Some pop-up events are about sales.

Some are about community.

This one was about both.

As the founder of HumbleGlow Collections, one of my favorite things about attending pop-up events is the opportunity to connect with people face-to-face. While online orders are always appreciated, nothing compares to hearing someone’s story, learning about their skincare concerns, and helping them find products that may work for their unique needs.

Throughout the day, I had conversations with people struggling with dry skin, sensitive skin, and skin that never quite feels comfortable no matter how many products they try.

One of the biggest topics that came up was dry skin.

Many people are surprised to learn that dry skin isn’t always caused by a lack of moisturizer. Sometimes it begins with repeatedly disrupting the skin’s natural ability to retain water and moisture. These conversations reminded me why education will always be a part of what we do.

Months ago, I started formulating skincare because of my own skin concerns. What started as a personal journey eventually became HumbleGlow Collections and our NurseCrafted™ Skincare line.

Today, helping others better understand their skin has become one of the most rewarding parts of that journey.

One customer conversation in particular stayed with me long after the event ended.

We were discussing how many handmade soaps can look very similar on the outside. I explained that many of our products are made with USDA organic oils and thoughtfully selected ingredients that often cost more than conventional alternatives.

Then she said something I’ll never forget.

“You could charge $14–15 a bar and people would still buy it because of how it makes their skin feel.”

That statement meant so much to me because it wasn’t about the packaging, the label, or even the ingredients themselves.

It was about the experience.

While I could choose to price our products higher, I intentionally keep our 5 oz bars around the $10 range because I believe quality skincare should deliver value while remaining accessible to everyday people.

At HumbleGlow, we’re not trying to be the cheapest option. We’re trying to offer the most value through thoughtful formulation, quality ingredients, and products people genuinely enjoy using.

Another favorite moment happened with our CocoShea Body Crème.

A customer stopped by and immediately fell in love with our Coconut Vanilla scent after trying the products at our booth.

Unfortunately, I had already sold out of that scent at the event.

When I asked if she was local, she told me she knew about Bristol Bazaar. I explained that I might have one remaining Coconut Vanilla body crème on my shelf there.

She said she’d stop by.

Later that evening, I received my sales report from the store.

The last Coconut Vanilla body crème had sold.

Maybe it was her. Maybe it wasn’t.

But moments like these remind me how important local partnerships are and how meaningful it is to have our products available beyond a single event.

What makes the story even better?

This is our first summer selling our CocoShea Winter Body Crème, and it’s still one of our fastest-moving products.

Maybe “Winter” was never really about the season.

Maybe it was always about creating deep hydration for skin that needs support all year long.

Beyond the products and sales, this event was filled with simple acts of kindness.

I connected with fellow makers and small business owners. I met customers who trusted us enough to try our products and bring them home. A lemonade vendor generously shared free lemonade. A neighboring vendor gifted my daughter digital printed fidgets that absolutely made her day. The event coordinators and their family not only created a wonderful event but also chose to support our small business.

Those moments matter.

They remind me that small business isn’t just about transactions.

It’s about relationships.

It’s about education.

It’s about community.

It’s about creating products with purpose and connecting with people who appreciate the care behind them.

To everyone who stopped by our booth, asked questions, shared your skincare story, tried our products, made a purchase, or simply took the time to chat—thank you.

Your support means more than you know.

And while this pop-up is over, we’re already working on something meaningful behind the scenes that we hope to share with you soon.

With gratitude,

Verly Joy Bancud, BSN, RN

Founder, HumbleGlow Collections

NurseCrafted™ Skincare