Tag Archives: manitoba

In Support of Mama Bear Clan, Winnipeg MB

Manitobamade and Just the Goods are thrilled to offer a limited edition gift set with all proceeds directed to Mama Bear Clan. We deeply value the work Mama Bear Clan does in the North Point Douglas neighborhood of our city, Winnipeg, as a model provider of community care based on non-judgemental empathy, and we are honoured to partner with them in this way.

Mama Bear Clan, led by women and supported by men, patrols the streets of North Point Douglas two nights a week in all weather conditions offering a loving presence that is committed to increasing safety and reducing violence by demonstrating love and compassion to everyone they meet. As often as possible, they distribute donations of food and clothing to people in need. MBC also regularly participates in community events such as vigils and rallies, and have begun to share their knowledge and practices with other organisations and community groups.

The development of Mama Bear Clan relies on consistent interaction between listening, acting, and reflecting to ensure practices and programs that the community owns and feels represented by. The most often repeated refrain in almost every conversation about safety in North Point Douglas – when speaking to participants of the North Point Douglas Women’s Center or neighbourhood residents – is that safety is created through relationship and community building. This is why Mama Bear Clan and its compassionate approach was not only an appropriate response, but perhaps the perfect response, for this community at this time.

Our gift set includes one pair of handmade birch bark stud earrings and a skin brightening face mask…

🌿The birch bark stud earrings stand on rose gold tinted stainless steel posts and are set under a glossy coat of resin for everyday wear. They are 12 mm/ 0.49” in diameter. The birch bark was harvested in Treaty 2 and a tobacco offering was given

🌿The face mask – Glow for Mama Bear Clan – features farmed rosehip seed powder and farmed organic elder flowers blended with kaolin clay to protect and nurture skin while drawing impurities away from pores in a manner gentle enough for most skin types.

We’ve created 25 sets, each available for $40.00 CAD, and will donate 100% of the selling price to Mama Bear Clan to support their work. If this fundraiser generates enough interest, we’ll create an additional 25 sets ✨💚

To learn more about Mama Bear Clan’s history, please visit http://tiny.cc/MamaBearClan. If you would like to donate to Mama Bear Clan directly, please visit North Point Douglas Women’s Center’s website, https://www.npdwc.org/donate.html and use the drop down menu to indicate Mama Bear Clan as the recipient. You are also welcome to send an e-transfer to director@npdwc.org

To purchase this fundraising gift set, please visit: https://justthegoods.net/collections/new/products/rosehip-face-mask-and-birch-bark-earrings-for-mama-bear-clan

Thank you!!

Just the Goods Newsletter – Winter/Spring 2019

Happy new year! I hope this message finds you rested and well, and enjoying a wonderful start to 2019!

As you may know, I like to share a newsletter 3 or 4 times a year, and this one is intended to provide a coupon code,  future product info, and details about an upcoming giveaway opportunity. In this newsletter, you’ll also find a head’s up on a two temporary absences that may affect production/shipping, my tips for at-home pedicures, and more!

Thank you so much for welcoming me to handcraft healthier skin and body care products for you! I look forward to keeping in touch for years to come!

Warmly,
Milena

 

petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods Sale

If you follow Just the Goods on Instagram or Facebook, you might already know that I’m having a lil’ sale on petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods products, just because 😉  Take 15% off all products from this 100% organic line with coupon code “15in2019” until the end of January.

  

Beyond this, I’m excited to announce that research is well underway for the next range in petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods — 100% organic cleansing grains, toner, mask, and serum for oily skin! Many of you have been asking about this, and to be honest, my naturally oily skin has been asking me to get going on this, as well! *haha* Thank you so much for your enthusiasm about the first releases in this line, which makes it possible for me to expand! I’m thrilled!

