Entrepreneurship

"If you know too much before the start, then you will get overwhelmed. Come up with an original idea, and don’t copy because there will be no passion. You need that otherworldly passion. Just start." -Jeni Britton Bauer, Founder of Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams.

The Story of Cherry Suds

Have you ever worried about something so much that you wanted to give up but just held on and what worried you so much, in the beginning, turned out to be awesome??

I never thought I was creative, and never thought I'd come up with an idea for this project. And to be honest-I didn't-not with out help.

A friend with an entrepreneurial spirit saw potential in me that I didn't know I had - he shared the idea with me about making homemade soap and even gave me ingredients and tools to start it. I thought "Ok make one batch and be done!"

That Batch Failed

Even though I lost money, product and felt let down-I convinced myself to keep going. Just try once more-if it fails again at least you gave it a good try.

The second and proceeding batches worked! Cherry Suds was born!

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• I started with Lavender
• Then Orange
• Then got fancy with Lemongrass scrub
• And a Lemongrass kitchen soap

Before I knew it I had created 20 different varieties, each batch better looking than the last!

That one simple idea had grown, matured and multiplied!

My second try Bars-they got me hooked!

 Lemongrass and Rosemary Kitchen soap

 Butt Naked-With Cocoa and Shea Butters

 Eucalyptus Mint Swirl-Top Seller!

 Vanilla Coffee Bean-With real Dutch chocolate Coffee BEans

 Lemon Poppyseed-my most creative and toughest batch

 Doggie Bar

 Warm Patchouli

 Baby Rose

To date I have sold 218 bars and earned $1336 in sales!

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As proud as I am with these small successes-they weren't without struggles and hard work.

SOAPING-STRUGGLES #1

• Lye burns-that ain't no lie! Soap batter-until cured is a very caustic substance and requires many safety precautions. Splatters that your dog thinks is food can be a painful experience.... also no lie.

My son helping to mix the Lye and water

SOAPING-STRUGGLES #2

• Soap can take forever to thicken-or it could seize up in minutes-you just never know-its a very delicate science.
• Take your time, use a proper soap calculator (online) and be deligent about measurments.
• Have an open mind-some mistakes can be beautiful !

Soaping-Struggles #3

• Soap needs to cure for 4 weeks in order to complete the saponification process and to create a really good long lasting and mild bar.
• Some customers weren't willing to wait-that can hinder business-explaining the process helps as does providing estimated finish dates-keep track of your manufacture dates!

Soaping-struggles #4

• You can't ever perfectly replicate a bar-which is a blessing and a curse. Customers who appreciate that its a process appreciate the creativity-but some don't like changes.
• Learn to accept what you can't control-again-sometimes mistakes are beautiful.

soaping-struggles #5

• Sometimes your family will starve because the kitchen has been taken over by oils, mixers, and molds
• When they ask whats for supper-you answer soap-and you mean it.
• Ask them to help when you need it and pay them in samples... :)

 Hahah - #truth

Where do i go from here?

At this point, I will be continuing Cherry Suds beyond the end of this course! I already have customers asking what's next and when can I order for Christmas! I've got plans for a shaving mug and brush set, Pumpkin spice Latte for fall, and some creative holiday packages. It's looking great for Cherry Suds.

35 lb bucket of select oils

During this course, I have learned so much about the hard work and dedication it takes to run a successful business. But most of all I learned to try, and keep trying and that with enough grit and perseverance-you can really do anything.
I learned to overcome worry and that failure can teach lessons, build skill and help you to grow.

Don't be afraid to fail

Thank you so much Amber for inspiring me to try something new, pushing me out of my comfort zone and being proud of the successes you helped me look for! It has really meant a lot!