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.

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🛁 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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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts dive deep into the complexities of pricing for handmade businesses. They discuss the importance of perceived value, various pricing strategies, and the emotional aspects of pricing, including imposter syndrome. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with pricing adjustments and the impact of market trends on pricing decisions. Additionally, they introduce a new segment called 'Farm Fresh Feedback' aimed at helping small businesses grow through constructive feedback.

Takeaways

Pricing can feel like a guessing game for many business owners.

Understanding perceived value is crucial for setting prices.

Calculating costs accurately is essential before pricing products.

Many small business owners struggle with imposter syndrome when pricing their products.

It's important to consider the quality and uniqueness of handmade products when pricing.

Raising prices can be necessary for business growth and sustainability.

Different pricing strategies can be employed based on market conditions.

Personal experiences with pricing can vary widely among business owners.

Transparency with customers about pricing changes can build trust.

The new 'Farm Fresh Feedback' segment aims to support struggling small businesses.

Chapters

00:00 Exploring Market Strategies

00:36 Understanding Pricing Strategies

05:34 Calculating Costs and Pricing

13:46 Value-Based Pricing and Perceived Value

16:31 Pricing Strategies for Small Businesses

30:57 Understanding Your Value and Pricing Psychology

40:51 Lighthearted Banter and Hydration Humor

41:13 The Emotional Side of Pricing and Imposter Syndrome

43:09 Adapting to Market Changes and Pricing Strategies

45:06 Innovative Business Ideas and Community Support

45:38 Introducing Farm Fresh Feedback Segment

46:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Topics

47:54 short moo intro:outro.mp4

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shawna welcome Kitty from Dichotomy Creations to discuss the Soap Donation Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collecting and distributing handmade soap to those in need. The conversation explores themes of altruism, community support, and the unique approach of Kitty's soap line, which is inspired by serial killers but focuses on the victims. Listeners learn about the operational aspects of the Soap Donation Center, the challenges it faces, and creative ways to support the cause. The episode concludes with a fun rapid-fire segment and a reminder of the impact that handmade soap can have in the community.

Takeaways

The Soap Donation Center collects and distributes handmade soap to those in need.

Altruism is about selfless concern for the well-being of others.

Dichotomy Creations embraces the idea of being a contradiction.

Kitty's soap line focuses on victims of serial killers, not the killers themselves.

10% of profits from certain soaps go to charity organizations.

The donation process for soap is straightforward and tax-deductible.

Community support is crucial for the success of the Soap Donation Center.

Creative ways to support include donating soap, time, or money.

Every bar of soap donated can make a significant difference.

Embracing your weirdness can lead to unique and impactful business ideas.

Check out Kitty from Dicotomy Creations

Soap Donation Center

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lathers

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts dive into the world of wholesaling for small businesses, discussing their personal experiences, challenges, and strategies. They explore the importance of collaboration with local businesses, the intricacies of pricing strategies, and the pros and cons of wholesaling. The conversation is lively and filled with insights, making it a valuable resource for entrepreneurs looking to navigate the wholesale market. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the intricacies of wholesaling, discussing strategies for selling, networking, and establishing successful retail partnerships. They share insights on setting minimum orders, identifying red flags in potential partnerships, and the importance of effective communication with store owners. The discussion also touches on the psychology of pricing, the significance of brand kits, and the lessons learned from their experiences in wholesaling. Additionally, they explore the challenges of managing reorders and the necessity of building a wholesale email list to maintain relationships with retailers.

Takeaways

Wholesaling can be both a dream and a challenge for small business owners.

The word of the week, 'arduous', reflects the challenges of wholesaling.

Starting with wholesaling can be intentional or accidental, as shared by the hosts.

Collaborating with local businesses can lead to successful wholesale opportunities.

Experiences with wholesale accounts can vary greatly, with some being short-lived.

Pricing strategies for wholesale can significantly impact profit margins.

Understanding the pros and cons of wholesaling is crucial for small business success.

Consignment can be risky and may not be suitable for all businesses.

Communication with wholesale clients is key to maintaining good relationships.

Utilizing wholesale platforms like FAIR can provide additional exposure for products. Networking is crucial for successful wholesaling.

Setting a minimum order can filter out uncommitted buyers.

Identifying red flags in retail partnerships is essential.

Creating a wholesale line sheet helps streamline the process.

Understanding tax exemptions can save money in wholesale purchases.

Learning from past mistakes is vital for growth.

Pricing strategy affects perceived product quality.

Building a wholesale email list can enhance communication.

Starting small in wholesaling can lead to better understanding.

Effective communication with store owners is key.

