Going Green ?

Today, Going Green seems to be in the mainstream of society. Although, I must admit that I do not know all the logistics of Going Green, I do my best in playing a role to keep our world beautiful and try to be as resourceful as possible. I am looking further into Going Green. I feel that it is important to save our earth to ensure the beauty for generations to come. I also believe in not using all the natural resources we have. Within the next year my husband Ken and myself plan on becoming more efficient in heating our home and have discussed the possibility of a windmill for electric.
As for my business, I try to be as earth friendly as possible. All of the bulk ingredients that I buy come in recyclable packaging. My product "Chrysalis" skin care also comes in recyclable packaging. I do hope that all who purchase my product will recycle.
Recently, I also heard another term, "Waste Free". I am now looking into the meaning of the term and becoming a "Waste Free Company".
Here's to our beautiful earth - preserve and nuture!

Web Site Is Not The Only Marketing Tool

Last year, when I decided to have a web site as my main marketing tool I realized that there was much more to having a site. Little did I know that it takes quite some time before you are recognized on the internet and that there are thousands of companies just like me. As suggested by my web designer Joanne Osmond of http://www.marketdrafters.com/ I should look for online directories. In doing so, I enlisted in several directories, discovered networks to join, and created a blog - all at no cost. Enlisting in all of these has allowed me to express myself both personally and professionally and has increased my exposure tremendously. I have also met other professionals with great advice. Here are some of the networks that I joined, Jumpintuit, Zimbio and PeopleJam. The directories are those of local listings such as on Yahoo, YellowPages, and Merchant Circle to name a few. Set aside some time to see whats out there and you would be amazed at the results. Happy Surfing!

INCI Ingredients - FDA Regulations

During the past year I have learned a lot when it comes to labeling cosmetic products. One is to label your product in the correct order of ingredients - highest amount to the least. This also includes fragrance and any color type added to the product. Also, to have the correct INCI name of the ingredients in compliance with the FDA. Most of the companies that you order product from will list the INCI ingredients and the FDA has a web site with guidelines for labeling of your products. Click on the heading above to be directed to the FDA site. It is important to be within the FDA guidelines not only for legalities but also for a professional appearance of your product. Happy Labeling!

When Opportunity Knocks

As stated in an earlier post regarding samples an opportunity came my way to develop another product.
A woman by the name of Sara, has a child (infant) who is allergic to nuts and has a problem finding a moisturizer without an ingredient of the nut family. When she had tried a sample of one of my new products (deep moisturizer) she had asked if she could use it on her daughter. Due to some of the ingredients I suggested not to. Sara then asked if I could create something. Well, the quest was on - I just completed the Body Moisturizer and it is simply divine. As a creator, I get to sample everything before it is packaged and sold. Believe me when I say, "It Is Simply Divine"! As with the product below this will be launched within 2 weeks. Stay tuned for more info and testimonials!

Preview of Gwendolyn's Gate New Product

Introducing Gwendolyn's Gate addition to the Chrysalis Skin Care Line - "Body Gloss". I am so excited about this new product. After months of testing it is now complete and will be ready for sale within 2 weeks. This decadent treat is heavenly and makes your body feel silky smooth. The gentle exfoliation and beautiful aroma will leave you feeling absolutely beautiful. Combined with the use of Chrysalis Body Cream you will love the skin your in. The Body Gloss will be packaged in the container as seen and of course the same beautiful label with the pink butterfly and crystal. Please note that the polish is packaged by weight (8 1/2 ounces) not volume to give you the true value of the product. Suggested use is 1 time per week to help remove dead skin cells to allow better absorption of the Body Cream. The retail price is $25.00.

Samples - A Must Have

In the past year of business I have learned quite a lot when it comes to having samples and always being prepared to hand them out. Also, to be willing to donate product for fund raisers and other events. In doing this, I received wonderful feedback, returning customers, opportunities to place the product in the retail market (brick and mortar), and idea's to develop new product.
There have been times that I was frustrated wondering when the giving out of samples would end. Well, at this time, it won't end if you want to increase your exposure.
Have fun doing this and enjoy the opportunity to meet wonderful people!

Spinach Lovers Recipe

This is one of my favorite recipes - it's healthy, delicious, and easy to make. You will need olive oil, 1 small onion, fresh garlic to your taste (I usually use 2 cloves), 10 to 16 ounces of fresh spinach, diced tomatoes - either fresh or 1 28 ounce can, salt, pepper, fettuccine noodles, and feta cheese.

In a large frying pan saute the onion and garlic in olive oil, add the spinach, once the spinach is cooked add the tomatoes (you may add some of the juice from the can), add salt and pepper to taste, (remember tomatoes love salt). Serve over fettuccine noodles and top with feta cheese. This recipe only takes about 30 minutes and is good the next day served cold. You may also want to add chicken to this recipe for a heartier meal. Enjoy!

