I spent the day at Otion yesterday, mentoring my very own Vocation Vacationer! Linda flew in from Michigan. She’s interested in learning about running a small shop, and wants to sell handmade soaps and toiletries.
We put her through a “normal” retail day. She opened the store and learned how to count a till, helped out customers and designed retail displays. In addition to normal busy work, she made 10 pounds of soap (her first soap ever!) and the 15 baby test batches pictured above. Here she is, peeking on a five pound batch we made earlier during the day.
The soap is in its final phases of gel phase. The (test) fragrance accelerated trace. That is why the texture of the soap is uneven with crevices and bumps. With the right packaging, that texture can easily be turned into a unique focal point.
In addition to the soapmaking, Erik taught Linda the art of melt and pour. Finally, we finished off the day with two batches of lotions and a great dinner.
Linda was a quick study. She has a background in business and is only lacking soapmaking knowledge. We’re going to spend today making lip balms, bath fizzies, salt scrubs and lotion bars. I’m excited to have her spending another day at Otion. I know we’ll get a lot done so that when she goes back to Michigan, the main thing to do is find a great retail location.
This isn’t really related, but I had to say something… Anne-Marie, I made soap last night and took your suggestion of adding the hot lye to my hard oils. WOW! I’m in love! I’ll never go back to the other way. It was so much faster and easier I was able to make 2 batches. Thanks so much for the tip!
How wonderful!!! I wish we had a store here in NY/NJ.
I am jealous….:)! A background in business & learning the fine art of soaping 101 = successful business!
I don’t think we worked her too hard – she seems very energetic and has been going, going, going all day today as well.
It seems amazing that she’s been here a full two days already. The time flew!
Sounds like it was a great experience for Linda!
That sounds so cool! I hope she does want to start an Otion type store. I can drive just about anywhere in Michigan in a reasonable amount of time. I could take my own REAL (mini) vacation!
Sounds like fun. I bet she had a blast. I hope you didn’t work her too hard though! =D