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PODCAST · business

The Dirty Heifers

Get ready to laugh, learn, and lather up with The Dirty Heifers, the ultimate podcast for soap makers, crafters, and small business enthusiasts! Hosted by Margaret from Warm and Fuzzy Soapery, Jessie from Country Lather Soapworks, and Shauna from Bawauna Bath and Body. This trio of entrepreneurial experts dives deep into the soapy suds of running a small business. From crafting tips and market trends to the challenges and triumphs of creative entrepreneurship, The Dirty Heifers delivers candid conversations, hilarious stories, and valuable insights to inspire and empower makers everywhere. Tune in and join the herd!

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 23, 2026 · Source feed

  1. 71

    Episode 89: What If You DON'T Need to Scale Your Soap Business?

    What if getting bigger isn't actually the goal?After two episodes of talking about massive production, scaling, private label, and what it takes to build a huge soap business, we're ending our three-part conversation with Joanna Couch—the Soap Gal—with a question that might surprise you:Do you actually need to scale?In the final episode of our conversation with Joanna Couch of The Soap Gal and Makers Haven, we're talking about something that doesn't get discussed nearly enough in the handmade business world: what success actually means—and whether bigger is always better.Joanna has built an enormous soap manufacturing business, worked with major brands, taught makers how to scale, and spent years learning what it takes to turn a handmade business into something much bigger.But her advice might surprise you.She tells us about the person who watched her videos because they wanted to scale bigger and bigger… only to realize they were actually happy exactly where they were.And Joanna says that's okay.We talk about:🧼 Makers Haven and why Joanna created it 🤝 Why collaboration matters more than competition 💰 Group buying and making supplies more accessible 🏭 How preparation and systems help makers avoid burnout 📦 Soap kits, bases, master batching and cash flow 📱 Social media, consistency and the future of handmade businesses ❤️ Why community is so important to makers 🚫 Why beginners should stop worrying about competition 💻 What every soap maker should automate 💸 Joanna's biggest business mistakes and wastes of money 🏖️ How she actually takes a vacation with 40+ employees 👩‍💼 Why hiring employees can be a gift—not just an expense 🎯 Why entrepreneurs need to think five and ten years ahead 🙏 Joanna's philosophy on goals, faith and purpose ✨ Why not everyone needs to scale 🎨 Why the tiny, incredibly detailed soap can be just as valuable as millions of bars 🚀 And the advice Joanna gives to anyone who has a dream but doesn't think they're big enough to make it happenThere is also a very important conversation about burnout.Joanna talks about how easy it is to get caught up in the pressure to constantly grow—and why makers need to stop, breathe, and ask themselves what they actually want.And then there's one of my favorite moments of the entire three-part interview:“Just do it.”Not because everyone needs to build a million-dollar company.Not because everyone needs a 40,000-square-foot facility.But because you are allowed to pursue the version of success that actually makes you happy.Whether you're a brand-new soap maker trying to figure out where to start, an established maker wondering whether it's time to scale, or a small-business owner who's completely exhausted from trying to do everything…this one is for you.And if you've watched all three parts of our conversation with Joanna, THANK YOU for hanging out with us through the whole thing. We could genuinely have talked to her for another six hours. 😂🐄 Join the Heifer Herd!If this episode helped you, subscribe to The Dirty Heifers, give the episode a thumbs-up, and share it with another maker who needs to hear it.And tell us in the comments:Do you want to scale your soap business—or are you actually happy keeping it small?Because there is no wrong answer.Stay Dirty Heifers.#TheDirtyHeifers #SoapMaking #SoapBusiness #SoapMaker #MakersHaven #SmallBusiness #HandmadeBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SoapIndustry #HandmadeSoap

