At the Alabama Soap & Candle Convention, there was a question from the back of the room after my talk. A small business owner asked, “What was the moment when you knew you had really made it? When you had arrived?“
Demonstrating how to make soap with alternative liquids during the Alabama Soap & Candle Convention. Photo via the Alabama Soap& Candle Association Facebook.
I didn’t say this from the stage – and I wish I had – but I never fully exhale. I never think I’ve arrived. I never feel like I can relax and sit back on my laurels and start only working part-time. Every day is a challenge and I never quit worrying, no matterย how much it looks like we’ve “arrived” looking from the outside in.
What I did say was that the moment I felt like a ‘real’ company was when Bramble Berry sold kits on the Home Shopping Network eight years ago. It required the Bramble Berry team to pull together like never before – to achieve what seemed impossible – delivering high quality kits to Home Shopping Network in a high volume at an impossibly low margin.
That was the moment that I had to take a leap and actually, really truly, for the first time, learn how to delegate and to truly let go. After all, I had to fly to Florida to be the on-air spokesperson for Bramble Berry. I couldn’t be there to deal with all the details of the pallets and pallets of soapmaking kits let alone the day-to-day operations of shipping out normal Bramble Berry orders. Below, you can watch the video of one of my visits to the Home Shopping Network.
Delegation was an area I was struggling with (and, still struggle with). It seems impossibly difficult to delegate, to let go, to let someone do something that you thought only you could do. After all, no one loves your baby like you do, right? The embarrassing revelation is that it’sย ego that tells you that you are the ONLY one that can do something and ultimately, that ego and ability to let go is what will hold the business back. Being gone for a week and really being gone (no checking emails while you’re on air!) forced me to confront, process and let go.
Being on Home Shopping Network let my team really shine. They did all of the details to make the 7 shows I did on live TV work and, with me out of the picture, they performed better than I could have ever encouraged and prodded them to. They are people that are impossibly talented, so much more than I am, in many areas.
I just had to get out of the way and give them a chance to show me that.
That was the day – the week – that I felt like a “real company”. I’d love to know if you have any breakthrough moments that inspired you or made you feel like you had reached a milestone with your company. Comment below and I’ll randomly pick one commenter to get a fragrance collection of our four newest fragrances in the 3.5/4 oz. size: Flower Child, Pure Honey, Green Fig and Island Escape.
For me, I’ve had a lot of small “I made it” moments, and I hope that continues to happen. When we got our first Etsy soap sale my family and I all told each other “we’ve made it!” Then the person left lovely feedback and we all told each other “we’ve made it!” all over again. Same thing when we first got an international order, when we started being featured in international subscription boxes, you get the idea. ๐
Most recently my “we’ve made it” moment was teaching my mom to layer soap . After she and I had finalised the custom order she turned to me and said “we’ve never done anything like this! We’ve made it!”
I hope to continue to have those small and large milestone moments as our business grows. ๐
I love what you just said because it really shows the power of small celebrations to help propel you to your greater goal. Recognizing milestones when they come and having the insight to actually stop and recognize them makes going through those peaks and valleys more bearable, doesn’t it? =) Congratulations on ALL of your milestones… XXOO
I… haven’t gotten there. I love making soap, and sold it to family and friends for their holiday gifts one year. Then… suddenly, it became something I HAD to do. It became work. I know there is that adage that “if you do something you love, it is never work.” Unfortunately for me, if I love doing something but start having to meet deadlines, fill orders, etc., I stop liking it. Now, the only deadlines I make are “Mom’s birthday” or “Christmas,” and even those are extremely flexible to me. If I have some laying around and a friend wants some for their gifts, I’ll sell it… but I doubt I’ll ever try to make a business out of my hobbies.
