Thursday 16 February 2012

This is IT!!!!!!!

 I have been working toward this moment for quite a while and it has finally arrived.  This is going to be the Naturalmente Mediterráneo soap studio!
Spanish Health and Safety has very specific requirements for producing soap and natural skin care products and one of those is that a dedicated space is needed, which cannot be your own kitchen.  The space needs to be divided in several areas including work space, packaging space and several different storerooms.
(My husband, removing the For Rent sign)
Next steps include, getting the inside renovations done and a nice artisan sign up front. Tomorrow I am getting the electricity and water connected and organizing insurance.  There will be a small space at the front for sales as well, but I am not expecting a lot of walk-ins (yet!) as we are located in a little Spanish fishing village.  I will open to the public possibly 2 mornings and 1 afternoon a week.  Also if people call ahead for a visit, I will open for them.  I will be aiming for visits from school-groups and tourists to see a local Artisan (me!) at work. 
(As you can see, it used to be a little Mexican Restaurant!)

Will keep you posted and post photos of the progress on the Studio!! 
Gratitude - I feel so fortunate to be where I am right now.  Just two years ago, I spent most of my time working in a job I despised, and it almost broke me.  I decided to DO WHAT I LOVE & LOVE WHAT I DO.  Now, I wake up each morning, excited about my day.  I give thanks every day for being where I am and being able to follow my passion.  When I think too much about how thankful I feel, I get all teary eyed…
I suppose now is the time thank ALL OF YOU!  So THANK YOU to anyone out there who is reading this and following my story.  Thank you for your comments, help, suggestions and encouragement. What a wonderful supportive community Blogger has helped me connect with.
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

43 comments:

Unknown said...

Jennifer that is just awesome. I am so glad for you - I get all teary eyed just reading this! I can feel your excitement. Wishing you much joy and success with your new workshop.
xx

bbee said...

That looks pretty cool! And so much Space for making soap!
Very exciting!

Irene said...

I'm sooo happy for you!! Many many blessings for you and your family! xoxo Irene

Zwerg said...

I send you a lot of good vibration to go on..This is the right way..
Your new work area looks wonderful...
Andrea

Unknown said...

WOW!!! wonderful!! I'm really happy for you Junnifer!

gros bisousssss!
Mika

Dennise said...

This is so awesome and I am so happy for you! I can't wait to see pictures of the renovations and all the awesome products you make inside.

Polly McNamara said...

Jen, I am so happy for you. What a dream come true. You are truly inspirational in your soaping endeavours and your dedication has really paid of. I can't wait to see pictures of your studio pre and post renovation. Good luck, and well deserved xxx

Soapchick said...

Oh Jen, what wonderful news!! I really feel your happiness. Its all about doing what we love and loving what we do isnt it? I cant wait to see how you sort out your new space, I just know it will look fantastic. GREAT NEWS XXXXXX

Alegria Mediterranea said...

Congratulations Jen!!!
I love to see people evolving,and only those who are truly passionate about what they do ,finaly manage to do something!
An ideal space to do what you like!
You are also a breath of oxygen to move forward, to me !
Happy,happy,happy for you !
Good luck and good news soon!
love&bless,
Claudia

Anonymous said...

This is a wonderful story, congratulations!! your enthusiasm and good vibrations have brought you the best. Best wishes and good energy from forest!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Jen, this is a wonderful news, congratulations!! your good vibes and enthusiasm have brought you good things. All the best, health, energy from the forest!

Two Blooms Design Studio said...

Wow, this is so exciting. I didn't realize you were opening a store, how cool. Congrats :)

Michelle

Anonymous said...

Jen, this is a wonderful news, congratulations!! your good vibes and enthusiasm have brought you good things. All the best, health, energy from the forest!

Tierra Verde Handmade Soap said...

YAY! I am so,so proud and happy for your.Great job! Enjoy your new space-it's what we all dream about.Can't wait to see it all fixed up.

Amina said...

omg! This is simply amazing!!! WOW! I am so happy for you and so proud too!!

Ruth at The Nova Studio said...

Congratulations! How exciting! And it looks like such a great space. Looking forward to following your journey...

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! :) Not many soap makers can achieve what you just did. Good luck and enjoy!

Julia said...

¡Muchas felicidades!, debes estar muy orgullosa y contenta, yo lo estoy por ti. Sé lo complicado que es conseguir los permisos, así que seguiré con mucha atención todos los progresos de tu nuevo proyecto.

Anonymous said...

Jen muchisimas felicidades no sabes bien cuanto me alegra esta noticia, y no me extraña que te sientas con tanto agradecimiento y alegría. Un beso. ana.

Jabones de Casa said...

