The Dirty Heifers

The Dirty Heifers

by Margaret Connor
Entrepreneurship
Season 1
Episode 84: The Dirty Secret Behind Soap Marketing (Nobody Wants to Admit This)
Should handmade soap businesses scare customers into buying? In this episode of The Dirty Heifers, we're joined by Katherine Popp of Desert Soul Soapery to talk about one of the biggest issues facing the handmade soap industry: fear-based marketing. From "non-toxic" claims to miracle ingredient promises, we discuss where education ends and manipulation begins. We also dive into ingredient myths, FDA claims, copying soap designs, building customer trust, and how honest businesses can stand out without tearing down the competition. Whether you're a new soap maker or an experienced small business owner, this conversation will challenge the way you think about marketing. 👇 Tell us in the comments: Have you ever seen fear-based marketing in the handmade community? 👍 Like this video if you enjoyed it, subscribe for more soap business discussions, and share this episode with another maker. 00:00 The quote that stopped us scrolling 01:00 Welcome to The Dirty Heifers 02:20 Word of the Week: Perspicacious 06:05 Redneck Word of the Week 08:40 Meet Katherine Popp 11:30 Why Katherine speaks out online 14:30 Fear-based marketing in handmade soap 18:20 Why honesty builds stronger businesses 22:10 Why fear works so well in marketing 24:00 Ingredient claims and FDA concerns 29:00 The truth about "miracle" soap ingredients 33:15 Goat milk, tallow, and overhyped ingredients 37:30 Building trust without attacking competitors 38:30 Copying soap designs: inspiration vs. theft 42:00 Final thoughts on growing with integrity #SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #HandmadeSoap #SoapBusiness #Marketing #Entrepreneur #SoapMaker #BusinessTips #DirtyHeifers #KatherinePopp
S1 · E84
Jul 30, 2026
1:25:40
Episode 83: The WORST Soap Making Advice on the Internet (We're Busting the Biggest Myths)
Imagine spending hundreds of dollars on soap making supplies only to ruin a batch because someone online confidently gave you terrible advice. In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we're busting some of the biggest myths in handmade soap making—from lowering your soap's pH to curing soap for one week, dreaded orange spots (DOS), 100% coconut oil soap, fragrance oil myths, and more. If you've learned soap making from Facebook groups, TikTok, YouTube, or that one aunt who made soap back in 1987...this episode is for you. Whether you're a beginner soap maker or an experienced maker looking to sharpen your skills, we're separating science from internet folklore—with plenty of laughs along the way. 💬 Question of the Day: What's the worst soap making advice you've ever heard? 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, like, subscribe, and share it with another maker who needs to hear it! #soapmaking #coldprocesssoap #soapmyths #soapmaker #handmadesoap #smallbusiness #soapbusiness #makersgonnamake #soapscience #thedirtyheifers
S1 · E83
Jul 23, 2026
1:08:20
Episode 82: Heifer Huddle- New State Same Shenanigans
Sometimes you just need to catch up. In this Heifer Huddle, we're talking about everything that's happened behind the scenes—from moving across the country, building new soap shops, scaling wholesale businesses, shipping nightmares, customer stories, SOAPCon prep, and the reality of running a handmade business. If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just enjoy hanging out with three friends who somehow manage to go from serious business advice to talking about river cooters and jump ropes... you're in the right place. 💬 Question of the Day: What's the biggest change happening in your business or life right now? Tell us in the comments! 👍 Like this video if you enjoy Heifer Huddles, subscribe for new episodes every week, and share this with another maker who needs a laugh today. Stay Dirty Heifers!
