The Interview - Sweet Creek Herbs

1. What products do you make that are your main focus? What are the main ingredients you use in those products?

Soaps. If I made nothing else, I would make soaps. I love everything about it. My main ingredients are coconut oil, palm and palm kernel oil, extra virgin olive oil, avocado and apricot kernel oils, castor oil, lye, herbs and milks, distilled water, essential oils

2. How did you get started? When?

I wanted to learn and make melt and pours when I got a new Marie Browning book from a craft book club. I thought I could make money staying home and being a mom. I kept reading about rebatching lye soap – and how good that soap is. One step lead to another, and I’m making soaps every week now.

3. Why do you do what you do?

It has awaken a passion for chemistry in me. Nothing incites me more than wondering how something new might do in a soap.

4. Where else do you vend your products?

I vend my products in other online stores, at the farmer’s market in three towns, 3 wholesale accounts, and craft shows and festivals.

5. Where do you live (area not specifics)?

Northeast Tennessee 25 minutes from any town in a valley down a hollow. I have privacy and beauty almost year round. I own three acres, and I grow one acre herbs.

6. How long have you been selling on Etsy – advice for any?

I’ve been selling on Etsy since September 30, 2008 (7 ½ months at the time of this writing). Yes, my advice would be to go out and spread the word where you can be found. Online and offline, we need to promote our businesses any way we can. A second piece of advice is to always be nice and bend over backwards sometimes for the customer.

7. What is your favorite scent?

Jasmine grandiflorum, without a doubt

8. What oil do you enjoy most?

Extra virgin coconut oil

9. What do you do for fun?

I love to read, crochet apparel, play games, and walk in the woods. I happen to love shopping, too.