Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, host Margaret Connor and co-hosts Jessie and Shauna welcome Jeri Anne Huffstutler, the founder of Southern Natural, a goat milk soap brand. Jeri Anne shares her inspiring journey from struggling with eczema to creating a successful skincare line. The conversation covers her initial challenges, the transition from farmers markets to online sales, and the leap to selling on Amazon. Jeri Anne discusses the importance of family support, maintaining product quality while scaling, and her passion for product development. The episode concludes with a fun lightning round of preferences related to soap making and business.

Takeaways

Jeri Anne struggled with eczema for 12 years before discovering goat milk soap.

The idea to make goat milk soap came to Jeri Anne during a prayer.

Jeri Anne's brother encouraged her to sell on Amazon, leading to significant growth.

Maintaining quality while scaling is a challenge for many small businesses.

Jeri Anne enjoys experimenting with new products but finds it hard to find time.

Family and community support have been crucial to Jeri Anne's business success.

Jeri Anne's business has evolved from farmers markets to multiple Whole Foods locations.

The transition to using goat milk powder simplified the soap-making process.

Jeri Anne has four employees, many of whom are family members.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeri Anne and Her Business

03:21 Jeri Anne's Journey with Eczema and Soap Making

05:54 The Journey Begins: A Prayer for Guidance

09:16 From Goat to Soap: The Birth of a Business

12:46 Breaking into the Market: Craft Fairs and Whole Foods

15:16 Taking the Leap: Selling on Amazon

19:52 Navigating Challenges: The Amazon Experience

24:46 Scaling Up: Maintaining Quality in Growth

31:09 Reflecting on Success: Proud Moments and Future Goals

34:33 Exploring Sales Platforms

37:34 The Role of Social Media in Business

42:37 The Journey of Building a Business

44:59 Family and Community Involvement in Business

51:51 Fun and Lighthearted Moments in Business

52:27 short moo intro:outro.mp4

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🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

This week’s guest:

https://southernnaturals.com/

Summary

In this episode of Dirty Heifers, hosts Margaret and Shauna discuss the challenges of balancing family life and business. They explore the illusion of balance, the guilt associated with neglecting self-care, and the dynamics of involving family in business. The conversation highlights the importance of communication, support systems, and the humorous interruptions that come with juggling responsibilities. Ultimately, they emphasize that it's okay to admit that sometimes we don't have it all together and that self-care is essential for maintaining mental health. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of self-care, managing guilt, and making tough choices. They share personal anecdotes about finding time for themselves, the impact of family support, and the realities of juggling responsibilities. The discussion also touches on the significance of setting priorities and the need for grace in the face of imperfection. The episode concludes with a lighthearted game that highlights the humorous side of managing chaos in life and business.

Takeaways

Balance is often an illusion, and it's okay to admit that sometimes we don't have it all together.

Juggling family responsibilities and business can lead to burnout and feelings of guilt.

Self-care is often neglected, especially by women, but it's essential for mental health.

Family members can play a role in the business, but it can also lead to distractions.

Finding time for oneself is crucial, yet many feel guilty for taking that time.

The chaos of family life can often interrupt work, leading to humorous situations.

It's important to prioritize family events, but guilt can arise from not spending enough time on business.

The conversation highlights the importance of communication and understanding within family dynamics.

Creating boundaries between work and family life can be challenging but necessary.

The discussion emphasizes the need for support systems in balancing work and family. Self-care is essential for maintaining sanity.

Family support can significantly ease the burden of responsibilities.

It's okay to let go of certain expectations to maintain balance.

Guilt is a common feeling among parents and entrepreneurs.

Finding time for oneself is crucial for personal well-being.

Prioritizing family time over business opportunities is often necessary.

A perfect day is often unrealistic but worth envisioning.

Learning from mistakes is a vital part of entrepreneurship.

Organization can help manage chaos in both home and business.

Humor can be a great coping mechanism for stress.

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Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie dive into the world of customer requests in the soap-making business. They share their experiences with strange and unique customer requests, discuss the challenges of custom orders, and explore the balance between customer service and brand integrity. The conversation highlights the importance of setting clear expectations, knowing when to say yes or no, and the humorous side of dealing with quirky customer demands. The hosts also touch on the complexities of pricing for custom orders and the need to maintain a cohesive brand identity while catering to customer desires.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Indie Brands and Collaborations

00:12 Understanding Customer Requests and Custom Orders

02:58 The Word of the Week: Idiosyncratic

05:47 Redneck Word of the Week and Customer Experiences

09:10 Navigating Niche Requests in Custom Orders

13:36 The Challenges of Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

16:27 Building Customer Loyalty Through Customization

20:15 The Risks of Making Health Claims

24:40 Managing Custom Orders and Pricing Strategies

29:21 Custom Orders and Customer Service

33:58 Balancing Custom Requests and Brand Integrity

36:36 Navigating Custom Order Challenges

40:43 Setting Boundaries with Custom Requests

41:57 Creative Custom Soap Ideas and Limitations

47:13 short moo intro:outro.mp4

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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Welcome to another episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, where your favorite trio of makers tackles the nitty-gritty of running a small business in a digital world.

