My Biggest Order Ever: 300 Bee Balms for Tallow-Rendering Folks!

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at My Biggest Bloom Order Ever

So far, this blog has focused on general topics like the history of tallow in skincare and tips for choosing the right tallow balm for you. But if you've found me here, I also want you to know that Bloom is more than just products—it’s a very small and personal business! Every single item is handcrafted by me, while my husband takes care of the techy stuff (like this website and helping with label designs). It’s truly a team of two—and sometimes three, now that my daughter is old enough to help label jars.

With that in mind, I think it’s only natural for this blog to feel personal too. I know I always enjoy reading “behind the scenes” stories, so I hope you do too! If you know me, you know I’m also a blogger at heart, and I love how this little corner of the website fits into our handcrafted brand. Today, I want to share a "behind the scenes" look at my biggest Bloom order to date and how it has inspired me this year.

Small Batches and a Big Order

Ever since Bloom began, I’ve always crafted products in small, carefully curated batches. The most practical reason? I’m just one person working in a small space with limited inventory storage. But beyond that, small batches allow me to ensure every product’s quality. Sometimes, I even customize items for individuals.

For example, I love lavender oil (it’s the scent that launched Bloom!), but not everyone does. Occasionally, I’ll be asked to make a product for someone who wants more, less, or none of a particular ingredient like lavender oil, and I’m always happy to oblige. I've even dabbled in creating custom-designed fragrances for close friends and family—something I’d love to do more of!

This level of small-batch, personalized business has been such a blessing to me. Now, that may sound a little syrupy, but I mean it! I genuinely love crafting items for people, imagining where they’re going, and hoping they send out a little good into the world.

Being creative is my jam, but making self-care products is especially satisfying—like baking, it’s a creative action that fills a practical, everyday need. And yes, it makes me feel like a Christmas elf, which was always my number 1 job option! (And is extra fun around the holidays).

The Queen of Rendering

This autumn, I received my biggest order ever, and truthfully, the whole experience felt magical. It all started at the end of summer, when I got a small Bee Balm order from (let’s call her “J”) in Birmingham. J is the mom of a friend of mine, A, who I met through my longtime bestie, C. I've known J for years, but I have only probably actually connected with her in real life a handful of times. However, she's the kind of person who leaves a deep impression with her warmth and authentic spirit. She also has a fairy godmother vibe, but the cool, sassy kind—like Helena Bonham Carter or Whitney Houston played it.

All that to say, J is “good people.” (Yes, I know that’s not grammatically correct, but that’s how we say it here in the South.) When she received her Bee Balm order, she messaged me to say she loved it. That alone made me happy, but imagine my surprise when she revealed something else: Not only is she an entrepreneur—her family owns a fantastic coffee shop—but she’s also, apparently, The Queen of Rendering.

Let me explain.

During our conversation, I learned that J's husband is the Vice President of the North American Tallow Renderers Association, where he’s worked for decades. As you might gather from the name, this organization is for people who really know their tallow. And apparently, I’d just shipped my handcrafted Bee Balm to none other than “The Queen of Rendering”—a woman deeply connected to the heart of the tallow industry.

I was so flattered that she loved my balm, given her royal background in tallow and her impeccable taste.

But then came the big twist: J wanted to know if I could do a large order for attendees of the North American Tallow Renderers Association convention—all 300 of them!

I had never attempted anything 1/10th that large at once, but of course, I said, "YES!!!!"

Bee Balm | 100% Grass-Fed Whipped Tallow Balm

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Baby Steps

How do you fill an order for 300 when you're used to making batches of 5-10? Baby steps.

Over the next few weeks, I got busy ordering materials and making small batches of whipped tallow balms whenever time allowed. The consistent rhythm naturally streamlined my small-batch process.

And here’s what I learned: It is entirely possible to fulfill large orders with great care. In fact, I really loved it!

For me, crafting is therapeutic. As a homeschooling mom, this often looks like early mornings or late nights after the kids are in bed, listening to an audiobook while labeling jars. Those quiet moments of creating are so rewarding, especially when there’s a clear goal in sight.

When I made my last Bee Balm for this large order, it was such a satisfying feeling! We had to celebrate with some photos—that’s a LOT of Bee Balm!

Delivery and Celebration

Instead of shipping this large order, I decided to deliver it in person to J’s house in Birmingham. It was a fun little trip that also gave me a chance to visit my bestie, C, and celebrate this milestone with her. We even capped off the trip by listening to some live music (The Arcadian Wild)!

After the convention, I heard from J that the Bee Balms were widely enjoyed and appreciated, which made my heart so full—especially given the audience!

Thoughts Going Forward

This experience taught me that I can take on bigger tasks while remaining true to my small-business standards. It’s all about pacing myself and staying consistent.

I also learned some practical lessons, like:

• Always research your “free” QR code supplier to avoid unexpected charges.

• Invest in an e-commerce website sooner rather than later.

• Generally speaking, invest as much as possible where it's worth it. When you can't, plan a way to do so.

Looking back, starting this business with zero start-up funds during a tough financial time was a bold move, but it’s been worth every challenge. I’m grateful for the blessings Bloom has brought—not just financially but also relationally and emotionally.

Going into 2025, I’m hoping and praying for more opportunities to grow creatively as a maker, take on new challenges, and use Bloom as a ministry whenever I can.

Open to Customizations and Bulk Requests

I am also going to be more open to bulk and custom orders: including custom scents for weddings or gifts (I'm currently talking to an AirBnB owner about doing custom creations for her spaces---another post for a future time!) Whether you’re looking for a personalized fragrance, a bulk order for a special event, or a unique product made just for you, feel free to reach out. Creating for you is truly the heart of Bloom, and I’d be thrilled to make something special for you.

Thank you for being part of this journey! Cheers to good things in 2025!