That is the classic entrepreneurial dilemma isn’t it? Loving the creative side but that detail and deadline side really grating and being less fun I’m glad you’re still making soap though – and now you know if you ever wanted to make it into a business that you’d want a strong second who would love handling those deadlines and details and augment your strengths. It’s great that you’re having fun making soap and that you’ve found the place where you have joy doing it =)
Funny. I know the moment quite exactly. We have a family shop and e-shop based in Prague, Czech Republic, with cosmetics, soaps, decorations and gifts called Almara Shop. Almara in Czech means an old cupboard – and that exactly is the style thst we love, all the rustic and country style. Since it’s a normal word, we cannot have copyrighted our name. We founded the e-shop first, after 5 years we opened a shop which was a huge milestone indeed. We have over 12k fans on Facebook gained without any coin invested, we have over 11k followers on Pinterest (usually, Czech companies are super successful if they reach 1000). I still dont know how I managed to get them, I suppose I am a super great and talented marketer, but … we still are the same small family business as the one we started 6 years ago. We have great placements of our products in printed magazines, still I kinda dont realize thst we ARE really big – because practically we aren’t. 3 people, parents and a daughter and 5 cats :)))
But what I wanted to say mainly – I got the impression that we mean something when I found out there was another e-shop using Almara name!!! Lol! They named it La Almara and were claiming that they never heard of us and surely didn’t mean to be competitors… But I of course don’t believe it – we are too big not get noticed :)))
Anyway, I must say that although we all three love our work and regard it mostly for the fact it is just OURS, there would be time to be able to delegate and to hire some people (but who, how, where..??). We could be even bigger if we were able to split our work and tasks among a larger team. We simply don’t have time neither capacity or ability to do everything ourselves and it is harming us, I am sure. Need to work on this somehow. Still, its our baby and we are extremely jealous and protective ;))
My biggest accomplishment for me now would be to become a successful soapmaker ๐
The first time my business started feeling like a real company was the first time I was able to contribute to my family’s budget. A few years ago I had the privilege of becoming a stay-at-home mom. I was in need of a creative outlet and eventually I stumbled across soap making (your bath bomb cupcake blog popped up while googling cupcake decorating techniques lol) My families skin benefited greatly from the natural ingredients in my soaps. Soon my family started encouraging me to sell it!
My business still has a long way to go. I set up at a lot of craft shows and fleamarket. I sell my products out of five stores in local towns. I have a lot of support from family and friends. They push me to keep going and to follow my dreams. My goal is to someday have my own shop! I have learned so much from watching your videos and reading your blogs. I love your brambleberry products! Thank you!!
That’s great, I would love to be such a successful soapmaker ๐ but I am patient, I believe I’ll get there one day top. Soapimg is so addictive ๐
I’m always on the grind, making things happen, however when i look back i see the progress from where we were to where we are, and although we’re not there yet we are well on the way, Patience, hard work and and passion for all things soaping.
I’d have to say that my breakthrough moment was realizing that that I could actually create products that people love to use and appreciate the items I’ve created. It’s very gratifying and it feels like I’ve accomplished something unique and one of a kind. All the best feeling of all is when my costumers come back to order more soap or lotion bars or to see what new products I have made. And I want to thank you Anne Marie because you helped me to get where I am today. Thank you ๐
Isn’t repeat business great? It’s the best vote of confidence in you, your business and your products! =)
My boyfriend and I had a common interest in crafting and we use to do melt and pour for fun. One day, a church asked us to do a fundraiser and that’s when he decided to jump into cold process and we started a small business that quickly flourished. Due to his unexpected departure, the business quickly faded due to the fact I never made the soap, I just kept up with inventory and wholesale orders. Two years went by, and I had decided to move from our home. I found all of his soap making equipment and decided to take some of it with me (most had gone past expiration) I started to watch YouTube videos on CP soap making and bought your book Soap Crafting. When my father went into Hospice, I would read my book as I sat with him and we would watch videos together. He encouraged me to start soaping; he thought it would help lift my spirits. When he passed, thatโs when I knew I needed something in my life and started to order supplies. Everything from bath fizzies, to CP and M&P soaps, lotions, all the items I had helped my boyfriend sell to stores, farmers markets, craft shows, etc. I’m enjoying it so much; I have decided to open bussiness. That’s when I knew life was too short to not have gratification in what you do. Even it’s your job, and work 13 hours a day at it, it still something you enjoyed doing in the beginning. When my 3 year old son was helping me make bath bombs, and I thought how much I had struggled to find happiness, through the difficulties life has thrown my way, that’s when I took a breath and thought, this is what I want to do!!
