STUDIO + MARKET VLOG // making soap, organize the studio, 2 markets in 2 days, small business vlog 

I'm so sorry those shows didn't work out but I really appreciate you being open and honest about the difficult side of running a small business.

I really appreciate you keeping in the soap spill and update on how the markets went. Your authenticity is why I genuinely love watching your videos. You inspire!

I personally want to thank you for posting this! I had to make the decision this year to not sign up for as many vendor events for financial purposes, last year it really took it's toll on me so I eliminated summer ones just to see if that ends up being a mistake. We will see.... but I am so glad that you didn't injure yourself with that spill! That was exactly something I'm terrified of happening if I were to get larger molds to work in bigger batches, but to see you stop, clean it up and more importantly keep moving gave me a confidence booster that I needed to think about getting at least one larger mold in the near future. This has been such an inspiring video even if it didn't seem like a lot of "positive" came from it, it was positive in the fact that you're still progressing and not giving up even when times are tough :) As they say, just keep on keeping on! We'll get through this...

It's ok not to be comfortable with the lows of business. Take your sweet time venting and recovery. Then move on because the days you do exceptionally well are coming. ❤

Long time viewer, first time commenter. Thank you so much for this video. All your videos are great, this one was more so. I feel like a lot of RU-vidrs make it look so easy and just show the good days and pretend the bad ones don't happen. Thank you for showing us newbies to the industry that even seasoned people have bad markets and bad weekends. I hope you enjoyed your snuggles and wine.

Thank you so much for your honest sharing of your week! I know small business ownership is not all lollypops and roses, and while it's not the most "fun" to hear about the bad things that happen, it helps me to know that I am not alone! So thank you!! 🥰♥️

Thank you for sharing the highs and lows of owning a small business. I’m sorry you had two disappointing events this weekend, but you know that things will turn around! My vendor market on Sunday did not go as planned either. It was at a local winery and was very well promoted. Unfortunately, there was a balloon and wine festival two miles away, so all the usual customers were there. It makes the very long drive home even longer. That being said, I was very grateful for the sales I did have (as I am sure you are as well). Here’s to better days ahead. Cheers!

I literally had tears in my eyes. I completely empathize with you in all aspects of this vlog. Thank you for sharing the highs and lows of your business. Sometimes it seems like all the things come tumbling down at once. I appreciate the honesty and vulnerability, because not all things are peaches and cream. I know this happened in the past but I really hope that your week is going better and just know that you have encouraged me tremendously, so it was not all for naught. Can't wait for the next one!

I love your transparency!! You have a new subscriber!

Wow.. I normally don't comment but i remember when you moved into your studio. You've came a long way🎉🎉🎉.. Keep up the good work. Keep Inspiring and motivated us 🙏🏾

Oh Caitlin, I’m so sorry the weekend was rough. I know how hard you work for your business, prepping for markets, and then when the pay off isn’t there, it’s so frustrating! Things usually happen in threes, so between the two markets and the car, I’ll let the universe know that you’re ALL SET now. lol

Hang in there. Everything is learning curve. I am absolutely sure that you will overcome this hump in the road.

This is super satisfying, I love these types of videos ☺☺

I love watching you, you are a amazing hardworking person. Your workspace is nice, it's a whole lot better than working from home. I think that you should bring like 2 sets of emergency changing clothes with some working comfortable socks or maybe some cotton house slippers to use while you're at work so that at the end of the day you'll feel great. I just thinking.

Caitlin, I love watching your channel! I look for releases of your videos and just glean on them while at work. It brings me so much joy watching how far you’ve come since starting your channel. You’re truly an inspiration! I pretty much make soap, candles, shower steamers as a hobby now but it’s these products that bring me happiness. Hang in there sweetie!!! Big ole virtual hug & stay positive high five from me.❤ I’m praying for you and your next financial endeavor of getting that car, too! 🎉 God bless ❤😊

Hey Caitlin! I’m in my 3rd year of shows and any show where I don’t get my booth fee back is a total bummer. We all have them and they’re definitely no fun. I hope your next show is a huge success! Hugs! Tina 🩷🌷

Thank you for sharing Caitlin. Things will get better. You are inspiring to many even if the markets don’t do well as you hoped for❤ all the best my RU-vid friend.

Hey 👋 I just had to pause and comment 22min in.. I hope we NEVER get comfortable in that feeling. That knot in our stomachs when bad weekends happen is what keeps us from losing our business. If we ever get comfortable in that.. we are doomed to an expensive hobby 😅❤ you did and are doing great! ..my humble 2 cents.. ok play lol

Hang in there Caitlin. Honestly, I’m also kind of feeling the downs right now. We’ll both make it through.

It was so fun meeting you on Saturday! I spy a little cameo 😂 I’ll have to come find you at our future markets together! PS: it’s so refreshing to hear other small businesses talk about not ONLY the highs, but the lows as well. No one wants to think about it but unfortunately it’s part of our reality. Good luck car shopping!

Here in Brazil things are not going well in the handmade soap business either. Unfortunately I gave up on soap business three months ago. It’s been slow since last Christmas, so I couldn’t keep it anymore. 😢

So hard! All of the moving pieces and the economy being horrid is not ideal. Keep your chin up! We small business owners go through it, and know that you are doing everything you can.

I had no idea what area you were actually from until today! I live right by Wellsley! Such a great area!

Where did you buy the collapsible shelves you use for market display?

Thank you for sharing this! I'm hoping the remainder of 2024 will be good for you. Do you currently sell wholesale on Faire or doing private labeling?

I had an event like that this weekend cost $200 and made $260

I am so sorry you had such a bad time of things at your shows. I am wondering if you are signing up for the best venues for your new products? Maybe High End Resorts and Spas would be a better fit? You've changed your products so much that you really can't compare the old to the new. I spilled raw soap on my leg and didn't realize it right away until I had a silver dollar sized hole in my leg. That was in October '23 and I still have an open hole about the size of a dime. Chemical burns are very slow to heal. You'd think I'd know better after 20+ years! Don't be too hard on yourself!

I give you an idea. why don't you use ETC or Spotify for business. It will help you grow to get better goal. If not. That is your decide.

Please please please keep an apron handy, getting burnt is definitely not the way to go

Sorry you had a disappointing week financially 😔.