Lustworthy Coffee Table Books

Here’s a list of a few coffee table books that I’ve currently got my beady eyes on.

They say that one’s coffee table book collection is a glimpse into their life/tastes/character so here’s a glimpse into mine:

High Fashion

Dior

Chanel

Tom Ford

Chloe

Black Beauty

(and it’s namesake)

Vintage Black Glamour

A beautifully done book with lots of unseen pictures of historical black glamour

Perfume

Dior: The Perfumes

A book on Perfumes by the master perfumer Roja Dove

Frederic Malle on Perfume Making

Luxury

The Luxury Alchemist: Love the title 🙂

Travel

Caribbean Hideaways

Beautiful photography from a beautiful part of the world!

Provence

One of my favourite places in the world

A wonderful collection of arctic photography

Conde’ Nast

 

Cats

Buddhism & Mindfulness

Home Interiors

Nature

Yann Arthus-Bertrand

I recently watched this french filmmaker/journalist/environmentalist/photographer’s documentaries HUMAN and HOME and I was utterly blown away. He has a coffee table book featuring some of his amazing work and I cannot wait to get it!

Inspirational People

Oprah Winfrey- her names precedes her

Naomi Campbell

A beautiful collection of some of Naomi Campbell’s best and some unseen work. A collection spanning her decades as one of the most successful supermodels in history. Unfortunately this book won’t be gracing my coffee table as it is extortionately expensive!

Nelson Mandela – What a man!

David Attenborough

A passionate, intelligent, wonderful man. I just love him!

And that concludes my list of lustworthy coffee table books! I hope to gift myself with one a month if I can.

What coffee table books do you have that you love? Which is your favourite out of the ones above?

 

New Product Photography

A few weeks ago I had a photoshoot in Kilburn for my existing and up and coming products.

It was waaay overdue and I’m really glad that I done it though I had only booked a 2 hour slot and I didn’t realise until we were shooting how quickly that time goes!

I do think that it makes sense to do product photoshoots regularly (like every 6 months or so) and time it so that you’re able to incorporate any new products into your shoot also.

I will be releasing 3 new products just in time for Christmas! (Wood Wick Candles, Hair Perfume and Eau De Parfum)

Here are the fruits of my labour (or his, depending on which way you want to look at it!):

1.2.

3.4.

 

1. Anniversary Reed Diffuser
2. Lavender, With Love Luxury Soy Candle
3. Lemongrass & Mandarin Himalayan Pink Salt Body Scrub Souffle’
4. First Love Eau De Parfum

Would love to know your thoughts on the new photography and products!

As always, The Secret Scent Societe’ Bath, Bodycare and Fragrant Homewares are available to buy on NOTHS: http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/thesecretscentsociete

 

Newness

 

This week has been really busy here in The Secret Scent Societe’ lab!

I made contact with Love Lula on Monday, who are an award winning UK online boutique who exclusively sell natural and organic beauty and skincare brands. They have the biggest selection of natural and organic products online in the UK not to mention some truly amazing, innovative brands. I introduced myself and The Secret Scent Societe’ to them and they said they were interested and asked me to send them some samples of my products so I’m just waiting to hear back from them now. Fingers crossed they like them!

My cousin, who is a jewellery designer, contacted me about doing a collaborative presentation of both of our products at 2 offices she is booked to go and see in a couple of weeks to sell her products. Unfortunately I couldn’t get the time off work to attend with her but she’s offered to not only take my products with her and display them alongside her own but also to sell them for me (and she doesn’t even want a cut!). She’s being so generous with her time and efforts! The only problem is that I’m out of stock on most things! So I’ve had to make a rush order so that I can have a few products to give to her by next weekend (aaah!).

