Re-evaluating Your Soap and Cosmetic Business

If you are a handmade soap and cosmetic product maker who is in the process of re-evaluating your business you're not alone. There are a lot of business owners re-evaluating their businesses this year. It's a common situation for small business owners - and if you are finding yourself in this predicament know that you are not alone. 

Some small business owners are dealing with life challenges and unsure how or whether to keep their business afloat. Others are unaware of their business’ profitability and coming to terms with getting honest and real about financials or closing their doors. You might know someone going through something similar right now. Or that person might be you.

Just to be clear, I’m not referring to everyday challenges that are part of being an entrepreneur. I’m talking about life challenges that rattle you to the core and stop you dead in your tracks. These struggles might be with family members, health matters, personal finances, blinders on business finances and/or a business that no longer serving you and your needs.

I went through my own personal struggles back in 2001 when I was a divorced, single mom trying to keep my business afloat. There were days when I didn’t know if I should give up or continue the fight. But re-evaluating my business and pinpointing my strategies helped me made decisions to reshape my life and business.

For some entrepreneurs, the choice to close a business is the right move. Every situation is different. My challenges brought out the fighter in me. Either way, there is no wrong answer – only the right answer for you.

Re-evaluating

I was recently talking with another entrepreneur and she made an interesting point of how many people launch a business for one reason – because it fits into their current lifestyle and vision for the future. But when vision and/or lifestyle change, there becomes a need for personal assessment to evaluate whether the business still fits into the plan. Her point may sound obvious, but I think we all need to hear it over and over again. Ask yourself “Is my business serving my needs and my dreams?” It make take some time for the truth to reveal itself. Be honest.

Let’s look at some reasons you may have started your business. We’ll call this the “then” moment:

• Drawn to Entrepreneurship
• Flexible Hours
• Convenience of Working from Home
• New Business Replaced a Lost Job
• Extra Income
• Sole Income
• Enjoying Creativity and Making Product

 Now let’s look at common curveballs that could change the way your business is no longer working for you. I’m not implying that these are the sole reason(s) to quit your business. More on this in a moment. We’ll call this the “now” moment. 

Are any of these going on in your life:

• Hobby Turned to Business – Now What?
• Financial Problems
• Divorce
• Death of Loved One
• Aging Parents Who Need More of Your Time
• Children Who Need More of Your Time
• Forced to Move/Loss of Workspace
• Layoff from Primary Job/Income
• Not Sure If Your Business is Profitable
• Other Opportunities Are Beckoning You

Determining the distance between “then” and “now”:

• Does the reason you started your business still resonate?
•  What has changed between the “then” and “now”? How big is the gap?
• Are there other opportunities that excite you more than your soap business?
• Can those opportunities be combined with your soap business?
• Does your business no longer serve you?
•  Is your business no longer profitable? 

Next, ask yourself what solution(s) can you put in place to help you keep your business? 

Does it make sense to put these solutions in place vs. closing your business? 

This may not be a quick answer, but hopefully it will start a thought process within you to gain insight into whether you should move forward in your business or think about new opportunities instead.

Look to Strategy for Simpler Problems

Sometimes problems that seem insurmountable can be easily fixed. For example, if you need more time in your life, perhaps you are trying to do too much yourself. Can you afford to hire employees? If you’re not sure about your business’ finances and bottom line then that’s an easy fix. You need to hire an accountant or learn Quickbooks to determine the profitability of your business – sooner than later. Or perhaps you’re burned out? Get clear on your reason for burnout by taking a few days off and getting away for a fresh approach. Determine what is causing burnout. Boredom? Overworking? Reach out to a mentor to give you insight in how you can change up your outlook and business operations.

Often it is too easy to think about the “right-now” aspect of our business, because we only see the results immediately in front of us. But what about the big picture? Do you have that big picture for your business as well as long-term goals?

Spend time for a few days envisioning what you want for your business. Where would you like to take it? What is your plan from taking it from here to there? Set goals and then develop an action plan to turn them into reality.

Advice on Moving Forward

If your wounds are new (such as divorce or death) it may be time to put your business on hold to care for yourself or a family member. Maybe you’ve already come to terms with closing your business, but open to starting a new venture either at a later time.

