The Dirty Heifers

This week’s Heifer Huddle is exactly what you’d expect—business updates, industry surprises, moving chaos, and a whole lot of laughter along the way. 🐄✨We kick things off with a truly sesquipedalian Word of the Week before diving into what’s happening behind the scenes in our soap businesses right now—from paint-your-own bath bombs for kids (and why lip-safe mica matters!) to unexpected TikTok Shop compliance violations under the INFORM Consumers Act.We also talk about:preparing inventory before a movefilming boundaries between home and shop lifeApril Fools supplier emails that fooled some of ussurprise order bursts without posting contentappliances mysteriously breaking right before moving (why does that always happen?!)and the usual off-the-rails Dirty Heifers moments you’ve come to expectIt’s real talk about small business life, creative pivots, and the chaos that happens between batches.Pull up a chair and join the herd. 🧼💬

Running a business changes your bank account and your schedule—but nobody warns you about how much it changes you.In this episode, we’re peeling back the curtain on the "business metamorphosis." From learning how to set hard boundaries and saying "no" without a follow-up apology, to the total shift in money mindset that happens when you stop treating your craft like a hobby, we’re discussing the version of ourselves we’ve had to become to keep growing.Whether you’re just starting out or you’re deep in the messy middle of building your brand, this conversation is for anyone who feels like they’re outgrowing their old skin.We want to hear from you: What is one thing you used to be afraid of in your business that now feels like second nature? Let’s talk about it in the comments!In this episode, we cover:The transition from "hobbyist" to "CEO" mindset.How to set boundaries with customers (and yourself).Why "business therapy" is essential for long-term success.Overcoming the fear of charging what you’re worth.

Ever feel like you're following every piece of small business advice on TikTok but getting nowhere? In Episode 66 of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna dive deep into the world of "business platitudes"—those overused phrases that sound smart but often lead makers astray.We’re breaking down why "just be consistent" isn't enough, how nicheing down can actually limit your growth, and why even the best products don't just "sell themselves." If you’re tired of being told to "just go viral" and want practical strategies that actually move the needle for your handmade business, this episode is for you.In this episode, we discuss:The Word of the Week: Defining "platitudes" and why they can be dangerous for your strategy.Consistency vs. Intentionality: Why doing the wrong thing consistently won't save your business.The Niche Trap: Balancing specific targeting with a market size that can actually support you.Branding & Trust: Why people buy into your story, not just your product.The Reality of Virality: Why viral videos often lead to zero sales and how to build loyal systems instead.Bonus: Our Redneck Word of the Week features some fun history on Iuka, Mississippi.Support Our Sponsor:Warm and Fuzzy Soapery: Luxurious handmade bath and body products designed to give you that cozy, comforting feeling. Visit them at warmandfuzzysoapery.com.About the Hosts:Margaret: Producer and host.Jessie (Country Lather Soapworks): Resident Southern belle and common-sense expert.Shauna (Bawuana Bath and Body): The official voice of reason and science.Subscribe for more honest talk about the "dirty" reality of owning a small business!

Are you accidentally turning your handcrafted soap into an illegal drug? In today’s episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna dive deep into the confusing—and sometimes ridiculous—world of FDA soap claims.We’re breaking down the common marketing "folklore" that gets small business owners into hot water. From the truth about goat milk and charcoal to the wild claims surrounding "Yoni" soaps and pomegranate deodorizers, we discuss what is scientifically accurate versus what is legally allowed.In this episode, we cover:Why "Moisturizing" is a tricky word for soapmakers.The legal risks of using customer reviews and testimonials as marketing.Common ingredient myths: Turmeric, Tallow, and Colloidal Oatmeal.Word of the Week: Apocryphal.Redneck Word of the Day: Slough (and no, it’s not what you think!).Shop our Sponsor: Support the Southern Heifer herself at Country Lather Soapworks.Follow the Heifers:Margaret: Warm and Fuzzy SoaperyShauna: Bawauna Bath and BodyDon't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this with a fellow maker!00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties00:30 Bikes and Riding Adventures02:19 Workshop Setup and Equipment04:24 Soap Claims and Regulations06:53 Navigating FDA Regulations in Product Claims10:08 Understanding Marketing Myths and Misconceptions11:16 The Truth About Ingredients and Their Claims14:11 The Impact of Customer Reviews on Claims17:23 Debunking Yoni Soap Myths23:27 Common Drug Claims and Their Implications26:49 Navigating Customer Testimonials and Legal Risks29:25 Understanding Claims: Cosmetic vs. Medical32:54 The Challenges of Marketing Handmade Soaps36:24 Regulatory Pitfalls in Soap Marketing40:44 Real-World Examples of Regulatory Issues44:17 The Importance of Honest Marketing in the Handmade Community47:14 short moo intro:outro.mp4

