I love being a Long Island soap maker. I’m grateful for all the opportunities I have on Long Island. I’m an hour train ride from NYC, and a 20 minute car ride from the beach. I’m also minutes away from many other great soap makers, and I love collaborating with them. The way I look at the soap making business, the more people who know how great handcrafted soap is, the better business will be for all of us. Luckily there are many other soap makers on Long Island who feel the same way.
I’m grateful for Diane of Peace Soap. Even though she lives a few minutes from my day job, it took us a long time to connect with each other. She has a beautiful soap making studio in Sea Cliff. Sometimes I stop by on my lunch break to talk with her. When I do, I don’t want to go back to work!
I’m grateful for Kathy of Karmic Alchemy. She and I often place orders together to save money on shipping costs. Kathy introduced me to kombucha, which has nothing to do with soap making, but I love to drink it. (Hmmm, maybe I should make a kombucha soap..)
I’m grateful for Roslyne of Maya India and Jen from In2ition Mercantile. I met both of these ladies through an organization I belong to called The Indie Business Network. We try to get together and meet monthly, but lately we are all so busy we haven’t been able to. I know I’ll see Roslyne at the Woman’s Expo in October and I’m looking forward to that.
I’m grateful for Vivian of The Little Soap Shop. I’m also so excited for her. After 9 years her shop is moving to a new spot in Astoria and will be called Lavender Label. I’m hoping to make her Open House next month.
These Long Island soap makers are some of my support system. I’ve passed business their way, and they’ve passed on opportunities to me. I’ve borrowed supplies, and I’ve loaned supplies to these ladies. It’s important, especially when you’re a solo entrepreneur, to have friends in your community that you can turn to.
Do you have friends who lift you up and help support your dreams?
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela