Custom Order Project

I just recieved a custom order for 80 mini shave soaps for wedding favors. I'm so excited. This is, of course, my biggest order to date and will keep me busy for the month of June even if the Farmers' Market falls through, which I fear it might.
It has also given me the idea of creating listings for, instead of the occasional gift set assortment of soaps, listings for favors or wedding party sets. Some herbal soap would make a lovely bridesmaid/groomsmen gift. The summer is a peak wedding season, after all.

Farmers' Market Evening

Tonight I went to one of the local markets I'm attempting to sell at. It's on the grounds of this beautiful garden center. It was lovely to wander around and talk to vendors. In a small hutch is a counter where fresh fish and meat are sold and a few tables from a local bakery. I had my heart set on some scallops, but $28 a pound was too steep for me. Instead I bought a foccacia and a few little meat pies from the baker.
I spoke to the woman who coordinates the market. She told me that there is a soap-seller coming this summer, but not every week. She promised to send me a list of dates when the other seller won't be there so we don't overlap. I brought a few items to show her what I make and she especially liked my "Nymph" solid perfume.
It's a wonderful atmosphere and I'll be glad to get involved.
My father came along with me since he had never been to the market before. He enjoyed himself and even saw an old friend he went to school with but hasn't seen in years. Afterwards we went to dinner at a nearby bar and grill and ate on the porch to enjoy the beautiful evening.
It's the kind of evening that makes me feel very connected to my heathen Celtic ancestors that worshipped the return of the sun and the spring. I can understand their raptures.

Summer Soaping

Sales have been slowly increasing in my shop for the past few months, but over the past two weeks they have exploded. Of course, exploded is a relative term, I'm sure it's all in a day's work for other Etsy sellers.
This reinforces my decision to not take an hourly waged job this summer but focus on my crafting and freelance writing. Of course, this also means alot more upkeep to my shop than I had been previously spending. More time each day making new items, photographing, organizing, storing, ordering supplies, working on my Etsy, etc.
All the promoting and creating new sorts of products and scents seems to be paying off. My choice to go with more masculine/unisex items is paying off. It's a good feeling.
I'm still working on getting into some farmers' markets this summer as well to sell live and connect with other artisans.
I also just had a request for a custom order last night. It will be the biggest order I've ever filled and will keep me quite busy. Even if I don't get any other sales next month, I'll have reached my sales goal with this order.
Off to make more aftershave!