America's Future is Handcrafted and Cosmetic See How HSCG is Moving America Forward

LOS ANGELES - July 21, 2016 - PRLog -- Leigh O'Donnell of Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild (HSCG) was welcomed on "Moving America Forward," a national television show that recognizes the work of business leaders across the nation. Originally formed as The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild in 1998, the association has grown exponentially in members and outreach. Starting in Ohio with a handful of individuals, the guild now serves thousands of members in every state, some even international. HSCG is registered as a non-profit 501(c)(6) trade association serving the industry of handcrafted soap and cosmetics, which includes those individuals who make handcrafted soap and cosmetics, the vendors and suppliers who serve them, and the private label companies that sell handcrafted soap under their own label but do not manufacture it. Their headquarters are located in Saratoga Springs, NY.

Ms. O'Donnell was interviewed at the Los Angeles "Moving America Forward" news studio by William Shatner and Doug Llewelyn. She explained how her organization assists manufacturers, who must constantly adapt to the changing cost of goods and access. Additionally, the looming threat of the Federal Cosmetic Legislation, which poses problems for the industry at large not only larger companies, is a conflict that O'Donnell recognizes and endlessly works to solve. For this reason, HSCG offers its members (Handcrafter, Vendor, or Private Label Distributor) a low cost General and Product Liability Insurance as well as accessible information and resources by way of an Annual Conference and virtual How-to-Library. Membership to the guild also includes exclusive benefits such as a soapmaker certification program, Federal Legislative Advocacy, and most important, a community of like-minded, supportive individuals.

For almost twenty years, HSCG has fostered a collective of artisans who make homemade products from scratch to sell in a variety of ways (online, in stores, at farmer's markets, etc.) All types of bath and body products are sold, not to mention soaps, creams, lotions, and mineral makeup. HSCG estimates 300,000 businesses making and selling these products in the US alone. As the only registered non-profit trade association in their field, HSCG has set a remarkable precedent. By offering free, vetted information and making regular trips to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the soap and cosmetic industry, HSCG is a bearer of accessible education and consistent communication. By educating Members of Congress, HSCG ensures that small businesses are not treated as collateral damage when bills are proposed against large, commercial cosmetic companies. According to Ms. O'Donnell, there are currently two active bills in this term of Congress.

Below is a preview of Ms. O'Donnell on "Moving America Forward." Click to watch her discuss why training and education are important for the cosmetic and handcrafted soap industry with William Shatner and Doug Llewelyn.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5d0wjocBsQ



Ms. O'Donnell was honored with the "Moving America Forward Award" for starting an organization by artisans for other artisans. Members of the HSCG Board of Directors and the President herself are avid soapmakers with successful businesses of their own. For more information on Handcrafted Soap & Cosmetic Guild and how to become a member please visit http://www.soapguild.org.