The term “honey pot” conjures up images of delicious, sweet goodies and that’s exactly what Bergman resident Deborah Basham sells at HoneyPot Scrubs & Such Gift Shop just off Hwy. 65 North on Hwy. 86 in Ridgedale, Missouri.
Basham opened her new business in February 2020 in a 10x24 foot structure and had to close due to COVID. She reopened in May and needed to expand by July of 2021.
“I started making salt scrubs for myself because of my dry skin and then others wanted some and I eventually began traveling to shows and festivals,” she said.
Her salt scrubs were being used in the restrooms of the Branson Cedar Resort Cafe next door. The structure next to the cafe didn’t have a door because they sold pizza out of the window. Basham decided that structure would make a perfect gift shop. So she added a door and opened the business.
She is most proud of the fact her skin products help others with their skin problems. “I understand the need for products without a bunch of ingredients you can’t pronounce that dry out your skin.”
Now she has about seven products she makes for customers. All are alcohol, chemical and fragrance free. The creams and sugar scrubs have frankincense in them and are safe for the face.
“It doesn’t cure skin conditions, but helps with eczema, rosacea, dermatitis and keeps the skin nice and calm. I know because I have those conditions,” she said.
She makes the basic lotion, salt or sugar scrub, lip balm and then if a customer wants a scent added, she can do that. “I have more than 60 fragrances, not counting the essential oils I have. I also ask if they want the scent heavy or light, so I control the drops I put in. Then when they want to reorder, it’s written on the tag and we can make it the same.”
The beard oil she makes for men is also a popular seller. “I had one customer who wanted a tobacco scent, so I found a pipe tobacco scent he loved. Plus I also have some men who want their products with a leather smell.”
“There are no alcohol or harsh chemicals in any of our products and they are dermatologist approved,” she said.
The sugar scrubs are a finer grain and can be used on the face. They are made from organic cane sugar, organic raw honey, coconut nut oil, thistle seed, frankincense and jojoba.
The shop also contains a wide variety of gifts all hand-made by small business owners in Missouri and Arkansas. The variety of products include, painted and etched saws, bird houses, bird feeders, custom signs, towels, shirts and jewelry.
From previously selling her products at the Harrison Farmers Market, she has made a lot of vendor contacts and offers their products in the shop, too.
Customers can order online and she regularly ships to seven different states. Some of the gift sets have Harrison grown loofahs with seeds, in case they want to grow their own. She also doesn’t mind delivering in the Harrison area if needed.
“I always wanted to do my own business, but never thought I’d make my own skin care products,” she said. “So I make salt scrubs, sugar scrubs. creams, lotions, lip balms, hand sanitizers, and beard oils. Customers enjoy being able to customize their products. They don’t have to take what I make. If I don’t have the fragrance, I can usually get it. The pipe tobacco and leather fragrances are very popular with the men.”
A Christmas Kick-Off Party is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 6. Hot cocoa, popcorn, sweet treats and a Christmas ornament to paint will be offered to customers.
HoneyPot Scrubs & Such Gift Shop is located at 769 State Hwy. 86 in Ridgedale, Missouri. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. Everything in the shop is !00% handmade. “You won’t find anything made in China here,” she laughed. Visit http://bitly.ws/jeNV or call 870-577-4255.
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