For some soapmakers, talking about your business challenges to a mentor is all you need to get you and your business back on track. Be sure to consult with those who are in the industry or have solid business background and are themselves successful, not someone just giving lip service. When you ask for advice, listen. Be open to constructive criticism that can ultimately lead your business to success.

Lastly, put your ego aside to make decisions about your business. Forget what others might think. Forget how it all “might look.” This is about being honest about how your business is affecting the quality of your life. Closing a business is not about failure. It’s about making a decision that is right for you. Most importantly, it’s not a an end, it’s the beginning of new dreams, opportunities and ventures.

What are ways you have re-evaluated your business? What decisions and actions did you find helpful?

Tips to Increase Profitability for Your Handmade Soap and Bath & Body Business

I bet you’re breathing a huge sigh of relief about now. 2013 is a closed chapter and a fresh, new 2014 calendar awaits your business strategy. If you haven’t already reviewed 2013, now is the time to do it. What worked for you last year and what didn’t? Where were you most profitable? Being more selective with opportunities presented to you in 2014 will positively affect your bottom line.

I’ve already let several projects from 2013 fall to the wayside in 2014. They made sense last year, but as I continually raise my business standards and become more selective in where I put my energy there were several things that I’ve let go.

In addition to reviewing 2013, another project on the top of your list should be your annual growth strategy. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t want to grow their business. But let’s get specific. Do you want to grow your business 5%, 10% or more this year?

There are several ways to grow your business. One way is to reduce your bottom line. The other is to increase your sales. Let’s take a look at reducing your bottom line first. A little planning and strategizing could save you a total of 5-30% in this area. Here are some simple suggestions to save money, which in turn will put more back into your bank account:

·         Negotiate lower merchant account credit card processing rates. Did your credit card sales increase this year? Do you expect more sales this year? Call the merchant processing company and tell them you are looking for lower rates. If you reduce your rate by 0.5-1% you’re doing well.

·         Review your annual cost of goods spending and shop around for the best prices on ingredients. This year work on buying in bulk to lower your costs. Instead of purchasing in small quantities frequently, determine price breaks and order quarterly or twice a year instead. This can save you anywhere from 3-5% or more on your cost of goods spending.

·         Re-evaluate contracts, service subscriptions (webhosting, etc.) and memberships. Which of these are worth keeping and which have little to no return on investment? Estimated potential savings here is 1-3%.

·         Review shipping costs from suppliers. Would you save money buying in bulk and shipping your orders via freight versus UPS? You could save up to 10% on current shipping costs depending on your buying habits.

·         Re-evaluate your marketing budget. What did you pay for marketing in 2013? Which of your marketing initiatives resulted in a high return on investment? Which did not?

Let’s look at increasing sales

Have a specific goal in increasing sales (i.e., this year we will increase sales by 20%).  Here are some suggestions on how to increase sales:

·         Nuture relationships with current customers. Your best customers know your brand and will have good suggestions on what products to add, how to improve customer service, new services and more. Tap into their resources and remember to reward them with discounts and paybacks.

·         Upsell to customers. Did you know that more than 80 percent of sales are impulse purchases? This is a relatively easy way to increase sales by 5-10 percent annually. Ask for the sale at checkout (i.e., “Would you like to take advantage of our lip balm special?”)

·         Add new products or services. Be specific. For example, how many new products will you introduce by May? How many by September?

·         Increase your wholesale and private label accounts. How many annually? How many new accounts does that mean per month? Per week?

·         Re-evaluate your retail sales. Which trade shows and retail shows were worth your time last year? Are there new shows you want to try this year?

·         Update your website. There’s always something to improve, from product photography to product descriptions. Add quality search engine optimization and increase your social media interactions.

·         How can you work more efficiently? Distractions lead to wasted time which cut into your bottom line. Schedule your time, limit access to time-wasting websites (use apps such as RescueTime to see how much time you’re spending on Facebook and other sites). If you spend less time on Facebook weekly (five to seven hours per week), what could you accomplish in that timeframe for your business?