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 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

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna delve into the pervasive issue of imposter syndrome that many small business owners face. They share personal experiences, discuss the importance of community support, and explore strategies for overcoming self-doubt. The conversation highlights the significance of celebrating small wins and surrounding oneself with uplifting individuals to combat feelings of inadequacy. The hosts emphasize that imposter syndrome is a common struggle, particularly among women, and encourage listeners to recognize their achievements and value in their respective fields. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of imposter syndrome, sharing personal experiences and insights on how it affects their lives and businesses. They discuss the importance of representation, the struggles behind success, and the need for community support. The conversation also touches on the connection between imposter syndrome and gatekeeping, emphasizing that many people feel unworthy of their achievements. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to acknowledge their feelings and seek support from their peers.

Takeaways

Imposter syndrome is a common struggle for small business owners.

Community support can significantly alleviate feelings of isolation.

Celebrating small wins is crucial for building self-esteem.

Surrounding yourself with positive influences helps combat self-doubt.

Imposter syndrome can affect anyone, regardless of success level.

Women may experience imposter syndrome more prominently due to societal expectations.

It's important to have friends who will call you out on your shortcomings.

Self-doubt can manifest even in successful individuals.

Recognizing the journey and progress is vital for overcoming imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is a common experience among many individuals, especially in creative fields.

It's important to have a support system that can help you navigate feelings of self-doubt.

Many successful people have faced failures before achieving their goals.

Acknowledging your struggles can help normalize the conversation around mental health.

The connection between imposter syndrome and gatekeeping can hinder community growth.

Finding your tribe can provide the encouragement needed to overcome self-doubt.

It's okay to ask for help; no one has all the answers.

Success does not come without its challenges and struggles.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

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📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 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, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna welcome Chen Narrens, a successful entrepreneur who transformed her lavender farm into a thriving business through innovative marketing strategies. Chen shares her journey from having no knowledge of lavender to creating a six-figure business by focusing on community engagement and collaboration. The conversation covers the importance of workshops, local marketing, and building a loyal customer base, as well as practical tips for other small business owners looking to expand their reach and revenue.

Takeaways

Chen's background in marketing helped her create a unique strategy for her lavender farm.

Community engagement is key to attracting customers.

Workshops and classes can create a loyal customer base.

Collaboration with local businesses can enhance visibility and revenue.

Marketing should focus on organic growth rather than paid ads.

Creating a community hub around your product can lead to success.

Offering DIY kits can help maintain customer interest and sales.

Understanding your audience's needs is crucial for product development.

Social media can be a powerful tool for local marketing.

Building a brand involves sharing knowledge and expertise with customers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

05:59 Journey to Lavender Farming

08:16 Local Magnet Marketing Strategy

13:56 Collaborations and Community Engagement

21:05 Building Community Through Local Collaborations

23:34 Creating Engaging Workshops for New Audiences

26:25 Transforming Your Brand Through Education

31:35 Logistics and Experience in Craft Workshops

36:36 Marketing Strategies for Craft Businesses

43:27 Sustainable Business Models in Crafting

47:32 Expanding Your Offerings with DIY Kits

48:56 short moo intro:outro.mp4

To reach out to our guest Chen Narens:

The marketing coaching Web:

https://craft-mastery.com/

The IG marketing coaching:

https://www.instagram.com/narens_tcm/

The IG lavender farm:

https://www.instagram.com/lavineyardfarms/

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 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

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts discuss the challenges and experiences of small business owners, particularly focusing on equipment and suppliers. They share personal anecdotes about their journey, including the importance of making informed decisions about tools and materials, the significance of supplier relationships, and the red flags to watch out for. The conversation also touches on the necessity of budgeting and planning ahead for supplies, as well as the impact of technology on their operations. In this episode, the hosts discuss various challenges faced by small business owners, particularly in the soap-making industry. They share experiences with suppliers, the importance of communication, and the need for thorough research when investing in equipment. The conversation also covers negotiating with suppliers, managing shipping supplies, and utilizing software for business management. The episode concludes with key takeaways emphasizing the importance of preparation and awareness in running a small business.

Takeaways

Making the right decisions about tools and materials can make or break your business.

Engaging with Facebook groups can provide valuable insights into suppliers and equipment.

It's essential to research suppliers and read reviews before making purchases.

Red flags for suppliers include poor customer service and unusual communication.

Budgeting is crucial when investing in business equipment.

Shipping costs can significantly impact the overall price of supplies.

Planning ahead for supplies is necessary, especially during busy seasons.

Thermal printers can streamline the shipping label process and save time.

Understanding the difference between hobby and business-grade equipment is important.

Networking with other business owners can lead to better supplier choices. Communication with suppliers is crucial to avoid misunderstandings.

Research is essential before investing in trendy equipment.

Negotiating minimum order quantities can save costs.

Shipping supplies should be durable to protect products.

Using software can streamline inventory and recipe management.

Fragile stickers may lead to mishandling by postal workers.

Packing orders securely can prevent damage during shipping.

Investing in quality equipment pays off in the long run.

Always keep an eye out for supplier red flags.

Doing homework before big investments is key to success.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 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