Soap Making the Natural Way ~ Blade + Bloom
In this maker-to-maker interview series, we discuss natural beauty routines, transparency, and the importance of memory and humor in product branding and packaging.
Annie (SKUE): Hi Terri! I’m excited to ask you a few questions about blade + bloom. Q1. If someone wants to switch to an all natural skincare regimen, what advice do you give them and which products from your brand are a great first-step?
Terri: Thanks, great question! I always tell people to start with their body products — my rich cleansing bar and rich body serum and/or balm are perfect to kick off a natural self care routine.
Skin is our largest organ, so what we put on our bodies actually goes in our bodies as well.
Unfortunately the majority of mass produced skincare products contain harsh detergents, useless fillers and “fragrance” which could really be anything since ingredients do not have to be fully disclosed. We probably wouldn’t understand them if they were. No thanks — I’ll stick to beneficial ingredients and formulations that smell good, feel good and do good. Bonus: I know where they came from and can pronounce them. Also, it’s nice to have transparency with smaller businesses these days. I shop local as much as possible and appreciate knowing who makes the beautiful things I purchase;hopefully {blade + bloom} customers feel the same way. 💕
Annie: Absolutely! As a person with sensitive skin, using only all natural products has really made a difference for me — it’s amazing what a simple ingredient can do that a whole load of synthetic products can’t! Q2: What is one thing that you would like buyers and store owners to know about blade + bloom that they can pass along to their customers?
Terri: That’s great to hear. I believe simpler is better. When I get a chance to talk with buyers face to face, besides letting them know that my products are all natural and designed/handmade by me in Chicago, I like to point out the back of the packaging where I write stories or tell the inspiration behind the scents I create. For instance on my rich cleansing bar in marcella it says “smells like: the rose garden you were never promised”, the candle in camp white pines talks about a junior high camping trip.
The stories are meant to add fun and humor to the product experience and I find that they sometimes really resonate with customers.
I love watching them read the package then sniff the item then read again, nodding their head in agreement.
Annie: I love the stories that are added to your items, scent is such an important aspect to our memory and experience of this world. Q3: What was the biggest move that you made to establish your products as a brand and business? Was there a defining get moment or did blade + bloom develop naturally?
Terri: Definitely, scent is a huge memory trigger.
The biggest move I made was up leveling the packaging.
I realized that to sell at the wholesale level I needed durable and attractive packaging so I designed boxes for the soap and lip balm and tied the designs into the bottle labels as well. Luckily I have an arts background and a passion for design that matches my passion for making great products.
Every week we do live interviews on Instagram with our makers before featuring them here. Are you interested in joining our wholesale collective? Apply at skue.co/makers