·         Disorganization is another efficiency killer. How much time do you waste looking for ingredients or packaging that you were sure was “just right there” but now you have to place a rush order to fill an order? It’s frustrating – I’ve been there! Invest in inventory software. Get your business organized into a mean, lean operating machine.

These are just a few suggestions to get your business ready for a fabulous 2014. Prioritize what makes the most sense for your business. Then begin implementing them as soon as possible. Keep good records so you can track your results. Once 2015 rolls around you’ll be ahead of the game. Happy sales (and savings).

I'd love to hear your tips on increasing profitability. 

Reprinted with permission from the January 2014 Saponifier Magazine, written by Marla Bosworth

Palm Oil in Cosmetics Series: Part One

This is a multi-part series on the usage of palm oil in soaps, beauty products and cosmetics. First we will discuss the environmental effects of palm oil harvesting. The second post will give suggestions on how to formulate palm-free, cold process soaps. Future posts will include substituting palm-based waxes in creams and lotions and a few guest posts from some of my new friends in the world of saving orangutans.

Why this article? Well, mostly because I’ve had a love-hate relationship with palm oil for the past two years. I’ve enjoyed the conditioning properties it lends to my cold process soaps. It is a dependable oil that I count on to create a firm bar of soap. On the other hand, every time I make a batch of soap with palm oil, I feel a twinge of guilt. I think about deforestation and orangutans losing their homes. I picture their faces, and wonder what turmoil they encountered when their home was grazed all in the name of harvesting palm oil. 

My awareness to the severity of palm oil’s impact on the orangutans was brought to light two years ago when I interviewed Pangea Organics founder, Joshua Onysko in Boulder, Colorado. I had heard of the palm oil controversy, but in talking with him I realized that any usage of the ingredient – from a pound to a tonnage – was contributing to the destruction of the orangutans.

Later that year Onysko’s company partnered with the Jane Goodall Institute to further bring awareness and support to the endangered orangutans. I was impressed with Pangea’s actions. At the time I had a list of excuses as to why I had a firm grip on using palm oil. 

•  It’s too much work to reformulate and try new recipes.
• I’m just one soapmaker. How much of a difference will I really make?
• Just how bad is the deforestation?
• Is it true that the orangutans are losing their homes?
• Everyone else uses palm oil.

 The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that an area of Indonesian rainforest the size of six football fields is cut down every minute of every day. Although the biggest usage of palm oil is for food and biofuel in western countries, the use of palm for cosmetics isn’t far behind. 

This is the year that I’m taking the palm-free plunge. No more palm in soap, cosmetics or food. I’m reading more labels and questioning products that I purchase.

The Severity of the Matter

A little research on the internet will leave you with images you won’t forget. Yes, the deforestation is horrendous. Yes, the orangutans are still losing their homes. In fact, the Sumatran orangutan population has declined 70 percent since 1994 and is directly related to palm oil harvesting.

But there is much more to the story. The expansion of palm oil plantations is forcing orangutans out of their habitat, and as they leave their territory they approach neighboring areas and villages. People consider them a threat and kill them.

Taken in Tanjung Putting National Park in Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo).
Photo Pat Svetaka at Camp Leakey

There are acts of violence against the orangutans. As recent as December 2011, Malaysian palm oil companies were responsible for genocide against Indonesia’s orangutans. Palm oil plantation workers killed 20 orangutans by chasing them with dogs, shooting, stabbing and then hacking them to death with machetes. This is not an industry I want to support.

“The forests of Borneo and Sumatra are the only two places on Earth where these gentle, intelligent creatures live. The cultivation of palm oil over the last decade has directly led to the slaughter of thousands of individuals as the industry has expanded into previously undisturbed areas of old-growth rainforest,” says Willie Smits, a trained forester, microbiologist, conservationist and animal rights activist.

“Some of the luckier baby orangutans are confiscated and brought to sanctuaries such as Samboja Lestari, as Willie mentioned, or the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue Center, which is now home to nearly 700 orphaned and displaced orangutans in Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). Many of these orangutans are only weeks old when they arrive, and all of them are psychologically traumatized and desperate for their mothers — who are no longer alive. And remember, these are the fortunate ones. For every one we rescue, at least six others are estimated to have been killed, along with their mothers.”

