News
💔 Why Bother Buying Handmade? A Small Business Owner’s Honest Thoughts
Recently, Walmart released customizable heart-shaped cakes for $25. They’re cute, they look good in photos, and they’re accessible for many people during a tough economy. It’s no wonder they went viral. But what followed wasn’t just applause for affordability. It was criticism—especially of small businesses.Criticism like: “Small businesses overcharge.”“They’re selfish for selling the same thing for more.”“No wonder people don’t support handmade anymore.” And I get it. We’re all feeling the weight of inflation. Groceries are expensive. Rent is brutal. People want to enjoy something nice without spending a fortune. So when a cake from Walmart looks just as beautiful as a $75 one from a local baker, people understandably ask: “Why pay more?” Lately, I’ve been asking myself the same thing. Is Handmade Even Worth It Anymore? Why would anyone choose to support my handmade business, when you can walk into Lush, a pharmacy, or even Walmart and get something similar for a lower price? This question has been living rent-free in my head for weeks now. It feels selfish to run a small business when so many people can’t afford it. I’ve seen friends avoid liking my posts and get upset at me for taking it to heart when some people complain about pricing of handmade items, as if what I do isn’t worth supporting. I’ve had people ask for discounts, or worse—complain that my prices are unreasonable. And yet, here I am. Still showing up, still making things with my hands, still replying to your DMs at midnight. Still struggling as much, if not more than, as you to pay for rent. Handmade Isn’t About Scarcity. It’s About Soul. People don’t only support small businesses because they can’t find the product somewhere else. They care about the extra detail, the higher quality, the intentionality behind the ingredients, the ethics behind the brand, and the story behind every label. I make soap, but I also donate it. For every 10 bars I make, I give 1 to a shelter. And I make a lot of soap. Up to now, I’ve given 100lbs+ of soap, thousands in dollars worth.I support pollinators by sponsoring beehives, and use some of that honey in my formulas.I’m not just making things—I’m trying to give back, to create something more human in a world that often feels disconnected. Soon enough, I’ll find a way to support mental health causes as well. So when someone says: “Your stuff is too expensive.” It doesn’t just sting—it wounds.Because it’s not just about the price.It’s about the value.It’s about the message that this isn’t worth it. That the love and care and endless nights I put into my craft is not worth it. That I should give up and get back in line and find a « normal » job. The Real Cost of Handmade Let me be honest: most of us are undercharging.We do it because we feel guilty, or because we want to be accessible.We feel like we have to justify every dollar, even though: We buy high-quality, safe ingredients We package, label, photograph, market, and ship everything ourselves We spend hours testing formulas, answering messages, creating content, fixing tech issues And yet, many of us are making less than minimum wage for the work we do. This isn’t just a business. It’s an act of love. Of resilience. Of showing up for a community that we feel incredibly lucky to serve. So Why Should Anyone Support a Small Business? Maybe you’ve asked yourself this.Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes at a $40 candle.Maybe you think we should “get over it” when people say our stuff is too expensive, and maybe you think we should step down and think to ourselves « who do I think I am to charge so much ». Let’s look at the facts. 📊 The Numbers: Why Small Businesses Actually Matter 💡 What They Do 📈 Real Stats Fuel the economy 99.9% of all businesses in the U.S. and Canada are small Create jobs 46.4% of U.S. private sector jobs; 63% in Canada Support local causes Donate 250% more to nonprofits than large corporations Keep money local $68 of every $100 spent at a local business stays local (vs. $43 at chains) Innovate more 16.5x more patents per employee than large firms Power the global economy 50%+ of global employment comes from small businesses (World Bank) Serve better 71% of consumers say they get better service from small businesses Every time you support a small business, you’re supporting more than a product.You’re supporting: A dream A family A community A cause You’re making the world less gray. Less corporate. Less soulless.You’re saying, “I believe in this human. I believe in what they do.” And If You Can’t Afford to Support Right Now, That’s Okay. Really. I get it. If you buy the Walmart cake, or a bath bomb from the pharmacy, that doesn’t make you a bad person.But please don’t say we charge too much.Please don’t act like small businesses are selfish for trying to survive. Because we are not just selling things.We are creating art, experiences, and community. Every item has a story.We are trying to make the world more human, with better values, and better care. We aren’t pricing things unfairly. In fact, many of us should be charging more for the quality, time, and soul we put into what we do. Final Thoughts Without small businesses, the world would lose its color.Its creativity.Its empathy. So if you’ve ever supported a small business—thank you.And if you’ve ever wondered why you should? The answer is simple:Because when you support handmade, you’re not just buying a product.You’re investing in people.You’re choosing heart over habit.And you're keeping the world a little more human.
