Wednesday, February 10, 2010

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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8 comments:

robiewankenobie said...

Oh, Joanna - you should be proud of yourself for making the leap into a retail store the first place, and knowing when to "git while the gittin's good." You've been brilliant. And someday? You might try it again.

~S

FuturePrimitive Soap Co. said...

poor old bugsy.
so glad you're happy. you are a true inspiration and i've been thinking of you every day. which reminds me, i must sort that skype thing out so i can see you more.
x

Crazy Soap Lady said...

I swear that lady has migrated northwest to my shop. I get the crazies too! I wonder sometimes if it's the nature of our business or if it's just me?!

Pat yourself on the back, there are very few people who have the guts and the ability to do what you've done. Be proud!

Anne-Marie said...

That's great that you're feeling like you have a second wind and creativity back again. Yay!

And, I agree - just a stepping stone to the next exciting place your business (and your life) is heading. And, that's just up, up, up! =)

Anonymous said...

It was very interesting for me to read the blog. Thanx for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to them. I definitely want to read a bit more on that blog soon.

Sincerely yours

Sobia said...

Thanks for sharing nice information. Life

Jennifer Young said...

Joana, Came accross your blog this morning, sipping tea, imagining what soap I am going to make today.... I am new to this, but heavily addicted. Soaps mainly but I am beginning with creams and lip balms and love it so much that I would LOVE to get to a point where I could make it full time and shed the exec job which I don't love... I read your passion for what you do here and I understand because I share it. I am a Canadian, living in Southern Spain, and would love to order some of your products to try them out, but worried about shipping costs? If you have time, I have a few questions. I personally know no-one else who does this and am dying to chat with someone about it.... How long did it take you to make a decent living at this? Was it months or years? I guess that is my main question. Reading your blog, I felt so sad for you when you closed shop... felt like a part of my dream ended as well.... like can I make this work? Would you mind telling me a little about your business now, without the shop? Thank you. Jen

Chamomile Cottage Natural Bath, Spa & Body Care said...

I, too, would love to speak with you about your shop adventure. I hope to own a similar shop someday and would love to find out what your thoughts are on your journey.

I had read about your products in the past and they sounded lovely.

Please email me when you have time.
donna@chamomilecottage.com