Bittersweet and the little soap company

wildflowers and birthdays

 

The life of a soap maker isn't for the faint of heart. I'm not saying this with a better-than-you attitude I'm simply sharing that having a soap-making business is body-building physical and challenges you every chance it gets. If you would have told me twenty-six years ago that I was going to be a soap maker and manage a soap business I'd probably not believe you.  I don't recall even thinking of soap making. That all changed after receiving a holiday package from my aunt.  My aunt Vivian sent me goat milk soap that she made in her kitchen. It was carefully wrapped in tissue and as I unveiled the shipping box the aromatic fragrance went directly to my nose. If my nose could smile, it would have!  I remember running my fingers over the silky bars and sniffing them until I could sniff no more. That was in late 1996. I had a day job that I'd had for 8 years. Immediately after receiving my aunt's hand-crafted soap, I began searching for the ingredients to make my first batch. I remember that it was challenging to locate supplies, and the Internet was pretty much useless in 1996. There was one book available at the time that instructed on how to make modern-day soap.  I was determined and focused on learning the craft of soap making and nothing was going to stand in my way. Don't hate me, it's how I roll. I finally found the ingredients that I needed to make my first batch of soap and off I went. I remember making that first box of handmade soap as though it was yesterday! I carefully poured the liquid soap into a shoe box and placed it under our bed. I covered it with an old quilt, and could not wait to uncover the box the next morning to see it turned out. It in fact did, and that was the beginning of a soap maker's life. I quit my day job along with a huge leap of faith and began filling a suitcase with my soap and a few other apothecary items that I'd made. I'd get Patrick on the bus for school, and then head out to explore the local shops thinking that they might want to carry this beautiful artisan essential. I was on top of the world! There wasn't a shop that didn't want to carry Bittersweet! I realized that I needed to expand my methods so my next thoughts lead me to hire sales reps to build volume orders and sell more soap. Which in turn meant that I would be needing to make more. My mother named my soap business, Bittersweet. Little did I know at that time how the name would take on a completely different meaning.  So it began! I started making more and more soap and selling it all over the country! It all happened so fast and I was starting to have trouble keeping up with the demand for Bittersweet. I increased my manufacturing and picked up many more accounts by selling wholesale. I sold to other shops for just a couple of years and then decided that this is not the direction that I wanted to go. It helped that the Internet was forming about that time, and a door filled with oodles of opportunity swung open wide. I did a few shows and didn't enjoy that either. My mom was always telling me to open my own shop, but I saw fault in that idea too. I did not want to be stuck in a shop all day. At least those were my thoughts at the time. Things change. My mom had gotten ill and was dying. My brother and I looked after her and cared for her and during that time soap making and dreams were far, far away. After my mom passed away I kept hearing in my mind her saying that I should open a shop. I realize now that my grief from losing my best friend in all the world was urging me to stay busy just to keep my mind off of her absence. I also realized that the best way to achieve that goal was to open a shop. How on earth was I going to do that? I had no money and no idea even of where I'd have such a shop. I was what the trade refers to as green. Boy or boy was I green! Actually green is good because it helps you to learn and learn fast. Mistakes are good too. You learn from those as well. I jumped in my car and drove to our downtown in search of a building for my new shop. I found one! It was a huge old brick house with a big front porch. I was excited knowing that this would be the perfect spot for Bittersweet. I met with the owner and we settled upon rent and move-in date. Remember, I had no money. At least no money to invest in a silly dream. That is what some thought. A silly dream. I knew all along that it was not just a dream, but that it was going to be my new livelihood. My family supported me with open arms and I'm forever grateful for that, but there were others that did not. I read once that the best way to prove your success is to be successful. I believe it to be true. This story is filled with so many soulful moments. Most of which I can't begin to cover in a blog post. Twenty-six years is a long time, and there isn't a day that goes by that I'm not thankful and appreciative of this soap maker's life. The enormous lessons that I've learned about running a business are priceless. I'm writing another book so that I can share Bittersweet's unique and soulful story. 

Jill 

She works hard for the money

Our shop is designed to help you release your burdens during your visit. Most of the time spent styling is formatted with that thought. I remember when I was a kid how I'd go into certain shops with my mom and there was a special vibe and aura. Those thoughts have stuck with me many years later, and I'm reminded of the creativity and uniqueness that went into building that mood. I like to think that our shop is molded after those thoughts. So when I spotted that outdoor entry rug it was love at first site!

During my book writing, I've been pondering some intense thoughts about my shop and the labor that goes into creating it. Some might think that a shop owner has an easy-peasy life. That little work is needed to make it thrive. My mind travels to manufacturing too. When Bittersweet was born and very much green and the owner as well, I thought that making a hundred bars of handmade soap was an incredible amount of soap to make. Now almost twenty-six years later I make twenty-thousand bars! No team is involved. Just one well-organized person that works hard for the money with huge passion and love for what she does. When I stop and think about that it boggles my mind, but in a great way. There isn't a day go by or night that I'm not grateful for the life that I've created. I also believe that this soap maker's life is guided and directed by the all-mighty. There is no earthly way that the operation of this business could be explained unless God had his hand in it. I give the glory to God, always. Not just for my business but my life of book writing and freedom. You recall that saying, there's always something to be grateful for. Well, it's true. I'm living proof of that and the American dream.

Those thoughts become even more intense when I make a home repair or improvement. The money that I earn as a soap maker is always split several ways and it takes an encouraging eye to recognize the significance that each and every dollar has been earned with hard work and perseverance. Most of the time being frugal is my thing. Then I'm what some would refer to as eccentric. I'm not sure how you can be both, but I believe that I am.  By the way, perseverance is one of my new favorite words now! I mentioned the word in my last post. Anticipation too. Simply because sometimes the waiting can be more fulfilling than the actual end. I've learned to appreciate waiting. It causes you to evaluate things and sometimes you'll find that you change your mind, and do not always yearn to have what you thought you wanted. Life is filled with moments of anticipation, and if you're lucky you develop perseverance. It has a learning curve. Speaking from experience. 

I love the olive embroidered dress! It's perfect in every dress design way!

I pin and tucked the entire store! We're ready for spring and we can easily slide into summer. White denim and chambray are on my favorite list this season. Pair with boat shoes or sneakers, and I'm ready for vacation and holding down the shop fort. 

We've had the linen tie pouches for a while. They are ideal for stashing a few bars and giving them as a gift. I'm going to add some simple tags and the dried flowers add the finishing touch. Little things. 

Madonna Lily & Rose. Smells amazing! Beautiful waves of pink. It's one of our favorites so far. 

