Greetings from Denver!

After a weeks of excitement and anticipation we finally arrived in Denver last night for the 2010 Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild Conference. We had a long (but GREAT) day today learning about new methods and ideas, meeting new people, and making plans for more AnnaKate soaps and other products. We'll be sure to get some good pictures tomorrow to show you what's going on, but here's a little recap of what we did today.

First, we listened to Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun talk about sustainability, and being careful for future generations. She said that the choices we make impact sustainability now and in the future. We can take the lead in defining sustainability in our times, in which others will make decisions. During the Q&A time, we had a really healthy discussion about politics and how we as citizens and small business owners can be engaged in the process. One thing she said that really stood out was that the system CAN work, but it will not be responsive if we don't engage.

After that, we listened to Debbie May from Wholesale Supplies Plus talk about compliance vs. creativity. Soaps are regulated by either the FDA or the Consumer Product Safety Commission, so we have to be sure to follow all the rules for labeling, marketing claims, ingredient lists and functions, etc... It was extremely informative but very overwhelming at the same time. It's just a reminder of how conscientious we have to be when labeling our soaps.

After lunch we listened to Cindy Jones, a chemist and soap maker. She gave us a rundown of all the chemistry basics. It was very informative and interesting. Chemistry plays a big role in soap making. We need to consider everything from the composition of fats, to carbohydrates, to proteins.

In the afternoon Laura and I split up to attend different sessions. She attended two sessions about liquid soap making led by Anne Marie Faiola from Bramble Berry and Soap Queen TV. I'll let her give the details on these sessions. But I think it's safe to say that AnnaKate Soaps will definitely be experimenting with liquid soaps. We'll keep you up-to-date on how that goes and if/when you can see them added to our line!

I attended a session on melt and pour soap basics, which was led by Debbie Chialtas a.k.a. SoapyLove. It wasn't any new information for me but I love the soaps Debbie makes so it was fun to get to meet her and hear what inspires her! She makes these adorable Soapy Pop soaps shaped like popsicles. Aren't they great??

The other session I went to was about how to market your soap business. It was great to hear the business side of things and get new ideas, strengthen our existing ideas, and hear what other people are doing (whether it works or not!).

It's been a long day and we're both tuckered out! We're going to get a good night's rest and do it all again tomorrow! Goodnight!!