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!
Episode 19:What’s It Worth? The Art and Strategy of Pricing Your Products

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...
Episode 18-Soap for the Soul: Suds, Sass, and Giving Back With Kitty from Dichotomy Creations

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...
Episode 17:The Business of Bulk: Wholesale for Makers

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...
Episode 16- Imposter Syndrome: The Heifers Get Real

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...
Episode 15:The Power of Teaching: Growing Your Brand Through Workshops With Chen Narens

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...
Episode 14-Tools, Tricks, and Tutelage: Navigating Equipment & Supplier Successes (and Fails)

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...
Episode 13-Scaling Up Without Burning Out: Growing Your Business the Smart Way

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna discuss the complexities of scaling up a soap-making business. They share personal experiences, challenges faced during growth, and strategies for efficiency, including master batching and bulk buying. The conversation also touches on the pressures of social media and the risk of burnout that comes with rapid growth. Listeners gain insights into balancing creativity with production demands and the importance of managing expectations in entrepreneurship. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the multifaceted challenges of running a small business, particularly in the handmade soap...
Episode 12: Slimy Sales Tactics: Don’t Be That Person
Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts discuss various slimy sales techniques that small business owners encounter and sometimes employ. They explore the implications of emotional manipulation, false claims, and the ethics of imitation in business. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity and confidence in sales, warning against the long-term damage of pushy and manipulative tactics. The hosts share personal experiences and insights, making the discussion relatable and engaging for listeners.
Takeaways
Slimy sales techniques can damage your reputation long-term.
Emotional manipulation in sales...
Episode 11: Craft Fairs: More Than Just a Booth – Selling, Branding & Surviving the Chaos

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret and Jessie discuss the ins and outs of participating in craft fairs. They share personal experiences, tips for preparation, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation covers essential topics such as navigating challenges, understanding fees, and the differences between craft fairs and trade shows. They also emphasize the significance of branding, display strategies, and customer interactions, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to sell their products at craft events. In this engaging conversation, the hosts discuss their experiences and insights related to participating in craft...
Episode 10: Dealing with Copycats - How to Handle Intellectual Theft Professionally

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna discuss the challenges of intellectual property in small businesses, particularly in the creative industry. They explore the implications of copyright and trademark infringement, share personal experiences with being copied, and emphasize the importance of originality and respect for creators' rights. The conversation highlights the legal and ethical considerations that small business owners must navigate to protect their work and maintain their unique brand identity.
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Episode 9: Building a Brand: The Power of Logos, Packaging, and a Cohesive Image

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts delve into the critical role of branding in business. They discuss personal stories behind their logos, the importance of professional branding, and how emotional connections with customers can be fostered through cohesive branding. The conversation highlights the evolution of branding over time and emphasizes the need for authenticity and adaptability in branding strategies.
Takeaways
Branding is essential for creating an emotional connection with customers.
A logo should reflect the personal story behind the brand.
Professional branding can significantly...
Episode 8: From Horror to Heart—An Inside Look at Winston and Walter with July Mak

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna welcome July Mack, the founder of Winston and Walter Artisanal Products. July shares her inspiring journey from making soap for senior citizens to creating a successful business specializing in horror-themed bath bombs and soap molds. The conversation delves into the challenges of entrepreneurship, the importance of community, and navigating competition in an ethical manner. July emphasizes the significance of surrounding oneself with supportive people and the lessons learned throughout her journey. The episode concludes with a discussion on future aspirations and the importance...
Episode 7:Breaking Barriers: How Gatekeeping Impacts Creativity and Small Business

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna delve into the concept of gatekeeping within small business communities, particularly in the soap-making industry. They discuss personal experiences with mentorship, the importance of sharing knowledge, and the impact of collaboration on community growth. The conversation highlights the fine line between protecting intellectual property and engaging in gatekeeping behaviors that hinder others. The hosts emphasize the value of inclusivity and support in fostering a thriving business environment, while also sharing humorous anecdotes that lighten the discussion.
Takeaways
Gatekeeping can...
Episode 6: Hot vs. Cold vs. Melt: Soap Making Methods Explained for Crafters and Businesses

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jesse, and Shauna delve into the various methods of soap making, including hot process, cold process, liquid soap, and melt and pour. They discuss the pros and cons of each method, share personal experiences, and provide insights into how these methods can affect small business operations. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding saponification, the role of additives, and the impact of production methods on marketability and customer preferences.
Takeaways
Hot process soap allows for immediate use after cooling.
Liquid...
Episode 5: Soap Fails and Business Blunders: When Things Go Wrong

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie share their most memorable business and soap-making failures. They discuss the importance of embracing failure as a learning opportunity, the necessity of testing fragrances before large batches, and the unexpected challenges that arise during live demonstrations. The conversation also touches on the dangers of social media scams and the lessons learned from these experiences, emphasizing community support and the value of sharing mistakes to help others in their entrepreneurial journeys.
Takeaways
Failure is an integral part of the business journey...Episode 4: Current Trends

Summary
In this conversation, the hosts discuss current trends in business practices, focusing on the implications of the Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) filing and the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) for small businesses. They explore the evolving market for bath products, particularly the decline of bath bombs and the rise of shower steamers, while also addressing the challenges of e-commerce visibility and compliance with regulations. In this engaging conversation, the hosts explore various themes including the perception of accents, trends in men's grooming products, the cultural significance of the term 'heifer', the impact of weather on...
Episode 3: Starting From Scratch: How We Built Our Businesses

Summary
In this engaging conversation, the hosts share their personal journeys of starting businesses from scratch, focusing on soap making and the challenges they faced along the way. They discuss the importance of navigating regulations, the power of social media for marketing, and the evolving trends in bath and body products. The conversation emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation in entrepreneurship, as well as the significance of understanding the science behind their craft. In this episode, the hosts discuss their experiences in crafting and product development, the challenges of building a business from scratch, and...
Episode 2: The TikTok Ban and What It Means For Small Businesses

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna discuss the potential TikTok ban and its implications for small businesses. They explore how TikTok has transformed their businesses, the political landscape surrounding the ban, and the steps they are taking to prepare for potential changes. The conversation highlights the importance of adaptability in the face of uncertainty and the need for small business owners to build their own audiences beyond social media platforms.
Takeaways
TikTok has been a game changer for small businesses.The potential TikTok ban raises concerns...Episode 1: Meet The Dirty Heifers: Suds, Stories, and Small Business

Summary
In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna share their unique journeys into the world of soap making. They discuss the challenges and triumphs of starting their own soap businesses, the importance of using natural ingredients, and how social media, particularly TikTok, has played a significant role in their growth. The conversation also touches on the camaraderie among the hosts and their plans for future episodes, which will include interviews with other soap makers and discussions on various aspects of running a small business.
Takeaways
Soap making can...Why We Call Ourselves The Dirty Heifers

Just a quick intro as to where we got our name.