The Dirty Heifers

Margaret Connor
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

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!

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 87: She Went From a 10×10 Shed to Making 12 MILLION Bars of Soap

    What does it take to go from a 10×10 tax shed to making 12 MILLION bars of soap in a year? Joanna Couch — better known as The Soap Gal (@thesoapgal) — knows exactly what that looks like. In Part 1 of our conversation with Joanna, we go WAY beyond the usual “how I started my soap business” story. Joanna takes us through the messy, surprising, and sometimes downright terrifying journey from farmers markets and family recipes to 80,000-bar purchase orders, private label manufacturing, massive production facilities, and millions of bars of soap. And the biggest lesson? Scaling isn't just about making more soap. We talk about: 🧼 How Joanna went from a 10×10 tax shed to a 44,000-square-foot facility 🧼 The 80,000-bar purchase order that changed everything 🧼 How she eventually produced as many as 12 million bars in one year 🧼 When you should actually consider scaling your soap business 🧼 Why Joanna says makers quit their jobs too soon 🧼 How to know when it's time to hire help 🧼 Private label and contract manufacturing 🧼 Why knowing your numbers matters 🧼 The equipment that actually makes a difference when you're scaling 🧼 Why your time is worth more than you think 🧼 Slab molds, emulsion blenders, batch software, drying racks and automation 🧼 Why buying ALL the equipment at once can be a huge mistake 🧼 Systems, SOPs, documentation and consistency 🧼 MoCRA, sanitation and why production standards matter 🧼 Why you should narrow down your fragrance lineup 🧼 Limited drops and keeping your customers engaged 🧼 The difference between simply selling more and actually scaling 🧼 One absolutely BRUTAL production mistake involving 200 blocks of soap 🧼 Why mentorship and collaboration matter so much in this industry Joanna's story is huge, but this conversation isn't just for people dreaming about making millions of bars. It's for the soap maker making 20 bars, 200 bars, or 2,000 bars who is wondering: “When do I know it's time to grow?” And Joanna has some very honest answers. This is Part 1 of our three-part conversation with The Soap Gal, so if you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just someone fascinated by what happens when a handmade business gets REALLY big, you're going to want to stick around for the rest of this conversation. 👉 Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers so you don't miss Parts 2 and 3. 💬 And tell us in the comments: What's the biggest thing holding you back from scaling your soap business? Follow Joanna: @thesoapgal #TheDirtyHeifers #SoapMaking #SoapBusiness #SoapMaker #SmallBusiness #HandmadeBusiness #SoapBusinessTips #PrivateLabel #SoapManufacturing #Entrepreneurship

    Episode 87: She Went From a 10×10 Shed to Making 12 MILLION Bars of Soap

  2. Aug 13

    Episode 86: What If Quitting Your Soap Business Isn’t Failure?

    What if quitting your soap business isn’t failure? What if you built something successful, served amazing customers, learned more than you ever thought you would… and eventually realized you just don’t want to do it anymore? In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we sit down with Sharon Reaser of Bumble and Bleat Soap, who made the difficult decision to close her handmade soap business after years of trying to figure out whether she was burned out—or genuinely done. And that distinction matters. Sharon talks honestly about the signs of burnout, the changes she made before deciding to close, the guilt of disappointing customers and family, the grief of deleting products she worked so hard to create, and the surprising relief that came with finally saying, “Enough is enough.” We also get into the practical side of closing a handmade business: • What happens to your inventory, equipment, molds, and supplies? • What do you do with your website and social media? • Should you shut down your accounts—or reinvent them? • What happens when your business has become part of your identity? • Can you be successful and still decide you’re done? • And how do you know when it’s time to stop pushing? Sharon also shares what she would tell herself if she could go back to the beginning: slow down, listen to yourself, and remember that YOU are the most important part of the business. Because sometimes the right answer isn't to work harder. Sometimes it's to change the business. Sometimes it's to take a break. And sometimes… it's okay to close the door. If you're a soap maker, handmade business owner, or creative entrepreneur who's ever wondered whether you're tired, burned out, or genuinely ready for something different, this conversation is for you. 💬 QUESTION FOR YOU: If you took away the fear of disappointing everyone else, would you still want to be doing what you're doing? Tell us in the comments. We want to hear your story. 👍 If this episode hit home, give it a like. 💬 Leave us a comment. 🔔 Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers for honest conversations about soap making, handmade business, burnout, mistakes, money, and all the stuff nobody puts on the pretty Instagram posts. And send this episode to the maker who keeps saying, “I think I’m done”… but is still trying to convince themselves they aren't. Stay Dirty Heifers. 🐄🧼

    Episode 86: What If Quitting Your Soap Business Isn’t Failure?