  2. 70

    Episode 88: You Don't Have to Make the Soap to Build a Soap Business

    What if you could build a successful soap brand without making every single bar yourself?In Part 2 of our conversation with Joanna Couch of The Soap Gal, we're going behind the label—and into the world of white label, private label, contract manufacturing, branding, and scaling a soap business.Joanna has spent years manufacturing products for other brands, including major brands and Amazon sellers, so she has a perspective most soap makers simply don't get to hear.We talk about the difference between white label and private label, what custom manufacturing actually looks like, minimum orders, customization, packaging, lead times, manufacturing costs, and what brands need to know before approaching a manufacturer.But this conversation goes way beyond manufacturing.Joanna challenges the idea that you need to make everything yourself to build a successful business. She talks about why she would focus heavily on branding, marketing, and sales if she were starting over today, why knowing your customer comes before choosing your product, and why she thinks social media and a strong website can completely change the way a handmade business grows.And yes… we get to the golden retriever strategy. 🐕If you've ever wondered whether you should keep making everything yourself, move into wholesale, explore private label, or spend more of your time selling instead of producing, this episode is packed with ideas to chew on.And Joanna doesn't sugarcoat it. She talks about mistakes, bad batches, lost money, difficult clients, saying no, and the reality of manufacturing at scale.This is Part 2 of our three-part conversation with Joanna Couch. If you missed Part 1, go back and watch that first—and make sure you stick around for Part 3, where we dive into Makers Haven, collaboration, community, and Joanna's vision for helping other makers grow.🧼 In this episode:White label vs. private labelHow contract manufacturing worksHow much customization is possibleMinimum orders and lead timesManufacturing for Amazon brandsWhat manufacturers wish small brands understoodWhy branding and marketing may matter more than making everything yourselfHow to identify your audience before manufacturingSocial media vs. your websiteAI and protecting your brand/imageStarting a soap business in 2026Wholesale and the “golden retriever” strategyWhat soap makers get wrong about scalingWhy you don't necessarily need a huge product lineSix-figure soap businessesThe realities of manufacturing mistakes and lost inventoryIf you're a soap maker, small-business owner, or handmade entrepreneur, we'd love to have you in the Heifer herd.👍 Like this episode, subscribe to The Dirty Heifers, and turn on notifications so you don't miss Part 3.💬 What did Joanna say that made you rethink how you run your business? Tell us in the comments!And as always…Stay Dirty Heifers.#TheDirtyHeifers #SoapMaking #SoapBusiness #PrivateLabel #WhiteLabel #SoapMaker #HandmadeBusiness #SmallBusiness #Entrepreneurship #SoapIndustry

  3. 69

    Episode 87: She Went From a 10×10 Shed to Making 12 MILLION Bars of Soap

    What does it take to go from a 10×10 tax shed to making 12 MILLION bars of soap in a year?Joanna Couch — better known as The Soap Gal (@thesoapgal) — knows exactly what that looks like.In Part 1 of our conversation with Joanna, we go WAY beyond the usual “how I started my soap business” story. Joanna takes us through the messy, surprising, and sometimes downright terrifying journey from farmers markets and family recipes to 80,000-bar purchase orders, private label manufacturing, massive production facilities, and millions of bars of soap.And the biggest lesson? Scaling isn't just about making more soap.We talk about:🧼 How Joanna went from a 10×10 tax shed to a 44,000-square-foot facility 🧼 The 80,000-bar purchase order that changed everything 🧼 How she eventually produced as many as 12 million bars in one year 🧼 When you should actually consider scaling your soap business 🧼 Why Joanna says makers quit their jobs too soon 🧼 How to know when it's time to hire help 🧼 Private label and contract manufacturing 🧼 Why knowing your numbers matters 🧼 The equipment that actually makes a difference when you're scaling 🧼 Why your time is worth more than you think 🧼 Slab molds, emulsion blenders, batch software, drying racks and automation 🧼 Why buying ALL the equipment at once can be a huge mistake 🧼 Systems, SOPs, documentation and consistency 🧼 MoCRA, sanitation and why production standards matter 🧼 Why you should narrow down your fragrance lineup 🧼 Limited drops and keeping your customers engaged 🧼 The difference between simply selling more and actually scaling 🧼 One absolutely BRUTAL production mistake involving 200 blocks of soap 🧼 Why mentorship and collaboration matter so much in this industryJoanna's story is huge, but this conversation isn't just for people dreaming about making millions of bars. It's for the soap maker making 20 bars, 200 bars, or 2,000 bars who is wondering:“When do I know it's time to grow?”And Joanna has some very honest answers.This is Part 1 of our three-part conversation with The Soap Gal, so if you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just someone fascinated by what happens when a handmade business gets REALLY big, you're going to want to stick around for the rest of this conversation.👉 Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers so you don't miss Parts 2 and 3.💬 And tell us in the comments: What's the biggest thing holding you back from scaling your soap business?Follow Joanna: @thesoapgal#TheDirtyHeifers #SoapMaking #SoapBusiness #SoapMaker #SmallBusiness #HandmadeBusiness #SoapBusinessTips #PrivateLabel #SoapManufacturing #Entrepreneurship

  4. 68

    Episode 86: What If Quitting Your Soap Business Isn’t Failure?

