Artist Highlight of the Week: Buzzabee and GIVEAWAY!

Vegan Lip Balm

This week's artist is yet another fabulous lady residing in Knoxville. Hannah has a most fabulous line of homemade, all-natural products that are 100% safe to use for you and the environment in her Etsy Store: Buzzabee. Can't beat that! Some items I'm dying to try as they look like they could melt any stress away:

French Lavender Bath Fizz Soaps

Spiced Chai Tea Soy Candle
(I also want to try the Bohemian Bliss Scent!)

Hey Hannah! Welcome! Tell us a little bit about yourself and your awesome naturalist product line.
Hi, my name is Hannah and I live in Knoxville, TN with my hubby and our three wonderfully rambunctious Jack Russells. I am from Indiana and have been fortunate enough to experience life in Northern California and Texas before settling here. I am an admin by day and an artisan by night with not much free time in between. I have always loved burning candles and after learning about the toxicity of paraffin candles, I became passionate about creating a healthier alternative that I could enjoy. This passion of making soy candles eventually turned into the business I have today. I am slowly expanding my product line to other bath products and indulgences that everyone can experience and know that they are using a safe product. Each item is "people tested" before being added to my product line. I also have my second Etsy store, MyBeeloved, where I feature my adorable magnetic bookmarks. [Interviewer's note: They are so cute so be sure to check them out!]

Besides the cool naturalist line you have in your Etsy store, what else do you like to do?
I love being outdoors whenever possible....walks in the park with my hubby and dogs are at the top of the list as well as an annual escape to a secluded beach. Other loves are weekend getaways, movies on a rainy day complete with popcorn & coke, yoga/tai chi classes, Sunday brunches, our weekend farmers' markets, and tons of reading! I wish I had more time to be an avid bookworm.

What first drew you to these environmentally-friendly products?
The very long list of ingredients in several "store bought" products became disconcerting to me in addition to how some of the chemicals have such an effect on not only your health, but to the environment around us. I love the philosophy of "less is more" and I believe it's true for the products you use either on your skin or in your house. The less chemicals they have, the safer they are to you and your family. In addition to the actual product, I use recyclable packaging and containers whenever possible. Every little bit you can do to prevent waste helps our environment a bit more each day.

What inspires you?
My grandmother was a true artisan her entire life from quilting and making soap to keeping an amazingly beautiful garden among other things. She had a huge effect on my life as a person and artisan. I've always had a tendency to create new things. Many of my gifts to family were handmade even as a teenager. I find inspiration on a wide spectrum....certain smells, colors and textures can surface new ideas for me as well as great suggestions from my wonderful customers. My mind is constantly thinking of new ideas for my line. Sometimes, I have to force myself to stop and take a moment to be breathe and be still.

What advice would you give to aspiring artists and Etsy shop owners?
If your business is off to a slow start, don't give up. It does take time and possibly a lot of trial and error. Persistance and passion are the driving forces behind what you do. Anything is possible and it's up to you to make your dream come true. I believe the more time you put into your Etsy shop and business, the more successful it will be. Your shop is a constant improvement. I am always thinking of ways to improve my photos, descriptions, etc. Join a local Etsy team for support, exposure and shared ideas on improving your business. The Etsy tips sent via email and the forums have such great advice too.

Thank you so much for sharing for your creative juices!

In honor of highlighting local, east Tennessee artists, Hannah is hosting a giveaway here at A Girl and Her Scout!
She will be giving away some of her most awesome Vegan Lip Balm

to the chosen winner (chosen via a random assorter) on Friday, Sept 24th so be sure to get in your entries by then!

To enter, head over to her Etsy Store, Buzzabee, and leave a comment here about your favorite item(s). Additional entries for: 1) becoming a first time follower of A Girl and Her Scout 2) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your blog 3) Posting this giveaway with a link to my blog on your facebook and/or twitter 4) “Hearting” or adding Buzzabee to your “Favorites” on Etsy and/or 5) making a purchase out of her store (one entry for every purchase). Be sure to leave a new comment for each additional entry!

In addition, through October 15 she will be offering a 15% discount to all A Girl and Her Scout readers! YAY!!! Just use key word "SCOUT” at check out to receive your discount.

Happy shopping and crafting and many thanks again to Hannah for participating in my Artist Highlight of the week!