Your story takes my breath away; you’ve had such tragedy and loss yet continued to soldier on and move forward. That is a true picture of tenacity, drive and determination.
I am so glad that you are making new memories with your son and more importantly, forging a real business that honors your history while making your future more stable.
I feel so lucky to have found something I love and is intensely gratifying for me and it sounds like you’ve found that thing to – and, isn’t it amazing that it’s helping to pay the bills and bring joy.
I’m so happy you commented. It means so much to me that I helped you learn how to make soap. =)
My boyfriend and I had a common intrest in crafting and we use to do melt and pour for fun. One day, a church asked us to do a fundrasier and that’s when he decided to jump into cold process and we started a small bussiness that quickly flourished. Due to his unexpected depature,the business quickly faded due to the fact I never made the soap, I just kept up with inventory and wholesale orders. Two years went by, and I had decided to move from our home. I found all of his soapmaking equipment and decided to take some of it with me (most had gone past experation) I started to watch youtube videos on CP soapmaking and bought your book Soap Crafting. When my father went into Hospice, I would read my book as I sat with him and we would watch videos together. He encourged me to start soaping, and thought it would help lift my spirts. When he passed, thats when I knew I needed something in my life and started to order supplies. Everything from bath fizzies, to CP and M&P soaps, lotions, all the items I had helped my boyfriend sell to stores, farmers markets, craft shows, etc. I’m enjoying it so much I have decided to open another bussiness. That’s when I knew life was too short and even if it’s your job and you work 13 hours a day at it, it still something you enjoyed doing in the beginning. When my 3 year old son was helping me make bath bombs, and I thought how much I had struggled to find happiness, through the difficulties life has thrown my way, that’s when I took a breath and thought this is what I want to do!!
Hi Christina!
Can you email me at [email protected]?
Thank you! ๐
When I started feeling that I was a business was a trifecta of events. My order load it seemed over night started to increase. People started telling me they love my products and want to see more. Last of all my business started paying for itself and every time I seen something I wanted for my business it came from my business funds not my personal account. That made me feel the most accomplished. I still have a long way to go but I know I am here to stay. ๐
Oh wow, that is awesome. I love hearing that people are giving you positive comments while at the same time also voting with their wallets by placing orders. Congratulations on growing your business to that level. =)
Love the HSN flashback clip ๐ Wasn’t that Suzanne? I only pay attention to HSN when craft stuff and Suzanne is on. Guess BB has come a LONG way! So awesome.
Isn’t that hilarious? It was such a crazy experience to be on HSN and I feel really thankful that the company has grown to the point it has.
I am just beginning my soap making journey, so I haven’t had my “wow, I’ve made it” moment yet, but I am excited to be able to answer this question in another couple years.
I can say that I had a moment where I thought about making my own soap (out of the blue), then “discovered” a soap shop right below where I get my hair cut a couple days after that thought. I went in and as I was browsing the owner asked me if I was interested in learning how to make CP soap, as she was just starting workshops. I felt struck by lightning right then and there! Serendipity shows me that I am on the right path…
Ooooh, that’s awesome – I love that “sign”. It may be superstitious but I also put a decent amount of stock in those serendipity moments. What a great story.
Recently, I started to realize that I’m actually “making it”. Some new clients started to ask questions like: “Does Essential Suds do this or that?” or “Who comes up with all those formulas and products?” or “Who is actually making all the products in the company?” It is the perception that clients have. They think that I work for the company, and when I tell them that basically, I’m IT, they are very surprised. People think the business is alot bigger than it actually is, which brings them to think that my business is one of the big players because of the professional look and feel of the products and layout. Also, recently I have been participating in a mastermind group of small business people and people are looking up to me for answers and advice. Although I am always working on the next project and always trying to find a way to make things better, other people see me as an established successful business owner.
