"It looks like the lab of a mad scientist in here!" is the typical remark my teens make when they venture into the kitchen when I am working. Q: What is Pour le Mieux Bath & Body Essentials? A: Pour le Mieux Bath & Body Essentials is a small home-based bath and body products business. We make handmade essentials for both men and women, and a few products for your home. By creating small batches, we are better able to control quality, and provide fresher products. As a child, I suffered from various bouts of eczema, which was passed down to my son. As an adult, I learned that other family members also suffered from eczema or dry skin. This spurred me to do something about it that didn't involve topical steroids or pharmaceuticals. Q: What was your first product and why? A: My first product was a body powder I made in May 2007 for my daughter's baby shower. I wanted something unique and special that really represented that first grandchild. Attractive packaging, witty labeling, a custom scent, and named after my soon to be born granddaughter, "Cadence." I was pleasantly surprised that the shower attendees loved the favors and wanted extras to take home! Q: How did you get started? A: It started officially when a fellow crafter asked me in July 2007 to make soap at an upcoming holiday boutique. At the time I had never made any, but she assured me it was a piece of cake. I had always been intrigued by the soaps I purchased from a friend, and today she is one of my Soapy Godmothers. For almost four months I studied and researched the art of soap making and made my first batches of "Melt & Pour" (MP) soaps for the boutique. All in all it was a lot of fun, and I was ready to hit the road running with a business that provides natural bath and body products. In January 2008, I received my certificate of completion for both "Cold Process" (CP) and "Hot Process" (HP) Soap Making. I also took other course for making bath and body products, and the rest is history. Donned in my goggles, gloves, and face mask, the Pour le Mieux Mad Scientist is back at it!! ~s |