This spring, I joined the Liberty University Makers Market as a student vendor. What began as a simple class assignment quickly turned into a meaningful and memorable entrepreneurial experience. For one of my major courses, we were challenged to create a product or service and test it in a real-world setting. Naturally, I chose something close to home—literally.
My idea grew out of my small homestead lifestyle and a desire to use natural, low-waste ingredients. Because of this, I developed a whipped tallow lotion made from brisket fat I rendered and purified myself. Tallow has been used for centuries as a rich, nourishing moisturizer. Not only is it highly effective, but it’s also sustainably sourced. Surprisingly, most people don’t realize that tallow is simply beef fat. However, when rendered properly, it becomes creamy, odorless, and ideal for sensitive skin. To enhance its appeal, I added essential oils for a light, natural scent and whipped it to a smooth, airy texture.
Once the product was complete, I shifted my focus to branding and marketing. First, I designed clean, rustic labels that reflected my values—simplicity, sustainability, and intentional living. Then, for packaging, I selected small, reusable glass jars and created hand-drawn logos to keep the aesthetic personal and handmade. On market day, I built a warm, inviting display using layered wood crates, soft green cloths, and clearly written signage explaining my process, ingredients, and purpose. In order to make purchasing easy, I priced jars based on size.
Tabling at the market quickly became the most rewarding part of the project. Throughout the day, I had the chance to share my story—of homesteading, handcrafting, and bringing traditional methods into modern skincare. Many visitors stopped by, intrigued by the idea of tallow. Because of their curiosity, I was able to engage in thoughtful conversations, answer detailed questions, and explain the benefits of this old-fashioned yet effective ingredient. By the end of the event, I had sold out of my smaller jars and made meaningful connections with customers.
Looking back, this experience helped me grow not only as a maker but also as a communicator and entrepreneur. I learned how to present an idea, craft a brand, and connect with real people—starting with something I already do in my everyday life. More importantly, it showed me that meaningful work often begins with simple, familiar routines—especially when paired with creativity and care.
If you’ve ever wondered about turning a simple practice into a product, I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever tried tallow lotion? Would you?
Want to learn more about the product? Click here!