And, in case you were wondering, there won’t be a new facial steam created for oily/congested skin since the primary Just the Goods line already has something quite fantastic featuring organic lavender petals, organic parsley leaf and juniper berries, so I’d be hard pressed to improve on something that already works so well 😉 If you’re curious to know more about this existing item, please visit: https://justthegoods.net/products/just-the-goods-facial-steam-for-oily-skin

 

Upcoming Giveaway
 

Just the Goods has been proudly certified cruelty-free by the Leaping Bunny program since 2013 and from time to time I get to enjoy the fun of co-hosting a giveaway with them! On February 11 we’ll be teaming up to give away a full-sized bottle of petal, leaf, root. by Just the Goods cleansing grains for normal/sensitive skin so, if you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow @leapingbunnyprogram to learn how to get in on this opportunity!

Photo by @hexmetalsminerals

 

Planning Ahead: Short Absence in March; Slightly Longer One in April/May

In March I’ll be attending a herbal medicine making workshop at The Institute of Traditional Medicine in Toronto, so I’ll be away from the lab March 7 – 12, returning on March 13. I’ll be making extra large batches in the days before my departure, and Amanda will continue shipping during my absence, so I don’t imagine any orders will be delayed during this time. However, if you definitely need to receive something ASAP early-to-mid March, please order before Feb 22 to ensure your order is shipped by March 1. Thank you!

This is also advance notice about a two week absence from Friday April 26 – Monday May 13. As usual, I’ll make extra large batches before I leave, and Amanda will continue shipping, but since this is a more lengthy absence, I’d like to suggest ordering by April 19 to ensure your order is handmade and shipped by April 26. Thank you again!

 

At Home Pedicure Tips

  

When you think about it, foot calluses are quite interesting because even though most people don’t like having them, they can be useful signals from our body. 

For example, if you have any foot, ankle, knee, or hip problems, the location of calluses on your foot could indicate where your body is trying to compensate for an imbalance. One way to prevent these calluses from forming would be to get an insole for your shoe that helps establish better equilibrium. Many people can use generic varieties sold in stores, but in cases where joint pain is pronounced, folks might need to visit a certified Pedorthists for a set of custom orthotic insoles.

Of course, calluses also form to protect the foot from blisters resulting from frequent rubbing of the foot against a shoe. In that case, it helps to thoughtfully pair socks and shoes to minimize both slipping and excess pressure. Adhesive heel cushions and toe pads are useful in shoes not designed to be worn with socks.

With respect to removing calluses, this is something I’ve been thinking about for years, and I’ve picked up some tips through trial and error… but mostly error especially where the long term impacts of certain methods are concerned.

I used to file my feet daily (especially the side of each big toe and around the heels), but it seemed to get worse and worse over time, and *even worse* after each professional pedicure. It wasn’t until I coincidentally learned about bricklaying [and how bricklayers used to rub their hands on bricks to intentionally form calluses as a means of protecting their hands back in the days before suitable gloves were readily available] that I realized filing triggers skin to form calluses for protection from the very abrasion being used to file. And yes, I also tried the blade method (introduced to me at a spa), but I discovered it’s just as bad, if not worse due to risk of injury. And yes, I have tried chemical exfoliating, too… It worked nicely the first time, but did almost nothing the second and third time I tried.

After all my trial and error, what I recommend is the following at night (weekly or more often as desired):

  • soak feet in comfortably warm water for 20 minutes. Add a bath salt to the water that contains epsom salt — also known as magnesium sulfate — to help soften and lift dead skin. In some ayurvedic treatments, I’ve soaked my feet in oil, but while this is very effective, it can be cost prohibitive to do at home on a regular basis
  • lightly exfoliate with a gentle scrub (not hard, high pressure filing)
  • apply a thick plant-based moisturizer and put on a fresh pair of socks to allow the feet to absorb as much moisture as possible overnight. Remember: petroleum based products do not impart nutritional value into the skin; all it does it create the illusion of moisture is draw moisture from deeper layers of skin to the surface. Use of petrochemical products can contribute to drier skin and even cracks
  • in the morning, apply moisturizer again — it doesn’t have to be as thick if you’re worried about an unpleasant slip in your shoes kind of feeling 😉

If you would like to try any of the products I offer, here are some links:

 

Cool News!

