SweetSoaps

Brands Conference in NYC

2011-11-17T15:02:00.001-05:00

This is my speech from www.brandsconf.com Nov 9, 2011. Thanks again for inviting me to speak Jeff Pulver! As always Jeff's conferences are very uplifting and pushing us to innovate. The Brands Conference is about the humanization of brands through the use of Social Media.

It’s been said by many that I have a 6^th sensewhen it comes to product development. That might have something to do with thefact that (whispering in microphone) I see dead products.

In 1998 I wanted to be at home and raise my kids so Icreated SweetSoaps.com “A unique handcrafted soap design company”. Then I did something so radical that mostpeople thought I had lost my mind. I built a website to sell soap. Clearly a great place to sell deadproducts. With complete cluelessness andwreck less abandon I added more and more unusual products. I used the Internetto learn about business, online marketing, and to source ingredients. I struggled;I failed more times than I succeeded in the last 15 years. Blazing the bubble trail was fraught with thehighs and lows of a reality TV show.

In 2003 I once again did something so outrageous it wouldmake a grown marketing man cry. I sent a bar of soap in an envelope to NeimanMarcus headquarters. One week later theycalled. Can you make this gold monogramsoap in a gift box? Sure I said. Onceagain I went to the Internet to source this custom gift box! A soap star was born> I had two productsin every Neiman Marcus and Horchow catalog for 2004. There was no sleep. My business grew and my ideas grew too. There were many other catalog companies thatcame knocking. I felt this was it; I hadreached the mountain top. Like allmountain tops, you can fall down. Ialmost didn’t get back up.

2005 Katrina hit the people of New Orleans. I had one bar of fleur de lis soap, theirsymbol of hope and rebirth. My phonerang off the hook; I hurried to add more fdl designs. The more I made the more they sold. Then it crossed into the surrounding states,and became a staple in hip hop urban clothing lines. That’s when I yelled BINGO! It’s here to stay and it is going bigger. I went to New Orleans in 2007 that visit hada profound effect on me. The Fleur de lis then became my rebirth and my logo. Today the fleur de lis symbol is growing inpopularity as I speak.

2007

I was out of steam and needed to know if I was good atdeveloping other types of products, or am I a one trick pony? I took a full time position as a product managerwith Horizon Group USA. In my first fewmonths I had 5 products purchased by Michael’s Craft Stores. I was a product machine and an unstoppableforce. I tried to sit in that cubicle butI was a round peg in that square cubicle. I needed to be free, so they fired me and it was the nicest thing anyoneever did for me. I came home with thefire in my belly, I knew I was THE BEST at what I did and I clearly need to bean entrepreneur.

I started blogging and using social media to promote mybusiness. Once again, no idea what I wasdoing or how to use it but I was unemployed and had free time. Twitter changed my way of thinking. The first thing that blew me away was theopen exchange of business related information being shared. I thought don’t these people know it is dog eatdog world? Of course everyone in theaudience is SM savvy so you know that you are crazy. CRAZY LIKE A FOX!

I am sure you know that being helpful or funny gets youmileage on Twitter BUT did you know it’s also an excellent tool for productdevelopment? 3 years ago I made an off handed remark saying I ought to justmake something ugly like Bacon Soap. Theresponse to my tongue in cheek comment was overwhelming. My first thought was this is ridiculous, sooff course I made it and it became the #1 product on my site. That idea thengave birth to my sizzling soy bacon candle which was awarded a “most creativecandle nod” from trendhunter.com. Free market research in an instant, whereelse can you get that? I now use thissame method to gauge potential successful ideas. To this day people tweet everythingbacon to me. Sometimes people tweet me“hey I am eating bacon and I was just thinking about you” See that is just whatI want, think about Sweet Soaps!

The bacon soap factor is the use of free tools to put youahead of the pack. It’s very basic, askthe people what they want and give it to them. Social Media gives you that audience if you treat them right. Beinghumorous is a good way to sell without selling. For instance, One of my famoustweets “Dear dirty old men and foul mouthed kids, keep talking I need themoney” From this tweet you now know I am sheer poetry in motion.

In 2009 my Santa’s coal soap was #2 on amazon.com in thebeauty category and was mentioned in their post holiday press release alongwith the success of the first Kindle. These are normal events in my soap opera, there are many more but I’msaving the “dirty” stuff for my book.

2010 I received an email from Larry Fine the now CMO atHorizon Group USA, the number one importer of kids craft kits in the US. Heasked me to partner with Horizon to create innovative soap concepts for one oftheir largest retailers. This Nov my ideas are on the shelves in over 1,000 stores in 2 countries. It’s killingme that I cannot tell you the name of this retailer because it is under a storebrand. It is a dream beyond words to see my ideas marketed on this level. I am thrilled to be partnered with such aforce in the craft industry.

In the coming years Sweet Soaps will be known for productdevelopment and package design. While Iam still manufacturing for small businesses I will be looking to outsource themanufacturing of my novelty soap designs allowing me more time for consulting. Today as I speak to you, my products areheading for Hollywood with another partnership, destined for stardom. My soap officially has a more exciting lifethan I do.

The key to success in this economy is doing morewith less and with that said, when people ask you “what’s the ROI” of twitter,tell them it is equal to the ROI of being in the human race.

Santa's KISS

2011-10-10T10:27:00.002-04:00

Santa’s K.I.S.S. = Keep It Simple with SoapFanwood, NJ, Oct 10, 2011- Keeping Santa alive in children’s hearts and minds just got a little easier for parents this holiday season. SweetSoap’s, Santa’s Coal Soap is affordable proof of Santa for kids of all ages. Sweet Soaps is on a mission to squash the Santa doubters for Christmas 2011! Most parents want to keep the magic of Santa and Christmas alive for their children as long as possible. If you have a child starting to question Santa’s existence, SweetSoaps can bring back that glimmer of magic in your child’s eye.Ellen Cagnassola, owner of SweetSoaps.com, created this product when she realized that her youngest was on the verge of questioning Santa’s existence. Cagnassola said, “It was perhaps my last year of a “Magical Christmas”, knowing that my baby was growing up fast.” Cagnassola has owned SweetSoaps.com for 12 years, handcrafting unique soap and bath products. When she needed to find a creative solution to her daughter’s doubting ways the creative juices took over and Santa’s Coal Soap was born. Like most entrepreneurs, Cagnassola saw the bigger picture and the potential in marketing her products while bringing joy and happiness to parents and children. The fun part is people can be naughty or nice and still receive these affordable gifts!The Santa’s Coal Soap $8.00 and are available at www.sweetsoaps.com and select retailers across the USA. Contact us for a retailer near you.ABOUT SweetSoaps.com – SweetSoaps.com was founded in 1998 and is located in Central New Jersey. All of SweetSoap’s products are handcrafted in the USA only. http://www.etsy.com/listing/30981855/santas-coal-soap

Sweet Soaps and Horizon Group USA Partnership Press Release

2011-09-11T18:50:00.000-04:00

Small Business Doing Big Business

Fanwood, NJ, September 12, 2011- Keeping childrenentertained and inspired will be easier for parents this November. Sweet Soap’s and Horizon Group USA announcetheir partnership to bring consumers innovative soap programs for kids andadults.

Ellen Cagnassola, owner of www.sweetsoaps.com , recognized a need for fresh ideas in the “do it yourself” soapcrafting industry. Horizon Group USA, thenumber one wholesaler of kids craft kits in the US is the manufacturer ofCagnassola’s designs, launching in a major retailer this November.

Cagnassola started her small business in 1998, handcrafting someof the most unusual products in the gift market. These novelty products brought her nationalpublicity in print and television over the years. Cagnassola states, “My American Dream is todesign consumer goods that bring people happiness. The opportunity to partner with a force likeHorizon Group is an honor.”

LarryFine, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of Horizon Group

USA said “We arepleased to have formed this partnership with one of the soap making experts inthe industry. With Ellen's vision and our sourcing and manufacturingcapabilities, we believe we can re-energize this exciting category ofmerchandise."

ABOUT SweetSoaps.com - SweetSoaps.com is a womanowned small business founded in 1998, located inCentral New Jersey. Email sweetsoaps@comcast.net

ABOUT HorizonGroup USA - Horizon Group USA Inc inWarren, NJ is a private company categorized under Toys and Hobby Goods andSupplies. Horizon Group USAwholesales crafts and consumer goods to all of America’s large retailchains. www.horizongroupusa.com

##END##

Ellen Cagnassola's Bio

2011-09-07T18:54:00.000-04:00

Ellen Cagnassola, owner of www.sweetsoaps.com, creates unique soap and candles for the craft and gift industry. Ellen designs product and packaging for mid sized and large companies in the US and Canada. Sweet Soaps product development is cutting edge due to Ellen’s unorthodox approach to artistic expression. Cagnassola’s ability to generate media interest for herself have landed her media coverage. Television placement on MSNBC “Your Business”, The Verizon Channel “Push Pause”, Daytime TV,NBC,CBS, and The Ellen Degenerous Show. Print publications that have also done features on Ellen are Woman’s Day, Real Simple, Entrepreneur, Promo, Pitney Bowes “Priority Magazine”, The Newark Star Ledger, Patch.com, Foxnews.com, Trendhunter.com (1 of 33 most creative candles),CBS.com, Bride and Groom , American Express Executive Travel Oct. 2011 issue.

Sweet Soaps has designed and manufactured for the following well known branded companies; Neiman Marcus Catalog, Horchow Catalog, Solutions Catalog, Touchstone Catalog, Nike, and Warner Brothers Studios. Ellen has also marketed her products into the hands of celebrities such as Howard Stern, Kevin Gillespie of Top Chef, cast and crew of Two and a Half Men (2005), and Ellen Degenerous.

Sweet Soaps made headline news in 2010 for marketing Santa’s Coal Soap and becoming the #2 product on Amazon.com in the beauty category. She can also be found on The Daily Basics who’s who as a social media influencer in the category of entertainment. In 2002 Congressman Mike Ferguson (7^th dist) sponsored a bill for small business citing Sweet Soaps as the future of small business and innovation.

A Fifteen Year Overnight Success

2011-06-23T12:13:00.000-04:00

In 1998, I was a stay at home mom with one daughter reinventing the soap wheel while catapulting my products internationally. The Internet was exploding and I was fascinated by it as a tool for education and communication. I decided that the Internet was a great way to keep my mind from turning to mush, and so I set out to use it to learn as much as I could. I have never taken a business or marketing class in my life. I have a Fine Arts degree from The College of New Jersey, and my PhD from the school of hard knocks.

One rainy day I decided to make soap with a kit I bought at a craft store with my daughter MaryEllen. I thought this is the perfect product to create and sell on the Internet. I said, “This soap looks like candy how about we call it Sweet Soaps?” I spent weeks testing products,

colors, fragrances, and molds. I researched everything online, finding sources for soap making. Start small and build the product line as I make money. Packaging was a challenge at first because I was trying to create a professional look without having to order custom boxes. This was a challenge in 1999 as sources were limited as well as variety.

Like most entrepreneurs, I thought build it and they will come. I soon found out there is much more to it than that. In 1999 pay per click was all the rage, I did not see how this made sense monetarily. This was around the same time that the dot com bubble was exploding. I kept thinking what am I doing wrong? Like all good things on and off Wall Street, the bubble popped and then came the era of the dot bomb! This was the first moment in business where I felt confident in my business sensibilities. I resigned myself to the idea that old school business tactics should always be a part of my plan. The Internet was promising and I knew there were good things ahead but keeping my head out of the clouds while allowing myself to dream remained paramount.

During all of these discoveries I had to become the queen of multi tasking. There were times

where I would be waiting on soap to cool, while giving MaryEllen a bath, while cooking dinner, and planning my long night ahead. The part that most do not know is that I was awake all day caring for a child, working as much as I could around her schedule, then up until 3AM doing all the things I could not get done during the day. I had so much to learn about marketing, packaging, and taking orders online. I think that my blind faith is the reason I was able to make it this long. The road less traveled is also a road that can emotionally crush you with rejection , growth is painful. You need to develop a thick skin and look ahead to overcome negative experiences.

In order to survive the bumps in the road, and there are many. You need a really strong support system of family and friends. I was blessed with wonderful parents and family that cheered me on. You need others to believe in you in the time that you can’t believe in yourself. They will be the one’s who peel you off the floor kick you in the ass and say get back in the game. One sad thing you will also discover in your entrepreneurial endeavors is the people who REALLY aren’t your friends. These people will not encourage you; some will mock or question your efforts. The good and the bad of such a situation is you will leave them behind. If you have a dream no matter how bizarre, a friend will always support you. Growing up, I was told “you can be ANYTHING you want in life”, and I tell that to both of my daughters. All of the things I was able to accomplish were possible because of my family and friends.