We did take-out tonight and I made brownies. I'm getting ready to send Taste & Eat to the publisher! Yippee Hurray! Two books completed and anticipation fills my soul. This is an exception when I can't wait to hold both books in my hand! I'm hoping the cookbook will be available for Mother's day! 

This is my go-to brownie recipe. You can make icing if you want. They are sweet and gooey chocolate!

 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

A Modern Apothecary

Full spring ahead! We're digging our new spring style at the shop. So many new and exciting things are happening all around us! Some of which I can share and others not quite yet. Book number two is done! I sent the finished manuscript to the editor and publisher. It is a unique feeling to finish a book that you've written. I would say that these feelings stand on their own. To best describe it would be that it feels like the prelude before giving birth. You know that each time you write you're one step closer to holding your book in your hand. It is definitely a process, but one that I'm fond of, and will continue to write books. It makes me happy.  

Meanwhile back at the apothecary shop. I'm knee-deep into a re-style. It's coming along and exceeding my expectations. It always starts with one little idea, and the next thing you know you're vamping up the entire shop. I felt like it was a good time to organize our facial and skincare displays. I'm retiring a few pieces or at least switching them out with pieces that we already have but updating them and re-purposing them. I love to re-purpose pieces. Sometimes I'm surprised to find out that a far-out idea actually turns into a great one! 

I mentioned earlier how as a soap maker I'm constantly changing things. The rugged and herb-dipped soaps are kind of cool. One of the main reasons that we wrap our soap is so that the scent holds. When you wrap a bar it secures the scent nicely. 

I made a new citrus sugar scrub that is absolutely lovely! It's scented with sweet orange and litsea cubeba. Are you familiar with this essential oil? 

It's a nice scent! It kind of reminds me of lemongrass but in a more mellow way. I'm highly allergic to lemongrass, and it's not unusual to have allergies to this grass. In fact, it's in the citronella family and contains the same culprit oil that can easily produce an allergic reaction. I use the oil in soap, but I'm very cautious and always warn customers that of all the essential oils lemongrass can be an irritant. It's not common to have a reaction when it's in the soap. 

We're always at least one season ahead at our shop so our spring take is being designed to transform into summer easily and smoothly. 

I received a shipment of super cute tops over the weekend. Hello Bittersweet girl!

Sweet Grass, Sweet Grass, Sweet Grass! I absolutely love this scent! It's popular with the American Indians along with white sage. Both offer medicinal properties. 

It was snowing a while ago. I had to shut the door and pretend that I didn't see it! 

A stack of flower seeds sits on my dining room table, and I'm digging out my peat moss and black dirt to start some seeds indoors. 

Since it's winter outside I'm making a big slow-cooker pot of navy beans tomorrow and some homemade cornbread. I love homemade cornbread. The effort it takes to make it is minimal. Flour, honey or sugar, flour, cornmeal, and an egg are poured into a cast iron pan. My aunt makes her cornbread without any sweetener. Some prefer hearty cornbread over sweet. The mixes usually contain a lot of sugar., and that's why I like making my own. 

Elle is due for a haircut, but I keep waiting until it warms up. Her beautician gives her a good trim and I feel like her extra hair is keeping her little body warm. 

Did I tell you how much I love the muslin facecloths? I know that I did. Worth repeating. 

I've been thinking about the word perseverance.

noun

steady persistence in a course of action, a purpose, a state, etc., especially in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement.

Theology. continuance in a state of grace to the end, leading to eternal salvation.

 

The word caught my attention when I wrote the final chapters of My Beautiful Faith and the third book that I just started. I believe that perseverance is crucial in all aspects of life. Marriage, work, and happiness are wrapped around this word. 

We've been streaming the Bee Gees at the shop. Honestly, who doesn't love the Bee Gees? Young, old, and in between love this musical family. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

 

Focus on create

I've felt a need to post a bit more frequently because our turnaround time on everything seems to move at warp speed. I've come to realize that I don't have to work at warp speed, but the shop life around me sure does. The world of retail is different than any other platform of business. It's constantly evolving and turning and changing. Since Bittersweet is also a manufacturer it blends together very nicely. Thankful. 

Our new hair repair butter is the bomb! If your flocks need a little pick-me-up we've got you covered. This is an intense hair treatment that doesn't mess around. It's formulated with pure ingredients, mostly rich butter, and oils. I know what you're thinking. You really don't want to put oil on your hair. Let me answer that by saying sometimes it's the best ingredient. It grabs ahold of and digs into follicles with a super intense enrichment that honestly nothing else can. Shampoo as you normally would after allowing it to set on your hair. Rub into roots and tips, and thank me later. All joking aside, this is one of my favorite products to date. 

As a soap maker and as a soap maker that's been a soap maker for over twenty-five years it's motivating to experiment and evolve with new ideas emphasizing creating new styles and designs all of which are intertwined and wrapped with a focus to create. Not just whip something together, but draw near to your style while branching out in directions that are shiny and new. If not for those thoughts I'd get bored with soap making. When you allow new ideas to enter you're expanding your creativity. It gets fine-tuned and overhauled. When I look back on past designs I'm surprised by some of the designs that ended up on store shelves. Knowing that there's always room for improvement really does have an impact on your business. Try to not stay dormant in your style. Reach out and explore new ideas and never stick with the same old, same old. Well maybe certain things, but typically keep that revolving door swinging! The moment you stop doing this is when you get burnt out and discouraged. Oh, that's another important tip. Never give up!  I can't wait to get started on a fourth book that details all of these thoughts. I feel like there is a need or demand for this type of knowledge. Business plans. Ha! Have never had a business plan. I focus on hard work, determination, and perseverance. I consider that to be the three most crucial requirements for operating and running a successful and profitable business. 

We love the round May Day invites! In case you're wondering where I shop for such things. I usually design the cards and then send them here for print. I've been using this company for a long time. I love the fact that we can do the designing or if I'm in a hurry can use one of the premade designs. 

I mentioned in my last post that Rose Clay was back. It's wrapped and ready! Here's a link if you wish to order on our website. We also offer a rose clay mask. If used together you're going to love how soft and glowing your skin is!

Our clothing department is stocked and getting some amazing new pieces. We're really into cotton, linen, silk, and leather textiles. In fact, it's safe to say that those are our go-to choices when stocking our store. The fabrics stand through the test of time and offer a timeless take on styling. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Pink Clay and Rose Milkweed

Boy oh boy do I have an extra big dose of Spring Fever! I bet that you do too. I've been planning some spring beds that are specifically attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. I'm going to start a few seeds inside and them transplant once the weather warms. Always plant all my flowers on Mother's day. This year it falls on May 14. That seems like a long way off, but I know just how fast the days fly by so I'm getting a jump. Here's the link to the seed supplier that I'm using this year. I don't always use the same seed company, I like to switch them up. This one was prompt in their delivery and the packaging was well done. 