  

On January 16 I received news that Brooklyn Decker was a guest on Mom Brain — a podcast co-hosted by Hilaria Baldwin and Daphne Oz — and she mentioned JTG’s deodorant! As she explained, her mom introduced her to it and she has been enjoying it ever since. So awesome! I’m grateful to the client that shared this news with me — I was both surprised and delighted to listen in on this conversation shared so far and wide. It’s so cool to discover all the ways Just the Goods make their way out into the world =-) Thanks again for your shout out, Brooklyn!

 

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media: 

 

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena 

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net

Just the Goods Newsletter – Winter 2017

Hello everyone!

Heavy snowfall and bracing winds in Winnipeg on Friday means that – without a doubt – it is officially winter! I haven’t had much chance to get out there and breathe in the crisp air, but I’m looking forward to embracing winter a little more this year than I have in the past thanks to the magic of a little more time 😉

Actually, scrolling down to review what I’ve written below, reveling in an increased availability of time since hiring in August seems to be a recurring theme in news about limited edition products, exciting shipping changes, and even advance notice regarding a few dates I’ll be away. It seems to be a bonus that keeps on bonusing… or something like that *lol* Please check it out!

Thank you everyone for your support as Just the Goods has shifted from a teeny tiny one person side-project [while I was still focusing on another full-time career, no less!] to what it has become today. I remain forever grateful to all of you over these past 8.5 years. Best wishes for a fabulous winter and happy new year, too!

Warmly,
Milena

Faster Shipping to the USA

Some of you may have already noticed that Just the Goods has been shipping parcels to the US via Runnin’ Red twice per week. We’re doing this on a trial basis throughout the months of November and December and, if all goes smoothly on our end, we’ll continue to do this into the new year. Which is to say that after approximately 3 months of Just the Goods being a two-person project, we’re starting to hit our stride — I’m able to focus on making larger batches and Amanda is packing and shipping and looking after so many other things like a star, whooo!

Some of you in other regions may have also noticed shorter turn around time, as well. This is because — whenever possible — we’re pulling orders forward from future production/shipping cycles into the current cycle, which is of course another benefit of handmaking larger batches. Behind the scenes tweaking and adjusting and rethinking of everything from raw materials procurement to paperwork processes has been a bit of an adventure, but it seems to be working out and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I hope it’s working out nicely for you, too!!

New Seasonal Product: Winter Solstice/Yule Ritual Bath and Lotion Set

The Wheel of the Year is almost finished yet another turn and with it – this – the fourth and final ritual bath and lotion set.

Winter solstice marks the longest night of the year after which the days slowly become longer. Festivities during this time celebrate the rebirth of the sun and honour the horned/antlered god, a symbol of natural wilderness and the cycle of life — when the two are paired in harmony, a bountiful spring will arise. Yule is therefore the perfect time to both indulge in much needed rest and spark new ideas with those closet to you to keep you going through the remaining cold months and to be ready to hop into action when the Earth re-emerges from slumber.

The bath salts and lotion to celebrate this season are both fresh, bright, zesty and invigorating like a deep breath of crisp fresh air.

Yule sea salt soak (270 g) features:

  • Cedar tips bring confidence, strength, protection, healing, and purification
  • Rose petals and rose otto cultivate love and friendship, and promote domestic peace/happiness, and lasting relationships, all of which are especially helpful as we spend more time together indoors
  • White spruce essential oil encourages adaptability, balance, clarity, enlightenment, intuition, and memory

Yule hand/body lotion (118 ml) features:

  • Blood orange inspires creativity and imagination as well as courage and strength. Requiring the cool of the night to develop and ripen, they are a perfect metaphor for the way we ourselves can blossom during the winter months
  • Juniper attracts healthy energies and love. It is also calming and grounding while fostering strength and transformation through learning, harmony and community

Find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/winter-solstice-yule-bath-and-lotion-set

New Limited Edition Product: Meditation Enhancing Hair Perfume

Once I’ve established a formula, making new batches of it each week easily becomes part of my routine; however, there are a few things I’ve created for my own use that tend to feel quite personal. This is one case in point – an aromatherapeutic scent to facilitate quiet, generative meditation that helps mark the self-care time I need to manage chronic illness.