S1 · E82
Jul 16, 2026
1:23:56
Episode 81: 🚨 He Put the SOAP WHERE?! 🤢 Reddit's Grossest Soap Story Yet
This hilarious clip from The Dirty Heifers Podcast dives into one of the grossest Reddit soap stories we've ever read. From bar soap debates to hygiene horror stories, we couldn't stop laughing... or gagging. If you're a soap maker, small business owner, or just someone who appreciates a good internet train wreck, this one's for you. 💬 Tell us in the comments: Do you use bar soap, body wash, or BOTH? And... would you ever share a bar of soap? 👍 Like this subscribe for more soap making laughs, business advice, and behind-the-scenes conversations, and share it with the friend who NEEDS to hear this! #SoapMaker #BarSoap #RedditStories #HandmadeSoap #SmallBusiness #SoapMaking #FunnyPodcast #Hygiene #DirtyHeifers 00:00 Cold Open: The Grossest Soap Story Ever 00:43 Welcome to the Dirty Heifers Podcast 01:23 Jessie vs. the Dictionary 05:54 Redneck Word of the Week 08:16 Reddit Story #1: Switching to Bar Soap 17:24 Bar Soap vs. Body Wash Debate 23:32 Reddit Story #2: The Airbnb Soap Disaster 34:47 Reddit Story #3: "Don't Dookie Dunk the Soap" 47:39 What We Learned from Reddit 49:11 Final Thoughts & Outro
S1 · E81
Jul 9, 2026
50:21
Episode 80: Soap Making Burnout? Why Staying Small Saved My Business with Ashley from 'My Healthy Soap'
Ever wonder what happens to your soap business if social media disappears tomorrow? 🧼 Ashley from @MyHealthySoap joins us to talk about the reality of scaling, managing the "rollercoaster" of sales, and why sometimes, staying small is the best business move you can make. From tax nightmares to viral video secrets, we're cutting through the noise. Check out the full episode for the radical honesty our community craves! Click the linked video to watch the full episode and join the conversation! #SoapMaking #SmallBusiness #DirtyHeifers 0:00 – Intro: The "What If" Scenario 2:05 – Word of the Week: Pecuniary 4:35 – Redneck Word of the Week: Byhalia 8:47 – Ashley’s Origin Story: From Crunchy Mom to Business Owner 13:36 – Navigating the Business Rollercoaster 17:22 – The Reality of Taxes & Payroll 22:28 – What to Outsource (and What to Do Yourself) 26:39 – Content Strategy: The Power of Consistency 32:43 – The Transition to Teaching 54:45 – The Realities of Success (and the Toilet in the Floor Story) 1:01:18 – Rapid Fire: Overrated Ingredients & Advice #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #DirtyHeifersPodcast #SoapBusiness #MakerCommunity #EntrepreneurLife #SoapMaker #BusinessGrowth #HandmadeSoap #RadicalHonesty
S1 · E80
Jul 2, 2026
1:17:03
Episode 79: How I Lost My Business, Moved Countries, and Started Over- Interview With Jerika from Quench
Ever wonder what happens when life throws a massive plot twist at your small business? 🌪️ We’re sitting down with Jerica from @Quench to talk about rebranding, moving countries, and the reality of life as a creator. Plus, we’re sharing some "radical honesty" on why you shouldn’t feel pressured to scale. Don't miss the tea on why you actually need a Patreon (and when you should skip it!). 🧼✨ Want more raw, unfiltered maker advice? Hit that subscribe button and join the herd! #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #TheDirtyHeifers #MakerCommunity #EntrepreneurLife #ContentCreator #SoapBusiness #VloggingTips #BusinessBurnout #CreativeJourney
S1 · E79
Jun 25, 2026
1:36:21
Episode 78: Honest Struggles of Small Business Owners: Burnout, Mistakes, & Imposter Syndrome
Tired of the "perfect" entrepreneur highlight reel? 🧼 The Dirty Heifers are pulling back the curtain on the messy, real-life struggles of running a bath and body business. From expensive advertising blunders and failed product launches to the absolute chaos of imposter syndrome—we’re getting real about it all. If you’ve ever felt like you’re on the "struggle bus," you’re not alone. We’re swapping stories, sharing industry tips, and proving that even the "successful" makers have no clue what they’re doing half the time. Come for the business advice, stay for the chaotic humor and "Jesse vs. The Dictionary." Join the conversation below: What’s the biggest mistake you’ve made in your business? Let us know in the comments! #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessOwner #EntrepreneurLife #DirtyHeifers #MakerCommunity #BusinessStruggles #SoapBusiness
