My husband and I have been tag-teaming in the soap shop. He has taken over many animal duties to ensure we are able to stick with our one to two-day turnaround with retail orders. He has also done an excellent job of boxing soaps and labeling lotions and packages. I am blessed to have a wonderful partner, my best friend, who brings the extra gift of a lot of laughter to the soap studio!
Despite the busyness, I have done a lot of thinking. The big broom came out and swept away my idea that we should never run out of any particular type of soap. My new philosophy, the early bird gets the worm. I had to beat it into myself, seriously! But…the fact is, if I were to shop at a big-name department store very late in the season, I may not find everything that I want, but if I shop early enough, I will find full shelves, with a huge selection!
With that being said, and without sounding like a running advertisement, we do still have a bounty of holiday soaps available. Also fully stocked are the favorites, such as Cherries and Berries goat milk soap.
My parting words (also derived from the big sweep that I did on myself), remember to take a break and enjoy the season! I strongly believe a person accomplishes much more by resting appropriately. Nobody can enjoy life itself while feeling stretched and stressed!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
I so agree, especially after staying up til 2 a.m.! Ugh! But I press on.
Instead of cleaning the oven, I’m sitting here with you, which is sooooo much better! Glad the soap business is doing well; I need to order some. The cherries and berries sound so festive and bet they pass the sniff test.
You need to get some rest! I should talk, though, I’ll do what it takes when in a bind to get it done. The lesson (not a new one) is that rest does make us more productive…now to ALWAYS remember that.
What a good team you make!
Amy
Hello Mary,
I completely understand the team approach to the soap making/packaging and sales delivery process! I love helping my wife, Leslie Joy Hughes of Joyful Soaps. Leslie makes the awesome handcrafted, fragrant soaps, and I work on the business development, marketing and website maintenance aspects of the business. It is a lot of fun and work. We love it.
I must add that helping Leslie package the soaps–afterall, that is part of the marketing of the product, is fun. Branding the labels that goes on the packaging.
I am glad to hear you both share the love of laughter. It gets you through the crazy times, like during the holiday season when people really want these handmade soaps for themselves and family members and friends. We love Christmas and this juncture, as busy as it is, gets us even more in the holiday spirit, especially when you make custom soap like we do that is geared toward the holidays.
Have you two found the same thing?
Enjoy the journey and I hope all goes well with your holiday soap sales!
Michael
Hello Michael The journey has been full of positive things, for the both of us, as a team. I do indeed understand your pride in providing wonderful handmade soaps to your customers. Products that come from hard work, from the heart, go hand in hand with the Christmas season. They are truly meaningful gifts that, in my own case, pretty much bring a sense of nurturing forward.