I don’t have a diffuser and sometimes want to be enveloped with scent rather than simply place it on my pulse points, so I created a hair perfume to settle my mind and focus my thinking. I also enjoy how it lingers with me in the most lovely way for several hours later – the initial notes are fresh, spicy, and cardamom forward, which then give way to the soft warmth of sweet vanilla-like benzoin.  The base of this perfume is rosewater, which doubles as a gentle conditioner cuz you know I love those multi-function creations 😉

Each element in this hair perfume was selected according to their aromatherapeutic values:

  • Geranium and lavender are centring
  • Cardamom is centring and focusing
  • Rosewater and neroli are both centring and uplifting

Beyond this…

  • Vetiver helps us connect to our roots so that we may ground and become present
  • Benzoin is widely regarded as helpful for meditation, but also encourages dreaming
  • Petitgrain clears the mind while also alleviating emotions such as anger, shock, and fear

Each 65 ml / 2.19 fl oz bottle comes in a white organza gift bag with 4 gemstones to hold or ponder as desired:

  • Amethyst chevron enhances relaxation to facilitate self-discovery and peace of mind
  • rose quartz opens the heart, increases self acceptance and the ability to love others
  • Moonstone provides the patience needed for inner work and grows intuition
  • Lapis lazuli clears the mind and is said to be a powerful thought amplifier. It furthermore is said to helps access the universal knowledge and cultivate the wisdom needed to understand it

Find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-hair-perfume-meditation

Renewed Limited Edition Product: Matcha, Lavender + Jasmine Face Mask


Since you asked, yes, I have made some more matcha, lavender and jasmine face mask using organic matcha from AOI Matcha organic lavender from WestPoint Naturals in British Columbia ❤ It’s online now! There were 20 containers available and that the type of typing this newsletter, there were 19 😉  … I think I have enough matcha on hand to make 10 more this year, just in case 😉

Find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-vegan-matcha-lavender-jasmine-facial-mask-for-most-skin-types​

Local Pick Up Continues

Great news! Parcel pick up at Organic Planet Worker’s Co-Op (877 Westminster Avenue – Wolseley, Winnipeg) continues to go well and will be available for the foreseeable future. As a gentle reminder, the pick up start date for you order is noted at check out, so before you complete your order, be sure to put that date into your calendar. The automated message indicating when orders are en route serve people in as many as 45 countries and I have to create a message that serves everyone in all circumstances, so when it says your order is ready to be shipped, locally that means orders will be ready for collection at OP anytime during their open hours within 4 weeks after the pick up date selected at check out. I hope this help =-) Thank you so much!

Upcoming Temporary Closure: December 23 – January 1

Since I’ve recently discovered the joys of evenings and occasional weekends for rest and personal time, I’m happy to announce that Just the Goods will be taking only one week away from the lab at the end of the year instead of the two weeks which as become customary. This will mean shorter turn around time for any orders placed mid-December to early-January.

Just the Goods will be closed Sat Dec 23 – Mon Jan 1

To ensure smooth production, Wednesday, December 13 will be the last day to place orders for shipping by Friday, December 22.  

In the case of local orders, December 13 will be the last day to place orders for pick up at Organic Planet beginning on December 23.

In both cases, orders placed December 14 – 29 will be handmade beginning on Jan 2 and ship as quickly as possible thereafter. JTG’s regular production/shipping cycle resumes with orders placed December 30 – January 5 shipping on January 12. Thank you!

We will be unable to check email during this holiday closure and look forward to responding to everyone upon our return.  Thank you!

Head’s Up: March 2 – 9

Additionally, please note that I will be away March 2 – 9, 2018 and that, in my absence, Amanda will continue to ship orders involving in-stock items. I will build up extra stock of the most popular items before I leave to facilitate smoothest possible order flow while I’m away and, upon my return, I’ll handmake any items that may have ran out or were otherwise unavailable. This is a completely new and different situation for Just the Goods – Amanda and I are feeling positive about it, and we hope you’ll enjoy the convenience of this, as well =-)

Ooh! I should say – I won’t have WiFi while I’m away, so I’ll look forward to responding to your messages as soon as I get back to work. Thank you!

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media. Find me on Instagram @just.the.goods or on Facebook @justthegoods 🙂

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net

Just the Goods Newsletter – Autumn 2017

Hello everyone!