Palm oil is the leading cause of deforestation in southeast Asia. More than 1,000 orangutans die annually because of land clearing and fires from peat smoulders. It’s shocking that 90 percent of orangutan habitat has been lost. Reports indicate that orangutans will be extinct in several  years if serious efforts aren’t made to help them overcome the threats they face. It’s not only the orangutans who are suffering – it’s also affecting other wildlife such as tigers and elephants.

Resources: Ready to Take Action?

Please watch Green the Film: http://www.greenthefilm.com
Camp Leakey: http://www.orangutan.org/our-projects/research/camp-leakey

Project Kalaweit http://www.kalaweit.org/

Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program http://www.sumatranorangutan.org/content-n31-sE.html

Follow activists: Suci Utama, Erik Meijaard and Lone Droscher-Nielson

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Center http://www.orangutan.com/projects/nyaru-menteng/

Sponsor an Orangutan:  http://redapes.org/adopt

Consider Donating to Orangutan Outreach: http://redapes.org/donate

Rainforest Action Network: http://ran.org/palm-oil

http://www.thejakartapost.com/ (search for “palm oil” and “orangutans”)

The Jane Goodall Institute http://www.janegoodall.org

Marla Bosworth is the CEO and Founder of Back Porch Soap Company, http://www.backporchsoap.com She teaches group and private classes on how to make natural skincare products in Boston and NYC. Ms. Bosworth also provides product, brand and marketing strategies for handmade beauty companies. 

Student Spotlight: Janice Summers of Très Spa

Janice Summers

The following is an interview with Janice Summers, owner of Très Spa:

Tell us a bit about yourself. What got you to this point in your life?

Whenever anyone asks me how and why did I ever get into personal care as a business, I usually stand there frozen. Sometimes I simply laugh (because I am thinking of funny short answers). It’s not that I don’t know why or how it all happened it’s just that I’m never sure how much you really want to know or how you want me to answer. It always feels like it will be an epic tale starting with my childhood. That is where it all began. 

“I was born in Detroit Michigan at a pivotal time in our nation’s history…..” I haven’t yet figured out how to tell that story in three lines. Perhaps one day I will hire a publicist who can dig in and then condense the answer. 

The shortest one I have is “Life”. It wasn’t as if a brick fell on my head or that I was fed up with something or that I had great pain (even though I have suffered with skin conditions in the past). None of this drove me. I did not know any of my niche mates nor was I chasing any rags to riches hero who had gone before me. In fact, if it were monetary riches I was in search of, believe me, I would never rank starting a cosmetics business on the list. So I was not setting out to change the world nor right some skin care wrong nor wag my finger at someone else. 

I would say that Très Spa grew from a deep seeded passion that is difficult to define in simple text. I suppose the story of Très Spa is more one to be experienced and that is what is poured (pardon the pun) into everything I create and do for Très Spa. 

Très Spa is an expression of my life and all the people in it or who have passed through it. All the experiences I have had through life have led me to where I am now and doing what I am called to do. I was not consciously aware of this when I first formed the corporation nor during its incubation or even its baby stages. In fact, it was questions like this that made me try to define it.

What do you sell?

Artisan crafted Personal care inspired by nature.  How’s that for a short answer?

Très Spa Product Line

How did you get interested in making bath and body products?

My passion for the business began as an end user. I was always experimenting with different skincare products and natural remedies. I was strongly influenced by my grandparents who were way ahead of their time by today’s standards. Oddly enough, behind the times when I was a child. They planted gardens full of wonderful fruits and vegetables, rotated their little crops around, refrained from using pesticides, made things by hand. You may think I lived out in the country, but I was born in Detroit so you can imagine how odd it was.  

I cannot imagine any other business that would capture me more, that would allow for so many different interests to be stimulated simultaneously. The artist, the nurturer, the environmentalist, the champion, the engineer, the scientist, even the practical and savvy all come into play. There is not a day that goes by, since I launched Très Spa that I am not eternally grateful to be able to do what I do.

When did you launch your company?

