Local Makers: Paula Alicea of Poplar Ridge Specialty Soap

I first met Paula at the Holiday Pop Up last November at Reformation. My mom and I were both instantly smitten with her line of soaps. I love that her story involves her going into it with an abundance of soap! Take a read and check out her soap in person at the first Maker's Mash on June 16th, 5-8! (RSVP here!)

What do you make?

I make hand-crafted soap in small batches with vegetarian ingredients, essential oils, and natural colorants. I also enjoy providing bath bombs and bath salts to complement the soap.

How did you get started making soap?

I started making soap as a hobby to share with friends and family because I wanted to use a product that was as natural as could be. People enjoyed it and requested some to give to friends. All of a sudden, I had way more than any one person could reasonably use so I tried selling it at a farmer’s market. It sold well and I received a lot of positive feedback- I was off and running toward a soap business!

What does your average day look like?

I really don’t have a standard schedule. Some days I am up early to go out and make deliveries and run errands but other times, I stay home and work all day on everything including marketing, accounting, and production. Because this is my second business, I am often making soap after dinner and later in the evening after the obligations of my other business are complete.

What inspires you to keep making work? Where do you go / what do you do to shake out of a creative rut.

I find inspiration in all aspect of life! My husband and I were having a mojito at the end of winter because we were dreaming of summer- the smell of freshly squeezed lime and crushed peppermint smelled great and now there is a Mojito-scented soap. Another would be the autumn blend of soap named A Cup of Tea which is made with green tea and local honey, both of which have known benefits for the skin, and scented with ginger and lemon.

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business/creative process?

Time management and planning so far ahead has definitely been a challenge! Making and curing soap takes about 4 weeks. When I plan to attend festivals, markets, and events I have to think about the inventory to have on hand at least 6 weeks prior.

What's the best part about making?

I get so excited to hear that my soap makes folks happy! I love it when someone shares their positive experience whether it be simply enjoying the scent or more in-depth like the moisturizing benefits, heart-warming memories triggered by scent, or the relief from poison ivy/itching with my remedy soap Quit ‘Yer Itchin’. Attending festivals and events is always fun, especially if my husband is there with me!

Also, through this business venture I have met some of the most wonderful people; creating friendships and memories that are truly wonderful and matchless. I look forward to seeing what each new day brings! I am grateful for the community of Woodstock which has been supportive, encouraging, and welcoming!

What are you working on now? 

Currently, I am keeping up with inventory for a few fantastic boutiques and stores who have wholesale accounts with me and also making a custom batch for an upcoming bridal shower.

View Paula's wonderful line of soaps on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to check out her Etsy! See her in person at the Maker's Mash on June 16th!

Local Makers: Beth Dryden of Bernice London

Our very first Local Maker's post is about a very good friend, Beth Dryden. Beth lives in Woodstock, GA and makes an amazing line of leather goods and accessories. Beth will at the very first Maker's Mash at Reformation Brewery on June 16th from 5-8! (Details here.) She has a true gift for seeing raw materials and turning them into something wonderful. We're lucky to have her sharing about her work and process. I'll let you dive on in!

How did you get started making?

It's a long story really. In short, I used to make wallets out of paper in tape when I was little. I guess my love for accessories (wallets, handbags, etc) has always been in my soul but I wasn't reminded until many years later. In college, I was mesmerized by this minimalistic, accordion style business card holder made out of book binding materials that a friend had given me. But it wasn't until about 10 years after that, as a graphic designer wanting to give something to my clients with their business cards, did I start making my own holders. First out of fine papers using the Japanese stab binding technique and then, after happening upon some leather scraps, well... that's where things really changed for me. The raw edges, beautiful imperfections, markings, textures, & irregular shapes are what fuels the inspiration behind each piece that is made and it's also what keeps me interested in making more.

What does your average day look like?

First there is coffee & Jesus. Oh and letting my sweet Belle out for her morning duties. ;) Then, I take a look at where I am for the day... whether there are custom orders to be made, or wholesale orders to fill, social media to respond to, networking events to attend or admin work to be taken care of. Since I very recently took this business full time, I couldn't be more excited to start my day and it will most definitely vary which is great, because even though I am a fan of structure, I rarely like to do the exact same thing every day. I am most likely in front of my work table surrounded by piles of leather, tools and sometimes music... ready to create from my heart and soul. From there, I take the day as it comes.