Welcome back to the Dirty Heifers podcast for a "Heifer Huddle"—where things get real, raw, and a little bit chaotic. This week, the heifers are diving deep into the "wins and woes" of the soapmaking life.In this episode:The "Woes" of Creativity: Shauna opens up about her struggle with airbrushing bath bombs (and why she's currently selling "hot messes").Business in the Dining Room: Jessie shares the reality of outgrowing her workspace and moving her entire shipping department into her house.The End of an Era? Margaret talks about the emotional weight of packing away all her soap molds as she prepares for a big move.Trend Talk: We discuss why we’re done chasing social media algorithms and which handmade trends need to be retired immediately (looking at you, bath bombs).Word of the Week: Can you guess what "susurration" means? Hint: It’s not as "sus" as it sounds.🚨 Join the Chat! We want to hear from you: What is one business trend you are officially DONE with? Are you a doomscroller or a "post and ghost" kind of maker? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Your reputation is the only thing people see before they ever buy your product—and in 2026, it's more fragile than ever. In this episode, Margaret, Shauna, and Mini Heifer dive deep into why reputation is the ultimate "currency" for small businesses.We’re getting real about:The #1 mistake entrepreneurs make when a customer order goes wrong.How to build a bridge of trust with complete strangers online.The "Reprobate" behavior that is quietly killing your brand’s value.Why we refuse to talk politics on our business pages (and why you might want to stop too).The "To Delete or Not to Delete" debate: How to handle trolls and negative reviews without looking desperate.Plus: Mini Heifer shares a chilling first-hand account of surviving Hurricane Katrina and the 48-hour journey back to a home that looked like a "box of matchsticks".

Is this the most honest small business episode we’ve ever recorded?Welcome to our very first official Heifer Huddle: Wins, Woes & What’s Warshin’ — where we pull back the curtain on what’s actually happening inside our businesses this week.From record-breaking wins to TikTok ad frustrations… from AI comment drama to fragrance formula fails… we’re talking about the real-life vicissitudes (yes, we used the word correctly 😏) of running a handmade product business.In this episode:Jessie launches a brand-new product 👀Shauna battles a fragrance dupe that just won’t cooperateMargaret goes OFF about getting called out for using AIWe talk slow sales, return customers, ad spending regret, and the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurshipPLUS surprise packages from July at Winston & Walter (you know we love a good unboxing)If you’re a soap maker, small business owner, creative entrepreneur — or just someone who likes hearing the honest behind-the-scenes of building something from scratch — this episode is for you.Because business isn’t just strategy.It’s wins. It’s woes. It’s what’s warshin’. It’s vicissitude. And sometimes… it’s running 3 miles just to cope. 😅👇 Tell us in the comments: What was YOUR biggest win or woe this week?And if you’re binge-listening (we see you 👀), let us know what episode you’re on.

What happens when you outgrow your kitchen… but you’re not quite ready for a warehouse?In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we sit down with Joe from Kingston Oak Soap Company to talk about the real side of scaling a handmade business — the stuff nobody warns you about.We get into:• Master batching oils (beer brewers, oil drums, and redneck engineering included) • When to ditch products that won’t scale • The pricing anxiety that keeps makers stuck • Hiring help before you feel “ready” • Wholesale vs. retail vs. full-time job escape plans • Social media burnout and algorithm frustration • Why your real competition isn’t other makersIf you’ve ever asked yourself: “Am I underpricing?” “Can I actually afford to grow?” “Do I even want this to get bigger?”This episode is for you.Drop your answer to our Question of the Day in the comments: 👉 What are YOU afraid to scale in your business… and why?Because growth isn’t just about bigger molds — it’s about bigger decisions.

