Bidding Farewell to 2013...

2013 saw a lot of growth for my little business, and also some major personal changes. In 2013, Tub-Time Treasures was growing so quickly, that I decided to quit my full-time medical career to dive in wholeheartedly and build my business.

 

Since July, I have been spending my days at home in the soap studio, creating wonderful skin-loving products to share with the masses. Since I work from home, I have also gotten to spend more quality time with my kiddos. My 10 year old son was able to participate in a team sport for the first time, because I was available to take him to and from practices and games. It was so very nice to be able to do that for him... and to watch him make great strides both physically and socially. He also learned how to ride a bicycle this summer. Not a big accomplishment for most kids... but, for my son, it was pretty awesome... since he hadn't had the chance before. There hadn't been a parent home to teach him. (insert major parental guilt here)

 

I spent my nights and mornings in the soap studio.. and the afternoons swimming with my kiddos. Toes in the sand, sun on our cheeks.. honestly the BEST summer I've had in a LONG time. I am looking forward to spending more time like that with my boys. It's good for my soul... and theirs!

 

These last few months have been busy times for the business. Most weekends were taken up with shows, and preparation for the next filled the weeks in-between. The pace gets more and more hectic the closer it gets to the Christmas rush. The boys and I took a week-long break at Thanksgiving and spent some much-needed time visiting family out of state. It was a wonderful break, even though my mind periodically kept wandering back to the soap studio and the ever-growing list of things that needed to be done. It was a great time spent with family, and it recharged my batteries.

 

That week of focusing on what we are most thankful for, also saw an invitation extended to me from Amanda Griffin. She and Benjamin Aaron asked  if I would be willing to join the Lovin' Soap Project team. Now, if you follow Tub-Time Treasures, you know that I am a HUGE supporter of the Lovin' Soap Project. I couldn't be more honored to join such a wonderful team of awesome people! This invitation is most definitely one of the MAJOR highlights of the past year for me. (If you're not sure what the Lovin' Soap Project is all about, click the link above and take a look)

 

As far as my business goes... in the last week: I've started making purchases/plans to increase my batch production, I've designed my own website (which will be fully-stocked in the coming days), and I've contacted a local man about possibly opening a store front location. My business is growing.. my heart is full... I'm ready to see the all kinds of awesome that 2014 promises to be!

 

Thank you for supporting me in my continuing journey. I wish you all a wildly-successful New Year!!

 

 

My friends and the Lovin' Soap Project

What?? You haven't heard of the Lovin' Soap Project?  For those of you that haven't heard of it, The Lovin’ Soap Project is a  grassroots, hands-on organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through health, education, artisan soap making, business planning, and economic development. 

 

What this means... is that I have some AMAZING soapy friends, that take time out of their lives to FLY THEMSELVES to Haiti to teach women (most are living in tent camps after the 2010 earthquake) how to make soap. You may ask yourselves, "How does learning how to make soap help anything? It's just SOAP..." Well... it may be "just soap" to you, but to these women, it's a source of income! It becomes a commodity to trade and bargain with... a skill that they can pass down to future generations... a hand-UP instead of a hand-out. (And in some cases.. soap can save lives. There are a number of hygene-preventable diseases in impoverished areas.. Thankfully, most of us will never have to think of it, but in some areas just WASHING YOUR HANDS can save your life)

I am lucky enough to have a bar of soap made by the women of OFEDA, and I cherish it! You can feel the energy and the smiles of the women that worked to create this soap.

 

 This project is near and dear to my heart, not only because I am a soapmaker, or because my friends are the ones carrying out this wonderful project... but because they are saving lives and empowering women! I worked in the medical field for 15 years. I've seen what disease can do. I am SO honored to know Amanda & Benjamin (I haven't had the pleasure of meeting Kym yet), these are some really amazing people!!

Please take a minute to follow the links and get to know a little more about the fabulous-ness that is: The Lovin' Soap Project. Thank you!

Beer, revisited.....

Okay... so it's been a while since I've posted anything. I freely admit that I am not the best blogger in the blogosphere... but it's been brought to my attention that I need to connect with you all a little more frequently.

Lately, I've noticed a trend when it comes to my soap making.... a trend involving beer.

Any guesses as to my favorite go-to brewery??

  I just can't seem to help myself!! The darker, the better! Stouts, Porters... you name it, I'll soap it!

Now, I know that I've posted about beer soaps before, but that was when I had just STARTED soaping with beer... now I can't STOP!

They are just so creamy and smooth (and look like chocolate), they look and smell positively edible!

 I've even had interest from small local breweries to soap their own brews! (And a couple of homebrewer batches for Christmas gifts)

So, if you were wondering what to get for that guy that "Has Everything"... but you really don't want to pick up his bar tab.... get him some Beer Soap! Guaranteed... he'll love it (what guy doesn't love beer?) and smell awesome!

 

All of these beer soaps (and more) can be found here and you can follow me here if you want to see what else is brewing in the soap pots!

Thanks for looking!