Inside Indie: Texas Charm Bath and Candle Co.

Sorry that this week's Inside Indie is late. I was at my son's school all day selling the PTO like crazy. I apologize to you my readers lol.

Anyway...this weeks Inside Indie interview is with Stacy Herrod who owns and operates Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co. I really love her body butter (especially in Petit Choux!) because it's thick, rich and is PARABEN FREE!!!!! Stacy has also entered one of her perfume blends in my Best Original Perfume contest (we're almost done) Here's my interview with Stacy....

Tell me a little about the mind behind Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co.

Ah ha! This is a scary trick question, LOL! The mind behind Texas Charm is obsessed - pleasantly obssessed with fragrance!! I am always thinking about candles, bath & body, and most importantly FRAGRANCE! I admit it: I am truly addicted to this! I have always loved perfumes, lotions, candles ... so this is the perfect solution for me - to create my own goodies! Since I was a wee little girl - give me a bottle of lotion to rub in - I was happy! It's stuck all these years later!

What made you decide to get into the bath, body and candle business?

Actually, my mom & husband suggested once upon a time that I should just make my own candles and save money. Ha! They didn't know what they started with that statement! I am hooked!

Do you remember the first product you made?

A candle - I remember being so nervous! I fretted for the longest (once I decided to try my hand with candles) over the wicks! How would it stick? How would it stand up in the jar? I was a total newbie! So, I tested FOREVER in baby food jars!

Ok, you're stuck on a desert island and you can only have one of your products with you..which one, which fragrance and why?

HANDS DOWN - My "Bye Bye Dry Lip Butter"! I am addicted to lip butter and MUST have a tube with me any and all times! It doesn't matter the flavor - it just feels SO good! This addiction is so bad, lol, that I pour up my lip butter for personal use in whopping 1 ounce lotion tube containes! Yea, it's crazy, but it's SO good!

What does the future hold for Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co?

Immediate future for Texas Charm is a website update! I have so many new fragrances that I need to list for you guys! Also, I will be adding in Bubble Bath Cupcakes, Bubble Bath Bars, and Bombs Away! Bath Bombs very soon! Very fun and very chic additions to Texas Charm!

What is your can't live without product that you don't make?

Handmade Soap! I cannot live without a good bar of handmade soap! My skin and facial complexion has improved so much over time since using only handmade soap! I am not picky - it can be all-vegetable based or it can include animal fats - I love both and use both! Ask my husband how many bars of soap are in our master bath? Ha! He will get this dazed look on his face and just shake his head that he won't answer that question!

So, please stop by Texas Charm Bath & Candle Co. There are some truly good products there. I really like what I've tried so far and look forward to trying more soon.

Inside Indie: Foster's Creations

This weeks Inside Indie interview is with Shannon Foster of Foster's Creations. Shannon makes lovely bath and body products (her bath salts are fantastic) as well as air fresheners, jewelry and she also does CAKES. Here's my interview with Shannon.

Tell me about the mind behind Foster's Creations

I am incredibly blessed. I am able to work from home doing something I love. I am still amazed everytime I make a batch of foot cream and it goes from oils and water to cream. It is truly fascinating. I have a really great support system and I really enjoy hearing about how my customers feel about my products. I love them but I am a bit biased, so when I get a nice compliment from my customers I know I am doing the right thing. My business is my creative outlet.

What got you into the bath & body business?

My passion began shortly after Christmas 2001. I had wanted to make my family members something different for Christmas but I tried one of the kits from the craft store and needless to say my family got something different that year. I then began scouring the internet looking for any and all information on soapmaking.

Do you remember the first product you made?

My first product I made was a cream in an online class which resulted in the creation of my Fluffy Body Butter and my Peppermint Foot Cream.

Ok, you're stuck on a desert island and you can only have one of your products with you..which one, which fragrance and why?

My MSM-Menthol cream and gallons of it as I suffer terribly from arthritis and don't go anywhere without it.

You also make jewelry and cakes..can you tell me a little bit about that?

I began making cakes in 1998 when I saw a cake that looked like a basket of pansies on the cover of a Wilton yearbook. I took some classes in 2000 and began making wedding cakes the next year. I go into this nice little zen place while decorating. While I don't always get to see the brides reaction I do love to see the look on their face when they see their cake for the first time. It makes me feel proud of what I do to make their day special. I took a year or two off to get the bath and body business off the ground and they actually compliment each other well as my craft show season is in the fall and most of my weddings are spring and summer. I began making jewelry in October 2006 while recovering from my cancer surgery. I had 8 weeks where I could not lift and had to do something to pass the time. I really enjoy all of the things I do as they are very relaxing for me. I love creating things.

What is your can't live without product that you don't make?

My Crocs absolutely without a doubt. I have been without them for 2 weeks while waiting for a new rivet and let me tell you I almost broke down and bought another pair.

I highly recommend Foster's Creations. I've been using Shannon's products for almost a year now. Her MSM cream has done wonders for my chronic neck pain (diaper bag syndrome) and my headaches. I also love her air fresheners cause they last so long and you can get them in any of her fragrances. Her bath salts are fantastic too by the way. I'm sure you'll find something there that you'll love.