In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna sit down with the fabulous Isabele (“Izzie”) Vezeau from Aromatic Fragrances International (AFI) to sniff out the truth about fragrance oils. Ever wonder how scents are made? Or what it takes to dupe your favorite Bath & Body Works candle? We’re talking fragrance science, scent notes, custom blends, and all the behind-the-scenes drama of the fragrance world.

Izzie spills the beans (and oils) on the challenges fragrance houses face—from supply chain chaos to picky makers who don’t test their products—and clears up some common misconceptions. We dive into the mystical world of top, middle, and base notes, how fragrances behave differently in soap vs. candles, and what goes into creating a custom signature scent.

You’ll also hear about unusual requests, scent duplication secrets, fragrance marketing tips, and what trends are heating up in 2025. Plus—don’t miss our Word of the Week, some classic Heifer banter, and a big announcement about a contest hosted by our friend July at Winston and Walter Artisanal (with us Heifers as the judges).

If you’re a soap maker, candle maker, or small business owner trying to make your products smell irresistible—this episode is your new best friend.

This week on the Dirty Heifers Podcast, we’re calling BS on one of the oldest business myths out there: “the customer is always right.” 🙄

Spoiler alert: they’re not.

Join Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna as we swap stories about nightmare customers, red-flag requests, and those times when keeping a “loyal” customer would’ve cost way more than the order was worth. We dig into where this phrase even came from, why it doesn’t hold up in today’s world, and how small businesses can (and should) set boundaries that protect their sanity.

We’ll talk handling complaints without losing your cool, knowing when to offer solutions vs. when to walk away, and why clear policies are your best friend. Oh — and you know we couldn’t resist a side tangent on pricing, influencer marketing headaches, and the wild misconceptions people still have about small business profitability.

At the end of the day, the right customers make this crazy journey worth it. The wrong ones? Well… let’s just say we’ve got stories. 😂

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

What does it take to truly connect with an audience online—and keep them coming back? In this episode of The Dirty Heifers Podcast, we sit down with the one and only Helen Polisi (@themuthership)—TikTok Queen, podcast host, content coach, cancer survivor, and now proud grandma! 🌟

Helen shares her incredible journey from commercial director to social media educator, and how she turned boredom during the pandemic into a thriving brand that empowers creators of all ages. From viral baking videos to stop-motion tutorials, and from battling cancer in real-time with her followers to teaching big-name brands how to show up authentically online, Helen’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and creativity.

We also dive into: ✨ The importance of listening to your audience (yes, even the teens in your comments 👀). ✨ How fleeting trends can be—and why authenticity always wins. ✨ Building community vs. chasing numbers. ✨ What it’s like being recognized as a “grandfluencer” (spoiler: Helen wasn’t having it 😂). ✨ How to stay creative without burning out.

This episode is equal parts hilarious, heartfelt, and inspiring—you’ll walk away with practical tips and a reminder that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself.

💬 We’d love to hear from you:

• Have you ever had a viral moment (big or small)?
• Do you feel pressure to keep up with social media trends, or do you create at your own pace? Drop your thoughts in the comments—we’ll be reading and responding!

👉 Listen now on your favorite podcast app

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Join the Herd

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Check out this week’s guest at:

You can check out Helen Polise (The Muthership) at https://stan.store/themuthership

Watch Helen try the Nikki Manaj tutorial here: https://www.tiktok.com/@themuthership/video/7533458368598478110

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna tackle the most “wonderful” time of the year for small business owners — the holiday season. Spoiler alert: if you’re just now thinking about Christmas, you’re already behind. We swap war stories about running out of time (thanks, soap cure dates), share how we learned the hard way that August is basically December for makers, and debate whether glitter on holiday soap is festive or a nightmare. Between stressing over supply orders, plotting product lines, and trying not to cry into our shipping tape, we also manage to throw in some self-care tips and a few laughs. Because nothing says “holiday spirit” like caffeine, chaos, and way too much peppermint fragrance.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

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Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

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📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body

It’s episode 33, y’all, and we’re talking all the essentials for small business owners — from tools and tech that actually make your life easier, to self-care strategies that might just keep you from losing it entirely. Margaret, Jessie, and Shauna sprinkle in laughs, real talk, and plenty of “did that really just happen?” moments as they share must-have gear, marketing tips, and operational hacks.