I absolutely LOVE the new cotton and woven facecloths that we got in today. They are so plush and soft and the perfect size for cleansing the face. At least I think so.  

Rose Clay Mask re-stock or as some say, French Pink Clay. Pink Clay or Rose Clay is the main ingredient in calamine lotion. It's super soothing and helps to reduce inflammation. Rather than offer a mask made with water I've chosen the option of dry so that you can mix it fresh each time that you use it. Allow the mask to dry completely before removing it with warm water. It's amazing! I don't have the luxury of using it nearly as much as I'd like to. 

Soon the brown eye Susans will be blooming and all will be right with the world. 

I've been clearing and organizing the studio and have cleaned our shed to accommodate store merchandising items. We have an overflow. Some of the items will be offered at our June porch sale. This year's sale will produce a large variety of lighting, rugs, and clothing. When you own a shop things accumulate quickly and I always feel bogged down when it starts to take over my home. 

I found the perfect rabbit and dropped him in my cart at the checkout.  Easter is kind of early this year. It's on April 9. We're turning our clocks back this weekend and I can't help but have spring on my mind at every turn, turn, turn. 

The soap curing room is packed with stacks of soaps that will soon be wrapped and available. I've been whipping up a few soaps infused with things like crushed vanilla beans, and dried herbs. Every soap maker has a different take on making soap. I've been making soap for so long now that it's fun to switch up the norm. 

Jill 

Spring Fresh

One thing that I can honestly say about our shop is that it's never stale or boring. I've always had this thing about presenting a fresh showing of unique items on a super frequent level. So much that I even have a hard time keeping up! Since we offer a new handmade soap each week that in itself presents a powerful message of just how important it is that we share new and exciting pieces and essentials with our amazing customers. We love that about our shop!

In the days of Amazon and online shopping, I can't help but feel as a manufacturer and retailer that it's almost a requirement. Keeping up with the Joneses so to speak. Well maybe not that, but you know what I mean. It's a lovely thing to walk into a shop or boutique from week to week and it's always fresh and new. At least that's what I've always thought. Years ago when I sold wholesale and before the Internet, I learned that. Good lessons to learn. 

Once the weather warms a bit more I'm headed outside to construct some dried flower arrangements. The process is messy, but the results are gratifying. I can't remember a time when I wasn't fond of everlasting flowers. Spring and summer months are usually when we release a variety of our favorites and share them with our customers usually in small bouquets. 

If you receive our emails then you might notice we're changing up the way we correspond and market via email. We will only be sending a monthly newsletter and as challenging as it may be to make sure we're including all of our new items, I'll give it a go. Since we introduce so many new things it will be challenging, but I'm up for the challenge. 

Vetiver and White Jasmine along with amazing Sweet Grass both new this week. Let's just say that the Sweet Grass Soap is a bonus soap! 

We have an incredibly high turnaround on all of our soaps so saying that they're here today and gone tomorrow is not exaggerating. 

The Sky Blue Collection has me on notice. I was inspired by the color. Simple inspiration always is my favorite. Little things. 

I'm so happy March has arrived! This morning it was cold and rainy, but by afternoon it warmed and the sun came out. This was the first day that I could feel Spring pushing her way forward. 

We have an update on the books that I'm writing. Book number one is a cookbook and it's called Taste & Eat, Season Everything With Love. It's being proofed, proofed, and proofed, and then I'll send it off to the publisher. Yippee! Book number two is almost finished. I keep adding what I believe to be valuable content. My editor requested that I go ahead and send it even though it's not quite finished. She will get started on font size, style, etc. and once I finish the content it's off to the printer. A few copies and then another proofing, proofing, proofing. My third book has yet to be started, but it will be called The Widows Club, and I'm really excited to put my thoughts into a book. The fourth book is titled Soap Up My Sleeve. I consider this one to be my precious baby, even though it's only in my head! Honestly if feels very much like giving birth when you write. The entire process is time-consuming and a lot of waiting and anticipating, and then one day out of the blue, you hold your book in your hand and realize the book is born. I wish that I'd started writing years ago, but I'm making up for the lost time. Writing is by far one of the most rewarding things that I've ever done. Feeling thankful. Feeling blessed. My gratitude shines like a bright star!

 

 

 

We Love It!

I'm turning my calendar over to March! When I was a kid we used to fly kites in March. We had a large field across the street from a park and I have fond memories of flying kites in that vacant lot. You hardly see kids flying kites nowadays. I find that a little sad. I remember how challenging it was to get the tail just right to adjust to the wind. Eventually, I'd get it just right and my kite would fly high. I also remember that being kind of cool. Once you got your kite as high as it could go you had a sense of accomplishment. Little things. 

I've constructed and planned ahead for our annual May Day Celebration. I actually designed round invitations, and that one is an early-release invitation for this popular event.  It's a way off, but we move pretty fast at Bittersweet so it feels satisfying to have the planning done. 

My aunt Charla was a genuinely cool person. She wore Prince Matchabelli and hiking boots. Need I say more? She taught me to crochet. It was a fast lesson, but I remember making a hat as soon as she showed me a few stitches. That was one of my favorite hats when I was a young girl! I remember wearing the blue hat walking home from choir practice and feeling like the world was on my side. Do you ever feel like that? If not, practice it. We need those moments in our life. 

We've expanded our denim department. We offer an assortment of wide-leg, skinny, cuffed, girlfriend, and flairs. Dark and light, distressed and pristine. 

Patchouli is back! I actually made a few new patchouli blended soaps. They will start hitting the shelves in a few weeks after they're completely cured. 

I've been working on Taste & Eat and I'm happy to say that proofing is almost complete and it will be headed to the publisher very soon. I can't wait to hold the cookbook in my hands! There are one-hundred and fifty-two recipes in this book! Each recipe is tried and true. I was happy to borrow and share my great grandma's and grandmother's recipes as well as family members'. I was fastidious in choosing recipes for this book. In fact, there is not one recipe that we don't love. The entire process has been a labor of love, and I believe that the cookbook will be well received. 

Are you familiar with Hermit Cookies? If you aren't it might not be a bad idea to get to know them on a more personal level. My grandmother Lola used to make these cookies. I would not have known this, but I had a conversation with my Uncle Richard and we chatted about how his mom, my grandmother used to make Hermits. He said the aroma was beyond anything he'd ever imagined. He couldn't wait until they came out of the oven and would ask my grandmother if he could have a Hermit! We made them, and those cookies were here and then gone, lickety split! Little things. 

The world of photography has made so many advances over the past few years. I couldn't help but dub in the spring backdrop! 

