Monday Spotlight- Sweet Natural Soaps

Morning loves! I have had an exhausting weekend, so many products to review. But I have set aside time for another Monday Spotlight! Today I would like to introduce you all to Charlene the owner of Sweet Natural Soaps, a company committed to offering natural products that are good for the environment. I had a chance to talk with her about her company, check out the interview below.

1. Please introduce yourself:

 

My name is Charlene Rodriguez, I am 29 years old and I live in southern California. I started my soap business, Sweet Natural Soaps, in January of 2011.  I am a cosmetologist by trade which is a huge help with my business.  I play the piano, guitar and am now learning the violin.  I write short stories, paint, scrapbook & love to bake. 

Charlene

 

2. You are one busy woman, What moved you to start your business?



I am originally from a small town on the East Coast and when I moved out to California I started having a lot of breathing problems.  I had never had anything like this happen to me before and all of a sudden I had found that cleaning supplies, candles, air fresheners and so on would make my breathing problems worse.  So I decided to start making all of my own cleaning products, air fresheners & even hair spray.  Switching to these natural recipes helped me so that I didn't have a problem breathing just from using them.  They are good for the environment and for me.  During all my research for making these products at home I came across natural soap recipes and why they are so good for you.  I always had a desire to make soap & body products so this was the next step I decided to take.  Everything I made smelt so wonderful and felt so great on my skin.  I loved making everything so much that I decided to start my own business and sell my products to others who, like me, desired to have natural product choices.

Charlene in her Soap making attire!

 

3. You have a lot of interesting soap creations, like your soda pop collection, where do you come up with these ideas? What inspires you?

 

I have always been known for my sweet tooth and one day as I was brainstorming trying to think of what kind of soap line people would like to see I thought, 'What a better way for a person with a sweet tooth like me than to shower with a wonderful fizzy soda scent?!'  I am happy to say that the Soda Shoppe line has been a big hit.  The soaps from this line smell just like your favorite sodas and you can even "feel" the fizz on your nose as you smell them.

Everything around me inspires me.  I have been blessed with a great imagination and lots of creativity.  I am always thinking about what kinds of things I would like to see in the beauty industry that might not be out there yet.  When I see something I love or smell something wonderful i start thinking about how I could incorporate that in a product.  Recently I have been inspired to start a Latin soap line.  There are so many beautiful colors and delicious scents that come from this culture.  I am very excited about this new line.



4. I can’t wait to experience the Latin soap line, I immediately think margaritas, pineapples, and guava! While we wait for this exciting line, what has been your best selling item so far?

 

My Hot Chocolate soap is my best selling item.  A customer told me that her dog had even licked the soap because it smelt so good.







5. Have you faced any challenges owning your business?

 

I am lucky to say that I have not.  I have a very supportive husband, family and most important I LOVE what I do.



6. That’s great, I love your enthusiasm! Where do you see your company in five years?

 

In five years I hope to have a hair product line and have my products for sale in salons.  I would also love to start offering home party packs where people could purchase items from me wholesale and sell my products at a SWEET NATURAL SOAPS BODY PARTY.



7. What advice would you give someone who is thinking of starting their own business?

 

I would advise you to make sure you love what you are going to do because starting your own business is a lot of work.  This is your chance to do something you love and make a living while doing it.  It just doesn't get better than that.



As I mentioned earlier I just love Charlene’s energy and enthusiasm. Her products fill a need for those who can no longer take the harsh ingredients in mainstream body products, or for those that just prefer something different! If you would like to try some of Charlene’s creations visit her website here and after choosing your items email her at SweetNaturalSoaps @ yahoo DOT com. Once your order is placed, Charlene will email you an invoice through Paypal. For a special deal for my readers when ordering email Charlene the code “FIZZ” and my blog name Sweet Tart Beauty for a FREE bar of soap from her Soda Shoppe line!

(No minimum purchase required. Code is for ONE free 2oz bar retail: $3.00. Email code “FIZZ” and my blog name Sweet Tart Beauty to SweetNaturalSoaps @ yahoo DOT com)

Indie Review: Bird on wire

I  want to start off by thanking Sarah, the owner of Bird on Wire for kindly donating a giveaway prize for the Facebook event taking place March 1st. I will put up a post letting you all know  more about that in the coming week. But here is a sneak peek at Bird on Wire and the upcoming giveaway prize.

On March 1st, my Facebook followers will have a chance to win this pair of striking rooster saddle earrings!! value: $35

I have had the joy of speaking with Sarah about her company and the advice she has for other aspiring artist. Read the full interview after the jump.

