Firebird in the New York Times! March 27 2014, 19 Comments
When someone contacts you and asks if you'd like to be interviewed for the New York Times, you don't say no. I mean come on- it's the New York Times!
I was told it was a "trend piece" about "beauty products on Etsy" and the reporter seemed genuinely interested in this whole "underground" beauty culture that she never knew existed. Our interview was conducted over the phone while I was driving back from vacation in the Outer Banks last summer, and the signal kept cutting out as we drove through areas without reception, so the conversation was a little stilted and I came away from it feeling like there was a lot more I would have liked to have said.
The article came out today- you can read it here. While I'm certainly grateful for the exposure (and look at that huge picture of me! ack!) I am pretty disappointed with the content. I've been speaking to Rhonda from Erzulie Cosmetics, who was also featured, and she feels similarly conflicted.
It not that it was an unflattering portrayal of either of us- it wasn't. And I wouldn't expect any article to be all sunshine and roses- it's not an advertisement. But the second half of the article presents a very biased and one-sided perspective. In our interview, I addressed virtually all of the points the author brings up- yet my perspective on those issues is mostly absent. The impression it gives me is that she approached the article with a certain point of view (a different one than she led me to believe, for the record) and then chose quotes and information to support her perspective, ignoring anything that didn't. Which- this is a column, yes? It's more editorial? So she's free to do that, I suppose.
But it's disappointing. I feel like I can't share this article in good faith without attempting to address some of the the inaccuracies and misleading statements in it. So I'm going to do that here. I'm going to start at the bottom of the article and work my way back up, because that happens to be how I would rank the strength of my objections from least to greatest!
"The goods sold on Etsy can disappear overnight" (Noella Beauty)
I do not know Jackie from Noella Beauty and I have no idea why she appears to have closed her Etsy shop and shut down her business. People close their businesses for all sorts of reasons- I think it would be disrespectful to speculate. But we were interviewed for this article EIGHT months ago. The only other contact I received from the author was an email three days ago to fact check my sales numbers and let me know the article would be running today.
You've probably read some of the statistics reporting that more than half of small businesses fail in their first few years- some sources say as many as 8 out of 10. That one of the three businesses profiled for this article closed sometime in the last 8 months is not only unremarkable- it's statistically very likely. And it's hardly an "overnight disappearance." The author could have acknowledged this fact or omitted Noella Beauty from the article, or simply added a post script that the business had since closed- that she chose instead to salaciously imply that all of us could disappear at any time (as if that weren't true of ANY business, internet based OR brick and mortar) speaks to a bias that comes through in much of the article.
"Although problems are rare, they can arise" (Glittersniffer)
Or rather, they arose once. Three years ago. And never before. And not since.
We all cringe when Glittersniffer is brought up. It was an awful situation. Again, I don't know Lela, I've never spoken to her, I was made aware of the situation the same way everyone else was- through blog posts and social media. If you're not familiar you can probably do some googling and get the background on the story. Essentially, a mineral makeup seller was discovered to be using colorants in some of her eye shadows (neon soap dyes, I believe- don't quote me on that) that were not meant to be used in leave-on products or around the eyes. People had some skin reactions. There was a big scandal, with accusations and coverups and drama and witch hunting (certainly justified, but still. You know how the internet is.)
It was ugly. And it was disturbing both to buyers ("how can I trust that the products I'm buying are safe?") and sellers ("how are we ever going to get customers to trust us after this?")
What Glittersniffer did was HIGHLY irresponsible and dangerous. I don't believe (and if you know otherwise, please correct me) that any serious injuries or lawsuits came out of the scandal, and all parties involved are extremely lucky for that. It could have been a lot worse.
But I think the fact that this was an isolated incident speaks volumes. If this was something that happened all the time- if handmade beauty product sellers regularly used unapproved ingredients and harmed people- you'd be hearing about it. The way the Glitternsiffer scandal grew from some rumblings and questions from customers on some message boards to a full-blown Internet Scandal that shut down the business is a great reminder that we do not live in an era where things like this can slip by unnoticed. The investigative powers of groups of people on the internet are quite a thing to behold. And their mob justice is swift and vicious.
The fact is, for many of us this is our livelihood. We take it seriously. One lawsuit from a customer could easily ruin any of us (not just our business, but our lives), not to mention the p.r. fallout that even a hint of wrongdoing would bring. The risk of making unsafe products is so very great, and the reward is… what, exactly? If there was anyone who didn't take those risks seriously before, surely this opened their eyes.