    What if quitting your soap business isn’t failure?What if you built something successful, served amazing customers, learned more than you ever thought you would… and eventually realized you just don’t want to do it anymore?In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we sit down with Sharon Reaser of Bumble and Bleat Soap, who made the difficult decision to close her handmade soap business after years of trying to figure out whether she was burned out—or genuinely done.And that distinction matters.Sharon talks honestly about the signs of burnout, the changes she made before deciding to close, the guilt of disappointing customers and family, the grief of deleting products she worked so hard to create, and the surprising relief that came with finally saying, “Enough is enough.”We also get into the practical side of closing a handmade business:• What happens to your inventory, equipment, molds, and supplies? • What do you do with your website and social media? • Should you shut down your accounts—or reinvent them? • What happens when your business has become part of your identity? • Can you be successful and still decide you’re done? • And how do you know when it’s time to stop pushing?Sharon also shares what she would tell herself if she could go back to the beginning: slow down, listen to yourself, and remember that YOU are the most important part of the business.Because sometimes the right answer isn't to work harder.Sometimes it's to change the business.Sometimes it's to take a break.And sometimes… it's okay to close the door.If you're a soap maker, handmade business owner, or creative entrepreneur who's ever wondered whether you're tired, burned out, or genuinely ready for something different, this conversation is for you.💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: If you took away the fear of disappointing everyone else, would you still want to be doing what you're doing?Tell us in the comments. We want to hear your story.👍 If this episode hit home, give it a like. 💬 Leave us a comment. 🔔 Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers for honest conversations about soap making, handmade business, burnout, mistakes, money, and all the stuff nobody puts on the pretty Instagram posts.And send this episode to the maker who keeps saying, “I think I’m done”… but is still trying to convince themselves they aren't.Stay Dirty Heifers. 🐄🧼

  5. 67

    Episode 85: Stop Wasting Money on Soap Making! 💸 The Biggest Mistakes We Made So You Don't Have To

    In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we're sharing the biggest money traps we've fallen into during our soap-making journeys. From buying way too many fragrance oils and specialty ingredients to collecting molds we'll never use, we're talking about the purchases we'd skip if we were starting over today.Whether you're making your very first batch or growing a handmade soap business, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, save money, and focus on what actually matters.Along the way, we discuss:The oils beginners actually needFragrance buying mistakesWhy sample sizes are your best friendThe truth about fancy moldsSoap trends worth skippingEquipment that's actually worth the investmentScaling your business without wasting moneyThe supplies we'd buy again every single timeIf you're tired of influencers convincing you that you need everything, this episode is for you.👇 Tell us in the comments: What's the biggest soap-making purchase you've regretted?👍 If you enjoyed this episode, give it a Like, Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers, and share it with another soap maker who needs to hear this before placing another supplier order!Because life is too short to waste money on supplies you'll never use.#SoapMaking #SoapMaker #HandmadeSoap #SmallBusiness #ColdProcessSoap #SoapBusiness #DIYSoap #Entrepreneur #MakersGonnaMake #TheDirtyHeifers00:00 Cold Open - The $200 Budget That Became $80001:24 Sponsor - Warm & Fuzzy Soapery02:25 Word of the Week: Profligate05:28 Redneck Word of the Week06:13 Buying Too Many Oils11:15 Oils We'd Never Buy Again14:45 Advice for First-Time Soap Supply Shopping16:00 Fragrance Buying Mistakes22:50 How Many Fragrances Do Beginners Need?25:40 Mold Addiction Is Real31:15 Which Soap Mold Should You Buy First?34:25 Soap Trends We Tried (and Skipped)39:30 3D Printers, Soap Gadgets & Rabbit Trails44:30 Products We Regret Adding48:20 Equipment That Actually Changed Our Business50:10 Buying Supplies Too Early