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A Heartfelt Farewell: Embracing New Beginnings
Hello, dear friends and supporters of Spooks & Spanks, Yesterday was a truly memorable day as we celebrated our last market and event at our beloved Ville-Émard location. It was an incredible experience filled with joy, community, and a touch of nostalgia. From 11 AM to 4 PM, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and I barely had a moment to myself. The support and love you showed were beyond cherished. The event was graced with delightful treats, including free ice cream courtesy of GaGaGlaces, who will be taking over the space in March. Their generosity extended to the community, and I am immensely grateful for their kindness. The day was also filled with amazing vendors, offering unique and captivating products that added to the vibrancy of the event. As I prepare to leave Ville-Émard, I am filled with mixed emotions. This neighborhood has been an integral part of Spooks & Spanks' journey since 2019, and it will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where our story began and where we grew together. Though I am sad to leave, I am excited for the bigger and better opportunities that lie ahead. Looking forward, I am eager to embrace new launches, expand our productions, and participate in more conventions. I am determined to rebuild what was lost on social media and reconnect with the incredible community that once thrived there. For those who wish to continue picking up their orders, you can still do so at 5929 Monk Boulevard. I extend my heartfelt thanks to GaGaGlaces for offering this convenience to us and the community. Additionally, I will have a shelf dedicated to Spooks & Spanks products, ensuring that it's not a complete goodbye. I will still be around, haunting the premises, and who knows, you might even catch an apparition of me from time to time. Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Ville-Émard will forever be a part of our story, and I am grateful for the memories we've created together. Here’s to new adventures and the continued journey of Spooks & Spanks. With love and gratitude,Alicia (Spooks)
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Spooks & Spanks featured on Bramble Berry
Maker of the Month: Spooks and Spanks Alicia founded Spooks and Spanks with a mission to combine spooky aesthetics with high-quality, skin-loving ingredients and a playful sense of humor. How long have you been making bath and body products, and what led you to create Spooks & Spanks?I’ve been making bath and body products seriously since 2019, but my first memory of crafting goes back to when I was 10, experimenting with perfumes made from rubbing alcohol and hand-pressed cucumber juice (not knowing the complexities of using fresh ingredients in cosmetics). Spooks & Spanks was born from my love of all things spooky and my passion for creative self-care, but it also came from a deeply personal place. During a time when my mental health had taken a downturn, I needed something to ground me, and creating with my hands became my outlet. It’s why mental health advocacy is so important to Spooks & Spanks. I hope that through my products, I can help others feel seen, loved, and empowered to care for themselves. What sets Spooks & Spanks products apart, what makes them unique? Spooks & Spanks combines spooky aesthetics with high-quality, skin-loving ingredients and a playful sense of humor. Each product is more than just a bath or body item, it’s an experience that fuses fun, craftsmanship, and a dash of the spooky but sweet.Where do you find your creative inspiration?I draw inspiration from Halloween, spooky films, ghost stories, pop culture, and anything that evokes a sense of nostalgia or spookiness. Studio Ghibli and classic horror icons are huge influences, and I love finding unexpected ways to reinterpret these themes. What has been your biggest challenge to navigate as a small business owner?Juggling all the responsibilities, from product creation to content management to fulfilling orders, while staying true to my brand's creative vision is the toughest part. Finding balance and time to rest is often a challenge, but it's essential for sustainability. I'm still trying to figure that out.What advice would you give to makers looking to start their own business?Start small, stay authentic to both your brand and yourself, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Keep learning, take risks, but also remember not to push yourself too hard, there’s only one you. And always celebrate the small wins!How do you balance making products with content creation, managing your social media pages, and website?It's a constant challenge! I film almost everything I do so I can reuse content across different platforms. Batch production helps too. I dedicate two weeks each month solely to making products, leaving the rest of the month for administrative tasks like accounting, maintaining the website, and managing my storefront. What other makers do you admire, and what do you like about their work?I admire Anne-Marie from Bramble Berry, Katie from Royalty Soaps and Jerika from Quench Bearfor their fearless experimentation and their industry leadership. They empower others to pursue their passions, and their generosity with their knowledge inspires me to foster that same sense of community in my own work.What are your dreams for Spooks & Spanks? Where would you like to see your business in 5 or 10 years? I’d love to see Spooks & Spanks continue to grow with more retail partnerships and themed collections, and eventually collaborate with major brands or more movie or game franchises like Legend of Zelda, Beetlejuice or Scream. In 5 to 10 years, I envision having a small production facility with a dedicated team, allowing me to focus even more on creativity and growth.What are three of your must-have Bramble Berry products, and why do you love them? CocoBee Wax: The smooth tops and slow burn make it perfect for my candles.Cashmere Noir & Oud Fragrance Oil: It’s sophisticated and refined, inspiring me to create a darker, moodier facet of Spooks & Spanks.Pumpkin Extract: It’s easy to use and perfect for customizing tried-and-true formulas.
