Faint of heart

 

Being a soap maker, shop owner, and skincare manufacturer for almost three decades has taught me countless lessons about life and business—lessons for which I’m eternally grateful. From demographics and manufacturing to shipping logistics and the mistakes that have emptied my wallet, every experience has shaped the way I make decisions today.

One thing I can say with certainty: soap making and shop owning are not for the faint of heart. Over the years, the grit I’ve developed makes my cup runneth over, and those hard-won lessons have given me structure in ways no book could ever teach.

When I first started making soap, it was long before the Internet. I’ve learned that diving headfirst into something you know little about can be one of the greatest adventures—and one I’d recommend to just about anyone. That old saying, “It builds character,” couldn’t be more true in this soap maker’s life.

Now, as I move fast (and sometimes furious) to create holiday soaps, wrap them, and keep up with demand for our handmade skincare line, I’ve learned I must pace myself. Otherwise, the weight of it all could stop me dead in my tracks.

For most people, work is simply work—you show up, do your job, and complete your tasks. But for a soap maker and small business owner, unexpected highs and lows are constant companions, especially in this day and age. With nearly thirty years behind me, I can see the difference in today’s small business climate, and I’ll admit—I’m a little disappointed in some of the trends I’m witnessing.

But trends are just that: trends. They come and go. What doesn’t fade is relentless hard work, determination, and grit. That has always been Bittersweet’s foundation, and without it, we would not still be here today.

Our annual Downtown Festival is coming to town this weekend. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in running this business over the years is to always listen, observe, and be present in everything you do. It takes years of experience to understand what helps your business grow and what can sometimes derail its success.

The Fall Festival is one of those experiences that has taught us just that. Over time, we’ve come to realize that our shop actually works best when we step back and remain closed during the event. It’s one of those decisions shaped by both experience and intuition—and one that ultimately serves our customers and our business best.

We look forward to resuming our shop hours in October. I can hardly believe it, but during our time away, the calendar will turn over and welcome a crisp new month. 

Keep the faith.

Jill 

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