitious, call me a dreamer, but I’m happiest when I’m creating something.

Website and email address
www.latheredup.com
latheredup@latheredup.com

Do you have more than one website?
I only have one website related to my bath and body products. However, I also distribute Partylite candles. I’m a total junkie for them!
www.partylite.biz/sites/angelenebonner

Do you work at another job?
I do have a day job. I’m a Sr. HR manager for a high tech company.

What or who inspires you?
I’m most inspired by the tiny miracles of life that go unnoticed most days. Like how the sun rises and sets each day. How flowers bloom and the grass grows. The smell of leaves after a rain shower. How our hearts beat without the need to think about it. How kid’s laughter makes you laugh too. Yes, it’s the little things in life that inspire me to make the most of every day.

What advice would you offer to someone starting their own business?
Follow the passions of your heart. Don’t let others rain on your dreams. And remember success doesn’t come over night. It takes focus, commitment, and a “can do attitude”.

Winner of the "Tuxedo-Enterprises" Drawing

Pansy, “The Muse”, is the lucky winner of Linda’s 4 oz. cucumber green tea wickless travel tin candle. Thanks Panz for reading our blogs and taking the time to visit the e-tailers websites. Thank you for your support and leaving comments for us! Linda has great products and you will enjoy your candle. Thanks Linda for choosing Snowberry Creek Sample Boxes. We enjoyed featuring Tuxedo-Enterprises in our “E-tailer Spotlight”. We wish you continued success with your business!

Tuxedo-Enterprises Review - Drawing Monday, Sept. 15th

I have ordered several of Tuxedo-Enterprises candles and tarts. I'm still trying to decide which is my favorite scent. I ordered a vanilla votive that I love. It makes my office smell soooo good! In the tarts, I ordered huckleberry (which I always love), apple jack & peel, creme brulee & sandalwood. I had a hard time choosing which to use first. I liked all of them. I don't think you can go wrong choosing any of her scents. They all smell great and they are long lasting. If you are in the market for tarts and candles, I can recommend Tuxedo-Enterprises. Linda offers fast, friendly service. Thank you, Linda for being an e-tailer “in our box”.

Remember to comment on Linda's “spotlight” to be entered into the drawing for one of her wickless travel tin candles. The winner of the drawing will be announced Monday, Sept. 15. Good luck! Thanks for taking the time to get to know Linda, visit her website www.tuxedo-enterprises.com and our blog.

Uses For The Products You Receive In Your Sample Box

*Keep them ALL for yourself!

If you are more into sharing your sample box than self-indulgence there are many ways to use them. I will list a few things to do with the samples (and full-sized items).

*Share with your mother or sister.
*Share with a friend or neighbor.
*Make up a gift basket for someone in the hospital.
*Take a basket of luscious items to a new neighbor.
*Small children love soaps.
*Use as stocking stuffers.
*Tuck a few items in with a baby shower gift, the new mother will love you!
*Lingerie shower for a bride, include a few of the soaps, bath items or candles.
*Need a few small gifts for a meeting – put them in small baskets or bags.
*Use for door prizes at an event.
*Prizes for games at showers, parties, etc.
*Take them to the abused women and children’s center.
*Make up gift bags for nursing home residents.
*Donate a few items to the nursing home to use as prizes for games.
*Teacher’s gifts
*Secretary’s Day
*Give a basket or bag to Grandma on Grandparent’s Day.
*Use as a secret pal gift.
*Pamper someone that least expects it.

These are only a few things that can be done with the products you will receive in your sample box. Let your imagination run wild! Share!!! Brighten the life of others with your generosity.

September Sample Boxes

Just a reminder that the samples for September are due here by the 15th. Most of them have already arrived and some are on the way but I thought I would post this in case the date has slipped upon anyone. Have a happy, creative day!

The boxes will go on sale September 22. They will be full of luscious, aromatic samples and full-sized items for your pampering indulgence! Come by our website Snowberry Creek and check out who's in the box this month. We will have it completely updated by the 15th.

"E-tailer Spotlight" - Tuxedo-Enterprises

This week Linda Nelson of Tuxedo-Enterprises is in the “e-tailer spotlight”. You will learn how Linda selected the name for her business. She is one busy lady with many irons in the fire! Linda is a friendly, genuine person. She is great to do business with. Linda offers quick turn around time. We will review some of her products later in the week. I will tell you this, when I pick Linda’s samples up from the PO I can smell the wonderful aroma coming from the box.

We have one of Linda’s 4 oz. cucumber green tea wickless travel tin candles for the drawing. These attractive candles smell great! You could use them at home, in your office, take with you on a trip, a thank you gift for someone, teacher’s gift, secret pal gift, etc.

Get to know Linda through her spotlight, visit her website http://www.tuxedo-enterprises.com/ , return to our blog, and post something about one of her products to be entered into the drawing. Be sure to post your email address so we will be able to contact you. We will notify you if you are selected as the winner and ship your candle to you. Good luck!