Oh that is awesome about the Mastermind group you’ve joined. That was a huge turning point for me and my business – having that group of business owners to talk about business ideas with, support each other and help keep each other accountable. It’s great that people are naturally looking to you for leadership. I hope that there are also people in the group that you’re able to turn to for advice and experience sharing too. =)
Im just starting my soap making and your videos help my thought process! Thank you for posting and sharing to us!
I’m not sure I’ve arrived yet. I started my tiny business 4 1/2 years ago. I think that this year I will break even. That is, I will make more than I spent over the years I’ve been selling soap. That’s pretty exciting to me.
Ah, take heart =) I was not taking a consistent paycheck from Bramble Berry at year four either – I continued to sell soap on the weekends at craft shows to make sure that I had money to support myself as Bramble Berry grew. Congratulations on your growth!
When we had to start working a booth every weekend and keeping up with stock. It went from I make this for fun to having to build inventory and order things in bulk instead of dropping in on my herbal store for oils etc .
That is so cool! Your products are in high demand. What a fantastic feeling. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Well, my only breakthrough so far has been incorporating the business. Having 4 small children has slowed the business from really taking off, but I’m hoping to get it off and running soon! I so enjoy your tutorials and business info, thanks so much for your generosity!
Oh that makes sense; four kids is a lot!! I think you’re doing great because you’re doing what you can – and laying a foundation for having a thriving business when you’re able to devote more time is what you can do right now. =)
I am just now starting out, and will be making my first round of sales calls today. I’m not expecting miracles, but am hopeful. I’ve been making soap since th ’90s, but now am changing my focus. I lost everything in the 2008 crash, then got very sick. I’m fighting my way back to health and have found that having a passion makes you want to keep going. Like many, I’m sure, I live on a tiny income in subsidized housing, but have picked up what I need a little at a time. Your videos and those of others have inspired me sooo much! Now I’m at that point where my soaping will change again. I named my business Patty Cakes Handmade Soap. It makes me laugh.
Thank you for having a wonderful business, and I thank all who have helped me. I love my soapy friends!
Patty
This is such an inspiring story, Patty. To think that you’ve continued to remain forward-moving during all of that and developed your soapmaking art and craft to a point where you can have a business is phenomenal. I hope that you pat yourself on the back and take time to just appreciate that accomplishment as a major milestone. I hope your sales calls go well! =)
I’m always struggling with this, because I’d love to make it a full time career, but I’m just not there yet. What has inspired me to keep going is my loyal customers coming back again and again. Hearing from them that mine is the best soap they’ve ever used does wonders for my spirit!
Taking baby steps and just moving forward every day is always good. When you are able to make that leap, you’ll be so thankful for that positive and fulfilling base of customers and recipes that you’ve built up slowly over the years =)
I still don’t have that feeling of being “real” yet. But as I move on to bigger shows and more repeat customers, I can look back and see the growth.
Absolutely! Each step is a milestone when it comes to small businesses. Even something as little as a sale or repeat customer is a testament to all your hard work. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I knew I loved making soap and lotion when I got the positive feedback from people who were really overjoyed with my soaps, etc…It is a great feeling to make people so happy with something so fun to make!
It is so fun to make your own bath and beauty products! As soon as I started using them I definitely noticed a difference. Congrats on your positive feedback Pam, that’s awesome. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
After 3 years of “officially” being a business, I’m still waiting for that aha moment…but when I look back at not just the $ amount of sales but the thousands of soaps, lotions, and deodorants that I have sold to repeat customers …it makes me think my business is “for real” …not just a hobby that I spend 24/7 working on and trying to make better. Love your products and videos ๐
Oh isn’t that the truth – over the years, I’m sure you’ve sold 1000s of lotions and creams and soaps! =) That’s a great way to look at it. Plus, think how many lives you’ve improved through providing quality products that really work well.