Photography

As you know I’ve had a number of issues when trying to take photographs of my products and despite buying professional equipment, watching videos online and reading books on the topic I’m still unsatisfied with my product photography. I was previously against the idea of paying a professional to take the photographs because I didn’t feel it was worth it when I could do it  myself (not!), but after talking to my cousin she encouraged me to do so. She has amazing photography and said that she pays a photographer to take pictures of her jewellery every 6 months, so she gets him to take pictures of any new products then. Realising that I was holding myself back from doing many things like approaching online retailers, magazines and blogs about promoting or selling my products because of my lack of suitable photography, I’ve finally made a decision to get a professional in! It’s right when they say that you should delegate the jobs you’re no good at and concentrate on the jobs you are good!  I contacted a photographer on Gumtree and he said he could do it no problem. I didn’t want to spend the money initially but not spending the money wasn’t progressing my business so I’ve just decided to stop procrastinating. And now I feel much better now that I’ve made that decision. It really takes a weight off my shoulders and I know that it will be money well spent in the longrun.

Kilner Jars

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about my brand image because besides the fact that people always tell me how great it is there are a few products that won’t shift online no matter what and I think I’ve finally worked out what it is (aside from the price that is!). When I sell products in person people seem to really love them but online I think that perhaps their vibrant colours can be a little off-putting/bright. I’m referring to 3AM (Gold) and Black Frost (Purple). The irony is that these candles both have the most unusual, complex and alluring scents of all the candles I make which people seem to really take to when they smell them in person but of course selling scents online is another matter entirely! So I have decided to trial some other candle colours by a candle colour specialist company called Bekro. They have some really pretty neutral colours which I like: beige, grey, dusky pinks, lilac, cream etc and I not only personally prefer these kinds of colours but I think these colours are more suited to my brand and I think that more people will like them. Of course, I still make white candles but they can be very boring – it’s good to give people some alternative options. I have also decided to change the packaging of the body scrub souffle’ kilner jars (which are currently the same colour as the body soufflé’s: smoke grey). I’m going instead for this Rose Pink Pantone colour:

 

The company I buy my candle holders and cosmetics containers from are able to do customised colours so long as it’s a Pantone colour so let’s see what they come up with!

Wood Wick Candles

Remember awhile ago I told you about my intention to make wood wick candles? – well they are finally on there way! I hope to have them ready for my cousin to take to her events in a couple of weeks but I still need to think about fragrances as I’m not sure yet whether I’m going to do the wood wicks with fragrance oils or essential oils (which will be much more expensive). I’m going to wait until the ingredients arrive and decide then I think. I believe that they will sell really well because I don’t know anyone else who are doing these types of candles and they have such a satisfying sound and smoky aroma. Just Gawjus!

Just 2 weeks to go!

Yes, tis a mere 2 weeks to go before my debut in British VOGUE Magazine and gosh am I excited!
My plan to replace all of the pictures on my NotOnTheHighstreet page is in process (a work in progress!) in preparation for lots of views (and hopefully, sales!)
It’s far from perfect but I think that finally I’m getting the hang of this photography thing, which is a relief I can tell you.

I have pre warned a few friends that I may be requiring there assistance should things get a little crazy following the VOGUE release and I’m giving away my very first batch of cold process soap to some specially selected friends and family with a prompt for them to review it and give me there honest opinion. I think this will be really helpful in order to improve on my next batch of soap, listening to there very honest advice and taking into account all of the things that they think constitutes a good bar of soap! I intend on doing many more soap tests to get the perfect bar before I release any for general sale.

I’m continuing to market my products on Etsy, though I’m not getting many bites. To be honest the only reason why I bother staying on there at all is for my presence on the internet, otherwise I wouldn’t bother. Despite my products being cheaper on there then on notonthehighstreet sales are still excruciatingly slow, almost non existent.

The feature in VOGUE is out on Monday 7th April so do pick one up! It’s called “Best Kept Beauty Secrets”

Also, if you haven’t already done so, do follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook and I will follow you/like you back! Links below.

Happy Wednesday! 🙂

Photography Pt 111

Photography, as I’m sure you know by now, isn’t my strong point. I have seen so many handmade products with amazing photography and it makes me feel very frustrated indeed that I can’t seem to manage to take simple, professional shots of my products.