Jill  

 

 

Trending Spring

Since we're an apothecary store it makes sense that we would examine scent trends especially once Spring gets closer. Typically the popular scents of today are the popular scents of tomorrow only with a few variations. Maybe a different top note, or a twist in the middle, but most of the time the base stays true and withstands the test of time. The season of spring not only ushers in new scent thoughts but also introduces new colors. This spring seems to be all about pastels. I love muted shades of violet and plum, ecru and sage green, and the list goes on. It's fun to incorporate those color thoughts into our shop. We're usually on the neutral fence, but we also love to add splashes of color every now and then. This season's soft hues blend nicely with neutral. I love that! I'm not a bright-color girl, rather a faded vintage color wheel is my jam. Our spring 23 scents do not disappoint! They're fresh and new and thoughtfully curated. I know that you're going to love each and every new soap flavor that's coming! The only problem is they sure don't last long!

We're also taking deep breaths when we open our latest shipments of tops and denim. If I were asked what one of my favorite clothing pieces is in my closet I'd answer, denim! This is a great time for denim. The wide leg is hot on my mind, while the skinny is fading, it seems to be hanging with the big boys. Cuffed jean is sassy and fringed jean shouts independence.  The girlfriend jean has always felt like Saturday jean and the flare definitely cries out a statement all on its own! With all those denim thoughts comes the inspiration for a dedicated hangout at our shop! I can see the new display in my mind, but I've yet to put it together. I'm going to be working on it tomorrow. I've been searching for some specific pieces of styling hardware, but just haven't found the pieces that I'm looking for. I'm a firm believer that the satisfaction that comes from using what you already have exceeds rewards and expectations so I'm digging in the stash of merchandising pieces in the back room to complete the design. Little things. 

The phrase about surrounding yourself with women that are true and confident isn't new, but I believe that it's super important. Jealousy is an emotion that I've been blessed to never have, but I have seen it raise its ugly head. It's not hard to recognize, and even easier to walk away from. Comparing yourself to others is a great way to set yourself up. You may not experience jealous feelings, but you should not compare yourself to her or him. It's one of my golden rules. It's easy to have comparison feelings nowadays with social media smacking you in the face. You be you and be confident in your skin. Everything else great will follow. 

I say this because I've been adding content to the second book that I'm writing and it kind of goes with the biblical aspect of the book. 

Our back porch tree house. That's what we call it. Once the weather begins to warm it calls my name! It calls Elle's name too! Last year I ordered a baby pool and filled it with water on the porch. We would have guests over and be sitting talking on the porch and Elle would flop down smack down in the middle. Everyone would laugh. Little things. We have wrens that return every spring to their forever home. You can sit and watch the babies chirp their way to flying the coop. Little things. 

I'm happy to announce that Taste & Eat is being edited and will soon be sent to the publisher! It's been a process of writing two books at once, but I'm happy that I did it. It's actually working out and I'm anxious to start on books three and four. I'm anxious to start writing down all the thoughts that scurry into my mind. It's been a constant yearning and tugging ever since I started writing. Good things. 

Jill 

 

 

 

Dance when you're down

I have to admit this dreary wintry icy weather is taking a toll on my psyche, but today at the shop I was reminded of my many blessings. I've been working on my faith book as time allows in between soap-making and shop stuff. The reminder came last week as I remembered a dream that I had all those years ago. I'd like to share it. Here's an insert from my book, My Beautiful Faith. Keep in mind it has not been sent to the editor as I'm still working on the final pages. 

Dreams

I believe that God speaks to us in our dreams. Many years ago before re-opening my shop I felt that my future was uncertain. It’s really the only time in my life that I’ve felt this. My mom had passed a few years before, and I had been a caregiver for several years. I really just didn’t know what I should be doing in life. I’d taken some time off and only had my shop open in my home on Saturdays. The notion of opening my shop again downtown had entered my mind only to be quickly dissolved with logic. I might add my own logic. I felt strongly about not wanting to open a shop again. All of the work involved and the time spent sitting at a shop just didn’t appeal to me. We all encounter feelings of uncertainty at some point in our lives. That night I prayed and asked God to tell me what I should be doing, and I had the wildest dream. First of all, it was what is referred to as a lucid dream. When you have a lucid dream you are aware that you are dreaming. I’d never experienced a lucid dream before, and it felt unique and special since I’d not even tried to have one. In a lucid dream, you’re in control of your dream. You can navigate the dream in the direction that you want it to go. For example, in my dream, I dreamt that I was once again a shop owner. I was happy-go-lucky in this dream. I was in my shop arranging flowers. I remember that I was able to change the color of the flowers in my dream. It was as simple as saying red flowers turn blue, and presto they were blue! Since I was aware that I was dreaming it was the most fascinating dream that I’ve ever encountered. I woke the next morning with excitement and eagerness to be a shop owner once again. I was determined to find a spot for my shop that next day. I drove downtown and circled around the square only to be disappointed. There were no open spaces available. I came home discouraged and deflated, but that dream was hanging on to every other thought. That night I had the same dream continued! It was another lucid dream. What are the odds? I was even dancing and singing as I walked across my shop floor. The next morning when I woke I said out loud, I get it, God. The overwhelming feeling to open a shop was tugging at me in every way that it could. I once again drove downtown to search for a good spot to open a shop. There was nothing to be had! Once again discouragement and dismay filled my heart. A month or so later I was meeting with a friend for lunch. We spent hours catching up. My friend owned a shop downtown in an old house. As we were getting ready to leave I mentioned my dream to her. She said it’s funny that you tell me about this dream because I’ve been thinking of asking you if you’d be interested in having a small space in my shop. What! What! I even said out loud, what! We started chatting a bit more, and within a few months, I found myself walking across my new shop floor dancing and singing while placing blue flowers in a vase. Later after I studied scripture I realized just how significant the value of a dream is being repeated. The Bible talks about it. To make the story even more interesting, the location where my friend had her shop was my old location. I was returning to my original shop location.

As for having two similar dreams, it means that these events have been decreed by God, and he will soon make them happen.

If you study Genesis 41 you’ll read how Pharaoh had two similar dreams. The Bible is filled with stories about dreams.

So today I turned on Lionel Richie and danced and sang and wrapped soap and chatted with a few of you. The memory of the dream made me realize just how darn blessed I am! The shop across from Bittersweet could watch a free dance concert today!

We're celebrating a big win with our football team, and I'm working on some creative endeavors with soap. I'm whipping up some good ones!

Jill 

Style Me Spring!

We're capturing bits and pieces of Spring at the apothecary shop. I'm making room for our new cookbook that's coming, and a re-style of shop corners. We're slipping in cherry blossoms every chance we get. 

The linen aprons were intended to accompany my cookbook. I believe that they blend well. Do you wear an apron when you cook? In the olden days, a cook would grab her apron before baking or cooking anything. She's have it hanging on a hook in the kitchen. In fact, she would have several aprons hanging on a hook in the kitchen. Back then a home-baked meal was common practice. I'm afraid nowadays, it's not so common.  It will come back! 

I'm emphasizing our home collection. Items that we make that our centered around my home that I believe you'll love too. Turkish towels, essential oil cleaning essentials, incense, beeswax candles along with new coconut oil candles, and my favorite, wool dryer balls! The scented products transfer into your space in a lovely way. They offer a sense of cheer and happiness. 

A couple of new spring soaps were released. Lemon Grass + Orange along with last week's soap, Lavender + Grapefruit. Our spring soaps are here today and gone tomorrow. 

I'm loving what we did with the new Lemon Nail Creme packaging! If you frequent the blog then you know how we're constantly making improvements to our packaging. I can't imagine keeping the same labeling and look that we had twenty-five years ago. Everything evolves in one direction or another. As does life. Don't get going on another philosophical discussion! I'll bore you to death!

The soap wrapping papers that we've selected are blowing us away! We plan and choose our soap packaging papers months before the soaps arrive. I mentioned in my last post how readily available papers are. When Bittersweet was born all those years ago, it was a challenge to find anything. I remember knowing exactly what was needed, but could not find it. The Internet was just born as well. Now you can find anything you want. I guess that's a good thing. I remember giving up trying to locate certain things in the old days only to settle on something which is not our method. So the new world of online shopping did open doors for exploration and discovery. 

I guess we have what some call a Big Game on Sunday! I've grown up surrounded by Chief fans. My family and friends support our hometown team. They're the best! Not only are they talented on the field, but they're also blessed with humbleness and kindness. They are indeed a team and perform like a team. I've always said that if you want to win or be successful you must play like a winning team. Sometimes that method of thinking works and other times it does not. Speaking of politics involved in local government. Pettiness amongst fellow business owners, etc.  If only the walls could talk! I'll leave it at that. I used to go to each and every meeting and was active in our downtown activities. Even launched a few events, but nowadays, I prefer working solo. Every now and then I'll get a wild hair, but the many years that I spent going to meetings and working on projects left me disenchanted. Have you ever been on the PTA?  Sad but true.  

It's warming up, and we're anxious for Spring. We have our May Day celebration right around the spring corner, and we're already working on our June porch sale. Retail moves fast and it's constantly evolving. I love that!

Go Chiefs!

Jill 

 

 

love language

We've started pulling our bright and cheery soap wrap papers. We couldn't be happier with the selections this season. Each of the richly colored papers is unique and stunning. It's safe to say that over the past twenty-five years, I've explored almost all paper manufacturers. They've come as far as Italy and as close as a locally grown artist. Nowadays there are hundreds maybe even thousands of artists that create custom paper and tissue. 

It's hard to not be in love with the latest soaps. This week we released Lavender and Grapefruit, and next week we'll be wrapping Lemon Grass and Orange. Our shipment of spring soap fragrance arrived on Friday, and we're eager to construct a proper spring presentation at our shop. One that will stand out and be shaped differently than most. Our team, I'm working hard visualizing the look that speaks spring. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm getting close. I always look for inspiration. Not the way you'd probably imagine but in a simple not too serious way. If that makes sense. Early morning walks and trips to my local design stores always help to get me going in the right direction. I don't plan ahead too much but rather ideas come naturally and when you least expect them. 

I've really been into birthstones lately. It's funny, I've always been drawn to certain stones. Lapis, Turquoise, and Topaz are a few of my favorites. When I began researching birthstones I discovered that those were my actual stones. Did you know that you can have more than one? I didn't. I had the necklace custom-made and picked it up on Etsy. There's something about wearing your birthstone or having pieces made from them. They seem to hold much more value. 

We received our shipment of spring hats! We're stocked up on all of your favorite Bittersweet products, and we're super anxious for Spring. 

It's a nice mild day with above-average temperatures. We've been outside picking up sticks and working on some of the outdoor projects that have been set aside for warmer days. 

We had a great day at the shop yesterday. My little world of apothecary and soap making is a blessing, and an even bigger blessing is the people that happen or walk through those shop doors. Feeling incredibly blessed today. 

Jill

 

 

a girl can dream

I have to admit that once we approach the end of January and the beginning of February my mind travels to one thought and one thought only Spring! How about you? Are you with me?

Well, on a good note, the dead of winter inspires me to create fresh new formulations and even facelifts on existing ones. The Spring Soap Menu has been shared. We're going to have some great spring soaps! They start arriving in a couple of weeks. I also move considerably slower in the winter months. Once the weather warms we love to spend time outdoors, and our treehouse porch is one of my favorite spots to hang out.

We are beginning to release our spring home collections. The entire line focuses on natural fibers and timeless items for your home. Cotton and linens are a few of our favorites. 

We had a big football game last night, and I want to say how proud I am of our team the Kansas City Chiefs. They showed dignity and humbleness before and after the win.  They are also a great role model for the NFL and the world. May you never lose that bright light that we all love. 

Today I revisited a favorite product, Lemon Nail Salve. The nourishing salve or balm is healing and packed with pure ingredients that even after one use offer healing results. It's great for fingertips and cuticles and intended for those tiny but important areas. 

Some of my favorites include Dry Oil, Body Spray, Rose Hip Oil, and the new Hair Butter. Oh so good! Like their sister the Lemon Nail Creme, they are quick to work and fast to show results. That's the manifesto yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Designing skincare essentials that make a difference in your life. We believe that we've cracked the skin care code! Our research and constant study of what're the best ingredients. 

The products that I make are inspired by my own needs and wants. If they don't live up to my standards their surely not going to live up to yours. We have a big problem with that! 

I'm still working on the backroom sorting and uncluttering. I made progress last week, but have a long way to go. When you're a soap manufacturer you have tons of paper products and packaging items like ribbon and soap wrap paper. I tend to believe that it's nice to have a designated spot for these items otherwise they get out of hand. 

My work table is filled with jars and bottles of a fresh new products. Lavender Linen Spray got a label makeover along with a few other things. Change is good. 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

spring ahead ♥

As we move ever so gracefully and slowly toward spring, our thoughts are centered around fresh blooms and warmer days. Our product ideas are in turn reflected in those thoughts. That's one of the reasons I love this time of year. Even though we're into the thick of winter, new ideas are circling like a smoke screen around our heads. Prototypes sit waiting for the final touch and shop styling is gradually touched up with a facelift. The changes are not drastic, but subtle and soft. 