During the worst part of the recent economic downturn - 2008/2009. Best time to start since there is nowhere to go but up!

What sets you apart from other bath and body companies?

I am sure I am breaking all of the standard business rules here, but I did not research and nose into what others were creating in my field. Again, I had a lifetime as an end user so I already had a bit of experience behind me. I knew what I wanted to do and how I wanted to do it. I did not want to be influenced by others in my field, nor did I want to do the same thing as everyone else, so I intentionally did not investigate others. I still don’t. 

So what sets me apart? What sets anyone apart really? That is the true question. There are lots of bakers who make a chocolate cake and many may even use the same ingredients (or at least similar ones) but what makes one more appealing than others? It is in how they do what they do. From the core ingredients to the final presentation. This is how you separate yourself from the pack.; the raw materials you select, they blends you create, and the way you present them.

What course(s) did you take with Marla?

I did a two-day glorious Business Bootcamp with her. I saw a listing through the Nova Studio offering a two-day business boot camp and jumped on the enrollment. I had heard of Marla before, probably through the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild. When I signed up, I was already well on my way in business, but what appealed to me the most was that Marla had already built a thriving business in skincare and I thought that this would be an excellent person to go see. I was right!

Which were your favorite and how did they benefit you?

Most important to me was the tradeshow advice. I had already done one, but wanted to improve since I had another one already scheduled. Marla’s advice and tips were very beneficial and I went to my next show with far more confidence than before. I’ve done a few more shows since that time and I am always tweaking things for improvement. But, what I learned in that bootcamp was a solid foundation to build from.

What is your favorite part of running a bath and body business?

There are two aspects that I love the most. One is the people I meet and the lives that are touched by what I have created. I love seeing my customers and hearing their stories. The other is when I get to be alone and create. I can tune everything else out and freeze time when I am creating. It is truly wonderful. The two of these aspects are woven together since when I create, I am thinking of all the people I have met.

What is your least favorite part?

I’m not partial to bookkeeping. It always takes a nudge to get me into the accounting software, but once I get rolling with it, I actually find it very rewarding. Ever try to find that missing penny when you reconcile your account? Doing General Ledger work to me is like eating kale, not the best tasting green around but oh so very good for you. Believe me, by the end of the year, there is nothing more pleasing than being able to run ample detailed reports on cost vs sales. Your gut might be telling you one thing, but the numbers have to add up in the end.

What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

Time. I think it is the biggest challenge for anyone these days. There is always something that needs to get done and whether or not you like it, you have to let some things slip. For me, it’s usually newsletters, blog posts and social media. It’s not that I don’t have things to report or things to say, I just don’t often get the time to sit and write them up.

When you have free time how do you like to spend it? Hobbies, sports, travel, etc.?

Is there FREE time with this job?!  Just kidding! There are two things I love to do the most. My first love is camping. Whether it is in the forest or in field; by the ocean, lake, or river side. I am at peace when I am in nature. This is also the source of my inspiration and I often find that I make magnificent gains just by stopping and gazing at the trees. The other is going to the Spa. Destination spas or day spas, you can go in feeling blah but when you emerge you are transformed. That is the way I would like people to feel when they use the products I create for Très Spa: Transformed and Inspired.

Do you have any words of wisdom to share?

There is nothing worse than being at an event, be it a wholesale event or an art event or even a farmers market, and having someone spend a ton of time picking through your booth and asking tons of questions when all they really want to do is gather intel for their own business. These events cost money and the person who paid to be there, did not come to give you advice or guidance, they came to build their market share and sell.  You taking up space in their booth means that real buyers cannot come in. However, there are respectful ways to do this. If you want info then identify who you really are, keep your questions to a minimum, if you see others coming into the booth GET OUT and come back again later, do not ask for their product catalog – these things cost money, if they have spent time answering your questions then buy something from them before you go.

Be clear about what you want to do and how you want to do it. No one can be everything to everyone and not everyone is your customer. Trying to follow what everyone else is doing will make you nuts and the savvy consumer can spot a knock off anyway. 

