Introduction

[Guest guest]

Hello everyone!

Don't know if I've formally introduced myself before (I know I've

asked a few questions!), but I thought it was about time!

My name is and I'm sure like many of you I started out doing

soaps & etc. as gifts. My DH thought it was very cool, so much so that

he talked about me at his BNI (Business Networking) group & there was

someone there from 93Q as a guest. Long story short, I was asked to be

a vendor at the 93Q Pajama Party! So, on to becoming a real business.

I had about 8 weeks to order supplies, make product, design labels,

design a display & do the " business end " of everything, including a

DBA & tax stuff.

About a week after I got the DBA the Post Standard called & wanted to

feature me as Business of the Week! How totally awesome!! The article

appeared in the Madison County neighbors the day before the PJ party.

I got so worked up about the show & the article, I even managed to

drop 10#! I went to the PJ party, table cost was $250, but the

potential was enormous: 1,000 registered attendees (all women), table

in the main ballroom with the bar on one side of me and an entrance on

the other side. Great traffic flow!

Well, the traffic flow was right to the dance floor & the bar....not

to the soapmaker! It was a complete disaster! For example, I made 500

lip balms....I sold TWO!!!! Yikes..... In speaking with the other

vendors, it wasn't me....many didn't do well. My pricing was fine,

packaging & display were fine, quantity wasn't thin. The attendees

were there to dance and drink. Period. Oh, the tattoo/body piercing &

adult toy people did a phenomenal business. Sigh. Live and learn.

But, I firmly believe there is always a reason for the way things work

out...a week after the show I got a call from Lakeshore Yacht &

Country Club to do an event for them. No table fee & no competition,

just a donation for a raffle. So, even if I don't do well, it will

only cost me my time & trouble & the basket. I can deal with that!

Last week my article appeared in the paper again! (I thought it would

only run once!) This time in Neighbors East (eastern Onondaga County).

I've gotten several phone calls, orders, & potential as a result.

I've also met a lovely lady in Canastota - Debbie, The Country Artist,

too. She's been wonderful & I hope to meet up with her soon.

Well, that's all for me now!

Sweet Pea Soapworks

Kirkville, NY