I hope you have been enjoying your first week back to school and/or work as the case may be, and otherwise settling nicely into Fall 🙂

This is my favourite time of year. I always loved back to school season and later – in my former career – I enjoyed what was the start of the new gallery programming season. To this day, I still associate September with new beginnings, and this is especially true after August being so full with exciting changes!

If you follow Just the Goods on social media, you may have noticed that – in addition to a fantastic new person joining JTG on a full-time basis, and another person starting part-time next week – we completed a great renovation to make the shipping/storage room more productive. And, if that wasn’t enough, JTG has new product labels on the way, as well! Each week has been busy with orders coming in at an increasing pace so much that – to be honest — I was really caught by surprise, but it’s thrilling to know changes made to shipping last year has helped Just the Goods become more accessible than ever. I’m so happy it’s working out!

If you are curious, a short video tour of the new shipping/storage room is available here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYOYi4UB1ZT/

And, for a preview of the new product labels forthcoming, please click here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BYYh6_ghz09

In this newsletter you’ll find information about new and limited edition products, as well as advance notice regarding a temporary lab closure at the end of the year. There’s also great news for folks in Winnipeg, if they haven’t already spotted it at justthegoods.net 😉

Please read on for details but, before you do, please let me thank you for your ongoing interest in Just the Goods because it wouldn’t exist without you!

Warmly,
Milena

New Product: Autumnal Equinox/Mabon Ritual Bath and Lotion Set

The third ritual bath set in the solstice/equinox series for 2017 is now available! Marking the end of summer, Mabon reminds us that we reap what we sow and thus encourages us to be grateful for everything provided by the sun and soil while prompting us to wrap up incomplete projects because winter’s cold will soon demand that we turn all energy inward. Mabon is also the time of year when day and night become equal, so it’s an opportunity to find balance before the earth falls quiet with the symbolic death of winter.  This bath salt and lotion set features ingredients such as calendula, oak moss, sweetgrass and patchouli to create smoldering, earthy relaxation vibes.

Find it here: https://justthegoods.net/products/autumn-equinox-mabon-bath-and-lotion-set



 
Two New Limited Edition Products

Earlier this week I launched two limited edition items, each using ingredients that I came across rather serendipitously.

The first is a face mask using dehydrated organic strawberries from our greenhouse, which we weren’t expecting to harvest since wildlife enjoyed everything that sprouted earlier in the season. The total strawberry powder available after dehydrating and grinding was 17 g, which allowed me to make twelve 10 g jars. I hope to have even more luck with strawberries next year, but we’ll have to wait until then to find out! A few jars of this unanticipated offering remain and can be found here: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-vegan-strawberry-chamomile-mask-for-most-skin-types

The second item is, unfortunately, already sold out but – due to popular demand — I will be making a few more jars with the raw material that remains: coffee scented body butter! I’m not sure when I’ll be able to do this, but hopefully within the next few weeks. Please follow Just the Goods on Instagram for news as it becomes available. And, for more information about the product now, please visit: https://justthegoods.net/products/limited-edition-coffee-body-butter-fat-lye-soap-brew-duo

Local Pick Up Continues

Folks ordering from within Manitoba may have already noticed the option to select parcel pick up at Organic Planet Worker’s Co-Op throughout the month of August. Following a successful 4-week trial run, I’m delighted to announce that OP has agreed to continue this collaboration making it possible to pick up orders at 877 Westminster Avenue (Wolseley, Winnipeg).

If you have not already tried this option, please feel welcome to do so by selecting this at check out. The $4.00 charge associated with this options covers the cost of parcel packing and delivery to Organic Planet, as well as an honorarium for the awesome folks at the shop.

Orders will continue to be handmade/packed as part of a weekly cycle. When your order is complete, you’ll receive an automated message via email from justthegoods.net indicating that your order may be picked up at OP beginning the next day (that is, the same day noted at checkout). Since Organic Planet is a very small shop and is already packed full of fantastic organic and local products, I kindly ask that orders be picked up within 4 weeks. Orders can not be held longer than 4 weeks.