I realize that Social Media is mysterious like the evolution of the Internet back in 1998. Twitter is a fantastic network, and it‘s full of the worlds smartest, most tech savvy people. It allows you to breathe personality and authenticity into your brand. An innocent joke about making Bacon Soap created such a big response on Twitter that I created the product and it grew to be one of my top selling products. It‘s the place where customer service can be pioneered if used correctly. In addition to engaging and sharing business help on Twitter I tweet product photos to gauge popularity. This is free market research and I find it to be a reliable source of information. Engaging your existing and potential customers is a priceless opportunity for marketing new products and crowd sourcing. Getting a leg up on your competition is easier than you think so don’t let fear and here say rule you. Your American Dream is waiting for you, make it happen.

In January 2012 Sweet Soaps is launching new partnerships and launching new product lines through major retail stores internationally. Sweet Soaps is officially a product development think tank specializing in consumer goods. In other words say good bye to years of blood,

sweat, and tears and hello to the “Sweet Life”.

Business in a Bubble

2011-06-07T11:17:00.000-04:00

I know you are thinking this post is about a soap bubble but it's not at all. The bubble I am talking about is the imaginary one. Think of yourself standing inside a giant bubble, arms and legs spread, dividing that bubble in half touching the inside. Most people in this bubble see everything that is in the front half of that bubble. Imagine that these are resources that sustain your business. The front half are the obvious things that most people use like marketing, finance, and advertising. These are these are foundations for a successful business with great importance.

What is in the back half of your bubble? This is were we seperate the business person from the visionary.

Vision Boards

2011-06-05T15:01:00.000-04:00

There are many ways to set goals personally and professionally. I recently started creating vision boards as a daily reminder of what I need to achieve. These can be filled with images or just written words. Since I am a very visual person I prefer the written word because imagery is spontaneous for me.

Last month was an intense time for me professionally because I was in negotiations. Here is want my vision board said;

I will achieve power and success using my creativity in the business world. I will inspire kindness, generosity, and peace with my power. I will dominate every market I enter bringing joy and happiness using my talents. My finances will be abundant and secure the future for myself and my family. I will become an icon for women business owners and mothers everywhere. Opening hearts and minds to the power of light and God.

I like this so much I'm going to use it in the foreword of my book. It feels like a life mission statement. I'll aim high and see what happens...

Negotiating Like a Badass

2011-05-26T10:53:00.000-04:00

Everyday you are negotiating whether you realize it or not. You negotiate with your family, your friends, and your collegues. It is a skill that combines logic and emotions. The way that you feel in your gut is usually 50% of your equation and 50% experience. We have all had at least one moment when we ignored our gut instincts, only to regret it later. It's a learning curve forgive yourself and learn from your mistakes. Success is 90% failure and 10% getting it right. The value of that 10% can be limitless so don't let that number depress you.

I have made more mistakes than I can even recall. Move forward from your mistakes, don't allow them to lock you in fear or you will never grow. Take calculated and educated risks!

When it comes time to invlove yourself in a bigger deal with another company make sure you bring more to the table than they expect. This is how deals become legends. What sets you apart from your competition? How can you use that something extra to sell yourself? Don't just go into it with $ signs in your eyes, think about a bigger opportunity than can be born from that deal. See yourself as their partner and tell them this is what I can do for you.

Why Did Problogger Call me Wacky?

2011-01-05T09:46:00.000-05:00

http://bit.ly/hXtwEU
Click the link above to read about Problogger's rave reviews of our Santa's Coal Soap. Calling me wacky is music to my ears, especially coming from a respectable source.

SweetSoaps on Fox News

2010-12-07T09:18:00.000-05:00

I know you love bacon and once again so does the media. I was lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time for the Foxnews.com Gourmet Foodie Gift Guide for holiday 2010. Take a look, I am at the bottom of the article and my Sizzling Soy Bacon Candle is the only non edible product featured.

http://www.foxnews.com/leisure/2010/12/06/gift-guide-gourmands/

Back Friday Thru Cyber Monday

2010-11-23T10:39:00.000-05:00

For the first time ever SweetSoaps is doing buy one get one free on all retail products on our website http://www.sweetsoaps.com/

This sale starts Black Friday and ends Cyber Monday at midnight.

Coffee Soap

2010-11-15T15:07:00.007-05:00

Wakey Wakey coffee soap I makey!
Once again the Twitter people have spoken and they want coffee soap. Last year it was Bacon Soap born on Twitter so I guess this year it will be Coffee Soap.

Apparently coffee grinds also help reduce cellulite here is an article and it is approved by Dr. Oz!
http://ht.ly/3ajBy

"Perk Me Up" is born!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/62368498/coffee-soap

Link to purchase above

Politics "Unusual"

2010-10-08T16:49:00.000-04:00

Twitter has brought me so many fantastic things in life and business. Smart wonderful friends and lots of customers who fast become friends. Erika called me a few weeks ago and told me she was running for office and wanted to do a promotional soap. I said how did you hear about me? I have been following you on Twitter for a year. Little did she know that at the very moment on the phone sitting in the parking lot of my dentist office, my head exploded with excitement. I said Oh My God I have been trying to get a politician to do this very thing. I said I even have a slogan for you "No more dirty politics". <<<<>>> brains all over my dash board. It was born, a political campaign "Keep Politics Clean!" Aren't we all sick of boring politics with their boring rants and false hopes of lower taxes? There is hope on the horizon, Erika is thinking outside of the soapbox. (Do you hear the angels singing ?) clouds parting sunbeam shooting to the earth.

Ladies and gentlemen a politician who belongs on a SOAPBOX!

Bill Baumbach Hopewell Borough

Kotite: 'A campaign with integrity'

(Ellen Cagnassola on left, Erika Kotite on Right)

Here is why Twitter is awesome lesson #5096
The power of Social Media lives on.

With a commitment to "keeping politics clean," candidate Erika Kotite, Democrat, reports that she appeared at the Harvest Fair Saturday with boxes of handmade soaps to give away to passersby. She got the idea after viewing soap maker Ellen Cagnassola's website, someone she's been following on Twitter for the past year. Ms. Kotite asked her to make some special soaps to give out during her campaign.

Ms. Kotite is running on a platform of Lowering Taxes, Cutting Excessive Spending, Preserving Hopewell's Community and History, and Promoting Local Agriculture and Business. She has pledged to keep her campaign respectful, and challenges her opponents to do the same.

The bars have the slogan "Keep Politics Clean! Vote Erika Kotite Hopewell Township Committee" embedded in them. Ms. Kotite passed them out at the Harvest Fair and plans to give more away in various neighborhoods during the campaign.

Ms. Kotite is a candidate for Hopewell Township Committee. She serves on the Historic Preservation Commission and Harbourton Traffic Calming Task Force. She is an independent business owner as well as founder and editor of Toque Magazine. She and her husband have three children. They live in the old Harbourton General Store, one of the township's most treasured historic landmarks. To learn more about Ms. Kotite, visit www.erikakotite.com, Facebook (Elect Erika Kotite for Hopewell Township Committee) or follow her on Twitter (@etkotite).

Full Story here
http://www.centraljersey.com/articles/2010/10/06/hopewell_valley_news/extra/markulec_burd_sprawl_perfect_together-hopewell_valley_news-20101006.txt

TLS By Design

2010-10-08T12:09:00.005-04:00

We just did logo soap for http://www.tlsbydesign.com/ this week for their High Point , North Carolina showroom event. Jeff Day is the man with the plan and some very stunningly affordable furnishings! This company does a custom high end look at a moderate price point. The middle market is hot in all industries today because ostentatious in 2011 is ~~validating~~ gauche! This is a faux croc armoire is to drool for! Don't worry Jeff did not go into a swamp to kill any gators PETA people.

I spoke to Jeff yesterday while he was out marketing his collegiate furnishings at a show. Right away I said "Jeff tell me you can put College Logo's and Greek letters on those tables?" He said "Oh yes I can!" Funny part is I was an Interior Design major in college and math was Greek to me.

I am mad for this modernized "Mad Man Wing Backesque" ~~I make up my own words don't harsh my mellow~~ chair.

These bad boys give me the warm fuzzies. Your grandma called and she wants these hip fuzzy chairs to go with her new Harley. ~~Grandma is sick of her rocking chair lifestyle.~~

Here is the cast from Extreme Makeover Home Edition. They were smart enough to use TLS By Design in one of their episodes. Here they are trying to open up the truck. ~~One person to open it and 4 to raise their arms for motivation.~~ I dare you to watch this show and not cry! ~~Only real men cry~~

Jeff, I would wish you luck at High Point but you don't need luck you have quality products, good taste and ~~logo soap~~ a solid plan. Follow Jeff on Twitter @TLSbydesign

Virgin Mobile Logo Soap

2010-10-07T11:10:00.000-04:00

Here is a samples of Logo soap in a recycle friendly clamshell package I did for the Canadian division. Here is to "clean" mobile connections with Virgin!

SweetSoaps and The Sticker Giant

2010-09-23T12:54:00.000-04:00

http://www.stickergiant.com/blog/sweetsoaps-stickergiant-soap/

Meetings and Conventions

2010-09-21T10:48:00.000-04:00

You might find yourself at a meeting or convention in the near future and be thinking of SweetSoaps. You are thinking why would I be thinking of soap at a business meeting about serious things? Click on the link
below and see why Mr.Vatner thinks I am hot, ok he didn't really say it like that. Go see for yourself!

http://www.meetings-conventions.com/hotideaarticle_ektid36308.aspx

SweetSoaps and Carved Solutions on MSNBC

2010-09-19T09:32:00.003-04:00

In case you missed the feature because you were ~~sleeping~~ busy at 7:30 AM today. Sweet Soaps and Carved Solutions showing you how competitors can partner.

http://www.openforum.com/idea-hub/topics/innovation/video/american-business-promoting-me-promoting-you
The way life and business should be! Featuring http://www.sweetsoaps.com/ and http://www.carvedsolutions.com/ listen and learn.

Kevin Gillespie Top Chef and SweetSoaps

2010-09-16T11:22:00.002-04:00

We recently did custom logo bags with our Bacon Soap for a pig roast in Atlanta thrown by Red Clay http://www.redclay.com/ . Kevin Gillespie, former Top Chef contestant, Executive Chef, and owner of Woodfire Grill loved my Bacon Candle. He was also at the pig roast cooking for this event. I wish it lived closer to Atlanta, because I would have party crashed this event. Read a review about his restaurant, I dare you not to drool! http://blogs.ajc.com/food-and-more/2010/09/03/woodfire-grill-dining-review/

Here is what Red Clay had to say about the event.

Red Clay Consulting, located in Atlanta, Ga. celebrated their ten year anniversary with a pig roast. Top Chef's Kevin Gillespie (pictured here with a Sweet Soaps Bacon Candle) spent 12 hours roasting a pig and preparing a fabulous meal for the employees and clients of Red Clay. Every guest received a piece of "bacon" soap from Sweet Soaps and they were the hit of the party!!

SweetSoaps on MSNBC

2010-09-09T16:15:00.000-04:00

Watch Dawn Lancaster from http://www.carvedsolutions.com/ and myself on MSNBC next Sunday!

Pay It Forward piece will now be airing next Sunday, September 19 at 7:30am ET. The show then re-airs on Saturday, September 25 at 5:30am ET.

See what 2 crazy soap ladies have to say about Twitter, business, and relationships. I promise it won't be dull.

Thank You Note from Howard Stern

2010-09-04T11:43:00.003-04:00

I made this 3d Howard Stern Soap and my good friend Gerry Cooney handed it to Howard at Sirius Radio. Gerry has a boxing show on Sirius on Friday nights 6-10 PM called "Fight Club" http://gerrycooney.blogspot.com/ . Then much to my surprise I received a hand written thank you note from Howard, see he really is a nice guy!

My Grani Invented Social Media in 1975

2010-08-04T10:43:00.000-04:00

My parents met at Ohio State, got married after college and I was born 4 years later. When I was 3 months they moved to New Jersey, I have been stuck here ever since. The food is good here so I think I will stay. I spent 5 weeks of most of my summers growing up at my grandparents house in Ohio with my mom and my younger sister. My dad would drive out our last week and we would drive home with him. My Grani AKA MaryEllen Lewis was a kind and loving grandmother, the kind all kids dream of having. She was a very talented artist, especially portraits. She used to draw portraits of my grandfather while he was sleeping in a chair with his mouth hanging open. She also taught me how to draw and I credit her with my gift and love for art. She was funny and very social. My grandfather was a doctor in his earlier years and they had many local friends that would just stop in to say hi anytime of the day. I loved that! She had a huge open porch with wicker furniture big enough for these impromptu parties. These Ohio natives could really party too, let me tell you.

I was thinking about Social Media yesterday like everyday and realized that my Grani had invented it as far back as 1975. One of the Grani-isms she would tell me over and over was "Don't worry about people talking about you..worry when they quit talking about you." OH MY GOD! She was a genius I tell you! I understood what she meant back then as a kid but now I REALLY get it.~~~~ hi 5 Grani rock on!