S1 · E78
Jun 18, 2026
1:30:55
Episode 77- Heifer Huddle: Soap Makers Spill the Tea: Business Headaches & Customer Horror Stories
Welcome back to another "Heifer Huddle" on the Dirty Heifers Podcast! Tonight, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna ditch the formal outlines to vent about the reality of running a handmade soap business. From the struggle of navigating social media restrictions and managing multiple shop locations to the weirdest customer interactions and our latest business "wins," we’re covering it all. Grab your soap and join the conversation! In this episode: 0:00 - Intro & Sponsor Spotlight: Bawauna Bath and Body 1:54 - "Jesse vs. The Dictionary": The Word of the Week 7:07 - Southernism of the Week 8:00 - Small Business Wins & Recent Fragrance Tests 13:20 - The Reality of "Blind" Noses & Olfactory Fatigue 15:35 - Soap Making Challenges: Molds & Dish Soap Success 18:37 - TikTok Lives: The Struggle with Restrictions 21:12 - Business Tasks We've Finally Mastered 32:00 - The Headache of Multi-Location Operations 45:40 - Trends We Secretly Hate (Yoni Soaps & Laugh Tracks) 1:01:00 - Small Business Opinions We’ll Defend Forever
S1 · E77
Jun 11, 2026
1:17:52
Episode 76: Am I The Heifer? Reddit’s Craziest Soap Drama
People will absolutely ruin friendships, family relationships, and even marriages over handmade soap—and we have the receipts to prove it. In this episode of the Dirty Heifers Podcast, we’re diving into the lathery legal system of Reddit to settle some serious scores. From friends demanding "mate's rates" on artisan bars to roommates causing literal bathroom warfare over eczema-safe soap, we’re breaking down what it actually means to be the "Heifer" in these situations. In this episode: Am I the Heifer? Reddit soap drama deep dive Setting boundaries with friends and family who want free product Why handmade soap is worth every penny (and why you shouldn't feel guilty about your prices) The reality of "influencers" asking for freebies Defining "Presumptuous" and "Wallered Out" with some Southern sass Shop the episode: Support farmhouse charm and southern sassery at Country Lather Soapworks. #SoapMaking #SmallBusinessTips #AmITheAsshole #DirtyHeifers #HandmadeSoap #BusinessBoundaries #RedditDrama 00:00 Intro & Welcome to the Dirty Heifers 01:35 Word of the Week: Presumptuous 05:06 Redneck Word of the Week: Wallered Out 08:06 Am I the Heifer? Friend wants "Mate's Rates" 14:55 Dealing with "Influencers" asking for freebies 20:03 Am I the Heifer? The Brother/Eczema Soap drama 27:15 The "Decorative Soap" nostalgia 30:22 Am I the Heifer? The Couple & The Soap Trauma 37:21 Am I the Heifer? The Roommate "Fair Game" debate 41:39 Soap in the Classroom: Kids and soggy bars 45:43 Small business boundary: Stop feeling guilty about pricing 46:11 Outro: That's What She Said
S1 · E76
Jun 4, 2026
48:02
Episode 75: Why Are People Paying $25 For SOAP?!
Why is EVERYTHING suddenly “luxury”? 👀 From $56 bars of soap to “fine fragrance mists,” the Dirty Heifers break down the rise of luxury branding in bath & body products — and whether it’s genius marketing or complete nonsense. We talk: 🧼 Triple-milled soap 💸 $25 acne soap bars 🛁 Bath & Body Works “luxury” rebrand 📦 Packaging psychology ✨ Self-care culture 👀 Why handmade soap is suddenly trendy again Featuring: Margaret from Warm & Fuzzy Soapery Jessie from Country Lather Soapworks Shauna from Bawauna Bath & Body If you love soapmaking, small business chaos, skincare trends, handmade products, or just hearing three heifers spiral about expensive lotion… welcome home. #soapmaking #smallbusiness #bathandbodyworks #luxury #handmadesoap #podcast
S1 · E75
May 28, 2026
1:03:07
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