What inspires you to keep making work?

I make ultimately for the freedom of creativity. Somewhere along the way, I realized my art spoke to others the same way it spoke to me further inspiring me to serve others through my art. Since each piece is one of a kind, I rarely get burnt out. If I do, I'll put what I am working on to the side and start on something else to keep creativity flowing. Also, getting new scraps, random pieces of leather will really inspire me. Even going out and buying new colors of thread is a boost to my creativity. Other times, when I already have all that, I'll take Belle for a walk spending time in nature. Or I'll meet friends or family for lunch to dine al fresco when possible. Fresh air and sunshine are food for my soul. So is taking time to actually rest. Finding balance in the day is imperative.

What is the hardest lesson you learned through your business?

That I don't know everything and that I can't do it all on my own. Whether you're an introvert, an independent or just stubborn... (me in a nutshell) you need people surrounding you who get it, who support you, who can teach you and who are willing to help make your passions a reality. Still gathering my tribe as we speak, but there are key people that rally me on and without that, this journey would be incredibly difficult.

What's the best part about doing what you do?

After chasing so many paths not meant for me, it's about finally recognizing my purpose and not feeling so empty all the time. Being able to make others happy through that purpose. Purpose of waking up each day ready to create with my hands. Purpose of hopefully being able to make a difference with some recent visions and initiatives that have been on my heart that I'm researching but have yet to share. Just purpose really. God given - no doubt.

What are you working on now?

Right this very moment, I am working on creating 4 point of purchase displays, filling them up with product so they can be photographed and then used to help further the wholesale side of business. Then it's off to make a ton of stuff for the Maker's Mash! More Father's Day gifts too since I'll be set up at the mash the day before.

View Beth's work on Instagram and Facebook, and don't forget to check out her shop! See her in person at the Maker's Mash on June 16th!

Using Styled Stock Photography

Styled Image for Host & Toast

What is styled stock photography?

Styled stock photography is any photography that is purposefully created for digital use. Styled means that extra care was taken to make sure the photo is illustrating the right emotions and tone. Stock photography can have that terrible doctor's office brochure feel - very general and all purpose. Styled stock is much more focused. There’s more care when it comes to composition, layout and storytelling. It’s like still life painting, but with things.

Styled Photos for Roswell's Summer Sippin

Where can I get it?

$ There are many ways to get styled stock photography. Good free stock photos exist. It just takes a little digging to get the right mix of images. (Factor in your time to this equation. Nothing is free!) We used free stock photos for the Miles4Major site design. Each of the images we selected have similar colors, lighting and over all feel. Click around the site to see what I'm talking about. And this is a list of free stock photo sites that don't suck! 

$$ You can also buy styled stock photos from sites like Creative Market. These will vary in price and quality. Shay Cochran (heart eyes emoji) has an amazing styled stock shop for feminine brands. (We purchased and used some of Shay's images on the Better + Better site.) One thing I love about her is that she only a single image x number of times. This lowers the chance that a competitor is scooping up the same photos. 

$$$ You can hire a stylist and photographer to create styled photos for your company. This is a great option because we can get very specific with brand colors, props, products, people and places. No one else will be using these images - they are tailor made for your brand and your brand story. This is can be an investment, but it pays off in a big way. (Especially if you have a physical product to sell like Marie Mae. And it's a great investment if you’re working on a re-brand or a new website.)

Styled Photos for Marie Mae

Why it's important.

Social media, websites, blogs - all rely heavily on an image's ability to tell a story. The faster the story is told, the better chance you have of your customer clicking “Let’s Get Started.” You know this already - we're visual creatures, now more than ever. 

Signs you might need to update your photography:

• If you're working with dated, grainy, poorly lit images
• If you have been using the same 10 images for the last 2 years, or if you're always looking for something last minute to post or share
• If you're not getting the right kinds of leads (Are your photos attractive to your ideal customer? If not, your ideal customer might not feel at home with you and your brand. You want them to think, "this is for me," when they visit your site or see your social media posts.)

If you'd like to chat more about photos for your brand or have questions, reach out! All the images in this post were taken by Angie Webb and styled by me. (#dreamteam, yes?) 

hugs!
Mads