We all struggle with choices in our lives, and I am certainly no exception. From label meanings, to labeling materials. I personally tend to choose, or TRY to choose local with minimal packaging. Heck, if I could more readily use my own jars, cloth bags and reusable/returnable containers for ALL products I would be a happier person. Think about the amount of "stuff/garbage" we could cut back on?!
The struggling part has to do with me being a business owner, but also a human that is fairly involved with our local food/product system. I purposefully choose to use minimal packaging because I feel that is the best choice. I still have to and want to show ingredients and information, but in a compact manner.
This is a bit of a double edged sword as I also don't get to show off flashy eye-catching label content. BUT, you do get to see, smell and feel that product for yourself.
As for product description, I often stay away from using the word "natural" in my products. Instead, I like to describe it as simply made! Over the years of working in the food industry, words like "natural", "organic", "cage-free", "free-range", may not always mean what you think they mean.
This is truly not a knock against these labels, as I think some do still hold real power and meaning. But this again goes back to truly KNOWING your farmer and the products they offer. I would prefer to buy certified organic milk from my local dairy owner over certified organic milk from an unknown corporate dairy.
How do you choose your own products, be it food, cosmetics, healthcare or other? Do you have a burning desire to "know your farmer" or is it just not something that interests you or that you even have time for?
I am dang proud of the goat milk soap and other San Clemente Island goat milk products I offer. I have been making and selling goat milk soap since 2015 and homesteading since 2008.
After covid-19 pandemic restrictions have loosened up, I have noticed a lot more craft/farm/homestead related businesses and products popping up. While I'm a big believer in fair competition, there is also a fear of saturation in a market. Knowing that this can and does happen is why I have diversified my farm enterprises over the years.
If something isn't bringing in much of an income or fails, I have other options to focus on. And seeing this influx of crafting business is partly what prompted me to possibly pursue the long and hard but hopefully rewarding road of being a Wisconsin goat milk cheese producer!
Thankfully I have already had some game changing marketing pieces put in place as well as a slight re-branding of EB Ranch. Being competitive within a market is important as well knowing that my farmstead products are RAD, well made, and lots of love put into each item.
Thank you for your support!
-Erin