Am I a Mac or am I a PC?

A bit unrelated to soap… but I thought I’d take a road down my business and everyday choices… Okay, so I have a bit of an identity crises at the moment. Do you remember the Mac commercials starting from 2006 that had a young guy identify himself as a Mac and identified another, older business man, as a PC? (If not, watch 30 seconds of this here). It was basically insinuating that Macs are more reliable, fun, and they were really targeted at a younger generation. But you know, I’ve always identified myself as a PC… even thought they made it out to be a nerdy accountant-type old guy according to these commercials. I am from the generation that had the average-consumer home use computers appear in my pre-teens. I have always loved how PC’s can be pulled apart and upgraded… yeah, they had viruses, but they were more common, and that meant PC’s always had more computer games. 🙂

Something changed a few months ago… I bought a Mac. I KNOW! But before you PC people cast me out of society, hear me out.

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Under the Umbrella

If you’re like me, you appreciate and seek out locally-made or designed products because you know the skill and talent that can produce them is where you live, and supporting your micro-economy is important to you.

Because of this, I am so thrilled to announce that A Little Soapy Business is now working with an Artisan Collective called Under the Umbrella that is located in the heart of lower Lonsdale in North Vancouver. Under the Umbrella is a gift and apparel boutique featuring a curated showcase of local talent found in the Greater Vancouver Area. You will now find our products along with other amazing local talent. Talk about a one-stop shop of perfect gifts and cool stuff!

I love this excerpt from their webpage:

Find our products in Lougheed Mall!

October was a very busy month for me. Some of you may know that I work full time as a Business Analyst, and A Little Soapy Business is my venture of passion and fun where I get to be creative and make all of my natural handmade goods. In late September, I received an invitation to have my products featured in a mall this year! All I could think is wow, exciting! And WOW, a that’s going to be a TON of work!!

Balance and organization is everything when juggling a full time job and a personal side business along with family, health, among other things.

Transitioning to Fall

I had a really wonderful summer filled with trips around our beautiful province, British Columbia. We hung out at Spanish Banks (our local
beach), toured the BC Interior picking up a couple of cases of delicious VQA wines, and had my hubby’s family visit us from Venezuela. We also got to be part of a family and close friends beautiful weddings and got some hiking in around the local mountains.

Now with the weather transitioning from the very hot Summer that we had here in Vancouver, to cooler Fall-like days, I always find myself reaching for a few favorite items… my crochet hook, so that I can start creating some fun things to keep warm this fall and winter (and maybe some gifts too!), a mug of warm tea to keep cozy and warm on cooler days, and my lip balm to keep my lips moisturized and healthy. In fact, I always have a lip balm in all of my coat pockets and in my purse!

I thought it would be a great time to share a recipe for making an all natural lip balm.

Honey Body Wash Recipe

Lately I’ve been working on something pretty exciting! Not only am I making goodies to get ready for my summer event where locals can find me at the North Vancouver Canada Day craft show at Waterfront Park, but I’m also lucky enough to be collaborating along with others for a 30 day Beauty Detox Program! If that interests you, not only will this feature locally based wellness experts (to Vancouver), it will also be free! More on that in the next few days…

In the meantime… this collaboration inspired me to look making an easy soap based recipe. I’ve concocted a mosturising, good for your skin, Raw Honey Body Wash. Not only is this simple to make, but you can customize it with a scent that you love… such as Relaxing Lavender, Uplifting Sweet Orange, or Floral Ylang Ylang and Jasmine essential oils.

Popping up in North Vancouver!

North Van Craft Fair – Photo from North Vancouver Arts Council

Exciting news! We’re going to be popping up in North Vancouver on Wednesday July 1st Canada Day Celebration along with other local artists at Waterfront Park in North Vancouver (the park is located just a few steps west of Lonsdale Quay).

Live in North Vancouver, or surrounding area? Come meet your soap maker! I will be there all day from 11-4. I’m looking forward to seeing you! For more event information, check out the North Vancouver Arts Council Website: http://nvartscouncil.ca/events/craft-fairs 

Naturally yours, Susan

Good News + Bad News = GOOD NEWS!

I recently had a couple of chances for some really important feedback. The first was positive. I put my products in front of a jury for the first time and they were judging on presentation, packaging, originality, scent, price point, etc. I felt on top of the world having been approved to be in my city’s Craft Fair and I was relishing in their kind words. The other situation wasn’t as positive. I had shipped some product and I was upset to hear that they didn’t meet their expectations. It caused me to take a step back and I actually started wondering if I should even do my Little Soapy Biz stuff any more. Yep, I’m that dramatic.

As a person that is always striving to make the best natural goodies that not only works for myself, for my family, for my friends and for people I’ve never met; it was hard for me to receive some critical feedback since I put my heart and soul into this! I usually get really positive feedback and feel so proud of what I create. Heck, I use this stuff everyday and so do many others. I just haven’t had too much negative feedback and I’m used to being the main one criticizing my own work and then improving on it! However, I really appreciate it when people are candid and honest with me. While it may have taken me aback at first, I began to strategize on how to make those particular products even better.

We’ve been featured!

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10th! Are you thinking about the perfect gift for Mom or the special lady in your life? Why not check out Canadian blogger, Stretching the One Income Dollar‘s Mother’s Day gift guide? We’re proud to be featured!

Mom’s love to be pampered (who doesn’t?) so give her a treat of all natural products that will make her feel really special. Check out our Gift Sets. They are gift wrapped and delivered to her door if you wish; it can’t get much easier than that! There is limited availability so make sure you place your order soon to avoid disappointment!

A Little Soapy Business at the Edge

I’m super excited to share that myself and 3 other artists have created a pop-up event at the Edge Cafe in Vancouver! This is my first official show and I’m incredibly excited about it!  It will be on Saturday November 22, 2014.

If you are able to attend, you will find local handmade items and special one-of-a-kind gifts so that you can check off some of your holiday shopping early or get some goodies for yourself. We will also have live music and food and bevvies available from the cafe. Fancy a latte, or a glass of wine while you peruse? They’ll have it!

For more details, the latest information or to simply RSVP for the free admission event, click the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/events/206558026179801/206558029513134/?notif_t=event_mall_commenta