Yesterday we did the initial clean out of the studio with some helpful friends.
We had to throw out a lot...
but there are things we can recycle as well. Corks – maybe a handmade cork board? Wooden squares – framed blackboards? I can see staining them and then painting the inside section with blackboard paint. Baskets… bowls…
My first Essential Oil burner blend to cleanse previous smells and renew the atmosphere – Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Spearmint & Lavender…
First coffee there, paid for by the Euros we found when cleaning up…
Now just waiting on renovation quotes… front sign quotes… my husband and I are at odds about the sign. I think it should be handmade – maybe in wood, maybe in metal relief, maybe in ceramic tile – hand painted. I don’t want neon and plastic. He thinks the most important think is visibility, class and lighting, so that it will catch people’s eye and bring them in…. hmmm. We will see!
Currently there are 4 different floors! The original laid stone work as you can see in what will be the production room… faux-wood as you can see in the area designated for packaging… small brick-like tile in the front and then large ochre-coloured tile in the bathroom… so we will have to choose which one or which combination to go with. Cost will be a major factor as well as we are doing this on a budget and I am determined not to take any loan... loans for me create stress and I don't want stress in my life.
All at the same time, getting the paperwork done (well, understanding requirements first!) for Health and Safety, continuing production and markets as I have previously been doing, creating new packaging for my shampoo bars, getting my daughter ready for Carneval (she danced on Saturday night) and an upcoming dance competition, language classes and markets.
It is a very busy time, but it is a wonderful busy as I am doing what I love!!
Happy Soaping!!
Xo
Jen
23 comments:
Great update! I am so happy for you and it sounds like things are moving right along. Wish I could be there to help-isn't it great to have friends to help you get things underway.Good luck and keep us up on the latest with your studio.
Great to see how things are moving forward! It must be so exciting and tiring all at the same time. All the best to you Jennifer!
wow, you are quite busy ... I wish I could see your daughter's suit :)
Goodluck
natalia
How exciting. Congrats on your new work space!
Wow! A busy and exciting time. Your new space looks great :)
Totally envious of you Jen, but very happy for you too! Can't wait for the next update! Regards, Pauline
Tierra Verde, Thank you so much for your comment. Felt great to have friends help out. Will continue with updates! xo Jen
Nitya, Thank you for your comment! Yes... all pretty exciting. xo Jen
Natalia, If I could post a photo into the comment, I would... but I am aiming to create a video for my daughter's 14th birthday, of the evolution of a dancer... I think I will post it on "Enjoying the Route" by the end of March. Thanks for your comment!! xoxo Jen
Traci R, Thank you for your comment!! xoxo Jen
Topcat, Thank you!!! I can't contain my excitement sometimes. Can't sleep long in the mornings... can't wait to get the renovations done so that I can get in and paint... patience is a difficult virtue for me lately!! xo Jen
Pauline, Thanks for your comment. I will continue to update. By the way I LOVE the word Muse you use. Fabulous word... xo Jen
So exciting to see your progress! Keep posting updates.
Your new space is beautiful; how exciting! Congratulations!
Hi Jen =)
It is exciting to see the process of your studio making. I know it is not easy, but it will be worth it.
Good Luck!!
xo AYU
Looks great Jen! Love the natural light coming into your work space! Mike :)
Coco, Glad you are enjoying the updates! I will continue to post. I have a line up of soaps I am trying out and yours are here... I will eventually get to them and post about them!! xo Jen
Nichole, Thank you for your lovely comment!! xo Jen
Ayu, Thanks for your comment. You are right, it is not easy, but it is all a learning process as this whole business has been and continues to be... xo Jen
Mike, Thank you! You are right - there is some great natural light in the studio which I adore. xoxo Jen
Hello Jen,
I've been quietly following your journey and I feel compelled to let you know how happy I am to see you come so far in such a short time. To see you realize your passion one step at a time is inspirational. All the best to your business adventure!
-maggie
Maggie, Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I feel so fortunate at this point in my life to be able to do this... and for all the support of wonderful people in my life, including all the positive encouragement from fellow bloggers!!!!! xo Jen
So excited for you! Now about signs,I hate plastic neon signs and I never go in those stores. Handcrafted signs tell me the product within will be great. Check out this soap shoppe in Chicago to see what I mean ! I love shopping there
http://www.abbeybrown.com/
This is just so exciting!!! I can't imagine how much fun this will be! Signage is tricky. You do want folks to be able to see it...and your choice must be based a little bit on your surroundings. I mean, is this a downtown area with lots of shops where you will need to set yourself apart? I see a painted wooden sign that is mostly white with your logo engraved on it in your signature green. Something with great contrast. :)
Donna, I much prefer hand-crafted signs as well... but price may be important as well... I will investigate all the options... love that link you sent... beautifully rustic shop. There are so many beautiful soap shops out there... Thanks for your comment Donna!!
Amy, Not downtown but needs to be VERY visible to catch people from the road. A high traffic area, but not on foot... so I think green around the door, tile or paint, and then sign above... wood or ceramic or something unique... We will see because price will be important as well. Thank you for your input!! xo Jen
Wow! This is very exciting. So many decisions to make. It'll all come together in the end. I really look forward to following your adventures :)
Hi Ambra, Thank you! I will continue to post photos. I need a lot of patience right now, as of course I would like it all up and running NOW but we are getting it ready little by little... and Spanish paperwork is NOT QUICK... but it is an exciting time. xoxo Jen
Awesome! I'm so excited for you. It looks like you'll have your hands full getting the studio ready and I'm sure it will look fantastic!
Mary, Thank you for your sweet comment!! xo Jen
Jo que bonito el jabon con ese corte!!!!!! Te lo voy a copiaaaar!!!!!!!!!
Un beso guapa!
Cokesiete, Muchas gracias!! Me gusta este corte mucho para mis pastillas de champú, la forma de que caben en la mano... pero son dificiles de empaquetar! Me alegro que te gusten! xo Jen
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