This week, we're diving headfirst into the world of websites and online storefronts—breaking down popular platforms like Shopify, WooCommerce, and Etsy. We explore the pros and cons of each, share personal horror stories and hard-won lessons, and highlight why owning your domain and prioritizing SEO is essential for long-term success.

From DIY website headaches to the benefits (and potential pitfalls) of hiring a pro, we’re covering it all—including a lively round of “Farm Fresh Feedback,” where we critique a real maker’s social media presence and offer tips for improvement.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your online game, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and the real talk you’ve come to expect from the Heifers.

🐄 Stay Dirty Heifers!

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🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Check out this week’s guest at:

Check out this week’s Farm-fresh Feedback Focus:

Facebook - fb.me/hearthandharvestwoodcrafts

TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@jessica.kate459?_t=ZP-8w5T3jljMEw&_r=1

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie engage with Chris and Jonathan from Howell's Products, exploring their journey from a family cabinet-making business to becoming one of the largest manufacturers of wooden soap dishes in the United States. The conversation delves into themes of craftsmanship, sustainability, and the challenges of scaling a handmade brand. The founders share insights on quality control, sourcing materials responsibly, and the importance of community and marketing strategies in their growth. They emphasize their commitment to American-made products and the significance of maintaining quality while expanding production. In this episode, Jonathan and Chris from Howells Products discuss their journey in the handcrafted soap accessory business, sharing insights on marketing challenges, unique custom requests, the importance of product testing, and the dynamics of running a family business. They explore various e-commerce platforms, including Amazon and TikTok Shop, and emphasize the significance of communication with customers and suppliers. The conversation also touches on the balance between work and family life, and the strategies they employ to navigate the complexities of their business.

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🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Check out this week’s guest at:

https://howellsproducts.com/

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna welcome Jessica Simon from Mississippi Candle Company. Jessica shares her inspiring journey from making candles as a form of grief to building a successful business that thrives on social media, particularly TikTok. The conversation covers the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of pivoting during tough times, and the role of family and community support. Jessica discusses her strategies for scaling her business, navigating the complexities of social media marketing, and the lessons learned along the way. The episode emphasizes the significance of trust in employees and the need for small business owners to adapt to changing market conditions.

Takeaways

• Jessica started making candles as a way to cope with grief.
• Her first sale came unexpectedly from a Walmart cashier.
• COVID forced her to pivot her business strategy.
• She gained confidence through early sales and community support.
• Jessica's husband encouraged her to sell candles to casinos.
• She faced challenges with shipping and product quality.
• TikTok became a game-changer for her business growth.
• She emphasizes the importance of nurturing employee relationships.
• Jessica believes in spending on people over ads.
• Trusting employees is crucial for scaling a business.

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📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, the hosts delve into the often-overlooked emotional challenges faced by small business owners. They discuss the weight of isolation, decision fatigue, and the pressure of social media comparisons. The conversation also touches on the guilt associated with taking breaks and the resilience required to keep going despite the challenges. Through humor and candid sharing, they create a relatable space for listeners navigating similar struggles in their entrepreneurial journeys. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the various challenges and triumphs of being small business owners. They explore the importance of support systems, defining success, and the feelings of inadequacy and jealousy that often accompany entrepreneurship. The conversation also delves into the invisible work behind content creation and the motivation that drives them to keep going, particularly the desire to build a legacy for their families.

Takeaways

The hidden loneliness of small business ownership is often overlooked.

Decision fatigue can drain creativity and joy from the craft.

Social media often presents a curated version of reality, leading to unhealthy comparisons.

It's essential to take breaks to avoid burnout and maintain productivity.

Guilt over resting can hinder personal and professional growth.

Having a support system is crucial for navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

AI tools can help alleviate decision fatigue in business operations.

Everyone experiences messiness in their lives; it's not just you.

Resilience and stubbornness are key to overcoming thoughts of quitting.

Acknowledging the emotional weight of entrepreneurship is the first step towards addressing it. Stubbornness and fear of disappointing loved ones can be powerful motivators.

Support systems are crucial for overcoming challenges in business.

Success can be defined in many ways, including personal fulfillment and community impact.

Making a difference in the community is a significant aspect of success.

