Being Comfortable With Being Uncomfortable
I’ve been making soap on and off for the past ten years, and in all that time, I never really ventured beyond soap. I always wanted to, but between work and life, simply keeping up with batches felt like enough. It’s funny—I feel like I have more time now, but I actually don’t… at least not until 7 or 8 pm each night.
Sometimes I convince myself that’s a solid stretch of time, but then dinner, a shower, and general life stuff sneak an hour away. That leaves me with a mighty 1–2 hours if I want to get a decent night’s sleep. Before having Asher, I’d stay up until I literally couldn’t keep my eyes open. Now I have to force myself into bed because I know he’ll be ready for me anytime between 5 and 6 am. And honestly? I’m a much better person—and mom—when I can get at least six hours.
But somehow, in those small evening windows, I’ve learned so much. It’s where our lip balms were born, where I figured out which lotion bar formula actually worked, and where I took (and finished) a master class on making shampoo and conditioner bars—my new obsession. I remember how hard each new product felt at first. My first attempts fell short of what I pictured in my head. I don’t know why I believed everything should come out perfect on the first try. What a funny girl!
With more patience and practice, things started clicking. I got to a place where I finally felt, “Okay… I can offer this to customers without it being a total flop.” And it reminded me of when I first started making soap—how plain and boring those early bars were, and how convinced I was that no one would ever buy them.
One piece of advice I hear often is: “Just launch. You’ll never feel 100% ready.” And it’s true. You refine as you go. You improve with feedback. You learn by doing. That’s been my entire business journey from day one.
So this Thanksgiving, I’m grateful—for the tiny pockets of time that let me keep growing, for the permission to learn and get better, and for every single one of you who supports this little business of mine. Thank you for letting my products be part of your daily routines, and for cheering me on as I try new things. I’m truly lucky to do what I love.
Wishing you and your loved ones the warmest, coziest holiday. 🤍🫧
Love,
Elisa