Thank you to everyone for their patience during the past few years as I explored a whole spectrum of pick up options at the lab, delivery by local bicycle courier, etc. I’m absolutely thrilled to be partnering with OP ❤

Upcoming Temporary Closure

I’m happy to announce that since I’ve very recently discovered the joys of evenings and occasional weekends for rest and personal time, Just the Goods will be taking only one week away from the lab at the end of the year instead of the two weeks which as been customary. This will mean shorter turn around time for any orders placed mid-December to mid-January.

Just the Goods will be closed Saturday December 23, 2017 – Monday January 1, 2018 inclusive. To ensure smooth production, Wednesday, December 13 will be the last day to place orders for shipping by Friday, December 22.

In the case of local orders, December 13 will be the last day to place orders for pick up at Organic Planet beginning on December 23.

In both cases, all orders placed December 14 – January 1 will be handmade beginning January 2 and be shipped January 5 or 12 depending on available inventory and ready for pick up at Organic Planet on January 13.

Thank you!

Keep in Touch!

Don’t forget, the best way to keep in touch for the latest Just the Goods news – especially deadline reminders relating to temporary lab closures – is via social media. Find me on Instagram @just.the.goods or on Facebook @justthegoods 🙂

 

Final Note

You are receiving this newsletter because — as per the conditions outlined by the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation that came into effect July 1, 2014 — you’ve been in touch with Just the Goods in the past either by making a purchase or requesting wholesale information within the last two years, or you have chosen to remain subscribed to this quarterly newsletter rather than choosing to click the unsubscribe link at the base of each of each one. With that said, if you would prefer to no longer receive communications from Just the Goods, please let me know and I will remove your email address immediately. And of course, you may also unsubscribe using the link below =-).

As always, thank you for your ongoing support! It is an absolute pleasure to handcraft natural skin and body care products, providing a healthier, small-scale alternative to the corporate “beauty industry”. I wouldn’t be able to do it without you!

With all my best,
Milena

Just the Goods (Winnipeg, MB)
handmade natural + affordable skincare for everyone
http://www.justthegoods.net 

Local Pickup to be Offered in August

Thanks to the fabulous folks at Organic Planet Worker Co-Op, I’m thrilled to announce that a new approach to order pick up will be available on a one month trial basis beginning Saturday August 19!! Unlike pickup options offered in the past, you can now collect your order from Organic Planet without an appointment at any time during their regular open hours beginning the morning of the date selected when you place your order at justthegoods.net 🌱🌿

The first batch will be ready August 19 followed by additional batches August 26, September 2, and September 9. I’ve updated the website now, so you can start to pre-order at any time for pick up beginning August 19. On August 12 the pick up date will change to August 26, etc. 😊

 

The fee for order pick up will be $4.00 — $2.00 will cover the cost of me paying someone to deliver a batch of orders to OP each friday afternoon/evening, and $2.00 will go to OP to help them cover the cost of administration associated with being an order distribution centre. This brings local orders in line with the 5 day delivery option previously offered by Natural Cycle Courier, and is a considerable savings compared to the cost of local delivery by Canada Post, which begins at $10.67 🌿🌱 And of course, Just the Goods will continue to be available on a retail basis at Generation Green at The Forks ❤️

 

Thank you to everyone who has continued to express interest in a local pick up option these past several months. I’m delighted Organic Planet is able to team up with me on this and — if everything works out — we’ll continue to offer this option into the future. Whooo!! ✨💐🙌

Handmade on a human scale

Hi everyone! Thank you so very much for all the orders that continue to flow in every hour of every day — I’m truly grateful for your enthusiastic interest!! ❤ ❤ ❤ I must admit, however, that this enthusiastic interest has become a lil’ bit overwhelming 😉

Just the Goods was formed almost 8 years ago as a part-time side-project to share the results of my personal research into safer plant-based and cruelty-free skin care. When I decided to launch beyond my circle of friends, I intentionally established public wholesale rates because I wanted to provide an affordable alternative to what I still perceive as unreasonable luxury branding in the world of natural skin care and cosmetics. I did the math and realized that yes, I could still make a modest living, and thus began my one-person eco-feminist anti-capitalist operation. Late 2013, I realized Just the Goods was becoming more popular than anticipated, so I decided to follow that excitement and make it my full time occupation. Since then JTG has continued to grow, particularly now that I am able to offer US clients more affordable shipping via USPS instead of international shipping via Canada Post.