If you run a small business, make soap, or just like watching three southern ladies make business advice hilarious, this episode is for you.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays Join the Herd Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄 Stay connected with us on social media: 📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers 📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers 📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers 📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers Check out our personal businesses: 🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery 🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works 🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, hosts Margaret, Shauna, and Jessie delve into the multifaceted role of AI in small businesses, particularly in the handmade soap industry. They discuss the practical applications of AI for scheduling, content generation, and creative brainstorming, while also addressing the potential downsides, such as the risk of losing personal creativity and the impact of AI-generated content on traditional makers. The conversation highlights the balance between leveraging AI as a tool and maintaining authenticity in creative endeavors. In this episode, the hosts discuss the implications of AI in business, touching on its accuracy, privacy concerns, and the potential loss of authenticity in creative work. They explore the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated content and its impact on various industries, including handmade products. The conversation emphasizes the importance of balancing AI use with human creativity and the need for individuals to adapt to the evolving technological landscape. The episode concludes with final thoughts on the necessity of engaging with AI while maintaining a personal touch in business.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Join the Herd Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

This episode is sponsored by Wholesale Supplies Plus. Use discount code: Dirty15 for 15% off all your crafting needs. Some exclusions apply

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts engage in a light-hearted conversation filled with humor, personal anecdotes, and insightful discussions. They explore various topics, including personal grooming, language fun with a 'Word of the Week' segment, historical perspectives on women's health, and listener engagement through a Q&A segment. The hosts share their favorite soap products, teaching experiences, and humorous interactions with students. They also discuss a viral TikTok incident, play a fun 'This or That' game, and share experiences from craft shows, all while reflecting on their upcoming move to Tennessee and the cultural differences they anticipate. In this episode, the hosts discuss various topics ranging from the challenges of rebranding and the upcoming school year to personal updates about family and holiday preparations. They share insights on school schedules, the impact of summer slide on students, and the complexities of school uniforms. The conversation also delves into the soap-making process, new product development, and the challenges of content creation in the age of social media. The episode wraps up with personal anecdotes and reflections on family matters, highlighting the messy yet magical side of running a small business.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Join the Herd Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret – Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie – Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna – Bawauna Bath & Body

Summary

In this episode of the Dirty Heifers podcast, the hosts delve into the multifaceted world of packaging for small businesses. They discuss the critical role packaging plays in branding, customer perception, and product protection. The conversation covers various types of packaging, the importance of design, and the challenges faced by small business owners in creating effective packaging solutions. Listeners are treated to personal anecdotes about packaging failures and successes, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the intricacies of soap packaging, discussing everything from design aesthetics to sustainability. They explore the importance of visual appeal in attracting customers, the challenges of sourcing eco-friendly materials, and the balance between practicality and aesthetics. The discussion also highlights the significance of effective packaging as a marketing tool and the potential pitfalls when dealing with packaging suppliers. The episode wraps up with a fun 'This or That' segment, offering insights into personal preferences in packaging choices.

New Episodes Drop Thursdays

Join the Herd

Follow The Dirty Heifers! 🌿🐄

Stay connected with us on social media:

📍 Facebook: The Dirty Heifers

📍 Instagram: @thedirtyheifers

📍 TikTok: @thedirtyheifers

📍 YouTube: Dirty Heifers

Check out our personal businesses:

🛁 Margaret –Warm & Fuzzy Soapery

🧼 Jessie –Country Lather Soap Works

🫧 Shauna –Bawauna Bath & Body