Don’t measure your success by someone else’s measuring stick. This too will drive you to distraction. You need to set your own baseline and measure improvements against that. Someone else may “seem” more successful, but you are not them and who knows what their “behind the scenes” story is. 

Be bold! Many of the success stories that I have heard have happened because they were bold enough to push forward even in the face of adversity or contrary to “professional” advice. How many times did Edison try before he created the incandescent light bulb? How many pitches did it take before the Colonel sold the concept of his Kentucky Fried Chicken? 

Take classes! If you want to know something or learn from a Master, then belly up, pay the fee, and take classes. Guiding and advising are what teachers do and folks like Marla are excellent at it! 

Thanks, Janice! Connect with her on Facebook or purchase some of her fabulous natural skincare products!

Student Spotlight: Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Company

Blue Hoot Soap Company's beautifully packaged soaps.

The following is an interview with Alyssa Wise Taylor, owner of Blue Hoot Soap Company.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born and whatever else you'd like to share as to how you got to this point in your life?

I was born in New London, Connecticut but I grew up in Acton, Massachusetts.  When I was a kid, I was into art...I spent a lot of time drawing.  I considered being an art major in college but chickened out...the whole starving artist thing.  So I ended up majoring in marketing at UMass Lowell.

As a young adult, I really got away from my art, I had a career in marketing communications at a couple high-tech companies...Not exactly my dream job, but it was steady.  It wasn't until we had our second baby that I got back in touch with my creative side.  I started taking watercolor classes one night a week, and the light went on.  I didn't realize how much my creativity defined me as a person.  But once I opened that door again, the creativity came fast and furious.

After we had our third child, I quit...and I thought, when I'm ready to go back to work, I don't want to go back to corporate scene again.  That's when I started thinking about starting my own business.  I'm one of those people who enjoys working alone, I'm creative and I have practical business experience.  My marketing background is so useful to me, especially with my branding. So my path has been a crooked one, but now it's serving me well.

Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Company

2. How did you get interested in making bath and body products?

I've always been a bit of a soap freak, there's something about the weight of it in your hands, it smells incredible and of course, it is beautiful.  Soap was always the thing I would buy on vacation or in gift shops.  So I told myself one day I'd learn how to make it...and I did. 

3. When did you launch your company?

Blue Hoot Soap Company launched in February 2010. I named my company for my late grandmother. She was a feisty, independent woman and she loved owls. When she passed, I inherited one of her owl necklaces with blue lapis eyes. I thought the name was a terrific way to honor her spirit.

4. What do you sell? What sets you apart from other bath and body companies?

Blue Hoot's Body Scrub

Well to start, plain and simple, I make fantastic cold process soap.  I don't cut corners with my ingredients, each variety is made with 85-95 percent organic oils.  I use a lot of olive oil and shea butter.  I use pure essential oils and I play with blending scents and natural colors.  But as far as what sets me apart, I have to say my branding and packaging really make my soaps stand out.  Customers repeatedly tell me how much they love the name of my company, my logo and how I package each soap.  Of course these things only take you so far, it's the soap itself that brings them back for more.  Some of my other products include scrubs, lotions, creams, body butters, and my all natural baby skincare products.

5. What course(s) did you take with Marla? Which were your favorite and how did they benefit you?

I took Marla's Bath and Body University.  Soaping aside, the classes opened my eyes to a new world of bath and body products...many of these products are made with the same ingredients I use to make my soaps.  It really made sense to offer more than just soap to my customers and now all of my products sell very well...particularly my whipped organic shea butters and sugar scrubs.

6. What is your favorite part of running a bath and body business?

So many things...I love using my business as a creative outlet...I love the pure and meditative process of soap making.  And finally I love making all my own decisions...it's so liberating!  I've seen so many cases of too many cooks spoiling the brew.  Now if I feel like something will work, I just go for it.  

7. What is your least favorite part?

Oh, the accounting, definitely.  It's a necessary evil, but once you get a system down, it's not so bad.

8. What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

Probably the juggling..we have three kids, 5, 8 and 10...and although I can make my soap at home, I also need to get out there and market my soap.  So that part is tricky.  But my family is so supportive...and my husband is my biggest cheerleader.  My plan is to ramp up the business slowly as our kids get older...eventually get a studio space with a storefront...but right now I'm savoring the time with our kids and grateful I've got this little business going on the side.

