Leigh O'Donnell

Master Maker Podcast

Business EN ↓ 9 episodes

Join your host, Leigh O'Donnell, Executive Director of the HSCG, for a series of actionable tips, expert interviews, and bursts of inspiration to help you level up your business. Leigh's not just a veteran of the handcrafted soap, cosmetic, and candle industry—she's lived the maker life herself for over 20 years. She's rubbed elbows with industry experts, suppliers, and makers, and she's here to bring their insights directly to you. She has also observed countless handcrafted soap, cosmetic and candle businesses and has learned what works and what propels companies forward.

Author

Leigh O'Donnell

Episodes

S1 EP10: Why Compliance is Good for Business ft. Marie Gale 02.07.2026 35:20

Every part of the maker journey is equally important, and that means complying with labeling/manufacturing guidelines so your business isn't flagged. Join Leigh O'Donnell as she discusses the importance of industry compliance and labeling with expert Marie Gale.

S1 EP9: Changing from a Founder Mindset to CEO ft. La Shonda Tyree 18.06.2026 44:39

Your mindset has to be tuned in just right in order to build a successful brand and business. In this episode, La Shonda Tyree of Nyah Beauty chats with host Leigh O'Donnell about shifting from a founder mindset into a CEO, so you can bring your business to new heights.

S1 EP8: Building a Thriving Brand with Your Partner ft. Stoney & Baz Morris 04.06.2026 36:40

What does it take to run a business with your partner? Leigh chats with Stoney and Baz Morris of Dirty Unicorn about everything from building a successful company with someone you love to how to succeed at trade shows, and everything in between!

S1 EP7: Fantastic Fragrances & How to Blend Them ft. Lisa Lester 21.05.2026 35:25

In this episode, Leigh talks with fragrance expert Lisa Lester about creating meaningful, unique scents as a maker!

S1 EP6: Making a Move: From Home to Storefront ft. Steve Meka 07.05.2026 31:54

Are you considering moving from a home-based shop to a brick and mortar location? Listen in as Leigh O'Donnell chats with Steve Meka of STEM Handmade Soap about making the move from home to store, and what to expect as you begin your journey.

S1 EP5: Raising the Bar with the Soap Queen ft. Anne-Marie Faiola 23.04.2026 41:14

Join Leigh as she sits down with Anne-Marie Faiola, visionary founder of Bramble Berry Handcraft Provisions! The Soap Queen shares her journey in an inspiring episode you don't want to miss. Subscribe for more episodes! Visit the HSCG Resource Center for more inspiration.

S1 EP4: Making an Impact: Soap for Hope ft. Samir Lakhani 09.04.2026 34:49

Join Leigh as she talks with the inspirational founder of Eco-Soap Bank, Samir Lakhani, who shares his journey into starting the organization and how soap can provide hope to those in need.

S1 EP3: Finding Your Maker Identity ft. Priscilla Mensah 26.03.2026 30:50

Who are you as a maker? Listen in as Leigh O'Donnell chats with Priscilla Mensah of Super Power Soaps about finding your identity as a maker and carving out a place for yourself in the industry.

S1 EP1: Unlocking the Power of Essential Oils (ft. Hana Tisserand) 24.02.2026 45:35

In this episode of the HSCG Master Maker Podcast, Executive Director Leigh O'Donnell sits down with Hana Tisserand of the Tisserand Institute to talk about the power of essential oils!