Over the course of the past 3-4 months, orders have increased at a rather staggering rate. If I work 80 – 90 hours per week, I’m able to handmake enough product to ship anywhere from 150 – 200 orders on a weekly rotation, and I’ve been doing that quite consistently since September, but my body is really starting to protest. And, having reached the 200+ orders per week mark, I know I need to make some changes.

img_20170302_091558_990000
Yes, I have explored hiring someone to work with me, but I’ve discovered that the time it takes to find, train, and coordinate with someone is actually time I don’t have. So, for now, I think the best option is to continue working alone, but to reinforce that Just the Goods is a one-person — I dare say “artesinal” — project committed to staying small and operating on a human scale. This means that I will continue to work as quickly as I can, but that I will also acknowledge my need to sleep, eat, and spend personal time with people I care about for the sake of my physical and emotional health, both of which are currently in decline.

If I decide that I have no option but to hire someone, please know that I will be obliged to raise prices, which is something I’ve worked *very hard* to avoid over the past 8 years, especially when the Canadian Dollar dropped in relation to the US Dollar. In the interim, I’ll be taking these steps:

  • Most orders will continue to be shipped within 5 – 7 business days, but some may take as long as 2 weeks to ship… hopefully not, but it could happen, so please accept my apologies in advance
  • I will not be able to resume local pick up services
  • I will not be able to undertake any custom orders, which includes modifying existing formulas
  • I will no longer be able to manually calculate alternative shipping rates as the rates on the website are very accurate and the best available for the service speeds they offer
  • I will sadly not be able to reply to all email messages (especially not those requesting free samples and/or coupon codes)
  • My response time to other messages will inevitably become much slower than it has in the past
  • I may start to remove some products/format variants from my catalogue of 150+ products

Since I currently work 7 days per week, every week, I’m going to do my best to take Thursdays off for sleep, exercise, friends, etc., as I’ve realized that the only way I can legitimately facilitate self-care for others is to ensure I take care of myself, too.

Thank you for making Just the Goods possible, and thank you in advance for your understanding. Please know that it has taken me a very long time to not only share my experiences, but to recognize how important it is to make these and other changes. I don’t take these decisions lightly and I offer this behind-the-scenes look because I’m learning that acknowledging vulnerability is not only healthy and healing, but an important challenge to the normative self-exploitation of capitalism.

xo
Milena

End-of-Year Production and Temporary Lab Closure News

Hello!! In case you were wondering, Just the Goods will be closed from December 18 – January 2 this year, which makes ✨ December 9 ✨ the last day to order for shipment in 2016.

img_20161202_131653_996000

Orders received by this date will be mailed December 14 (USA), December 15 (Canada/International), or may be picked up at the lab on December 17 between 12 – 4 pm during a lil ‘open house with vegan treats prepared by Organic Planet Worker Co-Op 😊

Orders placed December 10 – January 2 will be handmade as quickly as possible upon my return 😊 Thank you!! ❄♥

Changes — a post for clients in Winnipeg

Hello Winnipeg! This post is for you!

img_20160925_003236_510000

In the past 24 hours, some things have changed. Some is bad news, and I’m sorry about that, but it has led to what I hope will be good news 😊

I am grateful for your online orders — it helps me make Just the Goods my full time occupation! However, in order to continue offering public wholesale prices, I need to allocate my energy as carefully as possible because overextending myself is not sustainable. As it turns out, the bicycle courier with whom I’ve been working since Natural Cycle Courier closed feels the same way.

😿 The bad news: I have had to cancel my participation at WEST Fall Market on November 5 *and* Ghost Rider Messenger informed me a few hours ago that it is no longer able to work with Just the Goods at current rates.

😺 The goods news: I will be offering free monthly pick ups at the lab on a trial basis until the end of the year 🙂

🌼Orders placed by Saturday, October 15 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, October 22 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm

🌼 Orders placed October 16 – November 19 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, November 26 from 12:00 – 4:00 pm

🌼Orders placed November 20 – December 10 can be picked up at the lab on Saturday, December 17.

