Where we begin
It’s been years that this has all been percolating in my mind. While I started out looking just for a space to be able to make my products and have the ability to have customers stop by to pick up orders, things have evolved during our search. Where we are today, and what is being planned is so different from where I started out.
I’m so grateful that I have a real-estate agent who was willing to take her time and had a sense of adventure about the whole escapade. Over the course of the last… almost THREE years, we’ve visited dozens of properties (more than a few that could only be classified as “dumps” and should probably have been torn down), discussed even more, and found that I had a magic touch when it came to getting long listed properties sold (to the point where I started making the joke that my commissions could be sent via Venmo, check or in cash).
While all this was going on, the grind of running a business and raising two boys continued. A pandemic hit (and continues… please get vaccinated and wear a mask), cyber-schooling for a year, and, perhaps most relevant here, I found a couple local makers (and some further flung ones) who not only share my crafts, but my sensibilities about them as well even though we all come at it from different directions.
Two of these makers who live within 30 minutes of me, have been immeasurably supportive for a number of difficulties I’ve had just in the last few months. Each is a wealth of knowledge, and has a fresh perspective on our shared living experiences. I’m so lucky to be able to call them each “friend”, and looking forward to soon being able to also call them “coworker”.
Joining me in creating a community within my (our) new space as Found Friends Artisans are Mack, & Spencer.
Mack is the magician behind fresh skin care at Cinag’s Alchemic (formerly, but forever in my heart, The Raw Spa). She does everything she can from scratch. Down to growing many of her own ingredients and pressing raw oils for her formulations.
Spencer is the maker of incredible botanical perfumes (and more!) at Moss & Brooke. She, too, creates many of her fragrance notes from scratch and creates unique scent blends from natural isolates that even this non fragrance wearer will wear.
[Look for some goodies from them to be included in my holiday advent calendar that will be available soon in the store for shipping and order pick ups.]
We’ve got so much planned and a list a mile long of things we want to do!
A big bonus for us will be peer support and socializing. As small, home based businesses we don’t usually get to have “co-workers” let alone someone to bounce ideas off of or vent to about what you’re working on or frustrated with. It can actually be pretty isolating, especially within the last year or so.
There’s also security in knowing that there’s someone around you can ask for help and they’ll know what you need and how to help.
I know, I know, you have one question that keeps repeating in your head... yes, there will be a small store... eventually. Pick ups of online orders will be available almost immediately, but shopping hours & appointments won’t be available for quite a while. I am hoping to have a couple days before the end of the year when we would be able to invite people in to get a peek of where we are planning on having workshops and classes and do a pop-up with the three of us.
Like I said, many plans in the works.
But. First things first. Repairs to the building and renovations to get the soap lab up and running. If you would like to help out, please support the crowdfunding and take advantage of some of the specials and get a head start on the holidays by ordering some of your gifts now. If nothing in the shops appeal to you but you’d still like to help you can donate and share with your friends.