"The 'ick' factor"
Here's where the author's bias becomes clear. It's pretty telling that she chose only to include quotes from a dermatologist (who is obviously unfamiliar with handmade beauty products) and none of the responses and counterpoints that Rhonda and I made addressing those sort of concerns, or comments from experts on our side of the fence (a spokesperson from our trade organization, for example), or comments from customers who are actually buying these products.
"Some people are just grossed out by the concept of buying makeup that has been made at someone’s kitchen table." "You don’t know …how clean the person’s kitchen table is.”
Of course, as Rhonda from Erzulie Cosmetics and I both explained in our interviews, we don't work at our kitchen tables. Like virtually all of the soap and cosmetics sellers I know on Etsy, we have dedicated workspaces purely for manufacturing our products. We follow the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practices as much as we are able with the space and equipment we have. We keep up with regulations and labeling laws. We take cleanliness and the health of our customers extremely seriously. I come from a food service background and regularly apply my knowledge and experience with sanitation, avoiding cross contamination, keeping a clean workspace, proper storage of ingredients, and so on.
We are professionals and we conduct our businesses professionally. And the author was given plenty of information about that, which she chose to ignore in favor of this narrative about kitchen tables. (Because. The ick factor!)
"It’s like what your mother told you: don’t share makeup with your friends,” In a worst-case scenario, Dr. Baxt said, consumers could contract pink eye, a staph infection or contact dermatitis (effectively, a rash). “This could happen with regular makeup, too, but at least you know what is in it and how it was made,” she said."
Setting aside the fact that the dermatologist quoted seems confused about the difference between USED cosmetics (which could certainly give you pink eye or a staph infection, if the person who used them before you had either of those conditions) and handmade products (does she think we are scooping ingredients with our fingers and smearing them on our faces before we make them into lip balm?), the last part is the most telling to me.
You guys are Etsy shoppers, so I think you know where I'm going to go with this.
"[With commercial products] at least you know what is in it and how it was made"
Alright. Deep breath. Have you ever read a statement that so bluntly misses the entire point? I explained all this to the author (not that you'd guess it from the article!) when she asked me why I did what I did, so I will address myself instead to the dermatologist.
Ms. Baxt, let me introduce you to a little website called Etsy.com, and this cultural phenomena known as the handmade movement. We are living in a consumer culture that is heavily invested in the disconnection of makers and users, buyers and sellers. We shop at big box stores, where every item inside was assembled in distant factories overseas by countless pairs of hands attached to people we know nothing about, who know nothing about us. We buy our meat from the grocery store, in hermetically sealed packets of styrofoam and plastic, carved into little cutlets that bear no resemblance to the animal from whence they came. Where do things come from? They come from the store. Before that, they come the factory. Before that- who knows. Who cares?
I suppose I can't blame you for your squeamishness. We are so disconnected from the sources of things and how they are made that the idea of someone else's hands touching the products we buy can seem gross and wrong to people. Nevermind that every time you eat at a restaurant, multiple pairs of human hands have touched your food, and that yes, in the factory those commercial cosmetics have been handled too. You don't see those, so you can ignore them.
But you see, there are a lot of people out there who are dissatisfied with this system. People who are seeking a deeper level of connection to the things they buy and use, and with the people who make them. People who want to buy their meat from the farmer and not the megamart. People who want to buy something made by someone, not just manufactured somewhere.
Do you really know more about what's in that lipstick you bought at Sephora than the soap you bought from me? Do you know more about how and where it was made? Who do you think cares more about you as a customer, your safety, the quality of your product- the assembly line worker at the cosmetics plant and the sales associate who takes your money at the store? Or the sole proprietor who designs, makes, packages and ships and corresponds with you directly, whose entire livelihood depends on your happiness as a customer and your willingness to return and purchase again and spread the word about my company?
These handmade products- you worry because you don't know who has touched them? Oh, but you do.
Here I am. These are my hands. This is my workspace. This is where your lip balm is made. You know exactly where my products have been and how they were made because I am right here to show you and tell you and answer your questions. Do you really think you know more about the products you buy at Sephora?
Rob Kalin, the founder of Etsy, once described the site's mission this way, and it still pretty much sums it all up for me:
"Etsy's marketplace is a community. At the heart of every transaction is a direct relationship between the maker and the buyer.
We, the members of this community, join together to earn a living from what we make and to support those who make things. Our vision is to build a new economy and present a better choice: Buy Handmade. Cradled in our community, our intention is to support the independent artist and create viable alternatives to mass-produced objects in the world's marketplace.
