Check out our first featured post about getting your skin summer ready -
Summer Skin Care from the Kitchen
Monday, April 9, 2012
Skin Care in the Kitchen!
We've been lucky enough to have been selected to be a contributor to the Green Oklahoma Blog! We're going to be writing about natural skin care and sharing with you some of our favorite recipes for you to make at home!
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
We're moving!
I know it seems I just posted about our store that opened a year ago this month. However, we've had an opportunity that we just couldn't pass up! We are moving to a larger space in The Farm Shopping Center. It's going to allow us to have much more room for soap production! We're so excited but we also plan to stock some local vendors and their crafts. We love carrying local products and hope that we can be a great outlet as well.
Stay tuned for pictures as we prepare for the move!
Peace, Love, and Soap!
Stay tuned for pictures as we prepare for the move!
Peace, Love, and Soap!
Monday, November 14, 2011
Check Out My Video!
I'm not really comfortable in front of the camera, but after awhile it does get easier! The quality of this video in terms of lighting, sound, etc. does need work. I was by myself and had to use two boxes stacked on top of each other to hold the camera. My goal for this video was to practice my on screen presence and show people some of our best selling products. We have a lot of unique products and I need to get the word out. I'm going to be doing several of these videos that includes instructional videos, tips, tricks, etc. on how to make soap, how to make scrubs, aromatherapy information, and information about ingredients in cosmetics.
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Almost a Year - In Review
It's been a very long time since I posted to this blog. I truly intend on getting this thing up and running with soap and skin care recipes, tips, tricks, and much more! But for now I'm going to talk a little bit about what has happened in the past year or so since my last post.
Theraganics has expanded to its own storefront! I relocated from my home to our new spot in January. We have been fully operational since about March. We have a small production facility in back and a small retail spot in front. It's a great little spot and we are so very proud of it. It's located in The Farm Shopping Center here in Tulsa, OK. Here are some initial pictures from back a year ago:
Cute, isn't it?
It's only 735 square feet - but one of the great things going for it is that it has high ceilings - very high!
Here is Jen painting and prepping to pull up the carpet.
It was a very dark purple color. Lovely carpet, but the color was just wrong. I ended up giving it to a guy on Craigslist to use in his daughter's rooms on the one condition that he pulls it up! The previous tenants had glued every square inch down with thick carpet glue. It ended up taking 3 men pulling at the same time to get it up. We ended up putting some nice laminate down for a natural look. I don't know if I have a picture of that, but here is one of the displays when we first opened:
We managed to furnish the store fairly cheaply since we were working with a tight budget by scouting Craigslist and other places for good used furniture. To this day people are amazed by how little we spent considering how great the store looks.
You can now find Theraganics in Whole Foods Tulsa and Whole Foods Oklahoma City. Working with the Whole Foods staff has been wonderful. They are some of the most friendly and helpful people I've encountered. The Oklahoma City store just recently opened (October 12, 2011) and we were there doing a demo on the grand opening day! Here is some pictures of our table display and our lotion sprays in the body care section:
The summer was kind of slow, but we did attend a few events. Theraganics had a booth at the Home & Garden Expo. Turnout was good because it was so hot outside - people wanted something to do indoors! Here are a couple pictures from that event - July 2011:
Theraganics also had a booth at the 2011 Tulsa State Fair. It was 10 days of pure energy. Everyone was worn out to the max by the time it was over. However, despite that we met some wonderful people. I will post pictures of that booth display as soon as I can locate them.
All in all it has been a crazy year so far - we are looking forward to the holidays and revving up for an even better year in 2012.
Theraganics has expanded to its own storefront! I relocated from my home to our new spot in January. We have been fully operational since about March. We have a small production facility in back and a small retail spot in front. It's a great little spot and we are so very proud of it. It's located in The Farm Shopping Center here in Tulsa, OK. Here are some initial pictures from back a year ago:
Cute, isn't it?
Here is Jen painting and prepping to pull up the carpet.