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Spooky shop's 2nd birthday anniversary!
Spooks & Spanks Celebrates its 2nd Anniversary with a Spooky Halloween Weekend on Monk Boulevard!This past weekend was an unforgettable milestone for Spooks & Spanks, as we celebrated the 2nd anniversary of our storefront on Monk Boulevard! And what better way to mark the occasion than with a spooktacular Halloween bash? The event was packed with incredible energy, talent, and curious minds, making it one of our most memorable gatherings yet.Our raffle had an overwhelming response with nearly 600 participants—yes, **600!** The love and excitement from all of you were palpable, and I can't thank you enough for your support. It truly touched my heart to see so many familiar and new faces celebrating with us.The event was brought to life by a wonderful group of vendors, each bringing something unique and magical to the table. From local artists showcasing eerie and enchanting artwork to sweet treat makers serving delicious, spooky-inspired delights, the space was buzzing with creativity. There were also makers of handmade jewelry, spooky crafts, and even some quirky oddities that fit perfectly with the Halloween theme. Every corner of the shop was filled with beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations, and I was in awe of how much talent surrounded us.It was inspiring to see so many people interested in supporting local artists, chatting with vendors, and enjoying the festive atmosphere. The shop was packed from wall to wall with people who came not just for the products but to experience the community we've built together. I was incredibly moved by the outpouring of support, and I know that Spooks & Spanks wouldn't be where it is today without all of you.Your enthusiasm and dedication mean the world to me. Whether you stopped by for a few minutes or spent the entire day soaking in the Halloween spirit, your presence was a reminder of why I started Spooks & Spanks in the first place: to create a space where creativity, self-care, and community thrive together.As we head into another year of spooky creations, I want to thank each and every one of you for being part of this journey. The support you've shown us over the last two years has been nothing short of magical, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish together in the future.Here’s to many more years of fun, creativity, and spooky self-care!
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Soap smiles & Spooks
In the heart of Ville Emard, a few blocks west of the 1950s Dairy Queen walk-up, north of an OG dive bar but south of a cute and trendy cafe, over the river and not-so-far-away (okay, Plateau?) is a whimsical gothic fairytale of a bath and beauty shop.
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Soap curing secrets REVEALED!
Soap lovers and curious minds! 🧼 If you've ever been curious about the mystical art of cold-process soapmaking, you've probably heard about "curing time." Why does this bewitching brew need to have a long month's vacation before it's ready to enchant your senses?
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LA MÈCHE COURTE!
Vous avez demandé, alors voici!Il est fortement recommandé d'écourter vos mèches à 1/4po avant chaque utilisation, et voici pourquoi!
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FRAGRANCE VS. HUILE ESSENTIELLE
Une est naturelle à 100%. L'autre ne l'est pas entièrement. Les deux contiennent des positifs et des négatifs. Comme pour à peu près tout dans la vie, rien n'est noir ou blanc.
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MICAS
What is a mica? Nature's glitter, that's what it is!Mica is the name given to a group of silicate minerals which can be ground down into a sparkling powder for use in beauty products. Colours vary between the different minerals, from silver and white to pink and purple tones. So, micas are natural, but there are also man-made micas that are skin safe.
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