E-tailer Spotlight Questionnaire

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

Hi, I am Linda Nelson. I own and operate (with my husband, John) Tuxedo-Enterprises.
We are located in the beautiful Silver Valley of Northern Idaho (Mullan).

How or why did you start your business?

I started out making melt and pour soap and lotion with a base. This was mostly for me and family members. Then I decided to research making candles. I bought a kit…made 3 candles from that kit. I was hooked on candle making after that.

I started buying supplies and doing more research. My soaps and lotions kinda took a backseat to the candles.

Just recently this year, I added the soap and lotion back in.

The name Tuxedo-Enterprises comes from my husbands’ nickname. He has been called Tuxedo since high school.

What kind of products do you carry or make?

I offer hand crafted Soy container candles, and Palm pillars, melts, and votives.
Also Glycerin bar soap and lotion.

Do you carry handmade products?

Yes…I like to call them handcrafted though.

Do you make them yourself?

Yes, I make everything I sell.

My lotion starts with a pre-made base and I add to it. My soaps are all melt and pour base with added ingredients.

What’s your favorite product to make or create?

I think my favorite product to make is a pillar. There are many ways to make a pillar. I am still in the learning phase of most of them. For now, my pillars look plain to me. I do use Palm wax for my pillars. The palm was makes beautiful designs on its own.

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

I sell online for the most part right now. I do have a booth at the Klock Tower Mall in Kellogg, ID. If you’re ever visiting the Silver Valley, stop by.

Website and email address.

http://www.tuxedo-enterprises.com/

linda@tuxedo-enterprises.com

Do you have more than one website?

I also rep for Seabiotics…Omega 3 Shark Liver Oil (fish oil) http://www.beatinflammation.com/ and
GBG … 10 in 1 Liquid Vitamin/Mineral Supplement www.shopgbg.com/lindanelson

Do you work at another job?

I manage a convenience store full time. I only work 4 days a week at the store. If there’s a problem or the clerk on duty needs me, I am on call. Usually problems can be handled over the phone.

What or who inspires you?

First person would be my dad. He taught me to work.
Second would be all the people on the different forums and social networks that I belong to.

Do you have a favorite quote or saying?

“When you know what you want, and want it bad enough, you will find a way to get it.”
Jim Rohn

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

Get an idea of what you want to do. Do the research…how much it’s going to cost to start. Then figure out how much you will need to keep in business. The amount of time doesn’t matter. It could be figured on 3 months or 3 years. Just have a plan of some sort. Then work that plan.

Always keep learning. When we quit learning, we quit living.

If things are not going as you had planned, change them. Only you can do that.

Winner of Tickled Pink Scentsations Drawing

Liz is "tickled pink" to have been selected as the lucky recepient of a $15.00 coupon code to be used on Mia's website. Thank you Liz for taking the time to read our blog, visit our e-tailers and comment on their products. I know you will enjoy your selections! Thanks Mia, for being an e-tailer in our sample boxes and for being in the "spotlight".

Tickled Pink Scentsations Review – Drawing Friday, Sept. 5

Tickled Pink Scentsations owner Mia is friendly, has a great sense of humor, and treats her customers like family. If you visit her forum you will meet her “Tickled Pink” family. This tells me that she offers great products and stands behind them. To have this kind of support and rapport with her “Tickled Pink” family tells me that she offers excellent customer service. I have purchased from her but Mia very generously sent Julie and me our “very own sample bag”. Thank you, Mia!

I received some of the best lip balm that I’ve ever tried. It is not too soft, but glides across your lips. My lips have been a little on the dry side and this vegan balm has certainly moisturized them. I received the “Peace of Mind” lip balm. This is aptly named. If you use it regularly you will have peace of mind from chapped, dry lips. I’m not sure of the ingredients, but perhaps, eucalyptus or mint?

Now on to the Ice Box Lemon tart that I received. If you like lemon scented tarts, you will love this one! It has great scent throw and smells just like lemon tarts. I just happen to love lemon pie and this reminds me of it. Thanks for choosing this particular scent to send me, Mia. I didn’t mention that she enclosed a company ink pen. I really need that as I can never keep up with one for long. So far, I’ve managed to keep this one.

Her products are attractively packaged. She goes the extra mile to make her products have appeal to the customer. My products were packaged in a black polka-dotted bag with black crinkle paper in the bottom and tied with a piece of black tulle. The sample bags she sent in have more than one of her products and they are packaged in a pink-striped cello bag. Try them – you will be “tickled pink”!

Remember to visit Mia’s site www.tickledpinkscentsations.com then return to the blog and post your comments to be entered into a drawing for a chance to win a $15 gift code at the site. The winner will be emailed the code to use for $15 in products/shipping. Please leave your email address so we will be able to contact you. Thanks for visiting Tickled Pink and Snowberry Creek Blog!