10 Ways Not to Be a Twitterhole

2010-08-03T11:46:00.000-04:00

I know the title is intriguing but now you are also going to learn something that can save your reputation on Twitter.

1. Do not RT contests all day long in your feed
2. Do not Spam people with your products or services
3. Do not call yourself a Diva or a Guru
4. Do not DM people with generic garbage. In fact don't DM people you have not had interaction with prior. It's like knocking on a strangers door, entering their home and then riffling through their underwear drawer. INAPPROPRIATE!
5. Do not do this ((((HUGS))) to every person you know on Twitter. I'm from New Jersey we don't hug everyone here unless ~~you are in the mob~~ unless we like you.
6. Do not overuse the word "Awesome" or "Rockstar"
7. Do not over share your personal "stuff" on a business Twitter account. Unprofessional.
8. Do not use puffery to make yourself seem larger than you are. Humility never goes out of style.
9. On Follow Friday do not mass tweet names because ~~all the cools kids are doing it.~~ it is not cool, tell why you find a person follow worthy.
10. Do not over use words like tweets, tweeps, twitterverse,IRL, etc CHILL!

This is meant to be funny, don't get worked up.

My Biz Tip for MSNBC Entrepreneur Book

2010-08-03T11:26:00.000-04:00

In addition to my feature "Paying It Forward" on MSNBC's Your Business TV show, I was asked to contribute to a book that is four years in the making. You can read my blurb below. I tried to make it as simple as possible so it does not overwhelm people that are not Internet savvy. Hope you find it useful?

Marketing your business today needs to be a combination of old school and tech. Keep making those calls and knocking on doors but also learn a new trick. You can start a blog for free by using www.blogspot.com embed it into your company website. Blog on a weekly basis and Google will pick up your posts in their search engine according to the tags you use for each blog post. Another way to track your business and your competition is through the use of http://www.google.com/alerts . Put your business name in the alerts to see what people on the Internet are saying about your company. Track your competition as well and see how you can improve your branding. Keep all of your online tools connected by Facebooking your Blog posts and Tweeting your Facebook posts etc. I also keep my www.etsy.com shop on my blog in addition to my existing website presence. Social Media, Blogging, and Website are becoming standards in a small business. Take baby steps, and soon you will see that they do all add up quickly. It took me a year to master this, so I know it can be done, even if you are not a technology wizard.

MSNBC "Your Business"

2010-07-19T16:45:00.002-04:00

Today was a great day! My good Friend Dawn Lancaster of http://www.carvedsolutions.com/ and I will be featured on MSNBC's show called Your Business. The film crew arrived at 10 AM this morning and left around 3 PM. I had the pleasure of meeting David Foster the Producer for Your Business, his camera man Will Miller Jr. of http://www.productionartists.net/ , and Joe the audio man. (He didn't give me his biz card :( The Q and A portions was shot in my living room and then we shot some manufacturing in the soap factory as well. The story is focused around Sharing and helping each other in business. Dawn and I hope that people will watch this show and have an AHA moment. United we stand divided we fall! I also tried to explain how Twitter is a place where good folks go to share and connect in business and life.

This is David Foster in the blue shirt, Will is on the camera and Joe on his left. All 3 of them are adorable with adorable personalities to match. Will kept lying to me telling me how wonderful I looked so I asked if I could call him first thing every morning for an affirmation moment. We had a blast, they are like Marines not even stopping to eat anything all day. The show will air in early September. I will keep you updated when I know the date it will air. Thanks for making the day fun guys!

Santa's K.I.S.S.

2010-07-15T09:25:00.000-04:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ellen Cagnassola 908-224-7627 info@sweetsoaps.com http://www.sweetsoaps.com/

Contact: Heather McGee (262)914-6114 heather@sockgrams.com; http://www.sockgrams.com/

Santa’s K.I.S.S. = Keep It Socks & Soap

Fanwood, NJ, July 13, 2010- Keeping Santa alive in children’s hearts and minds just got a little easier for parents this holiday season. SweetSoap’s, Santa’s Coal Soap and SockGrams’s Santa Socks are affordable proof of Santa for kids of all ages. http://www.sweetsoaps.com/ and http://www.sockgrams.com/ are on a mission to squash the Santa doubters for Christmas 2010!

Most parents want to keep the magic of Santa and Christmas alive for their children as long as possible. If you have a child starting to question Santa’s existence, SweetSoaps and SockGrams can bring back that glimmer of magic in your child’s eye.

Ellen Cagnassola, owner of SweetSoaps.com, created this product when she realized that her youngest was on the verge of questioning Santa’s existence. Cagnassola said, “It was perhaps my last year of a “Magical Christmas”, knowing that my baby was growing up fast.” Cagnassola has owned SweetSoaps.com for 12 years, handcrafting unique soap and bath products. When she needed to find a creative solution to her daughter’s doubting ways the creative juices took over and Santa’s Coal Soap and Snowman Poop Soap were born.

Create Santa’s Magic and prove Santa’s existence by sending your “Doubting One” proof in the mailbox. Send them a Sock Gram from Santa. Sock Grams are little gift packages that include specially chosen novelty socks, hats, mittens or toys, that are carefully gift wrapped with a personalized card and greeting. Craft the card as a letter from Santa, letting the lucky recipient know they have been extra good this year, or that Santa is watching...

Like most entrepreneurs, Cagnassola and McGee, who met on Twitter, saw the bigger picture and the potential in co-marketing their products while bringing joy and happiness to parents and children. The fun part is people can be naughty or nice and still receive these affordable gifts!

The Santa’s Coal Soap and Snowman Poop Soaps retail for $8.00 and are available at www.sweetsoaps.com and select retailers across the USA. Contact us for a retailer near you.

Santa Socks and other fun holiday style Sock Grams retail for $11.95, shipping and gift wrapping included. Come view the variety of cozy novelty items at Sock Grams, available online at www.sockgrams.com or 1-888-88SOCKS.

ABOUT SweetSoaps.com – SweetSoaps.com was founded in 1998 and is located in Central New Jersey. All of SweetSoap’s products are handcrafted in the USA only.

ABOUT SockGrams.com- SockGrams.com was founded in 2008 with the mission of delivering warm hearts - on a budget. Sock Grams is located in Kenosha, WI E-mail: heather@sockgrams.com

##END##

Made in the USA

2010-06-11T11:03:00.000-04:00

Here is a recent article about made in the USA products and what it means today by The Coumbus Dispatch. Thank you for including us in your article! GO TEAM USA!

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/business/stories/2010/06/11/true-all-americans.html

10 Things Lady Ga Ga Taught Me About Business

2010-06-03T09:20:00.000-04:00

Lady Ga Ga Inspired Soap Necklace and Soap Ring

I will admit I am very out of the loop in the genre of music these days. I am busy working, being a mom, and taking care of all the boring stuff adults have to do. My background is art and design so I tend to like the "unusual" in pretty much everything. The first time I watched Lady Ga Ga in a music video I was riveted to put it mildly. The costumes, the makeup, the "look" was fascinating to watch. I then grew to like her music as well, most likely because she is "unusual". I read an article in The Star Ledger a few months ago, and much to my surprise she got her start in New Jersey just 30 minutes from my home. The article talked about how she found her style of music and how her then manager was too embarrassed to walk around in public with her because she always dressed odd. It was then that I realized that there is a savvy business woman lurking beneath all that glitter and mirror. I followed her on Twitter and read her tweets, discovering her messages are kind and appreciative. She refers to her fans as "little monsters", and also uses this term in TV interviews. Learning about someone else's journey can shed light on your own circumstances. I try to draw conclusions from successful concepts to inspire me in business. Here is what Lady Ga Ga taught me about business.

1. Always be unique
2.Talent is always most important
3. Art and business need shaking up
4. Don't listen to the haters
5. If you can dream it you can do it
6. Do what is in your heart and others will catch on
7. Drama and pain are un avoidable, funnel it into progress
8. Always value your supporters
9. Say thank you
10. LIVE YOUR BRAND

Explosions

2010-06-01T10:55:00.002-04:00

This blog post is a section from the book I am writing about how I started SweetSoaps 12 years ago and all the of the crazy things that have happened to me.

Remember what I said about over night successes and how that is not the best thing that can happen? I want to tell you about my experience with this very topic. In 2003 monogramming started popping up on everything, so I created Gold Monogram Soap http://www.sweetsoaps.com/store.html . I then made samples and sent them to The Horchow Catalog. A few weeks later, I got a phone call from Neiman Marcus. I was a bit baffled because I did not send soap to Nieman Marcus, well it turns out Horchow is Neiman Marcus. (who knew?) They were interested in my product (for both catalogs) and wanted to see it packaged as a gift set. I was in shock, scared out of my mind but I then quickly had some sample boxes made and shipped. It was approved quickly and my first shipment was shipping for The Nieman Marucs 2003 Christmas Catalog! My first order pre catalog mailing was for 75 pieces. This was manageable and I was so excited to be a part of such a historic luxury catalog. First week of October the Holiday Catalog went out, I got a call the first week from the buyers. We have a purchase order for you turn on your fax, so I did. I stood waiting with anticipation, folks the moment we’ve all been waiting for- Ellen’s validation. 750 sets (x6 = 4600 bars of handmade soap by me) , HOLY SOAP Batman! I then got a congratulatory email from their head buyer, that is a moment and a half. After I was able to breathe, I totally freaked out crying. The moment was surreal and overwhelming, fear grabbed a hold of me and I wanted to run far away. I wanted to escape to an unknown island where they would never find me. I called my sister Heather and she was very excited for me. My response was more like I can’t do this what was I thinking? She talked me down off of the entrepreneurial cliff. I went to bed, woke up rested and laid out a plan. I asked them to please divide the PO into 2 PO’s so that I could better manage my work flow. They agreed and we made beautiful soap together for quite some time. There are always workable solutions to problems that arise. You just need to be quick on your feet, feel the fear and harness it to move you forward. One of the big lessons I walked away with from this was not to let fear and doubt lock you up. There will be more fear based moments that you can imagine, having a mentor would be great help. Over the years, my sense of humor got me through some very rough times. If you don’t have one, hurry up and get one because it just might save you from extinction. Doing business with Neiman Marcus was a dream come true, and confirmation that anything is possible!

Branding With Branding

2010-05-31T12:21:00.002-04:00

I had my friends the Cooney's over for a BBQ for Memorial Day Weekend. I bought this really cool BBQ branding tool from http://www.inspirationsgiftgallery.com/ in Virginia Beach. I have been helping Gerry set up his Blog and Twitter page so I thought we could do something fun and create a blog post as well as a party. You can put any custom message on this branding tool. I might have to do a SweetSoaps BBQ meat and greet next weekend? Its all about the branding in business and now food too. Happy Holiday!

Stop by and MEAT Gerry Cooney http://gerrycooney.blogspot.com/ Read this heart warming story about Mark and Louie on his blog. I am sad to say that Mark passed away the other day but Louie brought great happiness to this sick little boy. Gerry and Louie are good friends! Follow Gerry on Twitter @gerrycooney

Cag's and Cooney's pork tenderloin on left chicken breast on right.

Gourmet Bacon Mac and Cheese Marriage Maker

2010-05-24T16:17:00.004-04:00

This recipe is for cooks on the fly. You know who you are...you can eat a dish and then go home and copy it from taste without needing directions. This is how I cook, I rarely use recipes. This is mostly because I am too lazy to find them or I can't remember where they are. My husband went crazy for this recipe and made me his ~~wife~~ trophy girlfriend after eating it. So now I use this recipe as a weapon of mass construction. You know when you need something done around the house?? Now all it takes is a 99 cent box of pasta and cheese. ~~Cheap Labor~~ Nice husband! Keep in mind there are ways you can make this recipe lower in fat but honestly it won't taste as good. These ingredients are estimates and it is hard to make it wrong so you can adjust it as you see fit.

1 box of pasta <---boil it duh!
1 pound smoked gouda <--melt in milk on stove
1/2 pound of American or other favorite cheese <--melt in milk
1 1/2 cup milk (cream will be good too) (today I also added 2 tbs of creme fresh)
3 tbs butter <- melt in milk
1-3 Tbs flour (for thickening cheese melted with milk)
1 tsp black pepper <--after cheese and milk are melted
16 oz cherry or heirloom cherry tomatoes <--cut in half or quarters
1 pound of bacon <-- cooked and chopped

Put in a pan and sprinkle seasoned bread crumbs, Bacon and grated cheese, bake 325 degrees for 30 minutes = Instant Marriage Proposal. Get out the Crestor for this dish!

