Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with the slow season for small businesses. They explore the emotional toll of low sales, strategies for utilizing downtime for growth, and the importance of planning ahead for busy seasons. The conversation also touches on what not to do during slow periods, lessons learned from past experiences, and creative marketing strategies to engage customers. The hosts share personal anecdotes and advice for new entrepreneurs navigating their first slow season.

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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

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

Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jeri Anne and Her Business

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

05:54 The Journey Begins: A Prayer for Guidance

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

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

15:16 Taking the Leap: Selling on Amazon

19:52 Navigating Challenges: The Amazon Experience

24:46 Scaling Up: Maintaining Quality in Growth

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

34:33 Exploring Sales Platforms

37:34 The Role of Social Media in Business

42:37 The Journey of Building a Business

44:59 Family and Community Involvement in Business

51:51 Fun and Lighthearted Moments in Business

52:27 short moo intro:outro.mp4

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🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

This week’s guest:

https://southernnaturals.com/

Summary

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

Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Family support can significantly ease the burden of responsibilities.

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

Guilt is a common feeling among parents and entrepreneurs.

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

Prioritizing family time over business opportunities is often necessary.

A perfect day is often unrealistic but worth envisioning.

Learning from mistakes is a vital part of entrepreneurship.

Organization can help manage chaos in both home and business.

Humor can be a great coping mechanism for stress.

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Summary

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

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Indie Brands and Collaborations

00:12 Understanding Customer Requests and Custom Orders

02:58 The Word of the Week: Idiosyncratic

05:47 Redneck Word of the Week and Customer Experiences

09:10 Navigating Niche Requests in Custom Orders

13:36 The Challenges of Shampoo and Conditioner Bars

16:27 Building Customer Loyalty Through Customization

20:15 The Risks of Making Health Claims

24:40 Managing Custom Orders and Pricing Strategies

29:21 Custom Orders and Customer Service

33:58 Balancing Custom Requests and Brand Integrity

36:36 Navigating Custom Order Challenges

40:43 Setting Boundaries with Custom Requests

41:57 Creative Custom Soap Ideas and Limitations

47:13 short moo intro:outro.mp4

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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

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

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

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

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

🐄 Stay Dirty Heifers!

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Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Check out this week’s guest at:

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

Facebook - fb.me/hearthandharvestwoodcrafts

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

Summary

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

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Check out this week’s guest at:

https://howellsproducts.com/

Summary

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

Takeaways

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

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

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

Takeaways

The hidden loneliness of small business ownership is often overlooked.

Decision fatigue can drain creativity and joy from the craft.

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

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

Guilt over resting can hinder personal and professional growth.

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

AI tools can help alleviate decision fatigue in business operations.

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

Resilience and stubbornness are key to overcoming thoughts of quitting.

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

Support systems are crucial for overcoming challenges in business.

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

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

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

Finding a support system is essential for solo business owners.

The mental gymnastics of scaling a business can be exhausting.

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

Feelings of inadequacy and jealousy are common among entrepreneurs.

Family serves as a primary motivation for many business owners.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body