  6. 66

    Episode 84: The Dirty Secret Behind Soap Marketing (Nobody Wants to Admit This)

    Should handmade soap businesses scare customers into buying?In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we're joined by Katherine Popp of Desert Soul Soapery to talk about one of the biggest issues facing the handmade soap industry: fear-based marketing.From "non-toxic" claims to miracle ingredient promises, we discuss where education ends and manipulation begins. We also dive into ingredient myths, FDA claims, copying soap designs, building customer trust, and how honest businesses can stand out without tearing down the competition.Whether you're a new soap maker or an experienced small business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about marketing.👇 Tell us in the comments: Have you ever seen fear-based marketing in the handmade community?👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it, subscribe for more soap business discussions, and share this episode with another maker.00:00 The quote that stopped us scrolling01:00 Welcome to The Dirty Heifers02:20 Word of the Week: Perspicacious06:05 Redneck Word of the Week08:40 Meet Katherine Popp11:30 Why Katherine speaks out online14:30 Fear-based marketing in handmade soap18:20 Why honesty builds stronger businesses22:10 Why fear works so well in marketing24:00 Ingredient claims and FDA concerns29:00 The truth about "miracle" soap ingredients33:15 Goat milk, tallow, and overhyped ingredients37:30 Building trust without attacking competitors38:30 Copying soap designs: inspiration vs. theft42:00 Final thoughts on growing with integrity#SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #HandmadeSoap #SoapBusiness #Marketing #Entrepreneur #SoapMaker #BusinessTips #DirtyHeifers #KatherinePopp

  7. 65

    Episode 83: The WORST Soap Making Advice on the Internet (We're Busting the Biggest Myths)

    Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on soap making supplies only to ruin a batch because someone online confidently gave you terrible advice.In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we're busting some of the biggest myths in handmade soap making—from lowering your soap's pH to curing soap for one week, dreaded orange spots (DOS), 100% coconut oil soap, fragrance oil myths, and more.If you've learned soap making from Facebook groups, TikTok, YouTube, or that one aunt who made soap back in 1987...this episode is for you.Whether you're a beginner soap maker or an experienced maker looking to sharpen your skills, we're separating science from internet folklore—with plenty of laughs along the way.💬 Question of the Day: What's the worst soap making advice you've ever heard?👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with another maker who needs to hear it!#soapmaking #coldprocesssoap #soapmyths #soapmaker #handmadesoap #smallbusiness #soapbusiness #makersgonnamake #soapscience #thedirtyheifers

  8. 64

    Episode 82: Heifer Huddle- New State Same Shenanigans

    Sometimes you just need to catch up.In this Heifer Huddle, we're talking about everything that's happened behind the scenes—from moving across the country, building new soap shops, scaling wholesale businesses, shipping nightmares, customer stories, SOAPCon prep, and the reality of running a handmade business.If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just enjoy hanging out with three friends who somehow manage to go from serious business advice to talking about river cooters and jump ropes... you're in the right place.💬 Question of the Day: What's the biggest change happening in your business or life right now? Tell us in the comments!👍 Like this video if you enjoy Heifer Huddles, subscribe for new episodes every week, and share this with another maker who needs a laugh today.Stay Dirty Heifers!

  9. 63

    Episode 81: 🚨 He Put the SOAP WHERE?! 🤢 Reddit's Grossest Soap Story Yet

    This hilarious clip from The Dirty Heifers Podcast dives into one of the grossest Reddit soap stories we've ever read. From bar soap debates to hygiene horror stories, we couldn't stop laughing... or gagging.If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just someone who appreciates a good internet train wreck, this one's for you.💬 Tell us in the comments: Do you use bar soap, body wash, or BOTH? And... would you ever share a bar of soap?👍 Like this subscribe for more soap making laughs, business advice, and behind-the-scenes conversations, and share it with the friend who NEEDS to hear this!#SoapMaker #BarSoap #RedditStories #HandmadeSoap #SmallBusiness #SoapMaking #FunnyPodcast #Hygiene #DirtyHeifers 00:00 Cold Open: The Grossest Soap Story Ever00:43 Welcome to the Dirty Heifers Podcast01:23 Jessie vs. the Dictionary05:54 Redneck Word of the Week08:16 Reddit Story #1: Switching to Bar Soap17:24 Bar Soap vs. Body Wash Debate23:32 Reddit Story #2: The Airbnb Soap Disaster34:47 Reddit Story #3: "Don't Dookie Dunk the Soap"47:39 What We Learned from Reddit49:11 Final Thoughts & Outro