🌟 Bonus: December 17 will be an open house event set up like a mini market with cider and vegan treats available for those in attendance 😊 More news about that is forthcoming!

🌟 + I will be attending Vegan Handmade Market on December 3 as a shopper, and I can absolutely bring orders with me for those who will also be there and want to meet up between 10:00 – 11:00 am. I’ll post news about that in November 😊

As Just the Goods, I’m committed to handmaking the healthiest possible skin, body, and hair care products, while also pricing them as affordably as possible. For details about I price, please visit: http://bit.do/JTGpricing. I can make quality products and I can make them affordable, but — at such intentionally low prices — I can not make them faster, nor can I maintain retail space / pay someone a living wage to answer the door for pick ups. And, since I’m reminded again and again why my original goal of offering affordable pricing for healtheir self care products is essential, my decisions always seek to align. With all that said, don’t forget: if you ever need Just the Goods products faster, you can always go to Generation Green at the Forks, which is open 7 days a week and carries the largest selection of JTG body basis apart from my website 😊 They’re wonderful and you’ll surely find other wonderful things you didn’t know you needed 😉

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding — I’m excited about continuing to handmake JTG for you! 💕

Just The Goods Event Schedule

img_20160917_164503

With my first of three events coming up next weekend, it occurred to me that an “at a glance” schedule might be a good thing to share 😉 So, here it is!

✔ September 24: Etsy Made in Canada, 181 Higgins
✔ October 13 – 16: Etsy Boutique at Scattered Seeds, Red River Ex
✔ November 5: Winnipeg Etsy Street Team Fall Market, 290 Dubuc

To pre-order for pick up on September 24, please use coupon code “madeincanada2016” at http://www.justthegoods.net by September 18 😊

To pre-order for pick up on November 5 please use coupon code “fall2016” at http://www.justthegoods.net by October 30 😊

If there is enough demand, I might be able to offer a day of local ups at the lab on a Saturday in December … If this appeals to you, please let me know!

Build a business on your own terms — Sept 15 from 6 – 8 pm at 55 Arthur Street, Winnipeg

wdf_panel_2

Just the Goods has always been a lil’ bit contrarian. I know growth relies on factoring wholesale and distribution pricing, but I’m less interested in growth than in sustainability. I know people like sales (ie. Black Friday) and don’t like to pay for shipping, but I’m troubled by inflated pricing that frames the illusion of discounts + conceals real shipping costs, so I’d rather be transparent and offer public wholesale pricing year ’round and charge the real cost of shipping for sake of honestly (and to not erase the labour of postal workers). I’m not into lifestyle branding, and politely say no thanks to buying celebrity endorsements or space in Oscars/Emmys bags + major fashion magazines. I’ve received tons of unsolicited opinion calling me foolish over the past 7 years 😊

I’m delighted to participate in “Build a Business on your own Terms”, an event presented by @EtsyCA and Entrepreneurship Manitoba (@mbgovbusiness) taking place on September 15 from 6 – 8 pm at 55 Arthur Street (Winnipeg). All are welcome to join free of charge, but it is kindly requested that you RSVP at http://bit.do/Sept15, which not only helps the event organisers plan for your attendance, but more interestingly gives you the chance to win $500 toward the development of your own indie project.

“Join Etsy and Entrepreneurship Manitoba for a panel discussion and workshop around building a business on your own terms […] From re-defining success to managing business growth in unconventional ways, this talk will challenge the way you think about building your small business.

Hear from a panel of local makers and entrepreneurs including Danika Bock (shop owner at Tiny Feast), Lindsay Dandeneau (Business Consultant for Entrepreneurship Manitoba), Milena Lye (Just the Goods), Nick Danzinger (owner of @polargrinders). You’ll leave this event with key strategies to run a creative business and have the opportunity to speak 1 on 1 with panel guests, Etsy admin and successful sellers about branding, the ins and outs of running an online shop, getting ready for wholesale, and more.”

This event is presented in conjunction with Winnipeg Design Festival — see you there!