What My Dog Taught Me

2010-05-19T19:38:00.001-04:00

Today I had to put my 13 year old dog Winnie to sleep. She was ill and in pain, so because I loved her I did right by her. She is free of pain and up in heaven on top of a fluffy pillow just as she would have been if she were still with us. I adopted her from an animal rescue group but ironically she rescued us. In 2002 I had to put my previous dog to sleep and 3 weeks later my mom passed away. That was a very rough year for all of us. I had just moved into a new home as well and the stress of 3 three events was not pretty. After a year or so my kids were of course on my case to get another dog. I secretly had been looking on http://www.petfinder.com/ for 6 months trying to find a dog that was good with kids, that would also fit into our lives. I found Winnie there and called the organization to find out more about her. She was a perfect fit for us and so I drove with my family to a house where she was being fostered. She was a very timid dog that had obviously been through a stressful time herself. It took time but she slowly came out of her shell and began to trust us. She by any definition was the perfect loving dog. She was a lover and a people pleaser but if she didn't like you, just forget it!

I had the pleasure of having her in my life for almost 7 years, she will be truly missed. I was thinking about how technically I saved her by adopting her but really, she saved me. She taught me that second chances in life are for everyone. I think in her case, her second chance was my best chance. She brought us together as a family, made us laugh at her sense of entitlement, as she helped herself to my pillow any time of day or night. She reminded us that life can be rough but it's ok to laugh even at the bad stuff. She reminded us that greeting people with extreme enthusiasm makes people feel good. Winnie taught me that love is unconditional wether you have food in your hand or not. That crazy dog taught me that spoiling her and myself if good for my soul. She taught me that no matter what kind of collar or harness I bought to make her walk around the block, it was not going to keep her from doing a Hudini and running home to a pillow.

Moral of Winnie's story, give people second chances in life, love, and business. We all deserve a second chance at life, love and happiness!

RIP- Winnie May 19, 2010
I know you are on a fluffy cloud pillow and I miss you already.

SockGrams.com

2010-04-23T13:00:00.000-04:00

Here is Heather McGee and Jeff pulver at the end of the day at the 140 Conference. We were all melting down by 4pm, Jeff was calm, cool, and collected but tired for sure. I met Heather in person

n last September when she was in New Jersey. I found her on Twitter and bought a Sock Gram from her for my younger sister Heather (Heather's just follow me around). Every once in a while I meet someone and feel like long lost friends and that is how I felt about Heather after spending time with her in September. So I invited her to come stay at my house and we went to the conference together.

We had a great time together, and she is so sweet I might make soap out of her! If you have any special occassions coming up ot want to send something fun and more affordable that flowers check her out http://www.sockgrams.com/ !

Heather is brave. She left a high paying job in finance to follow her dream of building her own business, show her some love. Follow her on Twitter @sockgrams she also does a lot of give aways contests on Twitter.

Jeff Pulver Mastermind of the 140 Conference

2010-04-22T08:39:00.000-04:00

This picture was taken at The 140 Conference in NYC this week. I am not sure who this other lovely young lady is but if you know her tell me her Twitter name so I can post it. As you can see Jeff is a rockstar, he is the Elvis of Social Media quite frankly. I am from New Jersey so I don't throw around compliments too often but let me tell you about Jeff. What a nice human being! You meet him for the first time and he hugs you. Jeff are you sure you are a New Yorker? He is always calm, cool, and collected. Jeff are you sure you are a Nyer? I was only there the first day as a participant, it was exhausting I don't know how you worked this whole thing as hard as you did for 2 days. I think he has on a super hero cape under that shirt. I and many other soooo appreciate all that you and your army of volunteers did for this event.

If you have an opportunity to attend The 140 Conference in your area DO IT! It was an overwhelming and emotional experience, it has changed me. This event reaffirms the things I felt and saw for the future of business and technology. Big new things are in the works http://www.socialmediasoap.com/ , I am talking Skype, pod casts, and more! A collaboration with http://www.toothsoap.com/ , collectively we have 24 years of Internet and marketing experience. Hear that?..that's me pulling out the rip chord PFSSSST ---stand back!

The 140 Conference in New York City

2010-04-21T16:06:00.002-04:00

It's ~~Hammer~~ Lather Time! I was at the http://www.140conf.com/ yesterday in New York. It was such a great time! I met some people from Twitter that I have been networking with for the past year. This is my first blog post on the event I will have so many others this week. MC Hammer I grew up watching you entertain the masses in the 90's. I told him in person I liked you then and after listening to him talk geek at the 140, well now I love him. You had me at tweet! :) Hammer has spent many years on the cutting edge of technology and now he and a few others like Neil Young are trying to harness the power of social media for the music industry. GO HAMMER! It is this sort of forward thinking that brings about big change and growth for an industry. Hammer also has our Bacon Soap in his hand in this picture. He was a very gracious guy, taking pictures and talking to us in the press room. Then when I got home last night I noticed that @mchammer is following me on Twitter, so cool! You can watch him speak here as well as all the speakers for the day. http://www.ippio.com/140conf

Here is what Hammer is doing now http://dancejam.com/ , ahh to be young again!

Distractions That Are Way Too Distracting

2010-04-14T13:05:00.000-04:00

I have been really worried about my dog since last week. She is old and not feeling well after a vet visit we found out that she has an enlarged liver and heart. There are other things on my plate as well some good and some distressing, you know life happens. Anyway I decided I need to keep busy and keep my mind off of the dog who right now seems like she is feeling ok. Just a reminder to me, enjoy every day and cherish the moment in the moment. (update dog is herself again, back from the brink of death)

I turned on the big melting pot to make some soap. While waiting for it to melt I did some organizing. I checked on the soap and it seemed like I didn't turn it on or something weird. I pushed the nozzle to open the valve but nothing came out. I chalked it up to doggie stress and turned the pot up and went about doing other things. I went out to run an errand and when I returned went to the work area but the light was off. I opened the pot looked in and thought man I need glasses or something because I don't see soap in here. I walked across the room turned on the light returned to the pot and this is what I found. When my husband came home I showed him this, he got hysterical.

The morale of the story = sometimes a distraction is way too much distraction. Dumb Dumb Syndrome! SO if you or anyone wants their office supplies, files, catalogs and very important papers encased in a giant bar of soap call me!

Here is the ironic part, my soap is in this issue of Bride and Groom. I returned the favor and put them in my soap. I am a giver!

Friendships, Twitter and Clogging

2010-04-13T09:44:00.001-04:00

I have to be honest before Twitter, I had no idea how talented I was at marketing. I am a mother of 2 girls and solopreneur. I am too busy manufacturing my products to get out and meet people. Twitter has allowed me into people's homes and minds all over the world. This has been huge to put it mildly. I was thinking today tweeting is like real time blogging. I might even call it "Clogging" customer service + blogging = Clogging. I like it, so I will be talking about this word on Twitter like this #clogging.

The other thing I did not realize until using Twitter is that I am funny (according to others). I am meeting Zane (@zaneology and @turnhere) on April 20th in NYC at the http://www.140conf.com/ ; Here she talks about me without even saying my name http://www.turnhere.com/blog/events-backstage-pass/social-media-tips-for-local-businesses/ . I never thought I wasn't funny mind you but I am from New Jersey and quite frankly you better have a good sense of humor if you want to survive in the Tri-state area. I will also tell you my English teachers all gave me C's in High School, perhaps my lack of interest in their talky talk was why? I had other things on my mind and they were way more fun and creative. (schools wake up!)

Twitter has so many great side effects, one being friendships. I have met some of the smartest, most creative, savvy, kind, geeky,futuristic people on the planet. These people really understand networking and generosity like I have never seen in my life. I feel like Mork from Ork and his giant egg ship finally came for him. Yes I am 40 something. Sidenote: I think that Applebee's stole Mork's fashion for their uniforms (suspenders and weird buttons) I digress, my point is that sooner or later the Mother Ship is going to come for you. Are you going to be smart enough to climb aboard? http://www.140conf.com/

I am off for more Clogging! I feel like shoe shopping now...?

This Little Piggy is Going to Market

2010-04-09T11:33:00.001-04:00

A wire Pig basket with our Bacon Soap and Sizzling Soy Bacon candle that sizzles like frying bacon when you light it. This little oinker is going to kick chicken and beef butt on the market! This is going to be like the best Father's Day gift ever!

You can see video and listen to our bacon candle on our website http://www.sweetsoaps.com/ it is so cool you have to hear this! Our Bacon Soap smells like maple syrup not bacon!

Cashing in on Creativity

2010-04-07T14:33:00.000-04:00

People are always asking me "How do you think of these things"? I say "I have no idea it's just happens". It is obvious that I am a creative person if you spend anytime on my website. I created all of the products, handcraft them, and designed all of the packaging. I know "How the heck do you do all that?" is what you are thinking. It is in my DNA, maybe I am a control freak when it comes to my products. I refuse to manufacture overseas or allow someone else to make my products. These products are an extension of me and my creative thoughts. No one else will care as much as me!

I can create ideas out of thin air and do it for any type of business or product. I am like the kid from "The Sixth Sense" ~~I see dead people~~ I see dead products. I dream about products, I am haunted.

Going to the Gift Shows puts me into a frenzied state of mind. I am pretty sure some people want to ~~kill~~ smack me when I look at a product line and say "This is great why aren't you marketing it like this?" I can't help myself when I see more potential I must let it out or I might explode. I honestly enjoy helping people, this is hard for people to take I've noticed.

If you want some methods for cultivating your own creativity here are some tips.
Eat healthy
Get enough sleep
Let your mind wander while performing mundane tasks like driving (stay off the phone)
Keep paper and pen or Blackberry with memo pad available
Walk around a store looking at products for inspiration
Go to a Museum
Watch a beautiful movie
Read a book about something you normally wouldn't
Flip through magazines
Surf the internet
Call up an old friend

Some of these you are thinking, what? My answer YES!
Some cool stuff to rattle your brains:
http://www.trendhunter.com/
http://www.trendease.com/

Nike

2010-03-23T17:01:00.000-04:00

This has been one heck of a year so far. I just got word that I will be creating a logo soap for a Nike Promotion! YEA for the little guy, YEA for the Small business owner! I can't post a photo yet as they are making a few changes. When they give me the OK I will post a photo for everyone to see. WOOT!!!!!

Jay Baer a Total Stranger

2010-03-22T13:14:00.000-04:00

I noticed that during the week of SXSW in Austin I was getting some Bacon Soap orders that I suspected were a result of my Bacon Soap Promo. Zane Aveton @zaneology my partner in bacon crime was present with her cameras and on the prowl. She is a funny out going chic that I really enjoy talking to on the phone and Twitter. She is a free spirit and a person that likes doing silly things, so bacon soap was a great fit for us both at SXSW. She lost her camera but I found out last night someone tracked it down so we will be able to post some photos soon.

When I asked one of the customers buying my bacon soap she told me about Jay Baer blogging about me. I thought I don't know who this guy is let me check this out. I can't believe I had been on Twitter for over a year and I did not know about you Jay. I am super impressed with the content on your blog, I rarely say this to anyone. I love the fact that you are also vlogging which is something I am also going to be doing this year. I am honored for the mention on your site, thank you very much! Pictures of wacky Bacon Soap from Austin coming soon.

http://www.convinceandconvert.com/social-media-marketing/13-observations-from-south-by-southwest-sxs/

Becky McCray and Small Biz Survival

2010-03-22T12:12:00.001-04:00

One morning I was feeling a bit nostalgic about how long and how far I have come since 1998. Becky McCray and I follow each other on Twitter and she was reading my tweets that morning. What started as a unintentional rant became larger than I had ever thought.

I first talk about how I started with nothing but a dream, which evolved into me telling how I started manufacturing for Neiman Marcus. I told the good, the bad, and yes the ugly. When I saw all the people responding to my story it became a very emotional saga for me. I was literally crying while I was tweeting. In 12 years I have lost so many people I love but I have gained so much along the way as well. My business is like my third child. It's hard like parenthood, you do the best you can every day hoping you make the right decisions. Some days you have all the answers and others you get your butt handed to you on a plate. If you learned a lesson on those days it's still a win in my book.

I have never taken a business or marketing course in my life. I learned everything by doing and perhaps this was the best method for me. I have had so many people tell me I am in the wrong business that I ought to be in entertainment or marketing. I don't disagree! Some times when something has such emotional attachments it is hard for us to see the bigger picture.

I know I have a hell of a book in these 12 years of balancing kids, a small business, and life. I am looking forward to whatever opportunites present themselves to me. I am ready. Below is a link to my tweet rant about SweetSoaps survival and history. Thanks Becky for presenting this at SXSW in Austin this year, it meant so much to me, you will never know..

http://www.smallbizsurvival.com/2010/03/15-year-overnight-success-story-of.html

Finished "Man Cave"

2010-03-19T10:42:00.000-04:00

3D metal Ocotopus, fleur de lis clock, and Steer candy dispenser on the shelf http://www.inspirationsgiftgallery.com/.

My treadmill is an eyesore I need a foldable 3 panel room screen to his this!

Sofa and TV stand http://www.raymourflanigans.com/

Mona Bacon Print at far wall left, by @meanmanmike my Bacon Art Show friend from Phillie. Yes you can also get a print from his etsy shop.

Green lantern candle by http://www.imagelgow.com/

French Quarter sign from a shop in New Orleans.