  10. 62

    Episode 80: Soap Making Burnout? Why Staying Small Saved My Business with Ashley from 'My Healthy Soap'

    Ever wonder what happens to your soap business if social media disappears tomorrow? 🧼 Ashley from @MyHealthySoap joins us to talk about the reality of scaling, managing the "rollercoaster" of sales, and why sometimes, staying small is the best business move you can make. From tax nightmares to viral video secrets, we're cutting through the noise. Check out the full episode for the radical honesty our community craves! Click the linked video to watch the full episode and join the conversation! #SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #DirtyHeifers 0:00 – Intro: The "What If" Scenario 2:05 – Word of the Week: Pecuniary 4:35 – Redneck Word of the Week: Byhalia 8:47 – Ashley’s Origin Story: From Crunchy Mom to Business Owner 13:36 – Navigating the Business Rollercoaster 17:22 – The Reality of Taxes & Payroll 22:28 – What to Outsource (and What to Do Yourself) 26:39 – Content Strategy: The Power of Consistency 32:43 – The Transition to Teaching 54:45 – The Realities of Success (and the Toilet in the Floor Story) 1:01:18 – Rapid Fire: Overrated Ingredients & Advice #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #DirtyHeifersPodcast #SoapBusiness #MakerCommunity #EntrepreneurLife #SoapMaker #BusinessGrowth #HandmadeSoap #RadicalHonesty

  11. 61

    Episode 79: How I Lost My Business, Moved Countries, and Started Over- Interview With Jerika from Quench

    Ever wonder what happens when life throws a massive plot twist at your small business? 🌪️ We’re sitting down with Jerica from @Quench to talk about rebranding, moving countries, and the reality of life as a creator. Plus, we’re sharing some "radical honesty" on why you shouldn’t feel pressured to scale.Don't miss the tea on why you actually need a Patreon (and when you should skip it!). 🧼✨ Want more raw, unfiltered maker advice? Hit that subscribe button and join the herd! #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #TheDirtyHeifers #MakerCommunity #EntrepreneurLife #ContentCreator #SoapBusiness #VloggingTips #BusinessBurnout #CreativeJourney

  12. 60

    Episode 78: Honest Struggles of Small Business Owners: Burnout, Mistakes, & Imposter Syndrome

    Tired of the "perfect" entrepreneur highlight reel? 🧼 The Dirty Heifers are pulling back the curtain on the messy, real-life struggles of running a bath and body business.From expensive advertising blunders and failed product launches to the absolute chaos of imposter syndrome—we’re getting real about it all. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the "struggle bus," you’re not alone. We’re swapping stories, sharing industry tips, and proving that even the "successful" makers have no clue what they’re doing half the time.Come for the business advice, stay for the chaotic humor and "Jesse vs. The Dictionary."Join the conversation below: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business? Let us know in the comments!#SoapMaking #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLife #DirtyHeifers #MakerCommunity #BusinessStruggles #SoapBusiness

  13. 59

    Episode 77- Heifer Huddle: Soap Makers Spill the Tea: Business Headaches & Customer Horror Stories