It was a very dark purple color. Lovely carpet, but the color was just wrong. I ended up giving it to a guy on Craigslist to use in his daughter's rooms on the one condition that he pulls it up! The previous tenants had glued every square inch down with thick carpet glue. It ended up taking 3 men pulling at the same time to get it up. We ended up putting some nice laminate down for a natural look. I don't know if I have a picture of that, but here is one of the displays when we first opened:
We managed to furnish the store fairly cheaply since we were working with a tight budget by scouting Craigslist and other places for good used furniture. To this day people are amazed by how little we spent considering how great the store looks.
You can now find Theraganics in Whole Foods Tulsa and Whole Foods Oklahoma City. Working with the Whole Foods staff has been wonderful. They are some of the most friendly and helpful people I've encountered. The Oklahoma City store just recently opened (October 12, 2011) and we were there doing a demo on the grand opening day! Here is some pictures of our table display and our lotion sprays in the body care section:
The summer was kind of slow, but we did attend a few events. Theraganics had a booth at the Home & Garden Expo. Turnout was good because it was so hot outside - people wanted something to do indoors! Here are a couple pictures from that event - July 2011:
Theraganics also had a booth at the 2011 Tulsa State Fair. It was 10 days of pure energy. Everyone was worn out to the max by the time it was over. However, despite that we met some wonderful people. I will post pictures of that booth display as soon as I can locate them.
All in all it has been a crazy year so far - we are looking forward to the holidays and revving up for an even better year in 2012.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Yummy Bubbles
For some reason I leaned toward doing food related soap recently.
Okay so I've seen a lot of truly artistic soapmakers around the net. These people create real intricate works of art in their soapmaking. I'd like to think of myself as fairly artistic, but I don't hold a candle to some of them in the least bit. However, they did inspire me a great deal to go outside of my regular soapmaking to try some things such as textured soap tops (yea I know it's pretty common - but it was my first time). I found it very fun and relaxing to play with the soap after it had been poured - to use different utensils and see what kind of designs you can make based on how hard or soft the soap is. I would even consider it somewhat therapeutic!
Left: Lemon Poppyseed - scented with green Bolivian lemon & litsea essential oils. It smells good enough to eat!
Right: Lavender Chamomile Neroli & Oatmeal - very pleasant, light sweet scent with the lovely skin loving properties of oatmeal!
Okay so I've seen a lot of truly artistic soapmakers around the net. These people create real intricate works of art in their soapmaking. I'd like to think of myself as fairly artistic, but I don't hold a candle to some of them in the least bit. However, they did inspire me a great deal to go outside of my regular soapmaking to try some things such as textured soap tops (yea I know it's pretty common - but it was my first time). I found it very fun and relaxing to play with the soap after it had been poured - to use different utensils and see what kind of designs you can make based on how hard or soft the soap is. I would even consider it somewhat therapeutic!
Left: Lemon Poppyseed - scented with green Bolivian lemon & litsea essential oils. It smells good enough to eat!
Right: Lavender Chamomile Neroli & Oatmeal - very pleasant, light sweet scent with the lovely skin loving properties of oatmeal!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Spring Time!
It's almost that time of year! Yes, the Spring season........ the grass starts turning green again and people are out shopping for their gardens!
Speaking of gardners - I was turned down from the Cherry Street Farmer's Market here in Tulsa. It's supposedly the big one around here. Apparently their "committee" is resistant to more soap vendors. Last time I was there I probably saw 1 or 2 - and they were much much different than my bath & body products - they were more county hometown looking soap. Most of the time the vendor sells vegetables and then a few country soaps. I was disappointed because I thought that surely they'd see that my products are awesome! OK, of course I'm bias :) Truthfully though, it seems like you have to be on the 'inside' around here to get into any kind of market! How many people sell carrots or peppers?? You know it's more than 1 or 2!!! I was hoping it'd be a nice weekly event I could do to meet more locals. I don't think I'll continue to try and apply to markets anymore - it seems like a lost cause around Tulsa.