With the Industrial Revolution we lost the connection between producer and consumer; we no longer know who makes our daily bread, our clothes or our furniture.
We are using the Web to reconnect: to once again allow the producer and the consumer to know each other; to swing the pendulum back to a time when we bought our bread from the baker, food from the grocer, and shoes from the cobbler.
Through the forging of friendships and with a commitment to hard work, our community and our cause will prosper."
To which I would add (with a few more borrowed words): if you have to ask why this is important you're not going to understand the answer anyway.
Comments
Whitney Miller on April 29 2015 at 12:02PM
I know this was posted a year ago but I am just seeing it now and have to say that I love your products. I hated perfumes before discovering your amazing oils. I sing your praises to everyone- I love it! Please do not ever stop making the blood cedar scent because it is heavenly! Thank you for being wonderful!
francesdanger on April 04 2014 at 11:14PM
Brooke, I am very glad you took the time to address the issues inherent in the article. It was biased and the facts regarding GlitterSniffer in particular weren’t correct, all of which would have been verifiable by the author and NYT. I reached out to the section editor to ask for corrections regarding GS and included supporting information from both the GS Complaints blog as well as the FDA site.
It was disappointing to see that GS was being held as representative of the entire indie makeup community and there was little to no effort to educate consumers on how to purchase safely and with confidence. All in all I find it sloppy journalism and it is my sincere hope that the NYT issues the corrections I requested. The GS debacle did enough harm to handmade cosmetics. There is no reason that extraordinary, but unconscionable, situation should still reverberate.
And for the record, no lawsuits were ever filed over the GS recall, though there are women I am still in contact with who have sensitivities to eye products since using GS, and yes, besides using unapproved colorants Lela knowingly sold soap dyes and luminscents in collections.
Christine on April 01 2014 at 07:38AM
Brooke,
I just want to say – GREAT response and for crafting a very clear points as a handmade manufacturer!
Donna Maria Coles Johnson on March 29 2014 at 08:28PM
Hi Brooke! Thank you for calling my attention to your response, which is very well thought out indeed. It’s exciting that the New York Times has taken notice of the fact that fabulous handmade products like yours can be purchased on etsy. That is a good sign right there, that one of the world’s most well respected media outlets thinks enough of handmade products to devote its precious editorial resources to it. And what a great opportunity for you to open an ongoing dialog with the newspaper, its readers, and the reporter for this story.
I see more positive notes too, including the mention in the first part of the article about a very satisfied customer of an etsy shop. W00T! Also, you and the products made by your company are well photographed and well represented, and your work area looks clean and organized in the shot of you. (Loving the blue hair!) That’s an important big deal, so kudos to you for representing so well. Thanks for linking to the Indie Business Network in your article too … it’s such an honor to serve you. (For the record, the reporter never reached out to IBN.)
As for the part of the article that disappoints you, it’s really to be expected. Even though I know that may not help much with how you feel, I think it’s really an attempt by the reporter to create an article that gives readers a positive viewpoint, accompanied by a caution. It would have been nice if the reporter had said it was a one-time thing with the mineral makeup company, but there really would have been no way for her to verify that. It’s a great opportunity for you to make your etsy shop stand out even more … by mentioning that you study and follow FDA regulations. It’s not a guarantee of anything, but if that’s important to you and it serves your customers well, it’s a positive point to make.
As you point out, the potential for an “ick” factor applies to any business, not just etsy ones. Likewise, Dr. Baxt’s comments apply to any company, not just etsy ones. I join you in wishing that had been made clear. Her comments do not respect the fact that you and plenty of other etsy sellers are business women, not just kitchen table crafters. There are plenty of both on etsy as we all know, and hopefully, this article will draw more attention to the former than the latter.
I love that you are standing out by employing good manufacturing practices, following FDA regulations, and running your business like a BUSINESS, and not a fun craft project. I commend you for that. Knowing exactly what is in your products, and having systematized production practices are important when making and selling any consumer product. From what I can see, you and the owner of Erzulie are setting a great example for all beauty-preneurs, on etsy and elsewhere.
Blaze your trail girl! This is a nice job all the way around. Now heading off to your etsy shop to buy me something and celebrate with you!
:)
dM (Donna Maria)
Founder and CEO, Indie Business Network
Annie Konarska on March 28 2014 at 01:03AM
Amazing response! An argument much more credible than that of the bitter, biased article. Keep doing what you’re doing!
