I am sure, if you are regular reader, that you know we got tickets to see the Panthers v Steelers game on Thursday night. You probably also know Jenn is a die-hard Steelers fan and I am a die-hard Panthers fan. We had a great time at the game! Although the final score was not all that much fun for me. On our trip to Charlotte, we took the time to stop by RJ Rockers in Spartanburg, SC and deliver the new Son of a Peach Beer Soaps. They have just moved into their new facility in Downtown Spartanburg. It is a very nice location. While there, we learned that RJ Rockers Son of a Peach beer would be available in the Wilmington area by the end of the year (stay tuned for locations). During our long drive to Charlotte via Spartanburg, Jenn and I took the time to discuss what soaps we would like to make for the fall. As is popular with game shows these days, we decided to poll the audience. We sent out a twitter message asking for fall scent suggestions. We received many responses, Thanks twitterverse! We will definitely be making a pumpkin soap (maybe pumpkin spice or punkin pie) and a gingerbread scent for fall. We got several suggestions for an apple or apple cider scent, and we will be researching & working to try to accommodate that scent. One thing I have learned since we have been making soaps is that it is not always easy to create a scent you want and keep the product all-natural. And here at Glynne’s Soaps we are committed to All Natural Soaps. We hope everyone has a peaceful and relaxing Labor Day Weekend! Be safe. Want to be a part of our studio audience? Follow us on twitter (www.twitter.com/glynnesoaps) Gayle

It is an age-old question, which came first the soap or the business? For Glynne’s Soaps, the answer is easy, the soap. Jenn was making soaps for personal use. It was not long before she began to dream about being able to share some of her soaps. After months of toying with the idea and then talking to lots of friends, family and business associates for even more months, Glynne’s Soaps was born. After all, how much soap can two people use? More importantly, how much soap can you give to family and friends? We are a very small operation. We have a domain name and now a web site. We have a couple of local retail outlets. We have our soap making facility (the kitchen). Both Gayle & Jenn have full time gigs. Jenn, as you probably know, is a chemist for a pharmaceutical company. Gayle is a Real Estate Appraiser trainee. When we first began, it soon became clear that we needed to divide and conquer. Jenn obviously is the soapmaker (although Gayle has been known to act as assistant). Gayle takes care of most of the marketing and sales. If you have ever started a business, then you know the hardest part is marketing your product. Sales and marketing, as we are learning, is an "all hands on deck" situation. It can all be more than a little overwhelming. Therefore, we have decided we need a sales manager. Our new sales manager will be in charge of promotions, sales, and other random bargains. We are pleased to announce the addition of Wrigley Stonewall Rebel to our staff. Wrigley, as we call him, will be letting everyone know about any special deals. Wrigley has been a part of the Glynne’s Soaps family for about 3 months and is finally feeling confident enough to take on some responsibilities. Wrigley came to us from the Philadelphia area. Wrigley’s original name was Rebel. We were told he was because it was the first-born of an unexpected litter and was deemed the Rebel without a Cause. As is tradition, Gayle had a name preordained for the next dalmatian to take up permanent residence – Wrigley (every Cubs fan needs a Wrigley). The Stonewall comes from the meeting place, in Spotsylvania, VA, where we met the breeder to pick up Wrigley. We met near the place where Stonewall Jackson’s arm is buried from the War Between the States. Please feel free to follow Wrigley on twitter twitter.com/wrigleysoapguru. He will also be blogging here. Please e-mail him Wrigley@glynnesoaps.com. He is clamoring for a blackberry but he will need to prove his worth before that will happen. We hope to see you at Monty's Home Pet Expo on Sunday! Gayle & Jenn www.glynnesoaps.com

If you have even embarked on a project you know, it evolves. Our little soap business was/is no different. We started sort of like this...we made soap, we used soap, we liked soap...we gave soap to friends, they used soap, they liked soap...we thought we could sell soap. We tested the market. We could sell soap Suddenly there were so many decisions, so many things to consider. On of which was to use the term handmade or handcrafted. We liked handcrafted...or so we thought, at first. As we thought about and research a bit the two terms we came to realize what we were doing was hand-making soaps. Therefore that is the term we have adopted. Here's why: Handcrafted we learned is associated with those who purchase a glycerin or pre-made package and craft soap from already provided products. Sort of like buying a cake mix, add an egg and water mix together bake and Presto! You made a cake. Handmade we learned is the term used when you do what we do...take a bunch of all natural ingredients and make soap. Sort of like when you bake a cake from scratch, you take flour, eggs, oil, sugar, etc - mix it all together bake and well, you have made a cake. Each of our soaps is handmade individually in a loaf. They are hand cut; hand wrapped and tied with twine. If nothing else, the soaps you get from Glynne's Soaps have been given individual care and attention.