1. Please introduce yourself:

My name is Sarah Paterson, owner/designer of Bird on Wire

 

2. Nice to meet you Sarah, Do you mind if I ask why you decided to start your business?

After living and selling my jewelry in Guatemala for seven years I realized what I wanted to do and that I could make a living doing it.   So I just recently moved back home to start up my business.  I knew I had to be self-employed and working online will allow me to eventually move back down south full time and still make money doing what I love to do.

3. Thank you for sharing that with us! What is your creative process?

Most of my designs and ideas come to me while I'm out on my hikes, which I do every day, sometimes twice.  I'm very inspired by my travels and have a fascination with tribal culture's and nature.  All of these aspects and the fact that I am a perfectionist help me create my unique pieces.

4. I agree, your pieces are very unique! What is your best selling item?

My feather earrings have always been my top sellers, especially my shorter designs.

Its funny that Sarah would say this because immediately after discovering her website, I fell in love with these pheasant feather earrings!!

Retail: $28

5. Have you faced any challenges in owning your own business?

Money is always a problem when starting up, saving for future market dates, paying for supplies and materials etc.   Since I just moved back to Canada I also have all the expenses involved with starting up life again so it has been tough to get ahead.

6. Where do you see  your company in 5 years?

I want to have my online stores well established.  I would like to live and work from a different country and continue on my travels as this is where I get most of my inspiration and creativity.

7. What advice would you give to someone interested in starting their own business?

To perfect what you love to do, set goals and be passionate about becoming successful.

 

If you would like to learn more about Sarah and her company Bird on Wire, please visit her website here and be sure to like her facebook page for the upcoming giveaway!!

Etsy Shop Spotlight: Flowers by fatima

Good morning everyone!!

How was your weekend? Exciting I hope! Today starts the new week which means it is time for another Etsy Shop Spotlight post.

A few weeks ago I was introduced to Fatima the vibrant and kind hearted owner of Flowers by Fatima. Fatima creates everything from bouquets to extravagant hair pieces. My personal favorite is the Peppermint Bark Butterfly hair comb pictured below:





I truly adore Fatima’s shop and wanted to sit down with her to learn more about her and her business. Please check out the interview below!



1. Please introduce yourself:

Hey Sweet Tart Beauties! I'm Fatima of Flowers From Fatima. I am 22 years old, from Cincinnati, Ohio. I am a mother, sister, friend, musician, florist, and fashion designer.



2. Why did you start your Etsy business?

I started my Etsy business in the hopes of inspiring people all over the world with the beauty of Mother Nature and the wish to share my creativity through my love for floral design.



3. What is your creative process? ( what influences your art)

My art is a reflection of my spirit, all that I admire, as well as the emotions of my heart. I simply manifest whatever comes to my mind.



4. What is your best selling item?

My best selling item has been my Golden Sunflower Hair Clip: http://www.etsy.com/listing/50822319/golden-sunflower-hair-clip.



5. Have you faced any challenges in owning your own business?

Of course I face challenges each and every day with Flowers From Fatima; those challenges make me a much stronger and more skilled business owner and fashion designer. One of my major challenges at the moment is enduring the "slower periods." Flowers seem to be a very seasonal trend as far as fashion. However, I always keep positive thoughts at the forefront to carry me through and continue to be productive.



6. Where do you see Flowers by Fatima in 5 years?

5 years from now, Flowers From Fatima will have flourished even more and will be more widely known all over the world. I will have my product carried in a wider selection of retail stores across the country.



7. What advice would you give someone interested in starting their own business?

If you DESIRE to start your own business, I advise that you think positively about your aspirations and set forth to accomplish them! All great feats begin with a simple dream.



Thank you Fatima, for sharing this with my readers! You are truly and inspiration and I look forward to seeing more from you in the future. If you are interested in visiting Flowers by Fatima please click here. Free gift with orders over $35 and when you use the code: SweetTartFS you will receive free shipping!!



Happy shopping loves!

@FlowersFFatima

Featured Etsy Shop: Bagatelle Designs

Sweet, Feminine, Elegant, Classy 

Are those words that define you? If so you are going to love my featured Etsy shop for this week! I would like to introduce you all to Bagatelle Designs! 

Bagatelle Designs is the brain child of Sophie a Belgium native with a love for jewelry design. Her pieces are elegant, feminine, and versatile. Each piece is constructed using only the best materials such as: Swarovski crystals, bohemian glass, gemstones, lampwork glass beads and repurposed vintage elements. With her passion for colors, textures, and shapes, Sophie brings you one of a kind jewelry that will make you look as good as you feel! 

  If you are a sweet, feminine, classy, and elegant lady head on over to Bagatelle Designs and pick up your one of a kind piece that will make all the other ladies stop and stare!

Where to find Bagatelle Designs online? 

Etsy: www.BagatelleDesigns.etsy.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BagatelleDesigns

Twitter: @BagatelleDesign

Thanks For Reading! Danielle