Spiced Rum Shaving Set

Name: Sherrie

Shop Name: Birchbark Soap

Blog/Website: www.birchbarksoap.etsy.com  and  www.birchbarksoap.com

Location: Nova Scotia, Canada

A little bit about Sherrie:
I’m a soapmaking mom and full-time teacher who loves to be in the garden or at the beach. I’ve been making soap for several years, and am completely hooked.

What do you sell that would appeal to the guys?
Guys like many of my soaps, with the Spiced Rum Shaving Soap and Shaving Sets being the most popular. Peppermint Poppyseed is a close second. And a surprising number of guys love my Cherry Almond bars. And the Star Anise (which smells like licorice) is also very popular with the guys. Okay, so everything except Lavender is popular with the guys.

Star Anise Bath Bar

Where do you sell your stuff?
I sell my soaps on Etsy as well as at local craft fairs and to people I know.

How long have you been in business?
I’ve been selling my soaps for several months now, but have been making soaps since 2001. I’m completely thrilled with how many people are buying my soaps – mostly people who want a natural, handcrafted way to care for their skin.

Simple Simon Unscented Soap with Cocoa Butter

How did you get started?
A friend (whose mother taught her) taught me how to make soap, and I’ve been hooked ever since! There are endless combinations and possibilities, which I love.

How do you get the word out about your shop?
I always have business cards with me, and I have a soap blog at www.birchbarksoap.com. Word of mouth is great for getting the word out to local people.

What’s unique about your items or what do you want people to know about your work?
My soaps are unique in a few ways: I do not use any artificial colour or animal fats, and everything is made from scratch (not melt and pour) in small batches by me. I customize recipes for specific purposes and use quality oils which are great for the skin (such as olive oil and cocoa butter). I primarily use essential oils to provide fragrance and for their unique properties; the only synthetic ingredients I ever use are fragrance oils in some bars, which are noted in the ingredients list.

Spiced Rum Shaving Soap

Anything else you’d like us to know?
If you’ve never tried handmade soap, you need to! There is no comparison between it and store soaps, which are most often pressed detergent bars full of scary synthetic mystery ingredients. Handmade soap contains retained glycerin, which moisturizes the skin, and it is a delightful (rather than drying) experience to shower or bathe with. Find someone at your local market who sells soap and ask them which bars they have which would suit your skin – you’ll be glad you did!