The Unseen People Behind Me

Lately I’ve been thinking about the unseen people behind me. They say it takes a village, and it does. I’ve been blessed with so many people who support me in my soap making. I’m filled with gratitude for them all.

My dad, who built me all my soap boxes, craft table display and curing racks.  He and my mom would come to see me at the different events I would do. There were times in the beginning that they were the only people who came by my table. I appreciated the company.

 

 

My mom and sisters Pam and Lisa, who have wrapped countless bars of soap and sold those countless bars to their friends. I distinctly remember ordering pizza for some marathon labeling sessions and I’ll gladly do it again for their help.

 

 

My son Steve who designed and maintains my website and my daughter Elaine who helped me put together the Laney Line. I’m also grateful they’ve each given me a grandson, but that’s for another blog.

 

 

My Long Island Indie friends, who mastermind ideas with me and let me lean on them for support when I’m not sure what direction to take. Knowing I can pick up the phone and speak to someone who knows what I’m going through is invaluable. Thank you Christine, Roberta, Roslyne, Anne Marie and Jennifer!

 

 

My sister Lisa and sister-in-law Margie, who work every Open House I have. Margie drives almost 2 hours to get to my house and arrives with a smile. She and Lisa wrap up more soap gifts than you can imagine. My customers love them and so do I.

 

 

Maria and Diane of Digho, who designed my logo, labels and all the related printed material I need. They make me look so professional.

 

 

Marla Bosworth of Back Porch Soap, who taught me how to teach soap making. I only have the confidence in myself because she gently prods me to reach outside my comfort zone.

 

 

And this guy.  Brian.  He is my first guinea pig when I try out a new recipe or product, puts up and takes down my tent, helps me figure out how to fix my website, my QuickBooks errors and pay my sales tax, carries buckets of oil into my soap studio, drops off packages at the Post Office, and gives out the goodie bags at my Open House. The past few years he’s done more than his share of cleaning, laundry and cooking, since I’m always occupied with soap.

 

Who are the unseen people behind you?  What are you grateful for this week?

 

Yours in Gratitude,

Angela