Our Spring 23 collection has been finalized. It's an honor to curate these unique assemblies, and we look forward to sharing them with you!

Saturday was somewhat of a whirlwind! I couldn't believe the number of folks that came to the soap sale. We sold out in fifteen minutes! That speaks volumes for just how significant of a sale it is. At least I believe so. Next year I'll plan on offering more soap, and we will have a limit on the number of bags each person can get. Since it's such an amazing sale, I want everyone to be able to take advantage of it. I won't see many of you for months because you are stocked up on your favorite soap! Thank you for making our soap sale such a success. 

I posted and shared these thoughts on Sunday. 

It's Sunday so it feels appropriate to share an appreciative thought that I had this morning. Someone asked yesterday how far away some of my customers visited from. This morning I re-visited that question and realized that I've had customers from Japan, Australia, France, Italy, and all over the world. Then I thought about the lovely couple that came in yesterday that travels through a few times a year, and they're from Texas. They told me that Bittersweet is always their first stop. They are the nicest couple and they always grab twenty or so bars of soap to get them by until their next visit.

My neighbors down the street do the same, and the stories go on and on, and on in a most lovely way that for the life of me, I would never imagine any of this possible! I'm feeling thankful and even had a few tears run down my cheek this morning as I pondered this.

Those thoughts have carried me through and helped me realize the blessing that Bittersweet truly is. Thank you.

Jumping ahead.

While designs continue to float in my head I'm encouraged to believe that it would be nice to offer some of our products in mini-sizes. So I've started putting together a series of smalls. I've always been drawn to smaller packages of things. I feel like you can get pretty creative with packaging, and sometimes it's nice to have a limited supply of the product. Whether you're trying it for the first time, or simply prefer a smaller size. these new skin essentials are for you!

Okay, I'm in love with the textured joggers! The quality is amazing, pockets, perfect fit, dress them up, or down. I feel like joggers have become a staple in our collections. 

The Turkish towels perk me up too. Again, the quality is the best and the texture and colors are phenomenal!

This week I'm going to be finishing my shop drawer organizing. I'm going through cabinets and drawers so that they function better. My desk drawer was so full that it became a catch-all or junk drawer, and really wasn't functioning to its potential. It feels great to de-clutter and organize these areas. Although it's overwhelming when I first start, it always ends up going pretty quickly and the end result is gratifying. Wish me luck. 

I planted a row of lavender in front of our home a few years ago. It's amazing how even in the midst of winter lavender continues to release its aromatic scent. When I walk towards the door I'm greeted by the sweet fragrance. I'll share the variety and source later. It's a fairly new species that grow in the states. It's called American Lavender. It's hardy in grows tremendously fast. 

While I'm on the subject of plants. 

I shared my sourcing for Sweet Grass. This is a great nursery to order plants. Sweet Grass is easy to grow and thrives in almost any climate. 

The last offering of winter soaps is Green Forest. We also offered a candle in this scent, but we don't stock candles once the weather begins to warm. If you have a preference for woodsy pine scents you'll want to grab a few bars!

 

Jill 

 

 

 

 

Opening Day!

This last picture is a reminder that Spring will be here soon! 

Well, it's officially here, Opening Day at Bittersweet. I'm back from break and eager to get back in the groove of being a shop proprietress. We have a re-stock on some outsourcing items, and my basement is full of new items that I'll be gradually bringing in. The back room definitely looks like storage, but I'm happy to be able to leisurely go through past and present items and prepare for our big June Porch Sale. It's always the first Friday and Saturday of June. What sounds like a ways off will be here before you know it! 

I believe we're stocked up on all of your favorites, and the new essentials that are coming are in full swing ahead. I mentioned a few posts ago how Taste & Eat had been sent to the editor. We're in limbo mode until the proof comes and then we should move pretty fast to get the books in. Exciting! Book number two is almost complete. I keep adding chapters as things pop up in my mind. 

Our shop has had an overhaul. Fresh paint and thorough cleaning along with significant updates and organizing. A few repairs, and there's nothing left but to be excited about our grand reopening and soap sale. I've been working on some new packaging, and for some reason, the scent combination of lemon and ginger is holding tight to my thought process. I always go with the scent urges because they're always spot on. 

I believe you're going to love our fresh picks and thoughtfully curated collections for 23. I really like the current shop design. It has a good flow about it.  

I'm anticipating a soulful arrival into the new year along with amazing new opportunities. They seem to pop up when you least expect them. I've remodeled the foundation of my business and explored all of the new opportunities with eagerness and excitement. The forecast sounds dim for retail, but I refuse to believe that! Don't listen to everything you hear. Typically, it's never accurate. 

I keep a steady eye on sales and statistics, and I don't believe that what works for one will work for another. It's time for small businesses to dig deep and take a good close look into the internal goings on of your business. Stay focused and consistent. You're going to be just fine. If nothing else look, to this time to visualize what you want and move in a positive direction to achieve all of your goals. Re-examine your priorities. Continue to stay grounded and true to your values and heart. Okay, that was your pep talk for the day!

Focus your energy on well-being and it's time to not base your joy on the circumstance, but to appreciate each day as it is presented. Okay, I'll stop, maybe. 

Keep the faith. 

Jill 

 

don't go with the flow

It's been another productive and busy week at Bittersweet. I have to laugh sometimes and ponder thoughts of break time with a realistic view and know that the mere words aren't what they say that they are! I'm thinking of re-naming it to "work harder than you ever have time". Little did I know, and I never, ever plan too much ahead, thoughts of organizing and clearing and getting ready for a June porch sale in between soap making, painting, writing books, and contemplating new products, etc., etc. would end up chiming in the new year with its array of opportunities. All good, but I'm going to require a break after the so-called break!

So the new year brings to the table a smorgasbord of thoughts. Some are completely out there, while others hit the nail on the head. I'm forecasting slower-than-normal growth this year. An observation that is not hard to recognize when prices reach an all-time high on just about everything that you purchase. I've even noticed a tremendous increase in the pricing of furniture, toiletries, and let's just be honest just about everything. So.

In the weeks to come I'll be implementing some changes to some of our products. These changes are centered around the fragile economy and the increase in prices of almost everything that you purchase nowadays. The changes are a positive solution to accommodate our customers and hopefully take some of the edges off of inflation. Ugh, we hate that word! I'm excited to bring to the table a collection of products that are not only economical but also made with the very best ingredients that money can buy. We're launching this new alternative offering starting with our huge soap sale on January 21. The sale is an opportunity to stock up and receive a tremendous discount on your favorite unwrapped and uneven soaps. We're looking forward to an exciting new year, and we're eager to share our ideas, styles, artisan creations, and books! Books! I can't wait! 

