RedSunflower Designs in 2012

As 2011 draws quickly to a close, I always try to use these last few weeks of the year to reflect on on the year gone by.  How were sales? What could I do to improve my products and customer service, and my offerings?  What, if anything, should go?

Due to running out of a few key supplies earlier than expected and suppliers being back-ordered, I had to go ahead and close my shop early for the holidays this year.  While I didn't want to, I knew that by the time the orders were placed, supplies shipped to me, and I was able to make orders and ship to my customers, it would be right up to the last minute on the holidays, and I didn't want to risk anyone's order not getting to them in time.  But I'm taking this time to really reflect and deeply analyze what I want to do with RedSunflower Designs looking forward to 2012 and beyond. 

I've been taking thorough inventory of what I do and don't have in the way of supplies, and looking at the sales info for the shop.  This has allowed me to really step back and take a look at the year as a bigger picture.  Because of this, I've found some products that just don't sell, or at least not at a sustainable rate.  When the shop opens back up on January 2, 2012, you'll notice some products are no longer being offered:

• The Magickal Meanderings line is gone. 
• The facial care line is also gone.  (Please note, if you are a current customer, I will still make the Cream Cleanser, Oil-Free Moisturizer, and a Lightweight Cream Cleanser upon request.  These will be custom orders.)
• The Chakra line is gone. 
• Bath teas & the Herbal Facial Steam are no longer available.
• The Moss scent in the men's line is no longer available.
• I've really refined the scent options available for oils, butters, lotions and the like.  (Please know this isn't a reduction, but a refining.  There will be LOTS of new and fabulous scents coming; more on this later.)
• The Men's Aftershave & Shave Gel are being completely reformulated!  The aftershave will no longer be a gel, rather a tonic, and the shave gel will now be a shave cream.
• All shave creams will now come in a 4oz jar rather than the 4oz bottle.  It seems some people have had problems with the shave cream getting through the pumps because it is so creamy & rich, so I'm going back to the jars, for those who remember.
• Lip balms will no longer be a regular feature, but more of a special. 

With all this, there will be room for new and improved products!  I'm not quite ready to release the details yet, but it will include expanding my healing line, more men's products, soaps, and tons of things I've had in R&D for months and will finally be able to release. I'll keep you posted!

In the meantime, have a wonderful week, and Happy Holidays!!!

Namaste - 

Candace

RedSunflower Designs

Another Year of RedSunflower Designs!

For the past month, I've been contemplating all the changes and improvements I want to make with RedSunflower Designs in 2011.  And since I'm going to be out of town for the next two weeks (read: no new blog posts until January) I wanted to share my plans with all of you!

• There are several new blends coming, particularly for the botanical perfumes and colognes.  I'm also planning to focus on adding a few more scents for the guys!
• I am bringing back soaps around mid- to late January.  I really want to grow this part of my business this year, so I'm in the process of developing improved formulas for my base recipe an scent blends.  
• More bath bomb options.  I'm going to add in some nice shapes, etc, and develop this a bit more. 
• I'm doing a slight rework to the formula for my Oatmeal Mint Shave Cream.  The current formula is great, but having it in a jar that you are putting wet hands into could possibly cause mold in the jar.  And I want everyone to be able to use all of their product.  So, I'm going to formulate it to be just abit thinner, so that I can package it in a 4oz glass jar with a pump top instead.  This is being done to ensure hygiene and ensure you're able to use your product up until the last little bit in the bottle!
• You've probably noticed I offered Gift Sets this holiday season.  As they have been so popular, I'm going to make a couple of Gift Sets additions to the permanent collection!  This will include at least one sample set, if you'd like to introduce a friend or family member to the line. 
• I'm making the option to ship in Medium Flat Rate boxes a permanent staple.  If I can fit it in, it ships!  It's normally about $10-$11 for this option, and can save you money. 
• I'm going to slowly add a few baby products to my line, such as a diaper rash cream. So for all those who have been looking for this option, I'm thinking around February or March. 
• Also, I'm going to be adding an Oil Free Moisturizer to my facial care line.  I realize some people's skin can't take extra oil, or they just don't like the heavy feeling of moisturizer, prefering something very light.  This addition will likely come around mid-February. 

I hope you'll all be happy about these changes.  Also, if there are other things you'd like to see, please leave a comment and I'll look at working it into my list :)!  

Have a fabulous New Year everyone!

Candace

RedSunflower Designs