    Welcome back to another "Heifer Huddle" on the Dirty Heifers Podcast! Tonight, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna ditch the formal outlines to vent about the reality of running a handmade soap business. From the struggle of navigating social media restrictions and managing multiple shop locations to the weirdest customer interactions and our latest business "wins," we’re covering it all. Grab your soap and join the conversation!In this episode:0:00 - Intro & Sponsor Spotlight: Bawauna Bath and Body1:54 - "Jesse vs. The Dictionary": The Word of the Week7:07 - Southernism of the Week8:00 - Small Business Wins & Recent Fragrance Tests13:20 - The Reality of "Blind" Noses & Olfactory Fatigue15:35 - Soap Making Challenges: Molds & Dish Soap Success18:37 - TikTok Lives: The Struggle with Restrictions21:12 - Business Tasks We've Finally Mastered32:00 - The Headache of Multi-Location Operations45:40 - Trends We Secretly Hate (Yoni Soaps & Laugh Tracks)1:01:00 - Small Business Opinions We’ll Defend Forever

  14. 58

    Episode 76: Am I The Heifer? Reddit’s Craziest Soap Drama

    People will absolutely ruin friendships, family relationships, and even marriages over handmade soap—and we have the receipts to prove it.In this episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, we’re diving into the lathery legal system of Reddit to settle some serious scores. From friends demanding "mate's rates" on artisan bars to roommates causing literal bathroom warfare over eczema-safe soap, we’re breaking down what it actually means to be the "Heifer" in these situations.In this episode:Am I the Heifer? Reddit soap drama deep diveSetting boundaries with friends and family who want free productWhy handmade soap is worth every penny (and why you shouldn't feel guilty about your prices)The reality of "influencers" asking for freebiesDefining "Presumptuous" and "Wallered Out" with some Southern sassShop the episode: Support farmhouse charm and southern sassery at Country Lather Soapworks.#SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #AmITheAsshole #DirtyHeifers #HandmadeSoap #BusinessBoundaries #RedditDrama00:00 Intro & Welcome to the Dirty Heifers01:35 Word of the Week: Presumptuous05:06 Redneck Word of the Week: Wallered Out08:06 Am I the Heifer? Friend wants "Mate's Rates"14:55 Dealing with "Influencers" asking for freebies20:03 Am I the Heifer? The Brother/Eczema Soap drama27:15 The "Decorative Soap" nostalgia30:22 Am I the Heifer? The Couple & The Soap Trauma37:21 Am I the Heifer? The Roommate "Fair Game" debate41:39 Soap in the Classroom: Kids and soggy bars45:43 Small business boundary: Stop feeling guilty about pricing46:11 Outro: That's What She Said

  15. 57

    Episode 75: Why Are People Paying $25 For SOAP?!

    Why is EVERYTHING suddenly “luxury”? 👀 From $56 bars of soap to “fine fragrance mists,” the Dirty Heifers break down the rise of luxury branding in bath & body products — and whether it’s genius marketing or complete nonsense.We talk: 🧼 Triple-milled soap 💸 $25 acne soap bars 🛁 Bath & Body Works “luxury” rebrand 📦 Packaging psychology ✨ Self-care culture 👀 Why handmade soap is suddenly trendy againFeaturing: Margaret from Warm & Fuzzy Soapery Jessie from Country Lather Soapworks Shauna from Bawauna Bath & BodyIf you love soapmaking, small business chaos, skincare trends, handmade products, or just hearing three heifers spiral about expensive lotion… welcome home.#soapmaking #smallbusiness #bathandbodyworks #luxury #handmadesoap #podcast

  16. 56

    Episode 74: Heifer Huddle-Why I'm Ordering a "Bunghole Wrench" From Amazon... 😳 (Heifer Huddle)

    Welcome back to another chaotic Heifer Huddle! 🤠 This week, the girls are breaking down the absolute reality of running a handmade business, surviving extreme overtime, and trying not to lose their minds during life transitions.From an emergency Amazon purchase involving an incredibly questionable tool name, to a cold-process soap chemistry surprise that turned a white batch mauve pink with zero dye—we are covering it all. Plus, we're testing our vocabulary skills with the "Word of the Week" (with varying degrees of success) and figuring out how to manage massive custom-order inventories.Drop a comment below: Have you ever had a fragrance oil completely change your soap color unexpectedly? 👇

  17. 55

    Episode 73: Why Your Sales Are Disappearing (And How to Fix the Summer Slump)

