Last year was eventful for me. New things began, and other things ended. If there's anything we can count on, it's beginnings and endings.
With the promise of a new year, I bought a swanky new monthly planner. As I tried to figure out how to use it, I couldn't help but look back on all the changes that came about last year. With the clarity of a Monday morning quarterback, here was the gift of hindsight.
I said goodbye to soapmaking as a
fun hobby, and start viewing it as a business.
When I ended my massage practice in June, I worried over how people would take my 'quitting' massage. In reality, my clients said goodbye and wished me well, peppering it with plenty of kind words and encouragement.
Then I had to do the thing I hated most, and take a look at hard numbers. I adjusted product prices to make an actual profit, just like a real business. Most of my soap customers didn't bat an eyelash. Since I launched my new website in September, I've had a grand total of ONE push-back on the price increase, and she wanted an explanation.
I told her the truth, that I'd been breaking even for years, which was ok since I was having fun and making money with my day job. But she declined the purchase, and wished me 'good luck with that'. I knew this was destined to happen at some point. Surprisingly, I felt grateful.
I know that goodbye's are a necessary part of growth. Relationships end, to make room for new ones. Here come the growing pains, and they punctuate an important lesson I've been railing against for years.
You can't make everyone happy.
I know, I know, but I tried so hard, anyway. I began making changes, and still am. I said goodbye to flying blind, and hello to mentorship. It was only through this guidance that I was able to take the goodbye's (a bit more) in stride. I learned that it was a good thing, and that I should expect a few.
I'm learning how to navigate a new chapter, and I wanted to say thank you.
For your kind words and encouragement. For your appreciation, loyalty and patience. I appreciate your responses to my emails, and your feedback on my product creations. And I especially like the stories of how you connect the scents or the products with people you love and remember and those who have inspired you.
As we begin 2019, I have plenty of new ideas of my own, and I'm always excited to hear yours!
I look forward to bringing you products that offer unapologetic femininity & beauty, while being great for your skin.
