My Journey in Nail Polish and Bath Products

Discovering My Passion for Handmade Products

So, I have a blog! I feel like these posts will be a mix of my personal journey and insights into the products I create and sell. I often worry that my writing might be too long or too meandering. But hey, what can a girl do?

Having been in business for 14 years, I've learned that much of what I do aims to please the wonderful customers I've gained over the years. However, this blog is for me! If nobody reads it, I won't be too upset. I have learned so much over the years. Sometimes, the expectations of running a small business feel overwhelming. I wanted to create this space for myself. Writing is a cathartic exercise for me, and it's high time I focused on something personal. For those who have made it this far, grab a cuppa and get comfy. This post may meander a bit.

The Birth of My Business Idea

Back in 2012, I had an idea. Instead of spending a fortune on bath bombs, I thought, "Surely I can make my own?" It couldn't be that difficult, right? After doing some research and sourcing ingredients, I decided to give it a go one night. That one bath bomb turned into two, then three. Soon, friends were asking to try them, and before I knew it, they were coming back for more.

At that moment, I realized I couldn't just give them away. I needed to ensure I was doing everything correctly and that my products were safe to use. This opened the door to a world I knew nothing about. I discovered I needed licenses to manufacture, produce, and sell my items. Yes, it was complicated, but strangely, that didn't deter me.

Launching Soap-Dodger

A month later, I had all my licenses in place and the mountains of paperwork ready. My small business, Soap-Dodger, was born. Named by my husband, it screamed "South London," which is where we are from. With the help of a good friend who is a graphic designer, I had a logo and a new business. This was not something I had planned!

I soon realized that selling only to friends and family wasn't enough. Friends of friends wanted to try my products. I needed to build a website. With zero knowledge, I spent a lot of time learning how to create one. Finally, I plucked up the courage to build it. Looking back at that first website makes me cringe, but I now realize I should be proud of it. It was far from perfect, but it marked the start of a journey that has allowed me to run my own business. It's been one hell of a ride!

The Joy of Receiving Orders

When my website launched, I remember the joy of receiving my first order. Even 14 years later, every time I get an order, I feel a pure shot of joy. Realizing that I have built a business and sustained it for this long fills me with pride. One thing I didn't account for was the sheer time and effort it would take to maintain it, especially after launching my second brand (but that's for another post).

I was working full-time (as I still do), and my husband and I had our own place. This meant that housework and all the mundane tasks we do as adults had to be squeezed into my free time, which was largely consumed by this new venture.

The Journey Continues

This was just the beginning of my journey. At that point, I would have been happy to receive one or two orders a week. I didn't foresee the lengths my business would take me, but I'm glad I stuck it out.

As I reflect on my journey, I appreciate the lessons learned and the community I've built. My passion for creating unique, handcrafted indie nail polish and vegan-friendly bath and body products continues to grow. I look forward to sharing more of my experiences and insights in future posts.

Thank you for joining me on this journey!