    Is your Shopify dashboard looking like a ghost town? You aren’t failing—you’re just experiencing the Summer Slump. ☀️📉Every year, the weather warms up and small business sales cool down. In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie break down exactly why engagement drops when the sun comes out and—more importantly—how to turn this "dead zone" into your most productive season of the year.In this episode, we cover:The Psychology of the Slump: Why customers stop clicking when they head to the lake.Survival Strategies: How to pivot to tourist-town wholesale and "strategic restocking".The Holiday Headstart: Why June is actually the best time to make your Christmas soap.Fragrance Testing 101: Real talk on color morphing and scent retention.Mental Health for Makers: How to separate your self-worth from your daily notifications.Don't let a slow week trick you into a "comparison spiral" or an unnecessary rebrand. Grab a cold drink, put on your "work helmet," and let’s get ready for the fall rush!.Support our sponsor: ✨ Bawana Bath and Body – Creative serotonin boosts for makers who need to unplug!.Subscribe for weekly unfiltered small business chaos!

  18. 54

    Episode 72: Market Survival: Craft Shows and Pop ups- A Vendors Guide

    Thinking about selling at a craft fair, farmers market, or pop-up shop? Watch this FIRST.In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we break down EVERYTHING no one tells you about vendor markets—from finding the right events to surviving your first show without losing your mind (or your profit 😅).One of us is preparing for a massive 4-day festival with 100,000+ people, while the rest of us spill real, unfiltered lessons from years in the vendor trenches:How to find GOOD markets (and avoid total flops)Booth setups that actually attract customersWhat sells vs what just sits therePricing psychology & why cheap markets can cost you MOREMistakes that cost us time, money, and sanityDealing with weird customers (yes… all types 😬)How to know if you made money… or just worked all day for nothingPlus: 👉 The Word of the Week gets chaotic (as usual) 👉 Real stories from markets gone VERY wrong 👉 Practical tips you can actually use for your next eventWhether you're a beginner vendor or scaling your handmade business, this episode will save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.🎧 New episodes every week—subscribe so you don’t miss the next one.#DirtyHeifers #SmallBusiness #CraftMarkets

  19. 53

    Episode 71: Unexpected Skills & Mindset Shifts for Small Business Owners

    In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna pull up a chair for a little "real talk" about the unexpected side of running a bath and body business. While most makers start out focused on the craft, the journey quickly demands a whole new set of skills—from mastering video editing and product photography to the complex psychology of pricing and the constant art of on-the-fly troubleshooting.The heifers share their personal experiences with shifting from a hobbyist mindset to a business owner mindset, including how they learned to value their work and stop the comparison trap. Plus, don’t miss our favorite segments: the Word of the Week (it’s not a pasta!) and a classic Southernism that might be an insult in disguise.In this episode, we discuss:Why video editing and social media are the skills you can't ignore.How understanding fragrance chemistry and suppliers "legitimizes" your brand.Jessie’s "macgyvered" solution for dispensing 100lb fragrance jugs.Moving past the fear of the camera and improving product photography.The psychology of pricing: Finding value in your bars

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Get ready to laugh, learn, and lather up with The Dirty Heifers, the ultimate podcast for soap makers, crafters, and small business enthusiasts! Hosted by Margaret from Warm and Fuzzy Soapery, Jessie from Country Lather Soapworks, and Shauna from Bawauna Bath and Body. This trio of entrepreneurial experts dives deep into the soapy suds of running a small business. From crafting tips and market trends to the challenges and triumphs of creative entrepreneurship, The Dirty Heifers delivers candid conversations, hilarious stories, and valuable insights to inspire and empower makers everywhere. Tune in and join the herd!

HOSTED BY

Margaret Connor

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does The Dirty Heifers have?

The Dirty Heifers currently has 19 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is The Dirty Heifers about?

Get ready to laugh, learn, and lather up with The Dirty Heifers, the ultimate podcast for soap makers, crafters, and small business enthusiasts! Hosted by Margaret from Warm and Fuzzy Soapery, Jessie from Country Lather Soapworks, and Shauna from Bawauna Bath and Body. This trio of entrepreneurial...

How often does The Dirty Heifers release new episodes?

The Dirty Heifers has 19 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to The Dirty Heifers?

You can listen to The Dirty Heifers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts The Dirty Heifers?

The Dirty Heifers is created and hosted by Margaret Connor.
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