Instead, I've been focusing on getting my products into some stores. There is an AWESOME garden store/gift shop opening here in Tulsa called The Garden Trug (http://www.thegardentrug.com/)! The two ladies who own the store - Marcy and Sue - are absolutely great! They will be carrying a ton of my products! They're in the perfect location in South Tulsa- right down the street from a sleu of garden-heavy neighborhoods!
Speaking of gardners - I was turned down from the Cherry Street Farmer's Market here in Tulsa. It's supposedly the big one around here. Apparently their "committee" is resistant to more soap vendors. Last time I was there I probably saw 1 or 2 - and they were much much different than my bath & body products - they were more county hometown looking soap. Most of the time the vendor sells vegetables and then a few country soaps. I was disappointed because I thought that surely they'd see that my products are awesome! OK, of course I'm bias :) Truthfully though, it seems like you have to be on the 'inside' around here to get into any kind of market! How many people sell carrots or peppers?? You know it's more than 1 or 2!!! I was hoping it'd be a nice weekly event I could do to meet more locals. I don't think I'll continue to try and apply to markets anymore - it seems like a lost cause around Tulsa.
Instead, I've been focusing on getting my products into some stores. There is an AWESOME garden store/gift shop opening here in Tulsa called The Garden Trug (http://www.thegardentrug.com/)! The two ladies who own the store - Marcy and Sue - are absolutely great! They will be carrying a ton of my products! They're in the perfect location in South Tulsa- right down the street from a sleu of garden-heavy neighborhoods!
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Sneak Peak - Soap & Bath Bomb Sets!
So I spent most of the morning trying to create matching bath bombs to go with all of my soaps. I had to make sure I was getting the right essential oil blend, and also using the natural pigments I use in my soap to perform equally well in the bath bomb.
I'm pretty happy with how they turned out. I used the leftover materials from each big bomb to make a small one - and am thinking about including it in the gift set. That way if you want to only use a the little one, or need extra "oomph" to your bath (if you don't think the big one cuts it).
My dilemma here now is the packaging. I want to avoid the use of plastics. I bought some cute craft boxes that I am thinking about using as a small gift back. I could get a small 3x3 box to use for the big bath bomb. So the small box would contain one packaged soap, one boxed big bath bomb, and one wrapped small bomb. I could then change it up by adding a lip balm, or creating other boxes with a combination of things (ie, sugar scrub, etc).
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
French Green Clay & Green Tea Soap
Let me start off by saying that I use this bar every night when I wash my face. By the next morning my skin is ultra soft and smooth - and I have sensitive, oily, acne prone skin.
This awesome soap is made with so much skin loving ingredients! French Green Clay is used to draw out impurities, aloe juice for soothing, green tea for antioxidants, essential oils of tea tree, eucalyptus, and lavender for their antiseptic properties, and tussah silk for extra silky feeling. It's great for all skin types, and is by far my best seller!
Not only does it perform beautifully, but it smells great too! It's so refreshing and leaves your skin with a cooling, soothing feeling.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32041789
Monday, May 4, 2009
Vegetables & Fruits for Your Face
I've got a new soap - it's a tomato & carrot fusion (above) (http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24560897).
You know how your mom always told you to eat your vegetables? I bet she never said "wash yourself" in them. But why not? The truth is that nutrient rich foods are good for the inside and outside alike.
Carrots are known for their Beta Carotene that fights skin damage and aging skin. Tomatoes have an incredible cleaning property and are full of antioxidants. Also, a new study published in November, 2008 notes that tomatoes have a lycopene complex that protects skin against UV radiation. The PH balancing and cleaning properties are excellent for oily and acne prone skin.
I used Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Soap years ago and loved it. I've also used a lot of carrot complexion bars. The benefits of both is what inspired this particular bar..... why have the benefits of only one when you can have both?
If anyone wants a half or quarter bar sample, feel free to Email me and I'll create a custom listing just for you.
You know how your mom always told you to eat your vegetables? I bet she never said "wash yourself" in them. But why not? The truth is that nutrient rich foods are good for the inside and outside alike.
