Thrilled

Creme Fresh by Product Body

There is this online shopping place that stood out for me that had a dark backdrop, beautiful bath and body products, lovely soaps and unique offerings. In fact, this beautiful shop is where I discovered the steampunk artist that created the art that I used to base my tattoo on.... that I was so inspired by. All of the offerings were products that were made by independent artisans like me, so I thought I'd be in touch with owner and send samples and see if they might be interested in my soaps or products.

I wasn't that confident because, at the time, they were carrying Arcana, Villianess, and Haus Of Gloi, and my labels up against their labels are like Yin and Yang. Dark and light (even though I relate more with theirs at heart, shhh). Mine are a bit happyhappy joyjoy. But I contacted them nonetheless and promoted myself and asked to send samples. Laura said, "send one. That's fine."

I sent her a box with 3 full bars of soap and 4 or 5 slivers of other soaps, samples of scrubs and samples of Creme Fresh. I knew one sample wouldn't represent my company and if she didn't like the scent I chose for her, then I'd be out of the running. I know scents. Some are total turn offs. What works for me, can smell like hell to someone else.

Two weeks later, I get an email a mile long with lengthy feedback on each product I sent. What she liked and didn't like and why. But guess what? She wants to have me be another one of her soapy people. What an honor! She doesn't have that many and she has quite a following, so I do feel special that she likes my stuff as much as she does.

My new favorite online shop other than my own is Faery's Muse. And that is another place you can find us. They are in San Diego, so if you live out there, you might actually get your stuff much quicker than from us. ;) And it's already made!

The other thing is we discontinued Chocolate Dipped Orange on Product Body's website since we introduced Dark Chocolate Almond over a year ago, but Faery's Muse now has the exclusive on that scent as long as they carry our products.

Go check out the shop and go check out their other shop, Mystic Dreams, which carries beaded curtains, unbelievable chandeliers, and lots of unique home decor.

Oh! The other thing: Faery's Muse is carrying 6 oz jars of Crush On You for $12.00 which (right now), we do not sell.

Another reason to buy from her... especially if you don't want to buy the full pop.

;)

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Breathing

Life outside of the shop has been an adjustment, but I am feeling great about it. Really! I have had such a positive outlook on the whole thing, which I really never do. I usually look at the glass half empty when it comes to my own life, but not this time. I am feeling energy and creativity and I feel ready to be productive and work myself silly. I haven't gotten my system down yet, so my work efficiency level isn't perfected yet, but I am getting so much more done without customers walking in, or solicitors trying to sell me jewelry or chocolate or some auto place down the street wanting to do a deal with me and sell me a package where I can get 4 oil changes, brake pads and something else for only $69.99. (whatever). Then there are the browsers, who are waiting for their friends at the tattoo shop who are just killing time who have no intention of buying but like to smell things. Then, there are those random people that would occasionally pop in, like that crazy woman who came in with her little dog with the bugged out eyes and sat in my wicker chair and talked to me for 30 minutes about strange things while interrupting herself every so often telling me she wished her dog would run into traffic sometimes. I don't know if she was crazy or on drugs, but I think her state of being was not drug induced, sadly. It was permanent. That poor dog: Bugsy was his name with the bugged eyes. He was a bit sketched out. And rightly so.

Bugsy

I've caught up on my retail orders so if you are looking for your package it is en route! My wholesale orders will be cranked out and shipped out today, tomorrow and Friday except for the soaps I need to make, pour and cure. Because of the move, everything has been in "halt" mode for more than a week. Whether a delay is uncontrollable or not, I have guilt about them in my orders. My wholesale customers have become like friends to me. I care about them, so I hate it when they're disappointed.

They have been very patient and supportive. I love them!

And I have been so supported by all of you and I want to thank you for the undying support and comfort you have given me through this time. I believe it has a lot to do with my sunny outlook on closing the shop. I initially thought closing it indicated my failure, a total catastrophe. I don't see it like that at all now. I see it as my stepping stone; As my way to move forward because I couldn't focus or work hard enough to get enough done, so I was just treading water. Now I feel like I can make product - produce, produce, produce -- - if I need to... and right now, my wholesale customers, including the new ones, are needing the product they have asked for, so I better get moving and mix up the goods!

Thank you and hugs to you.

:)

xo Joanna

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