  3. Aug 6

    Episode 85: Stop Wasting Money on Soap Making! 💸 The Biggest Mistakes We Made So You Don't Have To

    In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we're sharing the biggest money traps we've fallen into during our soap-making journeys. From buying way too many fragrance oils and specialty ingredients to collecting molds we'll never use, we're talking about the purchases we'd skip if we were starting over today. Whether you're making your very first batch or growing a handmade soap business, this episode will help you avoid expensive mistakes, save money, and focus on what actually matters. Along the way, we discuss: The oils beginners actually needFragrance buying mistakesWhy sample sizes are your best friendThe truth about fancy moldsSoap trends worth skippingEquipment that's actually worth the investmentScaling your business without wasting moneyThe supplies we'd buy again every single timeIf you're tired of influencers convincing you that you need everything, this episode is for you. 👇 Tell us in the comments: What's the biggest soap-making purchase you've regretted? 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, give it a Like, Subscribe to The Dirty Heifers, and share it with another soap maker who needs to hear this before placing another supplier order! Because life is too short to waste money on supplies you'll never use. #SoapMaking #SoapMaker #HandmadeSoap #SmallBusiness #ColdProcessSoap #SoapBusiness #DIYSoap #Entrepreneur #MakersGonnaMake #TheDirtyHeifers 00:00 Cold Open - The $200 Budget That Became $800 01:24 Sponsor - Warm & Fuzzy Soapery 02:25 Word of the Week: Profligate 05:28 Redneck Word of the Week 06:13 Buying Too Many Oils 11:15 Oils We'd Never Buy Again 14:45 Advice for First-Time Soap Supply Shopping 16:00 Fragrance Buying Mistakes 22:50 How Many Fragrances Do Beginners Need? 25:40 Mold Addiction Is Real 31:15 Which Soap Mold Should You Buy First? 34:25 Soap Trends We Tried (and Skipped) 39:30 3D Printers, Soap Gadgets & Rabbit Trails 44:30 Products We Regret Adding 48:20 Equipment That Actually Changed Our Business 50:10 Buying Supplies Too Early

    Episode 85: Stop Wasting Money on Soap Making! 💸 The Biggest Mistakes We Made So You Don't Have To

  4. Jul 30

    Episode 84: The Dirty Secret Behind Soap Marketing (Nobody Wants to Admit This)

    Should handmade soap businesses scare customers into buying? In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we're joined by Katherine Popp of Desert Soul Soapery to talk about one of the biggest issues facing the handmade soap industry: fear-based marketing. From "non-toxic" claims to miracle ingredient promises, we discuss where education ends and manipulation begins. We also dive into ingredient myths, FDA claims, copying soap designs, building customer trust, and how honest businesses can stand out without tearing down the competition. Whether you're a new soap maker or an experienced small business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about marketing. 👇 Tell us in the comments: Have you ever seen fear-based marketing in the handmade community? 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it, subscribe for more soap business discussions, and share this episode with another maker. 00:00 The quote that stopped us scrolling 01:00 Welcome to The Dirty Heifers 02:20 Word of the Week: Perspicacious 06:05 Redneck Word of the Week 08:40 Meet Katherine Popp 11:30 Why Katherine speaks out online 14:30 Fear-based marketing in handmade soap 18:20 Why honesty builds stronger businesses 22:10 Why fear works so well in marketing 24:00 Ingredient claims and FDA concerns 29:00 The truth about "miracle" soap ingredients 33:15 Goat milk, tallow, and overhyped ingredients 37:30 Building trust without attacking competitors 38:30 Copying soap designs: inspiration vs. theft 42:00 Final thoughts on growing with integrity #SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #HandmadeSoap #SoapBusiness #Marketing #Entrepreneur #SoapMaker #BusinessTips #DirtyHeifers #KatherinePopp

    Episode 84: The Dirty Secret Behind Soap Marketing (Nobody Wants to Admit This)

  5. Jul 23

    Episode 83: The WORST Soap Making Advice on the Internet (We're Busting the Biggest Myths)

    Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on soap making supplies only to ruin a batch because someone online confidently gave you terrible advice. In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we're busting some of the biggest myths in handmade soap making—from lowering your soap's pH to curing soap for one week, dreaded orange spots (DOS), 100% coconut oil soap, fragrance oil myths, and more. If you've learned soap making from Facebook groups, TikTok, YouTube, or that one aunt who made soap back in 1987...this episode is for you. Whether you're a beginner soap maker or an experienced maker looking to sharpen your skills, we're separating science from internet folklore—with plenty of laughs along the way. 💬 Question of the Day: What's the worst soap making advice you've ever heard? 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with another maker who needs to hear it! #soapmaking #coldprocesssoap #soapmyths #soapmaker #handmadesoap #smallbusiness #soapbusiness #makersgonnamake #soapscience #thedirtyheifers

    Episode 83: The WORST Soap Making Advice on the Internet (We're Busting the Biggest Myths)

  6. Jul 16

    Episode 82: Heifer Huddle- New State Same Shenanigans

    Sometimes you just need to catch up. In this Heifer Huddle, we're talking about everything that's happened behind the scenes—from moving across the country, building new soap shops, scaling wholesale businesses, shipping nightmares, customer stories, SOAPCon prep, and the reality of running a handmade business. If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just enjoy hanging out with three friends who somehow manage to go from serious business advice to talking about river cooters and jump ropes... you're in the right place. 💬 Question of the Day: What's the biggest change happening in your business or life right now? Tell us in the comments! 👍 Like this video if you enjoy Heifer Huddles, subscribe for new episodes every week, and share this with another maker who needs a laugh today. Stay Dirty Heifers!

    Episode 82: Heifer Huddle- New State Same Shenanigans

  7. Jul 9

    Episode 81: 🚨 He Put the SOAP WHERE?! 🤢 Reddit's Grossest Soap Story Yet

    This hilarious clip from The Dirty Heifers Podcast dives into one of the grossest Reddit soap stories we've ever read. From bar soap debates to hygiene horror stories, we couldn't stop laughing... or gagging. If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just someone who appreciates a good internet train wreck, this one's for you. 💬 Tell us in the comments: Do you use bar soap, body wash, or BOTH? And... would you ever share a bar of soap? 👍 Like this subscribe for more soap making laughs, business advice, and behind-the-scenes conversations, and share it with the friend who NEEDS to hear this! #SoapMaker #BarSoap #RedditStories #HandmadeSoap #SmallBusiness #SoapMaking #FunnyPodcast #Hygiene #DirtyHeifers 00:00 Cold Open: The Grossest Soap Story Ever 00:43 Welcome to the Dirty Heifers Podcast 01:23 Jessie vs. the Dictionary 05:54 Redneck Word of the Week 08:16 Reddit Story #1: Switching to Bar Soap 17:24 Bar Soap vs. Body Wash Debate 23:32 Reddit Story #2: The Airbnb Soap Disaster 34:47 Reddit Story #3: "Don't Dookie Dunk the Soap" 47:39 What We Learned from Reddit 49:11 Final Thoughts & Outro

    Episode 81: 🚨 He Put the SOAP WHERE?! 🤢 Reddit's Grossest Soap Story Yet

  8. Jul 2

    Episode 80: Soap Making Burnout? Why Staying Small Saved My Business with Ashley from 'My Healthy Soap'

    Ever wonder what happens to your soap business if social media disappears tomorrow? 🧼 Ashley from @MyHealthySoap joins us to talk about the reality of scaling, managing the "rollercoaster" of sales, and why sometimes, staying small is the best business move you can make. From tax nightmares to viral video secrets, we're cutting through the noise. Check out the full episode for the radical honesty our community craves! Click the linked video to watch the full episode and join the conversation! #SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #DirtyHeifers 0:00 – Intro: The "What If" Scenario 2:05 – Word of the Week: Pecuniary 4:35 – Redneck Word of the Week: Byhalia 8:47 – Ashley’s Origin Story: From Crunchy Mom to Business Owner 13:36 – Navigating the Business Rollercoaster 17:22 – The Reality of Taxes & Payroll 22:28 – What to Outsource (and What to Do Yourself) 26:39 – Content Strategy: The Power of Consistency 32:43 – The Transition to Teaching 54:45 – The Realities of Success (and the Toilet in the Floor Story) 1:01:18 – Rapid Fire: Overrated Ingredients & Advice #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #DirtyHeifersPodcast #SoapBusiness #MakerCommunity #EntrepreneurLife #SoapMaker #BusinessGrowth #HandmadeSoap #RadicalHonesty

    Episode 80: Soap Making Burnout? Why Staying Small Saved My Business with Ashley from 'My Healthy Soap'
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out of 5
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About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Margaret Connor
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Margaret Connor 2024
  • Show Website
    The Dirty Heifers

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