Humphrey Bogart print and treen painting over sofa from Home Goods

2 brown padded benches under the window and black/red table at end of sofa http://www.target.com/ . The tops of benches are cushioned for seating and the tops open up for extra storage.

TV and Home Theatre System http://www.amazon.com/

Mancave Extreme Makeover Part 1

2010-03-17T15:35:00.001-04:00

( I am not being paid nor have I receieved anything for this review)

I have been very busy lately creating soap as well as working as my own general contractor for my basement remodel. I have a degree in Interior Design so I am enjoying myself. Instead of just sheetrocking we opted for a basement wall panel system by Owens Corning http://www.perfectbasement.com/ . I was a little reluctant at first only because I had never seen this product used in a basement before. The walls look like they are covered in a linen, it's very attractive. The fabric is strong enough that you can scrub it with bleach, so it's kid/pet friendly. There is even a baseboard and crown molding that looks like real cherrywood but is made of PVC. They put in steel studs first and some wood 2x4's for the closet on the left. Then the drop ceiling grid get's hung before the beveled celing tiles are put in. The fabric panels are backed with 2 inches of insulation. It is so energy efficient that we get a $1500.00 tax deduction as a result. Another added benefit of this product is incredible acoustics. My husband is now assembling his home theatre system as I type, the TV is going to be totally MAN-HD, 3D, and ADD when he is done. Also something about a Blu-ray? Is that a fish? Stay tuned for the finished and fully decorated Man cave unveiling. There will be beer and TV's, and manly things....

How To "Be Your Brand"

2010-03-09T12:57:00.003-05:00

Welcome to my home!

When you pull up in my driveway you will see my Jeep with my website on the back. Its looks classy not like some painted on fly by night website statement. Think about all the people behind me locally and on roadtrips reading my website address. People in cars get bored unless they are driving. It stands to reason that people will pick up their cell phones and take a look for kicks. If I do a good job on my website and offer a fantastic product I bet they will favorite it for later. One time I got an email from a lady telling me my tail light was out. So many other perks!

Here is a vinyl cling of a fleur de lis on my driver's side window. I bought this at The Tabasco Country Store (St. Ann St.) in the French Quarter, New Orleans. They are also one of my oldest customers and good friends.

When you arrive at my front door you have to press my fleur de lis doorbell to get my attention. (purchased at http://www.inspirationsgiftgallery.com/ )

Once you have stepped into my home you are in the living room. (If you bring food you will always be let inside). Above my front door you will see a wrought iron fluer de lis embellishment over the doorway. I love it because it reminds me of New Orleans and I can't wait to go back! You will also notice the leaded glass window in my door is also a take off on the fleur de lis.

Here you see a table in front of my picture window directly behind my sofa. Yes here we go again! The silver bowl holding the very fake plant has a small fleur de lis design pressed into the metal. ( I have commited too many homicides in the plant world, this is state order no real plants)

This clock hangs in my kitchen and was also purchased at http://www.inspirationsgiftgallery.com/ . The thing I like most about it, is that I cannot figure out what time it is. (blame it on the clock)

On my kitchen counter you will also find the fleur de lis.

I keep this tray in the corner near my Keurig coffee maker in case some fancy pants people come over! Just kidding I don't know any.

I keep this displayed in my dining room in case some French Vampires stop by for a drink. I don't need to be any whiter than I already am!

This is on my Dining room table where we eat everyday. On the top is a lanter candle by http://www.imageglow.com/ . Notice there is a fleur de lis napkin holder too.

When my stove is not cooking I leave this on the skillet. Oh yes once again.

While you are here, you might as well use my fleur de lis bathroom. Notice the toilet paper cover on top of the tank it has a FDL but it also have my website address on it. By now most people think I am in a cult and run screaming from my house.

Don't forget to wash your hands before you leave!

My point to exposing my decor to random strangers today? YOU MUST BE YOUR BRAND! Create situtations that start conversations. This means in your work, your home, and your life. Think about how you can peak people's curiousity and make them die to know more about you or your business. DO you know what happens now when random strangers read this? They feel like they know me and in a sense you do. Do people buy from people that make them feel a connected? YES!!! A million times yes. You also see the passion I have for my business in these photos. I live, breathe, and sleep soap and you now see this. My mind is always on the job. Now I am going to use social media to post this Blog piece and more people will see just how crazy I am.

The Saints Win the 2010 Superbowl

2010-02-08T16:43:00.000-05:00

WHO DAT! I am so happy for the state of Louisiana and especially New Orleans. I have been doing business with many retailers in NOLA and other parts of Lousiana since 2005. The aftermath of Katrina still lingers in the city. I was there in 2007 and fell in love with the city and the people there. I could not be more thrilled for their victory and I know the entire state is hung over today. In 2005 I only had one fleur de lis soap but because of thier ability to hold on for better times I also benefited. I grew my fleur de lis product line so much that it became my primary focus and this year I made it my logo as well.

People in NJ/NY area ask me what is that symbol on your shoes and necklace. I usually tell them it is a sign of strength, hope, and perserverance. This is what is to me and many in New Orleans. I raise my glass to the people of New Orleans who taught me to never say "die"! Geaux Saints! Whodat!

Social Butterfly Blog

2010-02-05T10:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a recent review by Cheri Suri on our products. Thank you!
http://butterflydiary.com/2010/02/bacon-soap-sweet-soaps-makes-goodies-beyond-fit-for-swine/

Lady GaGa Inspired Soap Necklace and Ring

2010-02-02T14:16:00.001-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39866627

Get your Groove on! Bling bling!

Crystal Ball Soap

2010-02-02T12:09:00.002-05:00

::waving hands in air::: (eye balls rolling in back of my head.) Sorry I fell alseep...

I see into your future....it looks like you are going to be buying this amazing Crystal Ball Soap! You know you want it! This clear ball of glycerin soap has irridecent cosmetic glitter inside and it is rolled in gold cosmetic glitter. The ball is 3 inches in diameter and site 4 inches high in the brass stand. The fragrance is "Good Fortune". ;)

Anyone would go "GaGa" for it. Get it here for $20.00 http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=39860342

Heart Shaped Bacon Soap (True Love)

2010-01-27T16:33:00.000-05:00

50% or more marriages fail but this Hearty Bacon Soap will stand the test of time. It is made with love, with the intent to spread more love. Give your man a heart on...I mean a heart shaped bacon soap for Valentine's Day. It's not naughty, it's good clean fun. (Get your mind out of the gutter..I mean shower drain) Of course it smells like maple syrup!

Saints Superbowl Soap (who dat?)

2010-01-25T13:35:00.000-05:00

SweetSoaps and CBS News

2010-01-21T10:58:00.000-05:00

Below is a link to an article by CBS news on December 3, 2009 about great gifts under $10. Our Santa Coal Soap is on here! Where it says ebubbles, scroll down a bit. Can I get a WOOT?!

http://wap.cbsnews.com/site?sid=cbsnews&pid=sections.detail&storyId=5874331&index=1

Our Bacon Candle 1 of 33 Most Creative Candles on Trendhunter.com

2010-01-18T11:18:00.001-05:00

This is big and very flattering! I am in some very good company here!
http://www.trendhunter.com/slideshow/creative-candles

Doing More With Less

2010-01-13T15:02:00.000-05:00

I think we all have been living this title lately? I honestly don't see it as a "bad thing". In general Americans have gotten a bit over indulged in many ways and a redo is in order! It got me thinking about ways I can control spending in my in personal and professional life. Less impulse buying is really a big #1 for us all. I ask myself do I NEED it, most of the time I don't. Next step was to take a look at my personl items like clothings, coats, cosmetics, hair care products etc. I have 2 girls a tween and a teen, we have a lot of girlie hair stuff. We got real about what we use and stopped the nonsense.

I took this same approach to my business, and all of the packaging and molds I have accumulated over 12 years. oh brother!! A task like this can really overwhelm a girl. Luckily I don't cry easily. I took out a tape measure and did a layout of the soap factory on paper with all measurements. It was shocking, I realized I can literally use half of the space I am using now! WHAT?! Yes, I was amazed by this. Mind you there will be some purging of items to make this happen but it is for my own good. Once I dump out stuff I am not using and set up the tables in a U shape all connected I will actually be able to work faster in this space. I laugh at myself in this big space now as I sit here looking how scattered it is in a bigger space.

What will I do with the other 200 square feet of space? I am creating a beautiful living space that will add value to my property. Another way to do more with less, is to create liveable space that is already exisiting instead of costly additions. The cost of revamping this extra space is 60% less than the quote I got for the same space as an addition. What is this called? Doing more with less! Creating value in your real estate with little cost while keeping your taxes down. In addition we are putting in an 80% efficient furnace and AC unit, mkaing us more green! The remodel will also decrease our carbon footprint because it is an exisiting space that will be remodeled with an energy efficient wall panel system.

How to Avoid Marriage for $19.95

2010-01-08T15:43:00.000-05:00

Men, not only am I hear to help you get points for your creative gift giving, I can help keep you single too. Let's start with the fact that there is no bigger high pressure day to commit to your significant other than Valentine's Day. Candy makes her fat, over priced flowers die in 6 days. Our gift ideas are affordable, beautiful, and functional. You can give her a soap diamond, seriously we are recovering from a recession! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=38108138&ref=em

SweetSoaps Product Mention in Amazon.com Press Release

2010-01-05T18:40:00.000-05:00

I have had many surreal moments in the past year but this is by far one of the craziest. I have my Google Alerts set up for my business as well as my product names and the other morning this link came into my mail box. I almost fell off my seat! My Santa's Coal Soap is mentioned as one of the top selling products in the beauty category. I know this is true because it literally exploded in December and we could not be more proud! We sold thousands of HANDMADE IN THE USA Santa's Coal Soap. Yes we can make products in the USA by hand and make a profit. Read and you will see us mentioned at the bottom. Cheers Happy 2010!
***************************************************

Amazon Kindle is the Most Gifted Item Ever on Amazon.com

On Christmas Day, for the First Time Ever, Customers Purchased More Kindle Books Than Physical Books

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) today announced that Kindle has become the most gifted item in Amazon’s history. On Christmas Day, for the first time ever, customers purchased more Kindle books than physical books. The Kindle Store now includes over 390,000 books and the largest selection of the most popular books people want to read, including New York Times Bestsellers and New Releases.

“We are grateful to our customers for making Kindle the most gifted item ever in our history”

.“We are grateful to our customers for making Kindle the most gifted item ever in our history,” said Jeff Bezos, founder and CEO of Amazon.com. “On behalf of Amazon.com employees around the world, we wish everyone happy holidays and happy reading!”

On Amazon’s peak day, Dec. 14, 2009, customers ordered over 9.5 million items worldwide, which is a record-breaking 110 items per second.

Amazon Worldwide 2009 Holiday Facts (includes www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk, www.amazon.de, www.amazon.fr, www.amazon.co.jp and www.amazon.ca):

•Amazon shipped to over 178 countries.

•One of our most remote shipments contained the EMU Australia Toddler Boot and was delivered to Atqasuk, Alaska.

•On the peak day this season, Amazon's worldwide fulfillment network shipped over 7 million units.

•Amazon shipped over 200,000 units to APO/FPO addresses.

•Amazon shipped more than 99 percent of orders in time to meet holiday deadlines worldwide.

Amazon.com 2009 Holiday Facts (www.amazon.com only):

•Amazon customers purchased enough fruit cake to equal the weight of a 1967 Volkswagen Bug.

•Amazon customers bought enough gingerbread house kits that if stacked on top of each other would be as tall as the Sears Tower.

•If all the computers customers purchased this holiday were stacked one on top of the other, they would be more than twice as high as Mt. Everest.

•Amazon customers bought over 50 times more Light Therapy devices this holiday season than there are sunny days in Seattle the entire year.

•For the holiday time period alone, Amazon customers purchased enough shoot-and-share camcorders to supply 50 years' worth of non-stop YouTube watching.

•Amazon customers bought enough Levi's jeans to clothe everyone at the opening ceremony of the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver.

•Amazon customers purchased so many Blu-ray disc players that if you lined them up side to side, they would stretch for more than 27 miles.

•During the 2009 holiday season, Amazon customers bought enough 8 GB iPod touches to play 442 years of continuous music.

•In 2009, Amazon customers purchased enough heart rate monitor watches to put one on the wrist of everyone who finished the New York City marathons in 2008 and 2009.

•Amazon customers purchased enough Frustration-Free Package items to eliminate over 32,000 pounds of frustrating plastic materials, such as plastic clamshells.

•The last One-Day Prime order that was delivered in time for Christmas, was placed on Dec. 23 at 9:17 p.m. Pacific and shipped to Boca Raton, Florida for delivery on Dec. 24. The item was a pair of Yellow Gold 8-8.5mm Freshwater Cultured Pearl Stud Earrings.

•The last Local Express Delivery order that was delivered in time for Christmas, was placed by a Prime member and went to Seattle. It was a Kindle that was ordered at 1:43 p.m. on Christmas Eve and delivered at 4:57 p.m. that evening.

