we are committed….
While prioritizing ongoing education in my field and dedicating myself to the craft, StrangeMakes officially joined The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetics Guild (HSCG) in 2021. This membership has proven invaluable, assisting artisans like myself in staying current with regulations related to labeling, packaging, and selling our product lines. Additionally, the HSCG offers certification opportunities within our trade.
As a prerequisite for membership, every artisan pledges to uphold a code of ethics, including:
Adhering to good manufacturing practices in product production.
Ensuring the safety of our products for consumer use. (Always consult a qualified herbalist or physician before using any new product)
Accurately labeling products in compliance with current regulations.
Providing customers with precise information on ingredients, benefits, and usage directions.
Now, why am I sharing this with you? Here's a specific incident that highlights the importance:
During a recent showcase of StrangeMakes products out west, a fellow vendor approached my booth, offering a pain relief salve. Intrigued, I inquired about her product's formulation and active ingredients. Her response, or lack thereof, raised concerns. She couldn't recall half of the ingredients, mentioning only petroleum jelly and cayenne pepper. She lacked understanding of why each ingredient was included, couldn't identify potentially toxic substances, and had no knowledge of safe ingestion levels.
My intention is not to criticize this vendor; it's the responsibility of each customer to consult with a medical professional before using any product not fully evaluated by the FDA, including mine. However, I want my customers to know that I meticulously research and formulate my products and better yet, I use them myself.
What brings me the greatest satisfaction? It's not just the sales, though I'm immensely grateful for them. My true joy lies in connecting with customers, understanding their concerns, and finding ways to be of service both now and in the future.
Our commitment to customers is unwavering, as we strive to bring them our very best. Belonging to the HSCG and adhering to their industry standards exemplifies our dedication. We acknowledge we're not flawless, but our ongoing progress reflects our commitment to continuous improvement.