Have I ever told you that the soap that we offer at the soap sale weighs in at over two-hundred pounds? Probably not, maybe so. I compare myself sometimes to a warrior woman. A woman lifts heavy objects that are not suitable for the weaker of hearts. Once again, it's a good thing. The heavy lifting, soap making, and physical activities required to maintain this business would make a young person flutter. I'd imagine hearing things like, I'm not doing that! Passion. It runs deep. The biceps back it up!

I absolutely love soaps that mimic forest scents. The new soap, Cedarwood + Amber falls into that lovely category. It's arriving on Saturday when we re-open the shop. 

Round dish soap, a new hair treatment, coming. I'm still in prototype mode. We ordered some new display pieces and they're taking forever to get here. So some of my projects have been put on hold. Have you experienced this problem? Items take forever to get to their destination. A sign of the times, I'm afraid. 

I'm really into bringing back simpler times. Part of that thinking is wrapped around thoughts of spending less time on social media and more time designing and creating. That's my jam! 

How about you? Don't you feel that social media can sometimes rob you of your joy? The bombardment of overloaded reels and stories makes my head spin. Selfie this, and that, and shots of my hair, fingernails, and anything else deemed necessary to share. Everything is under the sun. Sometime's too much, and other times not enough. I don't feel like it's a demographic thing either. It's popping up to those who recognize it.  Here's to twenty-three and a slower approach to life! Three cheers to that! 

Spring is on my mind. Once February rolls around I begin to dream about green grass and flowers. 

We've been having Sunday dinners at our house. It reminds me of when I was a kid and we'd go to grandma's house for dinner. She would always make fried chicken and potatoes and gravy. Since she owned a restaurant during the depression, and her cooking was amazing. Her granddaughter has fond memories of those Sunday dinners. 

My dad is dropping by tomorrow to help me repair a plant shelf at the shop. I picked up a couple of matching brackets so that we can add more plants! Ha!

Jill 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Break time reinvented

 

In between clearing and cleaning at the shop prototypes are being tossed around for Valentine's day. I mentioned how a lot of our future designs are formed around our roots. This means since Bittersweet has been around for so long and we've run the gamut of product design and style with each and every design that is released we have seen all sorts of styles and designs come and go. Most have been tweaked many times while others have been freshly created. Just as clothing styles come and go, and often come back so does most packaging. It may look a little different, but the bones are there. With a new year, those thoughts are centered around the reflection. Most of our favorite past packaging designs show up in some shape or form, and we love that!

We received a small shipment of Turkish towels a few weeks ago, and I absolutely love them. We hand-picked the colors and utility. We have kitchen towels and bed covers. The bed covers may also be used as a draping piece for tables. Love that too!

Somebody was feeling a little under the weather the other day so I decided to not leave her at home so that I could keep an eye on her. In fact, I believe that she dined on several cinnamon rolls that she snatched out of the trash! I felt horrible. You know the feeling, right? That soul-drenching feeling that you have caused harm to your precious pet. I did a lot of praying and kept her close to me for about a day. Then, by the second day, she had a positive turn-around, and things became somewhat normal around here.  Kids and dogs. We worry about them, always. 

 I've cleared off the old farm table to make room for our big soap sale on January 21. The soap sale is a big thing! I did a test run and casually filled my cloth bag and received almost fifty dollars of free soap without any effort. If one is careful and strategically places the bars in the bag one can easily get more bars and more savings. The only downfall and it only affects me is that I won't see your smiling faces for quite a while after you feel your bag as you'll be stocked up for months on our moisture-rich pH-tested soap! The sale is an offering to our customers. Little things. 

Winter nights are made even more cozier by lighting one of my favorite candles in all the world. Not only is Lily the salt of the earth, but the candles that she crafts are above most others. I'm particularly fond of her Aspen Lodge candle. The small tin candle has a great throw of scent! Check her out here.  

So many have asked about the picture. I order most of my prints here. I'm fond of Scottish scenes. We have several of these prints framed in our home. 

What's that saying? There's always room for improvement.  I feel pretty comfortable declaring that I'm a professional improvement monitor! Using the items that you already have by either changing their surroundings or function. Often times I'm impressed when I change an object's function. Most of the time, the alternative idea of its aesthetics thrills me even more than the first. Little things. So I'm making positive improvements to an already popular product, our dish soap. Later on, we'll have a short handle dish brush, and wee ceramic dishes that when I first began searching for an update fell in love with this new packaging. I think that you will too. You'll have the option of purchasing either on its own or with the accessories. I personally love having a little brush and dish for my chunky bar of dish soap to sit on.

I'm hoping to have the cookbook in my hands soon! At least one of them so that I can take an intense look at it to make sure there aren't any typos or mistakes. We're inching our way closer to this. Book writing has a particular process. I feel like it's easy to construct the wording, but it's challenging to assure that the content complements the grammar and punctuation. Not my thing. I'm thankful for editors and publishers!  

I believe you're going to enjoy our shop even more with all the changes that I've made. I've dug in deep and left no corner unturned. The back room was my biggest challenge, and when I first began working on the small room I was definitely overwhelmed, but I rallied and kept working until it was organized. It's a super satisfying feeling to overcome such obstacles and the end rewards you with the satisfaction of knowing you did it! Big things. 

It doesn't seem believable that next Saturday marks the end of our winter break! I guess because I've been so busy, but I'll be glad to be back once I'm back. It's ironic how I never plan to be so busy, but it always without fail turns out to be. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It's a wrap!

Oh, boy oh boy,  has it been busy around here. So much for break time! This happens every year. I think about a slower pace and some downtime and low and behold the opposite happens. I'm delivering a back-to-our-roots method of advertising. One book is done, and another is almost finished, and then I'll start on numbers 3 and 4. I feel like a big part of this book's writing process is knowing what you want to write about.  The cookbook was sent to the editor today! 

We've received our shipment of outsourcing goods. I am in love with the Turkish towels and bed cover! I've always loved Turkish towels. What's not to love? The quality of the weaving is by far top-notch and the aesthetics are nothing short of perfect. 

I've been working at the shop cleaning, painting, and remodeling. I'm inching my way back to the dreaded back room or a storage area. It's compact and small and not much room is allowed to store hardly anything. When you own a shop you typically have a large number of merchandising items. Most I use depending on the time of year, but I desperately need space to store the items. I love my shop, but it is lacking in storage space. I'll make it work. I dropped by my home goods store and purchased plastic bins so that I can stack and store them. Knowing before I even begin it will be challenging to get it organized. I'm at a point where the merchandising items that I now own are ideal and perfect in every way. I'd be hard-pressed to shop and find anything that compares with the hand-picked items. A few years ago we had a huge porch sale and I sold almost everything at a discounted price. Now that I've picked through and selected the best of the best that opportunity has narrowed. The pieces that we have now are useful and timeless. 