The importance of collaboration and community among business owners cannot be overstated.

Finding a support system is essential for solo business owners.

The mental gymnastics of scaling a business can be exhausting.

Content creation involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work that often goes unnoticed.

Feelings of inadequacy and jealousy are common among entrepreneurs.

Family serves as a primary motivation for many business owners.

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📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts dive deep into the complexities of pricing for handmade businesses. They discuss the importance of perceived value, various pricing strategies, and the emotional aspects of pricing, including imposter syndrome. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with pricing adjustments and the impact of market trends on pricing decisions. Additionally, they introduce a new segment called 'Farm Fresh Feedback' aimed at helping small businesses grow through constructive feedback.

Takeaways

Pricing can feel like a guessing game for many business owners.

Understanding perceived value is crucial for setting prices.

Calculating costs accurately is essential before pricing products.

Many small business owners struggle with imposter syndrome when pricing their products.

It's important to consider the quality and uniqueness of handmade products when pricing.

Raising prices can be necessary for business growth and sustainability.

Different pricing strategies can be employed based on market conditions.

Personal experiences with pricing can vary widely among business owners.

Transparency with customers about pricing changes can build trust.

The new 'Farm Fresh Feedback' segment aims to support struggling small businesses.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Market Strategies

00:36 Understanding Pricing Strategies

05:34 Calculating Costs and Pricing

13:46 Value-Based Pricing and Perceived Value

16:31 Pricing Strategies for Small Businesses

30:57 Understanding Your Value and Pricing Psychology

40:51 Lighthearted Banter and Hydration Humor

41:13 The Emotional Side of Pricing and Imposter Syndrome

43:09 Adapting to Market Changes and Pricing Strategies

45:06 Innovative Business Ideas and Community Support

45:38 Introducing Farm Fresh Feedback Segment

46:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

47:54 short moo intro:outro.mp4

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shawna welcome Kitty from Dichotomy Creations to discuss the Soap Donation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing handmade soap to those in need. The conversation explores themes of altruism, community support, and the unique approach of Kitty's soap line, which is inspired by serial killers but focuses on the victims. Listeners learn about the operational aspects of the Soap Donation Center, the challenges it faces, and creative ways to support the cause. The episode concludes with a fun rapid-fire segment and a reminder of the impact that handmade soap can have in the community.

Takeaways

The Soap Donation Center collects and distributes handmade soap to those in need.

Altruism is about selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Dichotomy Creations embraces the idea of being a contradiction.

Kitty's soap line focuses on victims of serial killers, not the killers themselves.

10% of profits from certain soaps go to charity organizations.

The donation process for soap is straightforward and tax-deductible.

Community support is crucial for the success of the Soap Donation Center.

Creative ways to support include donating soap, time, or money.

Every bar of soap donated can make a significant difference.

Embracing your weirdness can lead to unique and impactful business ideas.

Check out Kitty from Dicotomy Creations

Soap Donation Center

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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts dive into the world of wholesaling for small businesses, discussing their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies. They explore the importance of collaboration with local businesses, the intricacies of pricing strategies, and the pros and cons of wholesaling. The conversation is lively and filled with insights, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the wholesale market. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of wholesaling, discussing strategies for selling, networking, and establishing successful retail partnerships. They share insights on setting minimum orders, identifying red flags in potential partnerships, and the importance of effective communication with store owners. The discussion also touches on the psychology of pricing, the significance of brand kits, and the lessons learned from their experiences in wholesaling. Additionally, they explore the challenges of managing reorders and the necessity of building a wholesale email list to maintain relationships with retailers.

Takeaways

Wholesaling can be both a dream and a challenge for small business owners.

The word of the week, 'arduous', reflects the challenges of wholesaling.

Starting with wholesaling can be intentional or accidental, as shared by the hosts.

Collaborating with local businesses can lead to successful wholesale opportunities.

Experiences with wholesale accounts can vary greatly, with some being short-lived.

Pricing strategies for wholesale can significantly impact profit margins.

Understanding the pros and cons of wholesaling is crucial for small business success.

Consignment can be risky and may not be suitable for all businesses.

Communication with wholesale clients is key to maintaining good relationships.

Utilizing wholesale platforms like FAIR can provide additional exposure for products. Networking is crucial for successful wholesaling.

Setting a minimum order can filter out uncommitted buyers.

Identifying red flags in retail partnerships is essential.

Creating a wholesale line sheet helps streamline the process.

Understanding tax exemptions can save money in wholesale purchases.

Learning from past mistakes is vital for growth.

Pricing strategy affects perceived product quality.

Building a wholesale email list can enhance communication.

Starting small in wholesaling can lead to better understanding.

Effective communication with store owners is key.

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body