Amazon.com's Hot Holiday Bestsellers (Nov. 15 through Dec. 19, based on units ordered):

•Electronics: Kindle Wireless Reading Device; Apple iPod touch 8 GB; and Garmin nuvi 260W 4.3-inch GPS

•Toys: Scrabble Slam Cards; The Settlers of Catan; and Scene It? Twilight Deluxe Edition

•Video Games and Hardware: Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board; New Super Mario Bros; and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2

•Sports & Outdoors: Razor A Kick Scooter; Victorinox Swiss Army Champion Plus Pocket Knife; and P90X Extreme Home Fitness Workout Program

•DVD: “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince;” “Star Trek;” and “Up”

•Books: “Going Rogue” by Sarah Palin; “The Lost Symbol” by Dan Brown; and “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett

•Music: “I Dreamed A Dream” by Susan Boyle; “My Christmas” by Andrea Bocelli; and “Crazy Love” by Michael Bublé

•Jewelry: Sterling Silver Marcasite & Garnet Glass Heart Pendant; 10k White Gold Diamond 3-Stone Heart Pendant; and 18k White Gold Round Diamond 4-Prong Stud Earrings

•Watches: Casio Men's Waveceptor Atomic Dual-Time Watch; Invicta Men's II Collection Chronograph Stainless Steel Blue Dial Watch; and Timex Kids' Camouflage Stretch Band Watch

•Beauty: Sephora Brand Color Play Palette II; Santa's Lump of Coal Christmas Soap; <<<<This is ME!

"I Feel Like Bacon Love!"

2009-12-17T12:08:00.002-05:00

I wrote this press release and sent it out to about 60 magazines for a Valentine's Day feature. So far, I have gotten one response only after one week. Ladies and gentlemen, drum roll ::::::::::
Cosmopolitan Magazine wants to include our Bacon Soap in a June issue. Why am I telling you this? I am telling you this because I want to drive home the point that no matter how small you are, anything is possible. Hard work, creative thinking, and a take no prisoners attitude will take you places you never dreamed of going. I am living proof of this. If you are new to reading my blog you can scroll down read the fantastic events that have unfolded for me since last February.

Using Social Media has changed me, changed my business, and brought me exposure I never thought possible. Bacon Soap was born on Twitter as a joke and it has exploded! Then after inventing the Sizzling Soy Bacon Candle I put it on my website. In 2 weeks I sold 100 candles that is just off my web site. I even had a sale from the head of Google publishing in NYC, that is cool! The Real Simple Magazine article about my Santa's Coal Soap drove so many sales through Amazon.com we had to shut it down a week ago. The company that I was distributing through said this product was their #1 seller this year and now we are in talks to create year round product for this company. It was in the top 100 for over 20 days last time I checked. Big things for 2010 people...big things!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Ellen Cagnassola, SEO SweetSoaps P: 908-224-7627 E: info@sweetsoaps.com www.sweetsoaps.com

SweetSoaps.com Announces Valentine’s Day “I Feel Like Bacon Love Kit” –

Putting the sizzle in romance!

Fanwood, NJ, Dec 7, 2009- Keeping love alive in our hearts and minds just got a little easier for us this Valentine’s Day . SweetSoaps.com has found a way to put the sizzle in your romance. The “I feel Like Bacon Love Kit” is proof that romance and bacon go hand-in-pan. SweetSoaps.com is helping promote love in a non fat & non caloric fashion!

Most people want to keep the sizzle in their relationships and this Valentine’s Day is a blaze with bacon!. If you have a significant other starting to question the validity of your relationship just light up your SweetSoaps Sizzling Soy Bacon Candle. SweetSoaps.com can bring back that heat you once shared with the flick of a lighter.

Ellen Cagnassola, owner of SweetSoaps.com, created this product when she realized that bacon is a huge trend in food and products. Cagnassola said, “The Maple Scented Bacon Soap was a joke that turned into a product and then gave birth to a bacon candle . Cagnassola has owned SweetSoaps.com for 12 years, handcrafting unique soap and bath products. When she needed to find a creative solution to her left of center humor she used her brand of humor to give life to “bacon love”. This bacon candle sizzles and smells like real bacon cooking in a pan. Video footage http://sweetsoapsdotcom.blogspot.com/2009/12/sweetsoaps-sizzling-soy-bacon-candle.html

Like most entrepreneurs, Cagnassola saw the bigger picture and the potential in marketing a product that could bring joy and happiness to thousands of carnivores and vegans. The candle is made from soy and our soap is a natural glycerin product.

The “I Feel Like Bacon Love Kits” retail for $35.00 and are available at www.sweetsoaps.com . The Sizzling Soy Bacon Candle is 16 oz., packaged in a recycle friendly tin. The soap is a 5 oz. bar, packaged in a natural muslin bag. Contact us for any future retailers near you.

ABOUT SweetSoaps.com – SweetSoaps Custom Photosoaps embed full color photos in the soap, with a custom message. While our custom Logo Soap, creates incredible impact for any promotional event as well. We view ourselves as a customer service/product development company that creates beautiful bath fantasy.

Your event is special — let us make that memory last an eternity!

SweetSoaps Sizzling Soy Bacon Candle

2009-12-01T16:08:00.003-05:00

See us featured on Trend Hunter >>> http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bacon-candles
Get a FREE Bacon Soap with every Bacon candle purchase today through Sunday Dec.6 midnight EST.

Black Friday = FREE Black Santa Coal Soap Day!

2009-11-18T17:52:00.001-05:00

Stay home and shop online in your PJ's. When you order soap from us on Black Friday we are going to give you a FREE Santa's Coal Soap with your order. We also have a flat rate shipping charge of only $5.95 all year. I got your stimulous package right here! Cyber Monday is FREE Snwoman Poop Soap with every order.

SweetSoaps in Real Simple Gift Guide December Issue

2009-11-16T11:11:00.001-05:00

There are a lot of great things happening for SweetSoaps this year and this is the latest one. Our Santa's Coal Soap is on page 98 in the December 09 issue of Real Simple Magazine. This one is going to be framed for the wall of fame for sure. Thanks so much for including us, it's an honor! Our sales ranking was 47 last night on Amazon.com. whooppee!

Bacon Candles That Sizzle

2009-10-29T11:57:00.002-04:00

The Bacon Soap product is creating a huge buzz with buyers as well as the media. You can hear our radio promo on the bottom of our home page http://www.sweetsoaps.com/ . The Bacon Soap smells like Vermont Maple Syrup but the candles with smell like real bacon. This is such an awesome "Man Gift" men on Twitter are already asking me for it after just a mention. They will be 16 ounces in weight, packaged in a silver tin. I am working on the label for the front right now. The wax is eco friendly soy, made from soy beans. The best part is I am going to use wooden wicks so that when it burns it crackles like the sound of bacon cooking. I know you are drooling but this is not ready yet, be patient. I will have them ready in limited quantity for Christmas. If you want this you need to reserve it now because I may only have time to do a few hundred candles. They will retail for $22.95 each. Email me to secure your Bacon Candle sweetsoaps@comcast.net , put Bacon Candle in subject heading. If you reserve a candle you get a FREE bar of Bacon Soap!

Radio Interview for Bacon Soap

2009-10-28T15:08:00.000-04:00

http://www.houndbite.com/?houndbite=18864 OK here is the 4 minute audio clip of my interview with 94rock.com radio station in Thunderbay Ontario Canada. Thanks Dee and Mark, it was a hoot!

Karmalize Productions

2009-10-28T10:02:00.002-04:00

Monday was a very busy day here. Alex Gaylon of Karmalize Productions, in Brooklyn, came here to shoot a spot for a TV show for Verizon Fios. I was contacted by an Executive Producer from http://www.rosenblumtv.com/ after she read the article from the Star Ledger. I was a little nervous because I have never done video before. Alex was great to work with it was like hanging out in a dorm room with a college friend. I know he will do a great job editing, and I am sure he will have to edit a lot of silly stuff I said! I am sure that Alex and I will reconnect in the future, in fact he is coming to The Bacon Art Show reception in Philadelphia Nov.7th. at http://www.mewgallery.org/ 5-9 pm. If you want to hire Alex he also does freelance work here is his You Tube portfolio, check out Dolly Pardon! www.youtube.com/karmalize

SweetSoaps on Push Pause TV Show

2009-10-24T16:26:00.006-04:00

It seems that our article in The Star Ledger http://www.nj.com/homegarden/ has attracted a lot of attention. I got an e mail from a TV producer today and now I have a film crew coming on Monday to film my exciting soap opera. The show is called Push Pause by Verizon Fios, about the New Jersey community (over 2 million subscribers) and runs a half hour. I won't be able to put any video up they said as it is for Verizon cable only.(darn)

I need a lab coat and a kids chemistry kit to start off the first clip. You didn't think I was going to be all serious did you?

Showered With Tweets

2009-10-22T16:53:00.006-04:00

On Twitter, Sweet Soaps hawks everything from bacon soap to personalized gifts
By Star-Ledger Staff
October 22, 2009, 12:15PM

Mitsu Yasukawa/ The Star-LedgerEllen Cagnassola of Fanwood makes bacon soap at her home factory. She is the founder of Sweet Soaps and has found new customers on Twitter.By Laura Martin/The Star-Ledger

Everyone from new moms looking to set up play dates to large retail corporations trying to sell a product has embraced the website as one of the most powerful megaphones of the cyberworld. Even President Obama "tweets."

Ellen Cagnassola of Fanwood is no exception. When faced with the choice 12 years ago of entering the work force or staying home with her young daughter, Cagnassola, founder of Sweet Soaps, chose both.

Now she’s literally bringing home the bacon with her bacon-inspired soap (no, it’s not made with bacon fat, and its scent is like maple syrup). She does custom-made photo-embedded soaps and other poured and molded glycerin soaps.

She does it all while using Twitter and the internet to promote the products she makes in her small, home-based soap factory. With the help of two part-timers, she operates SweetSoaps from her basement, transforming a sparse cinderblock and concrete room into what she calls "something like a mad scientist lab" filled to the brim with tables, molds, containers full of supplies and a giant wax melting pot.

Cagnassola talked with The Star-Ledger recently about how she manages her home-based business and uses social networking sites to make it what it is today. She has lots of ideas for how others can become entrepreneurs without ever leaving home.

Q: How did you get into soap making?

A: Quite by accident. I bought a soap-making kit when my daughter was about 3 years old just to have something to do. That was 12 years ago. It was a fun, easy project to do and I started thinking it could be a business I could do and stay home with my kids. The internet was blossoming and people were really starting to utilize it, so I started a website.

Q: What is your workspace like?

A: One hundred percent of my basement is a soap factory. I make it there and sell it mostly from my home computer. Making soap is similar to making chocolate; you melt it and pour it into a mold, cool it and pop it out. I do all that from my basement.

Q: Do you have an office area with your computer in the basement, or do you also work in other parts of your home?

A: My office is everywhere. My printers are in the same room with me where I make the soap and I have my laptop and an i-pod touch so I can get online from anywhere. I also just got a new Blackberry that I can use, and I am going to take video while I am working and tweet the video. Video marketing is going to be big.

Q: How does someone know if they have a product that could be sold from their home in a similar fashion to yours?

A: First, look into the legal requirements of what you can manufacture from home. Craft products are always a good bet. There are a lot of people out there making amazing and affordable handmade things and selling them online. There are many different things you could sell.

Q: What is your advice for others who want to sell products with a home-based business?

A: Test it out by selling it on sites like etsy.com (a website were people can buy and sell homemade art and crafts) and see how they do first before committing to anything big. Learn how to use social media — it is such a great way of networking not only with customers but when you need help with your business. Twitter has an insane amount of business info.

Research as much as you can online and find a need and address it. Be unique and fill a niche. And don’t feel like you have to know that much about business. When I started I didn’t have a business degree I had never taken a marketing class, but you really don’t need all that. Be patient, learn and listen and utilize all the technology out there. I worked hard at doing it for 12 years, and now I finally feel like I know a little something.

Q: What do you consider to be the biggest challenge of having a workplace in your home?

A: To know when to leave it alone. It’s always calling to call to you. But when you are an entrepreneur that is just the way it is.

Q: What’s the greatest
benefit?

A: I can roll out of bed and go to work and there is no commuting and no wasting time getting ready. I can set my own hours and work when I want to. It’s perfect.

Q: How has your business changed from how you envisioned it when you began?

A: I’m really transforming from being a novelty soap company to doing more custom work for businesses. I think going custom really allows people to continue doing well despite the current economy. Over the last 10 years, I had been randomly adding new soaps that were novelty items and then I decided less was more — let people tell me what they want. I dumped 80 percent of my retail and really focused on what was selling well. Small mom-and-pop businesses like mine were really struggling, and I decided I had to do something that is recession proof. People may not be having extravagant weddings anymore, but they are still getting married and so my photo soap was an item I could sell for weddings and showers and still do well. I have been doing custom work for many corporations, as well. I really try and customize it. When I sell to a company that sells pajamas, for example, I come up with a soap that goes along with that.