What happens when the pillar of your industry vanishes overnight? In this heavy-hitting episode, Margaret, Jesse, and Shauna dive into the shocking cancellation of the HSCG 2026 conference and what it signals for the future of the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry. We discuss why in-person connection is the "secret sauce" for makers and how grassroots meetups and events like SoapCon are stepping in to fill the void.But the chaos doesn’t stop there. Margaret shares a terrifying first-hand account of being hacked on Shopify, revealing the exact tactics thieves use to drain bank accounts and redirect payouts—and why getting human help from big platforms is nearly impossible.Whether you're struggling with the current "slow" economy or just need to know you're not alone in your business "bad decisions," this episode is a must-watch for every small business owner.Plus: Stick around for our "Word of the Week" (Obsequious) and a Redneck Word of the Week that will have you feeling a little "T90"

In Episode 58 of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, a “nothing day” turns into a whole lot of everything. The Heifers dive into real-life maker chaos — from TikTok shop changes and platform burnout to snowstorms, supplier struggles, website headaches, and the weird mental spirals that come with running a handmade business.This episode is part business, part therapy session, and part comedy hour. We talk about: • Platform fatigue & where creators are shifting next • TikTok Shop changes and ad burnout • Snowstorms, hospital call shifts & life interruptions • Supplier wins & website frustrations • Soapy superpowers, scent graveyards & market madness • The random thoughts that live rent-free in every maker’s brainIf you’re a soap maker, creative business owner, or just someone trying to survive entrepreneurship with humor intact — this one’s for you.💬 Tell us in the comments: What’s your soapy superpower?Follow The Dirty Heifers Podcast for honest, funny, unfiltered conversations about maker life, small business, and building something from nothing.

Sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/stop-frivolous-ada-lawsuits-targeting-e-commerce-small-businessesIn this episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, hosts Margaret, Jesse, and Shauna tackle a serious topic that often stays in the shadows until it’s too late: ADA website compliance. We are joined by Cindy Collins of Euphoric Herbals, who shares her firsthand experience of facing a legal summons and the reality of being targeted by "litigious" law firms.Cindy pulls back the curtain on the world of "serial plaintiffs" and automated scanners that hunt for tiny errors on small business websites. We discuss why thinking you’re "too small to be targeted" is a dangerous mindset and provide a roadmap for makers to protect their brands.What you’ll learn in this episode:The Lawsuit Reality Check: How Cindy discovered she was being sued and why settlement is often the only path for small businesses.ADA Essentials: What you need to know about alt text for images, color contrast, button labels, and accessible menus.The Widget Warning: Why accessibility widgets can provide a false sense of security and may actually make you a target.Actionable Steps: Three things you can do today—including adding an accessibility statement—to begin securing your site.Platform Protection: Understanding the difference between owning your own site versus selling on platforms like Etsy or Amazon.It is far cheaper to fix your site now than to pay thousands in legal fees later. Join us for this essential conversation to ensure your business stays protected in 2026.

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, we’re tackling the uncomfortable truth about what happens when "bare minimum" standards aren't met. Inspired by recent TikTok drama involving a creator shipping out moldy clay masks, hosts Margaret Connor, Shauna, and Jesse (Mini Heifer) dive deep into the fine line between a beginner’s learning curve and flat-out negligence.Is social media making it too easy to start a business without learning the rules? We discuss the importance of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), how to handle pet hair and cross-contamination, and the "misfit" product dilemma. Plus, we share our own business "fails"—from moldy lotions to the "linty dish soap" incident.In this episode:00:00 – Intro: Learning Curve vs. Negligence01:38 – Word of the Week: Malfeasance03:11 – Southernism of the Week: "Mash on it"08:15 – The TikTok "Moldy Mask" Controversy & Accountability09:48 – Handling Pet Hair & Cleaning Protocols13:38 – Why "I'm a Small Business" Isn't an Excuse for Bad Standards15:22 – Did Social Media Lower the Barrier to Entry?20:33 – Personal Horror Stories: When batches go wrong22:31 – The Reputation Trap: How to handle subpar productsThis episode is sponsored by Warm and Fuzzy Soapery—a brand built on quality, transparency, and the belief that respect for your customers is the bare minimum.Support the show! Like, subscribe, and tell us in the comments: Where do YOU draw the line between a mistake and negligence?

