SCPR: What did you do before you started to make and sell soap?
Lindsay: I was only 26 when I got into making soap. Besides being a mom, I didn't really have a certain job or job field.
SCPR: What made you start making soap?
Lindsay: I've always had sensitive skin, but when I was pregnant with my youngest my skin got significantly worse. My OB/GYN kept telling me that my dry itchy skin was simply that, dry & itchy from being stretched, but that there wasn't any underlying causes for it. Since this was my 3rd pregnancy, I knew my skin and knew this wasn't normal. I was so itchy that I was rubbing myself raw. My OB/GYN just kept telling me to put on my lotion, but that made me worse. Eventually, I figured out that I I had become allergic to mineral oil, which back then was MUCH harder to avoid than it is now, especially in lotions. Which also made finding a mineral oil free lotion much harder to find. So I started doing lots of research online, and eventually stumbled onto making my own.
SCPR: Starting a business can be brutal. What were some of your challenges and failures?
Lindsay: I've spread myself too thin, and that can HURT more than you can possibly imagine. The difference between having a successful business and being a workaholic can be a very fine line. I've had burnouts because I've pushed myself too hard. My husband has struggled because sometimes I get so busy that other areas of my personal life end up neglected. Finding what works for you and your family is very important to walking that very fine line. My husband now accepts that some days the laundry doesn't get done, and the dishes pile up in the sink.
SCPR: How have you fixed the problems or made corrections where needed?
Lindsay: What's helped us the most is having a schedule (and having my kids in school!). My husband works from 7am-3:30pm. He's usually home around 4pm. My kids are in school from 8am-3:30pm. As soon as they're out the door, I'm up in the workroom. When they get home, I get them set up with after school snacks, hear about their day, check papers, check homework, etc. Once my husband gets home, I head back upstairs and work for another hour or so. Once I hit 5:00 though, hubby starts getting antsy! If I'm not downstairs by 5:15, it's not uncommon to hear "It's after five, you're closed!" shouted up the stairs! I still struggle to get laundry done, and sometimes the dishes still pile up, but we've got a routine that works for us. We break it occasionally when things come up. For the last month I've worked past 5:00 on many nights, but we also know that this is the busiest time for us.
SCPR: Did you ever want to give up on making soap at any point? If so, what renewed your love for it?
Lindsay: I've definitely had some burnouts over the years. But I always knew that I'd always make stuff, even if it's just for me and family. My skin wouldn't let me consider anything else! LOL! My family has always been very supportive of me. They keep me motivated during my rough times, and help me celebrate the good times!
SCPR: Have you gotten to a point where you can make soap full-time?
Lindsay: We've had a unique set of challenges that have hindered our expansions, and enabling me to fully devote what I need to the business to help it take those next big steps. In the spring of 2007 my husband ruptured a disk in his spine. He was rushed into emergency surgery, but it didn't take. In September, they did a full discectomy (removing the disk and putting in a cage). He was out of work for over a year when all was said and done. During that time, I worked full-time as well as ran my business, took care of him, our kids, our home. He was finally able to return to work a few months ago. At that time we debated whether I'd keep working outside the home or devote myself full steam to the business. We decided to take a chance and I've put everything into the business. While I don't make enough to support us, I make enough to help out with bills!
SCPR: What advice do you have for others who want to quit their day jobs?
Lindsay: Don't rely on just one source of revenue. I sell on Etsy and my website (www.blsoaps.com). Selling wholesale has made a big difference in my income as well. But when you decide to take the jump to wholesale, make sure your prices can handle it.
Utilize the tools around you to help you either save time or money. And remember that time IS money! For me, one of my best time savers costs me money every month. I use Endicia for ALL my shipping, and I never go to the post office. I originally signed up with them at the end of 2008 so that I could print international postage from home. I loved the program so much that I switched to printing all my postage with them, even US orders. It's so nice to know exactly how much I'm spending per month on shipping costs. It makes my accounting much easier when all my paperwork is in one place. But once I have my labels printed, I simply schedule a pick up online with USPS, and my mailman comes to my door to pick up my packages. He's been absolutely amazing. He comes almost every day for pick ups now. He even brings me empty postal bins to swap out with my full ones! When you have a good carrier, treat them like gold!!!
Beyond that, just always believe in what you do, and build a good support system around you. There will always be unique challenges to running your own business. But I'm a firm believer that you will never be given more than you can handle. You may be surprised exactly what you can handle when pushed to your full potential!
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