I do not have a soap business (YET!) but hope to after I retire in a few years from my desk job. I felt that I had “made it” enough to keep pursuing my hobby when friends starting to tell me that now they do not buy mass produced soap – they have realized the difference and they will only use mine or buy from one of the soap makers at our Farmer’s Market. But they often ask me if I have any soap – even the imperfect bars from testing that I generally save for myself.
Nice job on all your videos. I am a new soap maker. I’ve watched all your videos on it. Can’t wait to try.
I do not have a business – yet. But . . . I knew I had made it as a soaper when a couple insisted to both me and my husband that I should sell my soaps. And when someone came back looking for a specific soap and stood there a good ten minutes raving about it’s virtues. Those are the moments that make it worthwhile.
That is so nice of them to say! Your soap must feel amazing on the skin to have them asking for more. It’s such a great feeling. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
Well done, Anne Marie! ^_^
So glad you like the post Nicoleta! Thanks for reading. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I constantly looking for ways to expand and make my business better, I have never arrived ๐ I personally feel like for my company to expand more I have to be able to trust someone to help me with the work. It is so hard to find someone who has the heart and vision.
When I felt like I had gotten somewhere with my business, was when I narrowed down my product line and focused on what I wanted to do to make my products stand out and my customers responded well. It wasn’t just my customers but inside of my heart, feeling like I honestly believed in my product. I like all pretty soaps and fragrances but I wanted to combine the same beauty and natural products.
Isn’t it like magic when someone believes in your product? And, even better when you know deep down inside that you have amazing products that you can feel proud of presenting to potential customers =) I know that feeling and it’s fantastic!
There have been a few moments that have been “breakthrough” moments for us over the past year. One was the month that we tripled our monthly sales goal (huge celebration dinner for the family!) The other pretty exciting moments have came as a result of being contacted for wholesale orders by a few of what we consider “bigger name” retailers in the shaving world. Each of these incidents have inspired us to keep giving our best and keep our focus on where we’re headed with our business.
Whoah! Tripled your sales goal? That is sooooo exciting and yes, definitely a celebration for you and your family. I love that they got excited for you. And bigger retailers (wholesalers) calling you is clearly a nice stamp of approval. I’m excited for you and your family AND your business.
I don’t know what’s going to happen with my business but I already felt like I made it when I got my first order. Then came my first review. I feel like “making it” isn’t a set spot. I think completing each mile stone is “making it”.
I’m just happy my business is up and running, I’m getting great reviews, repeat customers and I’ve only been open since late February! Maybe one day I’ll reach a level where I’ll sit back on a beach drinking frozen margaritas but I’m enjoying myself now. But that doesn’t mean I’ll say no to the margarita! ๐
Congratulations, how amazing! Getting your first order is such a fantastic feeling. Enjoy your success, and hopefully you can have a margarita soon! ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I come from a very faraway place in the Andes, I had all the odds against me for my future, but their I was sitting in an airplane crossing the world back and forward working for a very famous golf superstar, I the youngest female golf developer in the business, was living in a wonderful ocean condo, a beautiful family and I felt I made, but I never felt I really was in love with the golf. In anyway it really didn’t last as long as I wished… a horrible divorce let me with nothing except my biggest blessing, my 2 girls and many days with no food in the refrigerator and stock in a underdeveloped country with no jobs around.
Then life was good to me, and gave me a second chance with a wonderful job as a director of a great American company, and then I felt again like I made it…
Then did discover soaps and perfumes…. and I felt totally in love, I am still about to launch my brand, and soon to open a shop. Yesterday I was driving back home at night time and asked myself the same thing, Did I make it yet? and I think I didn’t yet, but I felt blessed and happy, I still have my other job, and I wish that soon I will relay in my perfumes to pay medical school of my oldest daughter.
I just added to my google calendar to comeback to this post next year….. p.s. thanks for being a wonderful solutions for small businesses like ours and making posible that we can say
ยจI made Itยจ. Thanks!
Wow, you have started from nothing, built something, lost it and then, built it all back. That resilience will serve you well as you embark on your new brand and support your daughter as she goes to medical school (congratulations, Mama, on that major achievement!). I’m excited for you and your family’s future. =)
My moment was when I started receiving phone calls from my customers friends and relatives wanting my soap because of how much my customers love my soap, they are telling people about it. I was so happy that I just wanted o cry tears of joy. That being said Sprinkle Top Soap Shop just started designing our website.
That is such an awesome accomplishment! Word of mouth is so important when it comes to small businesses. Congrats, and thanks for posting Kathy. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I have had 2 of these in regards to the IT business that I own.
1. When the taxes I paid on my equity didn’t make me want to cry.
2. When I hired myself out of the company and it started running and growing on its own. I did this by hiring someone who I made a clone of myself and motivated them to continue to grow the business by cutting them an equity percentage. Now I reap the financial benefits with little to no work and am happily building my next company.
Ha, that is totally right. The taxes are horrifying, aren’t they? Every year, I just thank my lucky stars if I’m paying taxes but some years, it does seem like they are overwhelmingly high. Then again, yay for roads, police and the infrastructure it all pays for =)
I would love to find a clone of me! You should write a book =) I love the E-Myth by Michael Gerber and try to practice it as much as possible but as of yet, have not been successful finding that clone. Congratulations on that. It is truly a “Yes, I feel like I’ve made it!” moment when you’re able to hire people to help you succeed and, succeed in a big way!
I’ve only been making and selling soaps for about 2 1/2 years. I sell at a small, local farmers market. We have lots of people who come in weekly for fresh, locally grown produce. There are some customers who shop only with specific produce vendors. Well, I sell soap, not produce. The day someone came in, only bought soap from me, and then left the market without buying any produce was the day that I smiled at myself and thought, “Hey! They came to the market just to buy soap from me!” That was an awesome day! The second time I felt like I had reached a milestone in my soap making journey was when I got to meet Ann-Marie at this year’s Alabama Soap and Candle Meeting! ๐ I even wrote about it in my first entry on my blog! Ann-Marie had talked to us about creating a media presence and I went home and started my blog! I’m still learning what to do with a blog!
Oh my goodness, you just made my day. Being at the Alabama conference was such a meaningful weekend for me. It really made me reconnect with my “why” for why I do what I do and I felt positively giddy meeting soapers from all over to talk soap and small business. It was just such a joy and a thrill.
Also, love that they came to the market to just buy soap from you. Congrats! =)))
I’m only a soap hobbyist, but I own a remodeling company. I’ve grown from me to three employees in the last year, and gave work booked through the end of the year. I was painting on a Saturday in April and realized I couldn’t be the painter anymore. If I’m laboring, I’m not dealing with the big picture. Now my main jobs are to keep the projects coming in and running smoothly, and customer relations. Delegating is good!
That is so amazing, congratulations on your growing business! I imagine it’s an amazing feeling to know you’re in high demand. Also, sounds like you’ve got some great employees. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I would say the moment I felt like I hit a milestone was 48 hours after I was laid off of my full-time job. I was let go on a Thursday and that Saturday I had a booth at very well-known craft show in our area. We sold out. I didn’t know what to do because we still had to show up for the second day of the show on Sunday. We stayed up for hours packaging EVERYTHING I had. When all was said and done on Sunday, I beat Saturday’s sales by $7 and had 5 bars of soap left. After the show entry fee, cost of supplies and my time I made more in two days than I did at the full-time job the month prior. Tears of joy were shed. I also got a pedicure. ๐
That had to feel good Steffanie! I too started my business out of necessity but I think that just makes you work harder to insure you succeed because you know you have to. Congratulations!
Wow, wow,wow. This question needs a Very sumary answer but
make me to think a Lot….my necesity of have a second economic entry, But at the same time thinks in it as the first entry….. In thoose Hard times when your Job Its in a Very thinner line that Maybe the grants of your payment dissapears, And all depends of the hands of a third part. Yes this happens when your government employer…. My moms pursuit me to make this little business….Small in size….but ITS a machine of big ideas …..working hard to show news things…..