Are you waiting for the "right time" to launch your dream? Spoiler alert: the right time is never coming. In Episode 55, Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie (the Mini Heifer) deconstruct the Myth of Ready—the dangerous idea that everything must be flawless before you hit "publish".In this episode, we explore:The "Propaedeutic" Approach: Why treating your first steps as "preparatory training" is the only way to actually learn the ropes.Safety vs. Aesthetics: Why you can start with "messy" packaging but can never compromise on product testing and safety.Real-Life "Fails": From "scratcher" walnut soaps to website glitches that taught us more than any course ever could.Redneck Word of the Week: We take a trip to So So, Mississippi, discuss the inaccuracies of the Free State of Jones movie, and share a local ghost story about a glowing fireplace stain.Whether you’re 80% ready or still in the "research phase," this episode is the nudge you need to stop overthinking and start doing. We're giving you permission to start messy—just don't start unsafe.Special thanks to our sponsor: Country Lather Soapworks.

Hook: Is it "Circumspection" or... something else? 😬 Welcome back to the Dirty Heifers Podcast! In this episode, Margaret, Jesse (the Mini Heifer), and Shauna are ringing in the new year the only way they know how: with honesty, humor, and a little bit of chaos.+1Summary: As we stand on the edge of 2026, we’re ditching the arbitrary "5lb weight loss" resolutions for something deeper. From Margaret’s "Word of the Year" that Jesse immediately misinterpreted, to the massive moves happening in our personal lives and businesses, we’re talking about what it really looks like to grow.+4We dive into:The Power of Circumspection: Why careful consideration is our new secret weapon for scalingBig Business Moves: 2,800 sq ft additions, 1,200 sq ft garages, and moving shops across state lines.Quitting What Doesn't Work: Why Jesse finally stopped making bath bombs (and whether tallow soap is next).The TikTok Shop Struggle: How a "common sense" quiz changed the game for Shauna.Survival Mode: How we stay productive when life gets overwhelming.Redneck Word of the Week: "Stomping Grounds"Sponsor Shoutout: A huge thank you to Bawauna Bath & Body for sponsoring this episode! If you want small-batch, intentional bath products that feel like a dream, check them out.What is your "Word of the Year"? Let us know in the comments! Don't forget to Subscribe and leave us a review wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. 🐮✨Timestamps (Prodigy Tip: Use these to boost "Key Moments" in Google Search)00:00 - The "Universal Sign" & Ep. 54 Intro 01:49 - Word of the Year: Circumspection (or Circumcision?) 04:38 - Redneck Word of the Week: Stomping Grounds 05:46 - Why We Ditch Traditional Resolutions 07:54 - Big Life Changes: Moving to Tennessee & New Shops 10:41 - The 2,800 Sq Ft Expansion Plans 16:15 - Bad Habits vs. Good Habits 19:15 - Quitting Products: Bye Bye Bath Bombs 22:15 - Cracking the TikTok Shop Code 27:41 - Success Without Social Media? 55:52 - What Realistic Rest Looks Like

We can’t believe we’re saying this… but the Dirty Heifers Podcast just wrapped up our first full year 🎉🐄In this special year-in-review episode, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna look back at everything we’ve packed into the last twelve months — the guests who trusted us with their stories, the conversations that hit harder than we expected, and the ridiculous moments that still make us laugh.We talk about our imposter syndrome episode and how deeply it resonated with listeners, reminding us that when we share our experiences honestly, we’re never as alone as we think. Mental health, burnout, confidence, and self-doubt came up again and again this year — and so did the power of community.And of course… it wouldn’t be a Dirty Heifers recap without revisiting the heifer hijinx: – Word of the Week chaos – Jessie buffering in real time – Accidental one-liners and long silences – Screen shares that somehow made everything funnier – Inside jokes that just kept snowballing – Moments that were never planned but absolutely made the showThis episode is equal parts reflection and ridiculousness — a celebration of growth, friendship, small business life, and letting yourself be imperfect on the internet.Thank you to every guest, every listener, every commenter, and every Dirty Heifer who’s been along for the ride this year. We couldn’t have done this without you.Stay dirty, heifers. 🖤