Wendy Goudie, Gwendolyn's Gate

Artistry In Printing

Throughout the years I have been working with Jim Emiley and Kevin Delaney of Artistry In Printing. And now Jim & Kevin have a blog to better assist you with all your printing needs. Click on the heading above to be directed to their blog.
I am very familiar with the printing industry and have worked in the field. I can honestly say that Artistry In Printing offers the highest quality service and products and is very competitive with their pricing. Included in their service is the personable relationship - they have always assisted me with all my needs, answered all my questions and made suggestions to improve my product.
For all of your printing needs I highly recommend Artistry In Printing!

Where to buy Gwendolyn's Gate "Chrysalis" Skin Care

Soon you will find "Chrysalis" Skin Care in 3 retail locations with more to come. Stay tuned for further information!
Presently, Gwendolyn's Gate "Chrysalis" Skin Care is available at, "Alexandria's Soap Opera", located at 915 Main St. Antioch, Illinois 847-838-3632. Please click on the heading above to be forwarded to the MySpace page.
Denise, the owner, also creates her own beautiful product from soaps to lotions, shower gels and more. She also has some magic potions. You will also find clothing, jewelery and items for your home. Please visit or call to see all the wonderful creations in her store.
We look forward to providing you with more locations for the convenience of your shopping needs.
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

Happy Birthday Dad!

Today is my fathers Birthday and he is 79 years young!
You would never know that my Dad is 79 years young - I hope that at his age I am still as chipper as he is. Kudos to you Dad! Have a great Happy Day!

One Of The Best Marketing Tools

How can you promote your product if you don't "Walk Your Talk"? Being the Creator of "Chrysalis" skin care line, and knowing the results, I use the product every day and the difference in my skins appearance has been recognized. When asked, "What do you use", of course I tell them "Chrysalis" my creation. This has generated a lot of sales and of course with others using the product they too help promote "Chrysalis". Referrals or word of mouth is a great way for your product to receive the recognition it so deserves. Also, keep in mind that you, the Creator, know your product better then anyone. From the ingredients to the benefits of each ingredient with all the properties they provide for your skin. Remember you can be the best marketing tool! Click on the above heading to read the testimonials of Chrysalis skin care.

MySpace Account - Meet The Designer

In our lives we are fortunate to meet wonderful friends and I would like to introduce to you one of my friends Alyssa Knowles. Alyssa is a young and creative woman with a lot of great ideas. Knowing this and with Alyssa volunteering to create the MySpace account I took her up on the offer. She did an absolutely fabulous job! Click on the heading above to see what Alyssa has created.
In the future I plan to continue to work with Alyssa in other aspects of my business. She is young and has a unique style in her thinking - a great creative edge.
Kudos to you Alyssa and Thank You for helping me prosper!
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

Community Youth Network, Grayslake, Illinois

Gwendolyn's Gate is proud to announce that we will be one of the many sponsors for the following event. Please take the time to consider getting involved in this wonderful fund raiser. Your efforts will be greatly rewarded knowing that you have assisted the CYN organization to achieve their goals for the community. Click on the above heading or this link http://www.cyngrayslake.org/ for more information.
Take A Step For Kids - April 2008 SAVE THE DATE: Please join me for CYN’s 5th annual Take a Step For Kids: 5K Walk/Run & 10K Run on Saturday April 19th, 2008 at the Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville, Illinois. Help us raise funds for our programs here at CYN as well as raise funds to help aid our fight against one of this nation’s most troubling issues….child abuse. IT SHOULDN’T HURT TO BE A CHILD!
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

2008 And We Are Ready To Roll

The beginning of the New Year is here and I have been anticipating a new beginning for Gwendolyn's Gate. The excitement and energy is in the air. If I were to put this to a song it would be, I'm Every Woman" by Whitney Houston. And I do hope she is doing well!
Today marks the first full week of the New Year and the plans for 2008 are in motion. A lot of wonderful changes are coming. New packaging is one - no need to worry the Butterfly and Crystal will still be present - oh but the paper and color will certainly catch ones eye. Of course the beautiful and luxurious ingredients will remain the same helping you achieve an overall sense of well being.
I am sad to say that a few products will no longer be carried once inventory is sold out. Look for special deals coming soon. The products are the beautiful Crystal Potpourri, Reed Diffuser, and the Gift Set of Body Oil.
The reason for the discontinued items is that I am reaching for my calling. With the amazing and verified results of my "Chrysalis" product line I am going to continue my research in skin care.
I am excited about the new beginnings and you will be too! Just wait by the end of February you will see the change. All for the better!
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