It isn’t simply a matter of buying the best camera, and it just about having the “eye” for taking pictures. It’s a combination of both. And good lighting. Always, always good lighting!

Alas even when I bought myself a professional light tent, with special daylight lamps to use to illuminate the shadows my pictures still didn’t come out the way I wanted them too. Sure they were an improvement on the previous, but they still weren’t clean enough, they weren’t white enough, and they were still very shadowy in places. To make even matters worse, it seemed as though I was at the mercy of the sun – everytime it moved I had to move. Reading forums about taking photo’s of your products, the advice of the majority was to use as much natural light as possible. But for me it just wasn’t possible. The natural light was too changeable, it wasn’t consistent enough and thus I was finding the quality of my photo’s diminishing as the day wore on. Frustrating.

So on Sunday my boyfriend and I spent the entire day working on finding the perfect camera set-up, the perfect setting on the camera, and the best position in the house to take the most simple and effective shots. Thankfully we found it. The decision after taking lots of pictures using different settings then comparing them all on the computer told us a few things: That we needed to turn the light tent the other way round (so that it had it’s back to the sun), this gave a less intense light but a more fluid light. And most importantly: It was no longer shadowy!

Also, we decided against using natural light. When we viewed them on the computer they seemed more grainy, less perfect, and unlike jewellery, or clothing, where it’s always better to see the texture of the materials used, imperfections in glass, isn’t so great. Using flash eliminated those imperfections, and made the product really come to life. Nevertheless it was a very subtle difference between the two, and that’s what I was looking for.

Over the next few weeks, before my article in VOGUE goes live (can’t wait!), I need to redo all of my photography so that it is in keeping with this new updated style. Up until now good photography has alluded me but not anymore!

I would love to hear your thoughts on my photography! And if you know any trade secrets that could help me make them better I would be very happy to hear them, and of course, if you make your own products then I’d love to have a look at yours too!

Treasury Feature 21/02/14

Happy Friday!!

There’s been lots going on for me this week as aside from working and posting out orders for our new aromatherapy candles, I’ve also been cat shopping as my boyfriend and I have decided to leave my beloved cat Jackson Brown with my Mum, and get ourselves a kitten. I was going to bring him with me to my new home but I’ve realised now that it would be better for him if I left him where he is. He is happy there and besides, my Mum would miss him terribly. I have always wanted a British Shorthair cat so I’m excited about finally getting to own one. We’re going to get either a blue or lilac one.

Also this week, my colleague asked me if I can make some wedding favors (soaps and candles) for her wedding in August. I’m really excited about this as it means that I can use this as a catalyst to expand into the hugely successful Wedding Market. She has pretty much given me free reign (within reason), to design and make her favors so I set about giving her some ideas this week, including this:

Himalayan Pink Salt French Clay and Poppy Seed Soap Parcel

I’m planning on making a variety of different soap types so that I can eventually do a show at one of the bridal exhibitions and hopefully gain a new client base!

Without further ado here are my latest Etsy Treasurys:

The treasury is entitled “Meet you in my dreams” and features my black Tuberose and Ginger candle (which seems to be VERY popular right now!)

“Indian Mistress of the Night” Tuberose & Ginger Soy Candle

This gorgeous Treasury is entitled “Winter Wedding” and features our Frankincense & Myrrh candle F&M

“F&M” Frankincense & Myrrh Candle

And lastly, this treasury is entitled “Mint Home Décor” and is a collection of refreshingly minty homewares. It features my Mint Green candle “Bois”

“Bois” Sandalwood and Cedarwood Candle

To see the full Treasury for “Meet you in my dreams”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/NzkxNTc0NHwyNzIzMTU1MzI5/meet-you-in-my-dreams

To see the full Treasury for “Winter Wedding”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzE0OTMwMjJ8MjcyNTcwODYzMA/winter-wedding

To see the full Treasury for “Mint Home Décor”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/ODcxMzE3MnwyNzIzMTQyODU1/mint-home-decor

I hope that you’ve enjoyed this weeks treasurys, and I hope to be back with some new scented favors for you to see! Also, if you know of any good wedding shows in London happening this year then do tell me about it as I’d like to visit a few to see what kind of products are being exhibited there, gain some inspiration and get some idea’s!