Carrots are known for their Beta Carotene that fights skin damage and aging skin. Tomatoes have an incredible cleaning property and are full of antioxidants. Also, a new study published in November, 2008 notes that tomatoes have a lycopene complex that protects skin against UV radiation. The PH balancing and cleaning properties are excellent for oily and acne prone skin.
I used Burt's Bees Garden Tomato Soap years ago and loved it. I've also used a lot of carrot complexion bars. The benefits of both is what inspired this particular bar..... why have the benefits of only one when you can have both?
If anyone wants a half or quarter bar sample, feel free to Email me and I'll create a custom listing just for you.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
The Launch of Theraganics
It's becoming more and more common to see natural skincare being promoted everywhere. You can find products labeled "all natural" or "organic" in every store from Wal-Mart to Nordstrom. However, taking a closer look at the ingredients can tell a whole other story and make you do a double-take. I must admit, I used to be a nieve shopper and would believe whatever a label told me. That is until I become entirely fed up with my skin issues and there being nothing seemingly available to resolve it. I went on an information journey. A journey to educate myself fully about every ingredient that skincare companies use (both chemicals and natural ingredients), and what they did (or didn't do) for the body. What I found not only surprised me, but to be honest it also made me sad and angry. It was, in a sense, a true reality check. These big name companies aren't out to make natural skincare their top priority, they are just looking to add another angle of marketing to their skincare products. They make everything as cheaply as they can, using detergents and toxic chemicals. Most importantly, many of them extract the naturally occuring glycerine from their soaps to sell - leaving the consumer with a dry skin un-friendly bar.
I then found my first all natural handmade soap at a local market. It was not fancy or even very colorful or pretty, but it had a nice light fragrance from the essential oils. The ingredients were simple, and so it seemed like worth a try. I took it home and used it. My skin loved it. By the next day my face was silky smooth, and by the end of the week my breakouts had nearly cleared up. My curiosity lead me to discover how to make my own skincare products, and what natural ingredients compliment each other for various skin types. Through trial, error, education, and a bit of artistry I was able to create some fantastic soap and skincare producs and share them with friends and family. Friends that had eczema could not believe how it cleared up after switching to my natural soaps, after spending years suffering with it.
I decided to launch my own natural skincare line, Theraganics. I use only essential oils for aromatherapy and therapeutic purposes, and no fake fragrance oils. Any fun colors come from mineral pigments, and I use organic ingredients whenever possible. Theraganics was born out of my own inspiration to help others disover the benefits of natural ingredients in their daily skincare routines. All of my ingredients are listed on everything I make. Nothing will ever contain a toxic chemical or detergent (like SLS - sodium laurel sulfate).
Free mini bars can be obtained by sending me an Email at info@theraganics.com, and I will give you an address to send a self addressed stamped envelope.
Check us out at http://www.Theraganics.com
I then found my first all natural handmade soap at a local market. It was not fancy or even very colorful or pretty, but it had a nice light fragrance from the essential oils. The ingredients were simple, and so it seemed like worth a try. I took it home and used it. My skin loved it. By the next day my face was silky smooth, and by the end of the week my breakouts had nearly cleared up. My curiosity lead me to discover how to make my own skincare products, and what natural ingredients compliment each other for various skin types. Through trial, error, education, and a bit of artistry I was able to create some fantastic soap and skincare producs and share them with friends and family. Friends that had eczema could not believe how it cleared up after switching to my natural soaps, after spending years suffering with it.
I decided to launch my own natural skincare line, Theraganics. I use only essential oils for aromatherapy and therapeutic purposes, and no fake fragrance oils. Any fun colors come from mineral pigments, and I use organic ingredients whenever possible. Theraganics was born out of my own inspiration to help others disover the benefits of natural ingredients in their daily skincare routines. All of my ingredients are listed on everything I make. Nothing will ever contain a toxic chemical or detergent (like SLS - sodium laurel sulfate).
Free mini bars can be obtained by sending me an Email at info@theraganics.com, and I will give you an address to send a self addressed stamped envelope.
Check us out at http://www.Theraganics.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)