The Patriot Ledger:
Jennie Head has been making her own balms and oils since her now 6-year-old daughter, Josie, developed diaper rash as an infant.
Rather than simply buying a salve at the store, Head chose to research and create her own.
‘‘I like to know exactly what’s inside of it, and it’s not always easy to get something that’s totally a natural product,’’ Head said.
The result was Baby Butt Balm, one of 13 homemade, all-natural products the 30-year-old Hanson resident sells under the name Barefoot Herbals and Bodywork.
Head said she conducts most of her sales through home parties.
Why this is a great idea: This story highlights not only a business opportunity, homemade balms and ointments, but also a method for marketing and selling your products: home sales parties.
A quick Google search returns thousands of free ointment recipes on the web, including Cayenne Pepper Ointment, Diaper Rash Cream and Cranberry Lip Gloss. Your local library probably has a book or two on the subject, as well. Here are a couple to look for: Home Made: 200 Great Concoctions Practical Potions for Crafts Beauty Aids Household Products and The Herbal Home Remedy Book: Simple Recipes for Tinctures, Teas, Salves, Tonics, and Syrups.
Home sales parties are easy ways to market your product to a group of self-selected buyers. Let me explain: no one goes to a candle party, for instance, if they can’t stand the smell of candles. And, while many of the party-goers might just be looking for an excuse to get out of the house, many parties offer a gift for the hostess if a certain number of products are purchased there, and this creates an incentive for the friends of the hostess to reward her for the use of her time and home.
Photo by Gary Higgins.