In God We Trust

What has brought me to this thought is a conversation I had with my brother, Chuck, yesterday. During our conversation we were talking about my product and how things were progressing. Also, as mentioned in the previous post, I told my brother how my Body Butter and Bath Salts are helping those who have psoriasis and eczema. He then said to me, Wendy, God has given you your calling as a healer and you might want to change your approach. We further discussed my past as a Massage/Aromatherapist and that healing has always played a major role in my life.
After hanging up with my brother I remembered that a couple of years ago I went through a very hard time in my life. I moved with my husband from the city of Chicago up north close to the Wisconsin border. Talk about a change. Just before we moved I was offered a wonderful job with great pay but the travel would be too much with the move and I declined. My quest was on to find myself up north and this was the onset of my struggle as to where I was at in life. Then a friend gave me a book to read called, "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren.
This is an absolutely must read book for all who need to find themselves. It is based on God and spirituality. It defines your purpose and gives you a new and different way to approach life. It will affect every aspect in your life. I trust in God - he has given me all that I have.
The book is on My Recommended list with Amazon.com you will find here on the right side of my blog. It is on the second page.
Happy Reading! Wendy Goudie

Chrysalis Skin Care Helps Relieve Psoriasis and Eczema

Before launching my line, I felt it was important to have testimonials other than my own to give the line the credibility needed when marketing. At the time of creation I felt the most important product to have testimonials was the 3 Simple Steps due to the immediate results with the age defying affects. The results were wonderful and are published on my site along with a few other testimonials. Click on the heading above to read the testimonials regarding my product.
Recently, others have given me testimonials on 2 of the products in my line, the Body Butter and Bath Salts. Although, the intent on making this product was to be used as a luxury, the results from my customers have been surprising. What has been discovered with the body butter and bath salts is that it relieves the outward symptoms of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and other rashes of the skin. The testimonials I have heard have been heart warming. To know that I can affect someones live in a manner that makes them feel better about themselves is more fulfilling than one could describe.
Gwendolyn's Gate is now on a new journey to take these 2 products to another level. Soon the testimonials will be listed on my web site http://www.gwendolyns-gate.com/ and a new product is born.
Stay tuned for more of Gwendolyn's great products to help you achieve an overall sense of well being.
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

Improving Product Liability

When saying, "Improving Product Liability" it's just not about having the insurance to cover yourself or your assets, it's also about you personally being liable for your products. Knowing that all my hard work with the research and experimenting of the ingredients I would be solely liable for the results. To increase my liability and the credibility of my new product line "Chrysalis" I decided to have as many people sample my product before launching it to the public. In doing so I received positive and negative feedback in which I took all under consideration and applied what needed to be changed. Criticism can be hard to take. But, when necessary we must take it in stride and realize that it is not personal it's about growth and understanding what the public wants.
During this process I developed a few relationships in which I trust their opinion and advice. I then decided to enlist these individuals on what I call my "Test Panel". With each person I enlisted they all have different personalities, great characteristics, strong believes, and a certain area of expertise in their career which allows me to trust in their advice. When I am struggling with a decision whether it's about packaging or marketing I contact the people I trust most and ask for their opinion. I then take all of what was said, consider all options and the final decision is made. Keep in mind the decisions are not made in a day it can take a week or 2 sometimes longer before all is finalized.
In creating my test panel this has given me the substantiating proof needed to launch my line with the credibility of a quality product and the personal liability of being a true and sincere entrepreneur with integrity in all that I do. All of my hard work, research, and ideas have been rewarded with the help of others.
Enlist those that you trust to enrich the growth of your company. They will want to see you successful without riding on the wings of your hard work. Their commitment is always recognized with gratitude. As they say, "One hand washes the other"!
Click on the heading above to see how others have helped me succeed with my passion to assist individuals achieve an overall sense of well being.
Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate

Chrysalis Body Cream

Due to the popular demand of our luxurious Body Cream our inventory is low. Please note that the availability of our cream will be first come first serve basis and the e.t.a. for full inventory will be January 17, 2008.

Thank you for making this product our #2 best seller in our line. The beautiful combination of Goats Milk, Honey, & Shea to name a few, leaves your skin deeply moisturized with a silky smooth feeling.

Also, please note that Gwendolyn's Gate products are all measured by weight and not volume to give you the true value of our product. Our Chrysalis skin care line is also highly concentrated - a small amount is all you need to receive the benefits you desire.

Please click on the heading above to visit our web site to see all the other beautiful products we offer. Here you will find the increasingly popular "3 Simple Steps to a Youthful Beautiful You"!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year

Happy New Year To All!
I would like to take this time to Thank All Of You who have supported me throughout my new venture with Gwendolyn's Gate. It has been a great year with the inspiration and support I have received. Without all of you I would not be where I am at today. Because of the past year I see 2008 as being a prosperous year with all the growth from 2007. I look forward to sharing my new packaging and products in just a few short months.
Thank You again and God Bless. Wendy Goudie, Owner, Gwendolyn's Gate