Have a great weekend all! 🙂

Treasury Feature 11/11/13

Hi All!

I hope that whatever you did this weekend, it was a memorable one.
I had a nice relaxing weekend at home with my boyfriend. We watched loads of episodes of Breaking Bad (love it!) and my sister stayed over on Friday night and brought her freshly baked banana and walnut loaf with her. Mmmmm!

I spent at least 4 hours on Sunday morning working on product photography but in the end I wasn’t happy with any of the images as they all had a blue tint to them (probably something to do with the camera settings), alas I will have to do them all again – what fun! (not).

I am in 4 Treasurys this week! The first one is entitled “I’m not always a pink kind of girl” – which I can vouch for as I’m not a particularly pinky girl either, however I do like blood red, ox red, burgundy (all very similar I know, hehe) and blush pink and they all feature in this lovely treasury. My blush pink candle “Anniversary” is featured here.

“Anniversary” Coconut & Fig Luxury Soy Candle

This treasury is entitled “Arctic” and is a light/baby blue/ice inspired treasury with a collection of some very beautiful handmade things. See it for yourself!
My blue and white layered soy candle “Ambrosial Peach” is featured here.

“Ambrosial Peach” Soy Candle

This treasury collection is entitled “Winter’s Coming” and features my gold candle 3 AM.

“3 AM” Ylang Ylang & Nag Champa Soy Candle

And lastly, I have been featured in this treasury entitled “Fresh Christmas”. A delicate, elegant collection of beautiful handmade items, featuring my mint green candle “Bois”

“Bois” Cedarwood & Sandalwood Soy Candle

To see the full treasury for “I’m not always a pink kind of girl”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTQ0NTk5NXwyNzI1MjI0MDU0/im-not-always-a-pink-kind-of-girl

To see the full treasury for “Arctic”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MzgyOTM3MjB8MjcyMjY3NjMwNQ/arctic

To see the full treasury for “Winter’s Coming”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjI2NjQzNDV8MjcyMjY4NTE5NQ/winters-coming

To see the full treasury for “Fresh Christmas”

https://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjI1NzIxMTB8MjcyNTI0NTM4Ng/fresh-christmas

Photo Light Boxes

I have only just discovered this light box malarkey and I must say it has got me very curious indeed. For months now I have been putting off taking more photographs of my products as despite me spending hours upon hours taking photographs they just never seemed to come out the way that I want them too. After getting increasingly frustrated with poor online sales I realised that this was directly related to the way that my pictures looked (afterall, when selling products online the number 1 thing that makes people buy the product is simple, professional and eyecatching photography).

I contacted some professional product photographers on Gumtree about taking some photo’s of my handmade candles and skincare etc but I found that they were far too pricey and I realised that it made much more sense (considering I’ll need to photograph my products quite regularly), and it was more cost effective if I just learnt some tricks of the trade and done it myself.

I researched the most affective ways of doing this and came across a photo light box, which is a nylon tent like construction that allows you to take high quality photographs with a consistently diffused light. Obviously there are different variations and they can get pretty costly but overall they are quite reasonably priced. Alternatively, with a few bits of materials you can make it yourself at home.
After watching some videos’s showing how to do this I decided against it as sourcing the materials didn’t seem to be that straightforward.
So I looked for a lightbox and found this:

It needs to be used with daylight balanced fluorescent lighting to give the picture clarity, without having a horrible yellow tint to the picture that is sometimes apparent when you use normal lightbulbs. The bulbs apart from there ability to make your photo’s look amazing, are actually quite eco friendly, as they use much less energy then standard lightbulbs and thus last much longer. Desklamps using these lights just need to be placed on either side of the tent to give a bright and fluid light over the object you are trying to photograph.

I have ordered mine, so I guess you’ll have to stay tuned to find out how it all worked out!

Until then!