We're having our huge soap sale coming up! If you love Bittersweet soap then you don't want to miss this sale. Talk about bargains! This one wins the bargain prize! We usually have a long line waiting to get in. One year during a snow storm we had the largest line ever. It's no wonder you can easily get your cloth bag filled with up to fifty-sixty dollars of free soap! This year we have a reserve of about two hundred pounds for the sale. 

New books, products, and designs are coming! I've even planned out our Valentine's designs. I think you're going to love the scents and the packaging. 

So you see there's always something going on around here, and usually, I'm tackling three or four projects at once. Don't hold it against me, it's just how I operate. I've had folks tell me that I'm an overachiever. I really wanted to look up that definition. A person who does more than they are expected to do or who is more successful than others: I don't really believe that this is who I am. I simply love to do what I love and live life to the fullest. I definitely do not believe that I'm more successful than others! I've always considered all people to be equal in abilities, and let me proclaim if I can do it anyone can! My goal in writing the books that I'm currently working on our centered around that thinking. I want others to be encouraged to go for it in life!

Jill 

 

 

The New Year

As we approach a new year I can't help but ponder what a great year this one has been!  I'm anticipating exciting new things coming ahead that I never imagined this time last year. Those thoughts are centered around two new books being published and a cluster of new products that are designed around thoughts of less is more. I'm also focusing on simpler times. My brother gifted me an old-fashioned glass lantern for Christmas, and my mind traveled to thoughts of how someone once read their favorite book or family bible by golden lantern light. The lantern represents a nostalgic time when life was slower.  Christmas is a magical time of year and I feel like her arrival is conducted by a craving for a quiet pace and tranquil moments filled with peace and joy. 
We're taking a break from social media until after the new year so that we can heighten those thoughts and take in the beauty that wraps itself around this past year's gratitude and reflection. We're excited to share our new designs, books, and ideas in the upcoming year ahead!

I started clearing out Christmas and cleaning at both the home and shop. I've also removed everything from the shop tables and racks so that we can do a deep winter cleaning. Whenever I style the shop I always clear out everything and start from scratch. But before we begin styling with new products we paint and clean. 

Breaking from social media was a comforting thought. I'm constantly promoting Bittersweet and sometimes it feels good to simply walk away and revisit at another time. Do you feel that sometime? I'm always amazed on how much more I get done, and my spirit is also happier when I don't spend a lot of time on these platforms. I'm rethinking how we market our brand and feel like it's a great time to reflect before the new year arrives. 

I'm also restructuring our apothecary shop and placing a focus on what we do here at Bittersweet. We, I do a lot! The restructuring will be centered around our Scent Bar, Skincare, and Soaps. We're simplifying our designs and tweaking our style some. Every now and then I believe it's good to stop and take a close look at your buiness as an outsider. How do other's see your business? For example, we are a soap manufacturing company. The name is French, Savonerie, and it's translation means "Soap Factory." It best describes who we are here at Bittersweet. I am proud to say that I'm a soap maker and those thoughts have been wrapped around my heart for almost twenty-six years. It's a spectacular moment when you realize what you're doing in life is what your suppose to be. I give the glory to God.  

We're also making room for some three-hunded pounds of soap that we'll be offering during our annual soap sale. The end pieces are tucked away each week and then we release the lot of chunky unwrapped bars at our sale. 

Wishing you a happy new year!

Jill 

 

White Christmas

The frosty arrival of winter has arrived with all her bells and whistles. We're also entering the final day that our store is open for this year! It doesn't seem possible, and where did the time go?

I made shortbread cookies and shared them with family and neighbors and the festivities of Christmas are beginning to take shape. The recipe will be included in Taste & Eat which will be arriving in a few short months. Yippee!  

Winter break starts tomorrow and my family is coming over for Christmas Eve dinner tomorrow. Something I always look forward to each year. Little things. I'll be setting the table and making bread pudding. Yummy!

Enjoy the spirit of Christmas and the joyous reason for the season. A child is born and his name is Immanuel. Glory to God. 

Merry Christmas!

Jill 

 

joy

As we begin to wrap up the final touches on our holiday collections we're reminded of our blessings. The joy that we feel in our hearts is the same joy that we wish for you not just during Christmas, but year-round. We're open three more days before we take our winter break, and I must admit when it gets this late and so close to Christmas I'm eager to do just that, break. This season I've got books to finish and goals to meet so I'm thrilled to get those projects completed and move on to the next. 

I was chatting with a customer yesterday and we were talking about introverts versus extroverts. I've come to learn something about myself that as crazy as it sounds I didn't compare myself to an introvert until just recent days. I do believe that you can be both.  I guess that was the surprise that I thought it was not possible to be both, but you can. When I'm working at home on the computer or manufacturing I'm an introvert, but when I'm at the shop I'm an extrovert. I am blessed to have the best of both. It also offers an amazing balance in my life. I love people and always have, I'm eager to learn about others' viewpoints and lives. So when I'm home hunkered down in soap making I'm quiet and filled with solitude, but when I'm at the shop it's noisy and filled with conversing. The best of both worlds so to speak. Feeling grateful and thankful. 

I'm also putting the finishing touches at the shop. Make sure to keep Bittersweets in stock to a certain point, however, in the three remaining days that our shop is open this year I'll want to get inventory down to a mere minimum.  It's kind of a good feeling when the final day arrives that we're open and there's not a bar in the house! That means I'm calculated correctly. You may not be aware of that, but each season a calculation is made on just how many bars of soap we're going to need to fulfill demand. It's actually become a sort of game to see just how accurate those calculations are. Typically they've been spot-on over the years within a bar or two of soap. I used to work for a book fair company and one of my jobs was to calculate how many books were needed for each school. It's all done with a variety of math equations. I always found it to be ironic that math was even a part of my life considering I hated it in school and was challenged with every number and teacher. Then I became a bank manager and business owner. I quickly realized how important math is to your everyday life, and especially business. Pricing of products, statistics, and numbers of all shapes and sizes are key ingredients to understanding how things work. This is when I learned to never say never, and those thoughts ring true today!

This Christmas I'm wishing you peace and joy. Regardless of your situation, may joy fill your spirit and comfort you at all times. The holidays can be stressful for just about everyone regardless of your situation I know because I've been there and I understand. Don't sweat the small stuff, and make peace with yourself over the things that you cannot control. Turn it over to God and he will take care of it all. Believe. Trust, and keep the faith. 

JOY! A three-letter word that is much larger than its size. Ha, math!

Merry Christmas!

Jill