9. When you have free time how do you like to spend it? Hobbies, sports, travel, etc.?

Watercolor by Alyssa Wise Taylor

I spend most of my free time with my family. But I'm also a painter.  Since July of 2011, I've been a member artist at a cooperative gallery, Art on Main Gallery in Westford, Massachusetts.  I paint mostly with watercolor, occasionally pastels. Another challenge, finding time to paint!  I really want to do it all, and I don't want to give anything up.

10. Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other small business owners?

I wish I had something more original to say, but the truth is you need patience.  Don't get discouraged if things don't happen overnight. Just take the first step if you are passionate about something, then take the next one after that.  Second, connect with other small business owners...we all have so much in common, and we can learn so much from each other. 

Note from Marla: Thank you, Alyssa. I love your story, your products, and your branding. Three kids and time to do all of this - I'm impressed! And I know your grandmother is proud of you too.

If you've taken classes with us, email Marla to be featured on Student Spotlight.

Student Spotlight: A Visit with Finn & Co. Owner and Founder, Meg Spencer

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born and whatever else you'd like to share as to how you got to this point in your life?

I was born in Portland Maine. I have spent most of my life here in Maine. I also spent 15 years off and on the beautiful island known as Nantucket. I love the beach! If I could not be in Nantucket on the beach, you could probably find me on Ferry Beach in Scarborough, Maine. Though I am a beach lover, I love my sun hat, SPF, and my Kindle. I love the salty air along the Maine Coast! It is truly refreshing, and always gives me peace of mind.

I found my way through a lot of trial and error. I went to school in NY, and returned to Maine after 911. I needed to be near family and friends after such a tragedy. I also felt lost. It was during this time I had to be honest about what I wanted in my life, and who I wanted to become. I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, but I had no idea how to do that. after taking some private Pilates lessons, thanks to my parents, I opened a small private Pilates studio first known as You studio in Gorham, Maine. I added Gyrotonic to the studio, and then I went on to school at Spa Tech in Westbrook, Maine. I had a true passion for skin care, and working one on one with people. It all came so natural to me, so I assumed this was my path.

I also found Back Porch Soap Company which completed my search. It felt very meant to be when I first met Marla. I spent the last two years focusing on becoming a strong business owner of a small luxurious product line, but also becoming a new mom. My daughter Finnley is the best part of all of this. I named the company after Finnley Frances Spencer.

How did you get interested in making bath and body products?

I became interested in beauty care products after I became a licensed esthetician. Through my schooling I did a few classes on how to make perfume and lotion. However, I wanted to know more, and there is no where in Maine I could go to learn exactly what I wanted to learn. I was looking for something that I could use with my license. I was searching the web, and I found Back Porch Soap Company. You never know sometimes when you find things online, so I called back Porch Soap company. I was able to speak with Marla, and it all just clicked! There was immediate chemistry. It was such a comfortable place to learn, and I did learn a lot! Marla is an amazing patient teacher, and I am grateful for her classes. I feel that I have found a career that truly is an added joy to my life.

When did you launch your company?

I launched Finn & Co. in September of this year, but we are doing another launch in January right before all the gift shows! We will be exhibiting at the Boston Gift Show in March 2012. Please come see us!

What do you sell? What sets you apart from other bath and body companies?

We currently sell three small collections of natural, luxurious products for babies and adults. We have our Luxury Collection which consists of a Face Oil, made with 11 highly moisturizing, balancing, and nourishing oils. It's great around the eyes! Also in that collection we have a body oil and a balm. People love the balm. It is great for all those dry hard to hydrate areas. Each product is natural, paraben free, and very soothing! We use less than 1% of a paraben-free preservative. We only use preservatives in the Luxury Balm and the lotions.

Our products are formulated for all skin types. Our second collection is the Sea Class Collection. In that collection we have our White Sand and Black Sand fragrances. Not only will you find a luxurious fragrance, but a luxurious body lotion that is so silky and hydrating. The smell is soft and subtle, and gives you that fresh clean and sexy feeling! This collection also includes a soap we call Sand Bar. It's a highly moisturizing bar that is the perfect base for all these products. The goal is to get clean, not strip all your skins natural oils.