Q: How do you advertise your products?

A: I have a retail website with a link to my wholesale catalog. People find me online and I get referrals from past customers. I also use social media, which has been a really big help marketing myself, especially Twitter. I guess I am entertaining and funny on Twitter, and so a lot of people started following me and asking about my products. Tweeting comes very easy to me. I think it has given me a voice and chance for people to know me as a person. And if someone is interesting or funny, you remember them. If you can engage people for a moment, you can draw people in. I have like 4,000 people following me and it has really expanded things. I jokingly mentioned making bacon soup on there, and I got a great response. So I was like fine, I will make it and I put it on the website. And then all of these bacon groups started following me. Then people with bacon-based blogs started writing about my soap. There is a whole bacon-loving community out there. This man approached me about doing a bacon-themed art show in Philadelphia on Nov. 7 at the Mew Gallery. I am making a giant soap pig that smells like maple syrup for that.

Q: Has this publicity on Twitter helped you sell more soap?

A: Yes, it has, but it’s not just about the number of soaps I sell. Right now it’s about getting my brand out there. I know that it will expand my business even more in the future.

Check out SweetSoaps products at sweetsoaps.com or follow Cagnassola on Twitter

Made In The USA

2009-10-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

If you are a USA made product check out http://www.madeintheusabrand.com/ . Sign up and download the Made in the USA logo for your website. I am adding mine today. It's free and a great way to remind people buy American! GO TEAM!

FREE Press Release Submission

2009-10-10T10:19:00.001-04:00

When you are the owner of a small business, getting free publicity it a life saver. Most small business owners do not have a budget for this service. I am going to share with you some ways you can submit your press releases for free.

Press releases are a great way to get your word out about a product or service. Anytime you have a milestone or new business venture I would also write a release as well. Here are some free places you can submit your Press Release.
http://www.prweb.com/
http://www.free-press-release.com/
http://www.press-base.com/
http://www.press-world.com/

Japanese Bacon Video

2009-10-09T17:14:00.000-04:00

It's Friday and this morning my 8 year old told me that in gym they were going to play get the bacon. Why is bacon haunting me? Am I smokin' too much bacon because I am starting to feel paranoid!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8KDsJmECf4

Soap 'Cleans Up' for Local Entrepreneur

2009-10-09T10:43:00.000-04:00

Editor Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington

Soap 'Cleans Up' for Local Entrepreneur Fanwoodian Ellen Cagnassola uses humor and creativity to sell novelty and custom-made soaps—and finds herself poised for new adventures.

By Cindy Loh

Life is coming up roses—sweet-smelling soap roses, that is—for Fanwood resident Ellen Cagnassola, a wife, mother of two, and the self-titled “SEO” (Soap Executive Officer) of
Sweet Soaps, a successful web-based wholesaler of novelty and custom-made soaps.

The New Jersey native started making soap as a fun, craft project in 1998, just when the Internet was starting to take hold of the business-to-business landscape. Little did she know that her part-time hobby would lead to a full-fledged company, that one of her best-selling products would be featured in the December issue of Real Simple magazine, and that her humorous blog and Twitter tweets would bubble up an interesting side career.

“Originally, I wanted to stay home with my kids, and soap making seemed like it had a lot of creative possibilities so I started experimenting with it,” explained Cagnassola. “I have a background in art, but I don’t have an MBA and didn’t know anything about marketing. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and knowing very little kind of helped me. So I built a very small, basic Web site. My intent was really to create interesting, unique soaps and sell them retail.”

Through trial and error, Cagnassola perfected her melt and pour soap-making technique, adding interesting colors and fragrances to the clear glycerin base and molding the bars into non-traditional shapes, including her company symbol, the fleur de lis. After what felt like years “working for cheap or free,” the Sweet Soaps Web site and its original, hand-made product offerings were discovered by stores across the country that wanted to purchase the soaps wholesale, and the bulk of Cagnassola’s business shifted. In 2003, the company landed sales to two catalog giants, Neiman Marcus and Horchow, and after Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana in 2005, several stores in New Orleans signed on with Sweet Soaps, anxious to restock shelves with Cagnassola’s fleur de lis products. To fill orders, the SEO was producing over 1,000 bars of soap a week—all in her tidy, basement studio.

Sweet Soaps was also fortunate enough to win the attention of two television programmers as well, who both found the retailer through Internet searches. In 2006, Cagnassola created custom logo soaps for “Two and a Half Men” and “The Ellen Degeneres Show.”

Cagnassola continued to stretch her creative limits, inventing new techniques, gimmicks, and injecting humor into her products to further set Sweet Soaps apart from the competition. While other soap manufacturers were merely producing embossed soaps, Cagnassola figured out how to embed a full-color image into the center of the bar, ensuring the photo or message would last until the very last soap bubble popped. She also found an alternative way to cater to the holiday décor market and dreamt up “Santa’s Coal Soap” (which will be featured in Real Simple magazine), “Snowman Poop Soap,” “Ghost Poop Soap,” and “Bacon” soap, which smells faintly like bacon with heavier smoky, maple syrup top notes.

“The bacon soap started out as a joke,” Cagnassola said. “I started using social media to brand myself and get my Web site out there, and I use humor a lot in the things that I tweet and say online. One night I joked about making bacon soap. It sounded disgusting to me, but all of a sudden I had all these people responding to me and begging me for it. The next thing I knew it became a viral bacon campaign.”

Cagnassola’s humorous, off-hand remark resulted in one of her hottest-selling soap products, a feature on baconlive.com, and a 4-D bacon soap sculpture commission that she is creating for an art show in Philadelphia. The Sweet Soaps project will look like a pig and smell like bacon.

What’s next for the busy entrepreneur? According to the SEO, it’s more soap, as well as two potential side-businesses that she has just begun to dabble in. Cagnassola’s latest art creation is a recycled paper, molded wall hanging that’s as light and sturdy as Styrofoam. She is also devoting more of her time to two new clients who have hired the comedic writer and self-taught marketing guru to create Twitter campaigns for them.

“The best things that happen to me are always by accident,” Cagnassola said. “Believe me, in between those happy accidents I’m just like everyone else stressing out about what’s the next move. I don’t think about Sweet Soaps like a business, and I don’t want to become a huge soap conglomerate. It’s just this crazy, fun thing that I do. I never said I want to make ‘X’ amount of dollars. When you’re able to do what fulfills you and you can take care of your responsibilities as a mom and a wife and everything that goes with it, that’s success to me.”

Here is a direct link with photos to the article http://scotchplains.patch.com/articles/soap-cleans-up-for-local-entrepreneur

Phillie Bacon Art Show

2009-10-08T10:11:00.001-04:00

Just when I thought this soap business could not get any weirder, it just did! Through the yummy world of bacon I am now going to be taking part in a bacon Art Show at The Mew Gallery in Phillie Nov. 7, 2009. Mike Geno @meatmanmike, is the artist extrordinaire putting all this Bacon love together in one place to "feast" your eyes on! I am waiting for my special soap mold to arrive then I will post pictures of my entry, it will not disappoint bacon lovers, soap lovers, or art lovers. I was an art major in college and I am pretty sure my professors would be surprised that my medium would end up being soap and even more that I am in this show. As Mike Geno told me, "Bacon is the new black". Did you know there are like 50 blogs dedicated to bacon? There are also Ustream video shows on bacon and the list of bacon products on the market keeps growing. Yea Bacon, GO MEAT! (P.E.T.A - People eating tasty animals) All you Bacon Blogs leave a comment so the world can find you!

Promotional Give Away

2009-10-03T20:14:00.000-04:00

Make sure to check our blog frequently because we are going to be doing more give aways next week. You never know when, why, or how we are going to do a promo! We are spontaneous and crazy!

Santa Candy Cane Foot Soak

2009-10-03T12:35:00.000-04:00

My brains are in overdrive because Christmas is coming upon me like a bulldozer. Seeing as how my Santa's Coal Soap does really well and will be featured in "Real Simple Magazine", in December's issue. It got me thinking what else can we bring out to compliment this already popular item and give relief to tired shoppers? So "Santa's Candy Cane Foot Soak" was born. I smell a minty gift pack in the works people! This product will come packaged in the same cute Santa sack we use for the Coal Soap. It will be an all natural product with sea salts and peppermint essential oils. All you organic loving green people are going to love this!

Recycled Decor

2009-10-02T19:24:00.003-04:00

After watching Terra Cycle on Nat Geo, and learning about their story I started thinking how can I do something similar? How could I make use of the tools I have in my arsenal/soap factory to turn something trash into treasure? I think the silver lining in the cloud of our financial devastation this year is that we as a human race have been forced to think about our lifestyles. It's no coincidence that the green revolution rolled up on us during this time. Life is handing us lemons and now we need to make that organic lemonade and turn a profit!

I have literally hundreds of molds for so many different themes. What you see on my website or blog is a fraction of what we have to offer. I started thinking what could I recycle and pour into a mold, creating something in the area of home decor to compliment my soap line? So naturally I took old newspaper, shredded it, put it in a blender with water. I whipped it until it was a slimy pulpy mess. Squeezed out the excess water, mixed it with a water based glue. Then pressed the mixture into a mold as a wall hanging. When it was dry it was very light and seriously unbreakable. This is important for shipping costs and possible damages. I left it the grey but it can also be painted any color. It has a natural stone appearance and texture. It has great applications for large scale wall sculpture because it is so lightweight.

Ghost Poop Soap

2009-10-01T15:00:00.001-04:00

Today is October 1 and it is time for some Halloween fun! This is my very first time ever creating a Halloween soap. Once again someone on Twitter asked for this theme so I always try to make a customer happy and Ghost Poop Soap was born. You can only purchase it on Etsy now as it is a last minute test item. Let me explain this idea before you dismiss me as crazy because this fact has already been established.

The bag reads "You've been naughty so here's the scoop, all you get for Halloween is ghostly poop!" It is a spin off idea of our snowman poop with minor tweaking. The soap is clear for OBVIOUS reasons! The fragrance is candy, WHAT ELSE? I personally welcome something that is not candy at halloween for my own kids. I know the top button on my pants would be relieved if I had less candy too.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31314241&ref=em

Bacon Live

2009-10-01T14:11:00.003-04:00

I was very surprised to find out from Aaron, http://www.iheartbaconsalt.com/ that I was on "Bacon Live" a Ustream.com show http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/2257603 . Thanks for including my Bacon Soap and I have no idea who sent you the picture of my soap. Thanks to whomever submitted it! This is what I love about the Internet, birds of a feather flocking together. You can see my Bacon Soap at about minute 42. You also need to know that @meatmanmike on twitter is putting together an ALL BACON art show in Phillie Nov. 7th. I will be submitting my artist interpretation of bacon Soap in the Shape of a giant fat pig made of soap called, "This one went to market". Pictures will be added when it is complete. Contact him if you have any submissions mikegeno@gmail.com .

Bringing in New Business Using Twitter-Part 2

2009-09-29T14:42:00.003-04:00

Here is my new logo in a bar of my soap, designed for me by http://www.verticalprinting.com/ Laura is the genius behind this creation.(of course I met Laura on twitter @vpg_printing) I am going to share with you a twitter move I use for bringing in new business. I offered one free bar of Logo Soap to anyone who wanted it on twitter. The rules were you had to email me your JPEG logo by 5 pm est. So I made the bars shipped them each for about $2.00. After a couple of days, the e mails and phone calls come rolling in as they are received. Why? This is because to appreciate how awesome my logo soap is you need to see it as YOURS! It is special in their hands because it is no longer about ME it's about THEM. Personalizing is so key to bringing your customers to their knees. Of course price point is an issue for promos so that is why you must have a variety. Once this door is open 90% of the time I get the sale. Check back because I am going to tell you about a second business I created from learning to tweet, engage, and market products for other people. 100% truth!

Twitter Translating Into $ - Part I

2009-09-28T22:29:00.000-04:00

I must admit my first reaction to the twitter home page was "what kind of narcissistic loser would tweet about their daily events?" Well I had to find out so I signed up using my business name @sweetsoaps. The hard part at first is understanding the lingo and the fact that following people does not mean they follow you back. So if you have no followers and you are tweeting to no one guess what happens..nothing! I got very frustrated trying to figure out why anyone would do this. It is actually comical thinking back on it as I sat there saying to myself what is this!!!!!!! Well many hours and months later by osmosis I started to "get it". Like anything worthwhile it requires time and an open mind. Twitter is like life, you get out of it what you put into it. Relationship building takes time in business just like life.