Roxana on March 28 2014 at 12:40AM
Brooke, your amazing on so many levels! The handmade and niche body care community is lucky to have such an eloquent, smart lady.
Lisa Marino on March 27 2014 at 08:25PM
I’ve bought from you and felt completely safe in doing so. You put out a stellar product.
I feel you handled the article fairly. I do think it was biased and off-base/off-point. Truth is, I have no clue how most Sephora products are made and I do not feel safer buying that way.
Truly, it’s all a crap shoot. However, I have had no bad experiences on Etsy except with jewelry items that were too small and had to be returned. Never with soap, lip balm, or your amazing sugar scrub cubes. I’ve even bought sweets to celebrate a birthday and they were a huge hit. From what I have seen, everyone is adhering to rules and regulations. At least 90% of the people I have bought from are people I will return to.
Bard Judith on March 27 2014 at 08:20PM
What a beautifully- written, reasoned yet passionate response. These are the hands in handmade. This the reality of being an informed consumer. That the truth of making healthy choices. Thank you.
Adriana on March 27 2014 at 06:20PM
Great job in responding. I agree that many points were missed and not understood and it left a need for clarity because most of us doing this are very clear and very transparent when it comes to our process and what we put into our handmade products – much more so than big name companies that’s for sure. These days they can just slap an “organic” or a “natural” label on their products and that makes it more desirable and closer to nature. But the stuff is still made with mostly unpronounceable, chemical ingredients. The thought and attention to detail are not there and the connection between the maker and the buyer aren’t there either. Bravo Brooke! :)
Cara on March 27 2014 at 05:59PM
Brooke,
Bravo! You presented an amazing rebuttal to an absurd and biased article. I’m sorry she was so unwilling to listen or deliver both sides of the story. But most level-headed consumers will see through her bias. You are very eloquent in your response and I’m proud to know you and love your products as well.
Rhonda Demars on March 27 2014 at 04:57PM
Brooke I agree with you 100%. Dermatologists will always be biased because of the perks they receive from companies.
They were right we are a niche market but this trend is not a flash in the pan… it’s here to stay.
Don’t we deserve better than what commercial brands have to offer? Don’t we deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. Aren’t we tired of being duped and lied to with false claims and ingredients being left off the labels. The answer is yes!
I have good will with my customers and I have never had any issues regarding the safety and quality of my products.
I have never had anything out of stock either and I have a private website that offers wholesale and private label.
I’m not working out of my kitchen as you mentioned in this fabulous response. There are two kinds of people in this world… The one’s who get and the one’s who don’t. When are people going to realize that these companies, ect. do not have their backs? Thank goodness for my wonderful customers and their love and support. Your an amazing talent Brooke and your conviction is unstoppable. I am even more honored to be able to share this with you.
Lina B on March 27 2014 at 03:58PM
Great response, Brooke. Obviously the article was meant to illustrate the site in a negative. The “ick” factor is absurd. What about drugstore makeup? Customers unseal products all the time, rubbing lipsticks on their hands, etc. At least when dealing with a private seller you can address the seller directly if there is a problem. I think that’s preferable to dealing with a billion dollar company.
I wish you continued success—you’re one of my favorites and I tell people about your shop regularly!
Lina
Stephanie on March 27 2014 at 03:51PM
What a wonderful response – enjoyed reading this very much.
As a maker (not of cosmetics) I can find a deep camaraderie within your passion for making a product that is wonderfully usable (& safe) for the end user.
Melissa polomsky on March 27 2014 at 03:38PM
Love your response… :) good luck with your shop in the future!
Mel from www.etsy.com/shop/theartwerks <3
Brooke on March 27 2014 at 03:37PM
Thanks you guys for your support- it means a lot! ♥
anne on March 27 2014 at 03:30PM
Bravo, Brooke! These are exactly the reasons why I have been buying your products for years, as well as those from other Etsy shops, and will continue to do so. A lovely response to an unfortunate article.
sara villari on March 27 2014 at 03:23PM
Such an eloquent response. I’m sorry you have to deal with the frustration of the biases in this article – the last thing small, independent business owners have is spare time to correct inaccuracies in major press articles. A very graceful response to a hard place to be – kudos!
Lauren D on March 27 2014 at 03:14PM
Yes! Well addressed, so sorry the article took that turn. They may not get it now but there is hope, we can see more people understanding the handmade movement. It’s not slapdash it’s artisan.
Margaret F on March 27 2014 at 02:37PM
Lovely response! I felt myself nodding along with all of your points. And now I want to buy something from you :) you seem so intelligent and well spoken.