Muchísimas felicidades por el empuje de seguir adelante. Te deseo lo mejor.
Un saludo

Nitya said...

Congratulations Jennifer!! I am so happy and excited for you...can you see me do the happy dance here?? Will keep watching your lovely dream studio come together. :)

Michelle said...

So so so so AWESOME! I'm very happy for you! Such great space to make soap in and share with customers.

AYU said...

Congratulations, Jen!
It's wonderful to see your dream came true. I am very very happy for you! =)

I am excited to see photos of your studio process. Please make sure to keep us posted!

Best Wishes
xo AYU

Mabel said...

Am so excited for you!!!! Do keep us updated, especially with plenty of pics!

ТОНКАЯ МАТЕРИЯ said...

Congratulations! I wish you great success in the new workshop

Jennifer Young said...

EVERYONE! Thank you so much for all your beautiful comments and words of encouragement. I will post photos of the progress... but keep in mind that I am doing this on a budget. As i scroll through Pinterest and drool over photos of the perfect design, decoration, workshop and shops... this won't be perfect right away. It is a long road ahead even to get it all set up for Health and Safety let alone looking good... so i hope this place grows with me and little by little I can get it just the way I want it!!! xoxox Jen

Natalia said...

Congratulations,Jen. You deserve it.I am more than happy for you.
Natalia

Anonymous said...

How incredibly awesome for you!!! Maybe one day I'll be a self-supporting soaper, but until then I'll continue living vicariously through you and other soap bloggers who do it for a living!

Congrats,

Robin
Kinky Witch Soap

The Soap Sister said...

YAY! WOO-HOOOO! I am SO excited for you! Can't wait to see pics as you make it yours -wonderful wonderful! I hope your business flourishes in your new location -beyond your wildest dreams! Hugs to you my dear. ~Becky

Anonymous said...

Jen, me alegro muchísimo por tí, este es el sueño de todo jabonero.
Espero que los requisitos de Sanidad no te presenten muchos problemas y puedas tenerlo todo pronto.
Un beso.
Blanca.

SierraSnowSoaps said...

What an exciting time you are going to have! Congratulations.
Michelle in NV

Emma said...

I am so happy and overly excited for you Jen! Don't forget to post photos and updates!

Congratulations!

Blessings,
Emma

Yamali Naturals
www.yamalinaturals.blogspot.com

Jan said...

That is fantasic news Jen! I'm so happy for you. You must be sooooo excited, congratulations on your new shop, all the best for it, I'm sure it will be wonderful. xxx

Jennifer Young said...

Thanks again for all the latest comments. It is a very exciting and busy time. Today I am taking a break and maybe just creating soap!!! xo Jen

Heidi said...

Wow, that's fantastic!! Congratulations!

Isabel said...

Felicidades Jenn!! todo tus esfuerzos tienen al fín su recompensa,y como buena andaluza me llena de orgullo que tu felicidad la encuentres en un pequeño pueblo,sin grandes lujos, lleno de buena gente, está claro que en el Sur,no se, si será por la luz, el mar o el sol es muy dificil no ser Feliz, porque la inspiración es infinita, Animo y mucha suerte en tu nuevo proyecto.

MelissaR said...

I wish you all the best. I am excited for you! Can't wait to see the progress of your space.

Melissa

Jennifer Young said...

Heidi, Thank you! I am so excited! xo Jen

Isabel, Tienes toda la razón. Es mucho mas dificil no ser feliz aqui. Gracias!!! xo Jen

Melissa, Thanks for your comment. I will post photos of progress... it will be little by little as I am determined not to take any loan. So the first part will be having the builder put up the separating walls, separating the space into the different work areas as specified by Health and Safety, getting the electrical wires to each room. I think I won't have enough for doors at the beginning, so I will put curtains... my husband and I will paint... we will see how it all goes!! Thanks for following!! xo Jen

Bianca said...

It looks big Jen....lots of space.......the orange has to GO GO GO, uggggh!!!
No doubt there will be a splash of the lime green :)
Remember if you need a hand just shout, Fin is an excellent worker I will loan him out if you pay his pocket money!!! No seriously give us a shout, I have many recycling ideas.

Jennifer Young said...

I know. Orange GOES. Will paint mostly white, with a spash of green. I would love your ideas for recycling... can't wait to take you there. xo Jen

I-Create said...

Congratulations Jen! I am so happy and excited for you! I can only aspire to be in your shoes one day...and if I ever get to Spain, I'm definitely in for a visit! All the best! Pauline x

Jennifer Young said...

Pauline, Hope all your dreams come true and that one day you can come visit!!! xo Jen

Jabón y agua said...

Muchas felicidades, te deseo mucha, mucha, muchísima suerte.
Un beso