Most handmade beauty artisans start with passion. It’s often sparked by a love for natural products, self-care rituals, or a personal skin care journey. Like many, I began by trying my hand at making a product or two. I quickly learned that it’s not as simple as mixing oils and butters and calling it a day. In fact, my biggest growth came from my biggest mistakes.
If you’re a handmade beauty artisan (or aspiring to be one), here are the top mistakes I’ve made—or seen others make—and how you can avoid them.
The Mistake: Believing you have to formulate every ingredient from the ground up.
My Experience: I did better with essential oil-based products. I could work more confidently using pre-made butter bases—like shea or mango—that I didn’t have to manipulate much.
Avoid It: Start simple. Use quality bases and build from there. You don’t need to be a chemist overnight. Focus on what you do well and grow your skill set over time.
The Mistake: Making products at home and selling them without proper preservation or testing.
Avoid It: Always test your products for safety—especially if they contain water (which can grow mold and bacteria). Learn about preservatives, shelf life, and how to conduct basic microbial testing. A product that feels “natural” should still be safe and stable.
The Mistake: Making products for “everyone.”
Avoid It: Get specific. Are you creating skincare for dry, aging skin? Products for teen acne? Beard balms for men with coarse hair? When you understand who you’re helping, you can speak directly to their needs—and your products will sell themselves.
The Mistake: Launching with 10+ products, hoping something sticks.
Avoid It: Start with 2–3 solid offerings. Focus on hero products you can master and scale. Trust me, it’s easier to refine your process and build loyal customers with a clear focus.
The Mistake: Pricing based on what you think people will pay—not what it costs to make and sell.
Avoid It: Factor in ingredients, time, packaging, branding, shipping—and yes, your profit margin. You’re not just selling a jar of butter. You’re selling value, wellness, and a brand experience.
The Mistake: Assuming good product alone is enough.
Avoid It: Your branding is the first thing people see. Invest in clear, professional labels. Create a name and message that resonates. People do judge the book by its cover—especially in the beauty world.
The Mistake: Waiting for things to be perfect before launching.
Avoid It: You will mess up—and that’s part of the journey. I screwed up plenty, but every mistake was a stepping stone. The real failure is not trying.
Your path as handmade beauty artisans won’t be flawless, but that’s okay. Every misstep teaches you something valuable. Whether you’re just starting or stuck in the messy middle, remember: progress beats perfection. And the most successful artisans? They’re the ones who keep learning, improving, and showing up.
That’s it for this week. As always, we’re …..
Dedicated to Your Success,
Juliette Samuel,
Esthetician, Aromatherapist, Publisher,