Lastly, our Little Luxe Collection, is made for the most delicate skin. The collection is 100% natural and we use organic ingredients. The collection makes a great gift set. I use the balm after Finn’s bath time. Her skin is already silky, but the balm makes it even softer and it is a nice barrier. The winter months can be very harsh on the skin here in New England . I use the baby balm on my hands, elbows, and heels after a hot shower.

What course(s) did you take with Marla? Which were your favorite and how did they benefit you?

Let me think, there were quite a few! I took the Cold Process Soap making class, How to run a successful Bath & Body business, organic scrubs, salves, balms & butters, baby care, and also natural anti aging products. I loved them all! I spent a lot of time practicing what I learned, but Marla made it so much fun, and she made it easy for me to love this new career path.

What is your favorite part of running a bath and body business?

I love being my own boss! I love being creative, and actually creating something that is good for people’s skin. I feel proud of my work, as I have spent two years working on my line. I did not do it alone. I had a lot of help from Marla, and also my mother, who is the other half of Finn & Co. I love the challenges that I face. It is not easy to run your own company, but those small challenges that I face remind me how much I love my work, because I just keep going!

What is your least favorite part?

I am not a mathematical mind. I love the dream, the writing, the packaging, the creative marketing end of this job, but sometimes I am faced with that MATH. There is a lot of book keeping! I always want to create!

What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

My biggest challenge is getting people to know Finn & Co. As a new brand, among the millions already out there, it is hard, but I have the faith, and the passion to keep this little company going and hopefully succeeding! I believe in word of mouth, and getting some good press. We should not have to pay a fortune for this!

When you have free time how do you like to spend it? Hobbies, sports, travel, etc.?

When I have free time, I am with my husband and baby. I like to read, and exercise. I love being a business owner, and it is sometimes hard to break away, but when I look at Finnley, I just want to play! We also have a 100-pound golden retriever who needs a lot of walking, so we walk a lot!

What are your words of wisdom?

I feel that passion is priceless, so to be successful , your passion should always shine through your work, even when you are having a bad day.

Unwinding on Sanibel Island: Are You Scheduling Time to Recharge and Try Something New?

I'm a workaholic. I admit it. Honestly, I love my job and enjoy strategizing new ways to grow my business. After all, owning a bath and body company is my dream job.

There are times, however, when I completely hit the wall; when my brain is begging me to do something entirely different. It's akin to having writer's block. That's when I know that it's time to take a trip or a class to learn something new.

Today I'm writing this post from sunny Sanibel Island. While it is rainy and in the 30s back home in Boston, it's 88 degrees, tropical and balmy here. Feet in the sand. Drink in my hand. Four days of complete bliss.

My resolve from sunny Florida is to make time every few weeks when I get back home to take a day trip and refresh. It is inspiring; it breeds creativity. I am already refreshed and renewed. My creative juices have been flowing on Sanibel and Captiva islands here in Florida, and I can't wait to get these new ideas implemented when I get home.

The weather here reminds me of Cape Cod in late July and early August. The traffic on Sanibel at times reminds me of Route 28 on the Cape. I know that it will only be a few short months in Massachusetts before the tourists will come in droves too, just like the mecca that comes to southwest Florida.

So stayed tuned for some exciting announcements from Back Porch Soap Company. I have new products, new classes and much more in store for my wonderful customers. And while in Florida I've picked up new boutiques and resorts to carry my line of sea-inspired bath and body products. Time to go home and make seashell soaps galore!

Sometimes it's easier to stay with the daily grind. But in the long run your body, soul, mind and spirit will thank you for a refreshing break, whatever that is for you.

My wish for you is that you take time and be good to yourself. Especially if you tend to be a workaholic like me. Take a day trip, plan a special vacation getaway, or find a class that sparks your interest.

If soap making is something you are interested in, check out my classes. Sign up now! Or stay in the loop by subscribing to my newsletter.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? I am currently booking into June 2009.
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