It has been a long haul. An entire winter of work and (what seemed like) a very quick summer.
We began wiring the soap studio, the first time the property ever had electricity, in December. We would arrive early in the day to face -5 degree temperatures, trying to feed a large electrical cable into conduit. It simply would not bend. We would arrive again later in the evening, again -5 degrees, to find the cable would not flex at all. We clearly remember the day the temperature climbed to 10 degrees. The cable flexed. My husband was standing outside on a 30′ ladder, with me inside the barn (on a ladder almost 30′ leaning against the open rafters). 10 degrees allowed us to fish the electric lines through conduit into the breaker box. Celebration! We called the power company with no hesitation, POWER US UP!
That was the beginning of transforming the little red pole barn, that used to house a tractor on a gravel floor, to a framed in little red soap house with windows, a concrete floor, a lot of insulation, and beautiful interior white steel walls (and my wish to leave two original wood beams exposed).
We are nearing the finish of the new soap workshoop. Soon to rearrange the stainless steel kitchen fixtures that I purchased from a Cincinnati school auction 6 months ago to a very workable soap studio!
Below is a section of the front area that we will keep on reserve, with plans to turn into a storefront, open 1-2 days a week. Too many folks have called in for a visit to the farm/soap studio. They need to be able to come on down to Annie’s Little Red Soap Shop!
Annies Goat Hill Handcrafted Soaps 
Hello! I just found your blog today and what a nice post to see. I love your little shop already and that storefront will be so cool . . . I’m imagining it already. =)
~Deb
Good to meet you Deb! I hope you continue to enjoy the posts here. I look forward to your comments! Mary
Mary, your little soap shop is looking great! I know you’re excited to get it open and running. Who knows? You may be getting so many calls that you’ll have to have it open all week long!!! Congrats!
Vickie, there is a story behind the soap studio that we are completing. When my husband first spotted the barn he said, “There is your future soap room.” I responded, “That is entirely too big.” It is double the space I now work in. I can see the need for growth in the future even now, and will likely be expanding the exterior walls out under the “porch.” It is a blessing. And I will be cranking the wheels even more so to fill it up!
Mary, I am so excited for you. I know this journey has been a long one but so well worth it. I can’t wait until it is complete and get cranking in their. I also can’t wait to visit one day!!
I cannot wait either, Melissa. Some of our larger accounts are currently on hold (for a week or so), waiting for this project to wrap up. Besides that, we are anxious!
You will visit one day. I have plans for JP. He will be milking a goat! Who knows, he may end up being your farm buddy, someday, when you move to your large farm (with herbs and gardens)!!
Looking good!
Amy
Thank you, Amy!
Boy, all your hard work and dedication is paying off! I am excited for you both.~
It is beginning to get there, Kathy. A few days ago my husband said (in reference to our long year), “Yeah, but we’ve had fun.” We have!
going to be so lovely! you are doing great work there and it’ll be done soon –
Linda Sue, I am like a kid in a candy shop. My eyes are wide. I will be working in the shop night and day with all of that space and new work areas!
You are moving too. I hope it goes smoothly! I’ll be watching, my friend.
I see a trip to Ohio in my future!! Place is lookin’ good! Can’t wait to see photos of the finished product. 🙂
That sounds good to me, Lynnanne!