Series: Creating a Cottage Industry (Article #1)

Article One: What is a cottage industry? A cottage industry is an industry where the creation of products and services is home-based, rather than factory-based. Products and services created by a cottage industry are often unique and distinctive, given the fact that they are usually not mass-produced. This series of articles, the first of which appears below, will explore a variety of cottage industry products that you can make and sell to the general public.

Products that can be made and sold to the public include candy, bath and beauty products, cooking oils and rubs, and pet products, just to name a few. Many of these products are made using herbs and essential oils. An essential oil is concentrated oil containing aromatic compounds from a plant. Essential oils are responsible for the scent of the plant and are most often found in the flowers and leaves. Various scents are thought to have therapeutic properties. Cinnamon, for example, can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.

Essential oils are used in aromatherapy, massage therapy, and in other alternative therapies. They're available in small vials in health food stores and online, and can also be found in products such as soaps, lotions, bath salts, and candles. Essential oils evaporate easily into the air, which is why they're also called volatile oils.

It is important to be mindful that, when you are selling home-made products to the general public, you must exercise care:

• Make sure you are working in a clean environment.

• Research your suppliers to ensure you are using quality ingredients.

• If you choose to grow your own ingredients, make certain they do not contain harmful chemicals.

• Make sure you understand the essential oil you are planning to use.

• Educate yourself when it comes to your craft.

• Test your recipes and once you are satisfied with the quality, quantity, and packaging, let the sales begin!

Look for additional articles in our Cottage Industry series that will provide some great ideas and recipes for some highly successful cottage industry products.