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Canada is a big country, so it’s hard to generalize about anything when you have a little bit of everything in such a large space, but there are a few things we know are true about English speaking Canadians. We apologize far too much – I said “sorry” to a YouTube video yesterday when I paused it by accident – and every English speaker knows a few words in French, as every product you buy from cereal to detergent has both official languages on the package. We all worry we’re having a stroke when we smell burning toast thanks to a “Heritage Moment” ad we’ve all seen a thousand times, and yeah, we say, “eh” quite a bit and, for some reason, we do it more often when we’re visiting the States. We spell “colour” with a u and words like “travelling” or “counselling” with two l’s. I have a driver’s licence, go swimming at the rec centre, see movies at the theatre, and I have a chequing account. We use metric for gas, groceries, and formulating, but measure our height and weight in Imperial because it’s hard to picture what 50 kg looks like. And each and everyone of us is annoyed by the popularity of poorly made poutine. (Did I go on too long? Sorry, I hope you didn’t take offence!)

This video showcases the 6 oz Red Tottle Bottle & Black Cap Set (Surplus).

You can bring the essence of the common herb garden to your customers with essential oils. Essential oils are popular because of their aromatic properties that are thought to ease aches and pains, skin problems and much more. Their popularity has increased because of the emergence of a more environmentally conscience generation that appreciates products that do not contain phthalates or parabens. This eco-friendly group acknowledges the benefits and uses of essential oils in handmade products, which makes them a great audience for your herb garden inspired product line. Use essential oils as a muse for your new products and market to an eco-chic generation. 

Not every day as an entrepreneur will be profitable--or even satisfying. If you’re having one of those days, you may question why you started a business in the first place. Long hours, difficult employees, unreliable suppliers, poor cash flow and demanding customers will drive any human being to question their vocational choice.

Learn the benefits of using apple cider vinegar in everyday products. 

Exfoliation is a key component of skincare routines, helping remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. However, the environmental impact of conventional exfoliants, particularly those containing plastic microbeads, has become a significant concern. These non-biodegradable particles contribute to ocean pollution, threatening marine life and ecosystems. As awareness grows, the shift toward eco-friendly exfoliants is not just a trend but a necessary step towards sustainable living. Eco-Friendly Body Exfoliator: For body exfoliation, options like sugar or salt scrubs are effective and environmentally safe. These natural abrasives dissolve in water, eliminating the risk of polluting water bodies.Eco-Friendly Face Exfoliator: For the delicate skin on the face, finely ground natural materials like oatmeal or coffee grounds can serve as gentle yet effective exfoliants. These alternatives are not only eco-friendly but also nourishing to the skin.Eco-Friendly Exfoliating Soap: Soaps infused with natural exfoliating agents, such as ground almond shells or pumice, offer a two-in-one solution that cleanses and exfoliates without harming the environment.Best Eco-Friendly Exfoliants: Jojoba beads, as mentioned earlier, along with bamboo powder and rice bran are among the best eco-friendly exfoliants. They are biodegradable, gentle on the skin, and safe for marine life. Beyond the choice of exfoliating materials, the tools we use can also have a significant environmental impact. Opting for exfoliation tools made from sustainable resources, such as loofahs, bamboo brushes, or mitts made from natural fibers, can further reduce our ecological footprint. These tools not only complement the use of eco-friendly exfoliants but are also durable and biodegradable, offering an excellent alternative to synthetic sponges and brushes that contribute to landfill waste.By choosing eco-friendly exfoliants and tools, individuals can play a part in reducing environmental pollution while still achieving smooth, healthy skin. It's an easy step to take for those looking to make their beauty routines more sustainable. Can eco-friendly exfoliants be as effective as traditional ones?Absolutely. Eco-friendly exfoliants like jojoba beads, sugar, and salt are effective at removing dead skin cells without the environmental impact of plastic microbeads. They are often gentler on the skin, reducing the risk of microabrasions.What makes an exfoliant 'eco-friendly'?An exfoliant is considered eco-friendly if it is biodegradable, made from natural materials, and does not contribute to pollution in water bodies. These products are designed to break down naturally without harming marine life or the environment.How can I incorporate eco-friendly exfoliants into my skincare routine?Start by identifying eco-friendly products that match your skin type and needs. Replace traditional scrubs with alternatives that use natural, biodegradable exfoliating agents. Look for products with certifications or labels that indicate they are environmentally friendly.Are there any DIY eco-friendly exfoliant recipes?Yes, there are many DIY recipes using ingredients like sugar, coffee grounds, or oatmeal mixed with natural oils for moisture. These homemade scrubs can be customized to your skin's needs and are a cost-effective, eco-friendly option.

Learn the technical terminology on Barrier Cream labels.

The fall and winter season bring a host of holiday opportunities for handmade business owners, including Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, and the New Year. Use these guidelines to plan your inventory needs, holiday marketing calendar, and pricing strategies to ensure you’re prepared to reach new prospects, deepen relationships with existing customers, and finish the year strong. 

In this video, Debbie May teaches us how to make sniffy labels for soap and cosmetics. Often times cosmetic and soap makers wrap their products airtight in shrink wrap or plastic wrap to create a professionally packaged commodity. Unfortunately, the airtight plastic also locks in the product's scent. This makes it challenging for consumers to evaluate the product's scent. One solution to this problem is to create sniffy labels! Watch this video to learn how to make sniffy labels.This video was originally recorded on Facebook Live on 2/16/2018. The sale Debbie May mentions is over.

Drink inspired soaps are a popular trend in the melt and pour soap industry. These soaps typically have multiple layers or embeds that create a multidimensional look that looks good enough to drink! Some of our favorite drink-inspired soaps for summer have “ice cube” embeds to make them look cool and refreshing. Getting the perfect iced look can be difficult, so we decided to perfect the technique. Here are some of our best tips!

For entrepreneurs in the gift industry, the winter months can become hectic and stressful. The meaning of the holidays is often lost in the midst of long hours managing order fulfillment and last minute details. As we approach Thanksgiving, we’re reminded of how important it is to count our blessings. Of course you’re grateful for the business, yet it’s easy to lose touch with gratitude and so many other important aspects of living a conscious life.

Polishing wood furniture is one of those chores that seems to always come last on the tidying up list. Typically, most people reach for a spray polish to get a little bit of a shine on their furniture and deter dust. While polishes like that work well, they frequently don’t actually condition the wood or help improve the appearance of scratches and water stains.