And when a owner of a Very recognized soap materials store of another country contact you , And invites You travel for participated in Her convention….. And visit Her country , meets others girls And youre the resource, talking in front of a lot of people miles And miles faraway from Your town (country)And this same person makes the same In your country , Support your proyect…. You recognized: And thinks uff Im entering in big leagues : )
Ps: delegating its a key of patience, self confidence And its importan to Choose the right person or right persons when You need it ……
Oh, wow, tough question for someone still so new.. but for me, it would have to be last week at my local farmer’s market. I hadn’t been there in two weeks do to my health and weather and boy was it good to be back, despite it being a holiday. But people showed up for me and my products. While that’s common for the other vendors.. for me to have not 1, not 2, but 3 people say they missed me, needed a product they’d run out of, and then buy all the remaining of that one soap or lotion was.. overwhelming! I feel like I have something good! All the time put in to learn how to make or trial and error in perfecting recipes felt worth it right there. I’m making good things for good people. I know I’m going in the right direction.
When out 16 year old son drowned 2 years ago I told my kids I was done working and would just be home with them. When my 8 year said to me “mommy you can’t quit you help too many people” and my daughters both said ‘yeah mom we got this. You do what you have to do, we can handle the housework’. I knew I was doing something with purpose that I couldn’t just quit. I had too many people relying on my products for their health and pain issues. It’s not something I could just shut down. That’s when I knew I had an actual business.
I started feeling like I was creating a business and not just supporting a hobby when I saw returning customers enamored with my soaps. Oohing and Ahhing over them and smelling them repeatedly. It was a baby step, but at that moment, I knew that “I can do this! I can create beautiful things that people want to have and will buy!”
Wow, what a huge accomplishment Kristin! It is so rewarding to know people appreciate your hard work and dedication. Congratulations, and thanks so much for posting. ๐
-Kelsey with Bramble Berry
I do not think I will ever really “make” it I have achieved many of the goals I set out for myself business wise to include going into a brick and mortar. While that sadly fell right on its face I did it ! It took much courage and a large dose of humble pie to say this isn’t the right place for me. My big moment however was rather small. My 7 yr old son came streaking out of the shower screaming momma I love this soap it’s the best think ever and I will never use liquid soap again. I had achieved the best compliment I could ever receive and the encouragement that keeps me going every time I start doubting myself.
Oh brick and mortar is an entirely different ball game isn’t it? I have Otion, a retail operation in Bellingham, and I always dreamed of franchising it (never say never, right?) but ultimately, it really threw me for a loop on how difficult it was to manage and the cash flow up and down. So I can empathize with you for sure.
And, as for pleasing a 7 year old, that’s awesome. That is a huge reward in and of itself =)
I would have to say I still don’t think I’ve really made it yet. I feel like I’ve made a real company though. I think there are two things that contribute to that feeling. 1) having a few loyal repeat customers; and 2) opening my tiny shop in a 12 X 12 space at an indoor small business shopping center. I’m expanding to a 24 X 12 space in order to bring out more product and hopefully one of these days I’ll actually make my rent lol.
Hi Anne Marie! I am the person who asked that question at the Alabama Soap and Candle Meeting and I really appreciate you elaborating here. The part about having trouble delegating tasks within your business is all about ego truly just struck me between the eyes! You are absolutely right and to grow I am going to have to learn to let go and allow others to do what they are good at and basically get out of my own way so to speak. Thank you so much for sharing that! It really gives me a different perspective.
Thank you for that insightful question. Whenever I’m on stage, and it’s quiet, and there are no questions, I have a moment of panic so it was great to get your meaty one! =)
I’m right there with you with the ego. I think there is a huge part of business that is ego driven (after all, what makes us think we can do it, that we are special, that our products are better than anything on the market?) but that same chutzpah that allows us to take that leap also can hold us back when it comes to taking advice or delegating =) And, probably some other things that I’ve overlooked. Ha ha.
It was fantastic to spend time in Alabama. I loved my visit and I’m hopeful I’ll be back in the future.