The flow of information that comes through twitter is like nothing I have ever seen. People openly tweeting helpful free information that theoretically should be coveted like a golden goose egg. Why would strangers help one another when clearly there was nothing "in it" for them? I will tell you why, for the "RT" BABY! Yes that right "retweeting" when you post something valuable it is like a viral marketing bonanza! When you share something really great people think you are a twitter God and they retweet your information, therefor exposing your clickable name to ALL of their followers. It's like an awesome pyramid of twitter love. The more people that follow you, the more people know about you or your business. In your profile you have a direct link to your site that people can click on and viola traffic to your website, OMG!!! Yes that's right home grown website traffic without a price tag. It is more than sales, it is also about branding your business. Twitter gives you a voice and allows people to know the person behind the brand.

The winners on Twitter are mostly small business people because we want to reach out to our customers. I am watching how big business is handling Twitter all I have to say is #fail (twitter humor.) Putting free summer interns on Twitter to talk about your company is as exciting as watching a home shopping channel. (snore) I have so much to tell you so check back and learn about the amazing ways I have connected with people and how I am building my business one tweet at a time!

Daytime TV in Tampa, Florida

2009-09-24T18:36:00.001-04:00

Just want to give a shout out to my BFF's April Wilson and Sandi McKenna from Twitter and Daytime TV. Thanks for giving SweetSoaps a big sniff test on your show today. I think Mr. Nemeth liked the smell of our Bacon Soap when Cyndi Edwards waved it in his face. If I can get my hands on the video I will post it as well. If you live near Tampa you can catch them on the morning show. http://www.daytimeonline.tv/

Twitter and Why It Matters to Small Business

2009-09-24T08:53:00.001-04:00

Let me first say that the people I have met through Twitter have been nothing short of fantastic. Smart, progressive, and technology savvy people are some charateristics of Twitter users. I felt compelled to write a short article about this because of conversations I have had with some of my suppliers who refuse to use it. The use of videos and social media together are valuable tools. Yesterday one of my suppliers told me a story of how her #1 competitor was using videos and they created a buying frenzy on their site. My reply was then why aren't you using this formula? She said because I have a lot of orders already I would just make people mad if they had to wait. In my head I was screaming OH MY GOD!!!!!! Is this fear of success or shear stupidity? Hire more people, streamline your website, or sell less product in larger quantity. Ok I am calm now... because just writing that gave me a heart attack. Would it be horrible to make a lot of money using a free form of advertising? This is a small business persons dream right now, take advantage of this situation.

I think fear of the unknown is a big part of reluctance. This economy is forcing us to bust out of comfort zones and the winners will be the people who harness the power of social media and creative use of video marketing. Another great tool is a blog or a vlog. It's free so why aren't you doing this? This is where I post ideas or products I am working on to get feedback. The bottom line is all of these free tools to bring you business are not only FREE but essential in your online business and in enhancing your brand. Force yourself to blog, it is really a fun way to create a business journal of your progress and ideas.

Start a Facebook fan page, funnel promotions and links through that page. Use Twitter to give yourself a voice and your potential customers a sense of who you are as a person. People like to do business with people they like! ~~rocketscience~~

SweetSoaps Product Review Soapstars!

2009-09-22T19:19:00.004-04:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xmiury7jHRg

Check out Keri on You Tube reviewing some of SweetSoaps.com products. Keri is a wife and mother, hard to believe because girl you look like you are 17. Go subscribe to her You Tube channel and blog http://www.glimmerglossglow.com/ and learn how you can look 17 again! See you on THE TWITTER bus! follow Keri @GGKeri or follow us @sweetsoaps for a fun time in Twitterville.

Want to be a Star too? Apply here, put I want 2 B a STAR in the subject heading sweetsoaps@comcast.net

Real Simple Magazine December Gift Guide

2009-09-20T18:41:00.001-04:00

Great news, SweetSoaps Santa Coal Soap will appear in Real Simple Magazine's Gift guide in their December issue! This is a thrill because to put it "simply" is a beautiful publication. We have a lot more media excitement coming in the next few weeks, do check back to get the scoop! Update We will also be in the Nov. 09 issue of http://www.giftbeat.com/ which will feature several other products. HIGH FIVE!

Jackie Silver Shows SweetSoaps Logo Soap on TV

2009-09-18T08:07:00.002-04:00

A big thanks to Jackie Silver of AgingBackwards for giving us a shout out on TV. This clip contains great cost effective at home spa treaments. The very end of the clip she shows our logo soap we did with her logo in it. She is one hot chic and you would never believe she is 50. (Jealous?) She is beautiful but more importantly smart and kind. Follow Jackie on twitter @agingbackwards ask her about her book so you can learn how she stays so young. She always tells me exercise is the fountain of youth! Darn it! I was hoping she would tell me it is ice cream. Click the link below to hear about some great spa products to relieve stress too.

http://www.groundhog.tv/apps/viewer/play-stv-media.jsp

Coal Soap for Good People!

2009-09-03T11:00:00.007-04:00

I know you don't want to hear this, but the holidays are upon me. Every year our Santa's Coal Soap and Snowman Poop Soap are #1 sellers. The nice thing about this product is I can customize the bag for you with a logo or any messages. We just ask that you order 50 pieces and we do not charge extra. You just send us a JPEG of your art and we do the rest. The soap is peppermint scented glycerin and it is super fun because it looks like real coal but won't leave smudges I promise!

Bacon Soap

2009-08-30T20:47:00.004-04:00

I use twitter alot because it is the best place to get ideas, network, and get immediate feedback. So last night I was up way past my bed time tweeting and I jokingly said I was going to make bacon soap. I expected some of the 3500 people following me to scream ewwww, but to my surprise they went nuts. I listen to these responses because quite frankly they are a large cross section of people from everywhere in all types of industries. This makes for a perfect gauge of marketability for any product.

Yes this is glycerin soap and yes it smells like real bacon. This is my very first "man product" and quite frankly it is awesome and every man wants bacon. This is guilt free for the Jewish folks, sodium free, and fat free. There is really no reason to look elsewhere to make a man happy. Plus you can't beat a $5.00 retail price on a handmade item! BUY IT NOW so your man does not leave you. If you are female, well you also need this to attract a mate. Lure him in with the smokey aroma of bacon. I am pretty sure he will ask you to marry him on the spot.

Custom wedding Favor

2009-07-13T21:27:00.004-04:00

I am working on creating a line of custom wedding favors which will be appearing in two bridal magazines soon. The favor market is dull and I think there is a great niche in the area of personalization. SweetSoaps can put a full color photo and any custom message in this product. You can have your name and wedding date or any other message that fits your day.

Perhaps a short love poem? I also started thinking of ways a bride could use this to even save her money. So I am working on some that are a favor, table # marker, and even a place setting with your guests name all in one. Drop us a nnote and tell us what you think. info@sweetsoaps.com

Use Humor to Motivate

2009-06-11T10:45:00.006-04:00

I have been reading Mike's Blog (Jersey Boy). He is energetic and entertaining on his videos too. Today he did a piece about squashing feelings of failure. Let's face it this economy is hurting everyone and it is nice to hear what other people are doing to remain upbeat and positive. My quote is #11 some days, humor is all we have! So get moving and make lemonade!

http://www.toiletpaperentrepreneur.com/blog/i-am-a-failure-the-biggest-lie-out-there

Logo Soap for Your Tweetup

2009-06-09T13:30:00.003-04:00

Our good friends at www.verticalprinting.com are creating the new SweetSoaps wholesale catalog. In the mean time this logo soap will now be Laura's promo at her next "Tweetup" event with local Twitter friends. They do anything and everything you can imagine in printing. Postcards, biz cars, catalog, brochures, and the list goes long. Laura does great work and I am very pleased with the catalog revamp. Their site and graphics are fantastic. Check them out!

3D Soap

2009-05-26T18:29:00.003-04:00

So I have had the idea of creating a 3D soap product for years, and today it all came together. This is for an alligator hatchery in Louisiana, but has endless possibilities. How about your picture in soap falling from an airplane as a skydiver? Great ideas are starting to flow on this product. I will be making samples of new ideas and posting them here. Stay tuned.

Bachelorette Party's Make Dirty Girls

2009-05-21T09:46:00.003-04:00

So your BFF is getting hitched and you are the MOH. We got you covered if you are looking for a fun custom gift bag item. Have her name in a bar of soap with a group photo of all the attendants with a message to start the night off right. So after a night borderline illegal acts/ night on the town wash away your dirty girl image with SweetSoaps!

"I Do" want SweetSoaps Favors

2009-05-20T13:00:00.003-04:00

The perfect favor for your perfect day! SweetSoaps.com can put your full color art or photo in a bar of soap ($2.00) each. A totally fantastic customized product with your photo, date, and name. Finally a gift for your guests that is useful, handmade, and natural. Even Eco-friendly brides will love this product. We do not charge any art fees or set up fees. You can also pick any fragrance your heart desires.

Logo Soap and Party Favors

2009-05-19T14:12:00.002-04:00

After attending the NYC Stationery Show yesterday, I realize just how hot this product is going to be! We can take any full color logo, art, or photo and embed it in the center of a bar of soap. This is so much nicer than any topical impression or image that washes away after a few uses. These will last all the way to the end of the soap's life. A great way to leave a lasting memory for any event in your life. We do shower favors, weddings, Coporate events, Birthdays, and anniversaries. This product can also be totally customized with a date and name. In other words it is AWESOME!!!! Let me also say again, all of our products are handmade in the USA. Price $2.50 can't beat it with a stick.

Fun New Things

2009-04-22T11:14:00.004-04:00

Just a quick photo of some fun stuff on a lighter side we are working on. Irish themes, Guitar, Hippie themes. Expanding and growing into other areas!

Royalty Themes

2009-04-22T11:10:00.004-04:00

We have added a few new items to our Fleur De Lis/ Regal line. Notice the "Griffin" and "Coat of Arms". We can make these in the black or the gold and white seen here.

Guitar Birthday Cake

2009-03-14T15:29:00.001-04:00

If I was not in the soap business, this is what I might be doing with my time.

Karma

2009-03-14T14:45:00.005-04:00

It is true that Karma will bite you in the ass. I have seen it oh so many times that I have lost count. "Do unto others as you wish them to do unto you."~ MaryEllen Lewis. A quote from my late grandmother, who taught me how to draw and was a great influence in my love of art and design. She was funny, beautiful, and loved us to pieces, so I name my oldest daughter after her. That is how our original business name became, MaryEllen's SweetSoaps. SO if you have a person that needs a wake up call, give them Karma Soap! The bag reads, "If you are a thoughtless dope, then all you shall get is a bar of soap." I think that says it all.

A Sincere SHOUT Out.

2009-03-14T14:34:00.003-04:00

Once in a while in business and life, you come across a spectacular person. I feel compelled to share this with whomever is reading this blog, so all 5 of you will enjoy, ha ha. Ron from www.soapequipment.com, is just about the sweetest man ever. Take a moment to check out his clever made in USA machines. His customer service is second to none and he will go the extra mile to help his customers. I love his creative concepts for soapmakers and his awesome youtube videos. Give Ron a holler and tell him I sent you! ron@soapquipment.com . SUPPORT USA SMALL BUSINESS!

Private Label and Promo

2009-02-26T14:33:00.009-05:00

SweetSoaps.com offers private label bath salts in a bag, Logo Soap and natural lip balms. You can have any image and contact info in full color on this 6 oz bag for bath salts, and no silly art charges. The logo soap has a black only image embedded in the center giving your brand a long lasting image unlike other embossed soaps. You can have this glittering gold, white, or any pastel color. We offer custom fragrances, custom color matching at no additional charge. Lip balm tubes come in white and black and can also be custom flavors. Call us to create your own line of products for your business or to help you promote your business with your logo. We promise only quality ingredients, low minimums and excellent customer service. info@sweetsoaps.com for details. (soap = 5 oz., lip balm= .15 oz., bath sats = 6 oz.)

Awesome Socks

2009-02-25T19:03:00.004-05:00

Every once in a while I will post about other people's products. I bought a pair of meat socks and a pair of cigarette socks from www.ashidashi.com for Christmas as a gift this past year. They were a huge hit! The quality was excellent and they are made in the USA. I try to buy American whenever possible, afterall I am also a manufacturer. I am on their mailing list and they just announced a new addition to their sock line today. They also posted 20% off if you use promo code "2up". So go get yourself a pair of socks that are comfy, quality and a great conversation piece. If you find yourself in an awkward silence, pull up your pant leg and yell check out my meat socks!

Rainbow's and a pot of gold?

2009-02-24T15:28:00.010-05:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21483098

Here is my first attempt at listing on Etsy, it's sad looking but I will get the hang of it soon. In business you need to try new things and this week I have really ripped the lid off of that concept. You can find us on http://www.facebook.com/ , http://www.twitter.com/ , SweetSoaps Blog, and now Etsy in addition to our website http://www.sweetsoaps.com/ . You can follow us by going to our website and click on the buttons, it is super easy.

Are they SweetSoaps or TweetSoaps?

2009-02-23T14:03:00.008-05:00

Spring is Coming!

Just a quick preview of a new product we are working on for Spring 09. This little robin soap is super cute. I can't wait to make them in lots of spring time colors. E mail for pricing info@sweetsoaps.com