Blowing Into A Neighborhood Near You-Lubbock

I am pleased to announce, that Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps are now available at the locally renowned Tornado Gallery at 19th and Buddy Holly Ave. As of now, I do not have the whole line available at this location, but there is a small  selection of bar soaps, shave rounds and hand balms available. I am presently working on re-stocking and will have more goodies available soon. ;-)

Grappling with Goals

The pathway along my soaping journey has been a winding one to say the least-I've had setbacks. Setbacks, that in retrospect have amounted to "me" getting in my own way-by this I mean I've often listened to the voice that is afraid, the voice that says "what if", the voice that is even a little afraid of actually doing well.

Not too awfully long ago, I was expressing some "what if" scenarios to someone I greatly admire for her immensely confident ways, and she simply and wisely replied, "sounds like a lot of what if's." I have to say at the very moment I knew she was right, and now when I catch myself "what iffing" I gently remind myself "sounds like a lot of what ifs."

Now, most people would view "setbacks" as a negative thing. Some people would even equate setbacks to "failure," but recently while reading Reposition Yourself Living Life Without Limits-I had an "ah ha" moment of epic proportions. I knew the following words were true, and that I was/am experiencing this in my own life-right here and now.

"Like an arrow caught in a bow, most people go backward before they shoot forward. What do you do when you see the goal,but you keep losing ground?"

"It is normal to retract before release.If you take a common garden hose and temporarily restrict the flow of water by bending it, the force of water will be all the greater when you straighten it out. In a similar way, those of us who have experienced setbacks in life often release and shoot farther because of the setback and not in spite of it."

"Albert Einstein flunked out of school. Les Brown was evaluated as mentally challenged. Millionaires are born out of bankruptcies. Moses was called to speak but couldn't talk. Sometimes what makes us insecure and vulnerable becomes the fuel we need to be overachievers. The antidote for snakebite is made from the poison, and the thing that made you go backward is the same force that will push you forward."

In a nutshell," Without the retraction, the release doesn't have the same impact."

As I am writing this I have to say I feel a bit anxious about it-some would say "it's not good business to admit your shortcomings" but I believe in being real. I feel certain there are lots and lots of folks who've felt the same sort of trepidation about moving forward, taking risks-putting themselves out there.

I Like Busy!

Getting goodies ready to go to a new local venue.. more details in the upcoming October newsletter. Those who receive the newsletter will be the very first to know-be sure to sign up. Sign up over on the left of the page under my profile-it's easy and painless I promise!

I am thrilled to say I have lots going on, and I hope to have some new and fun things to report in the first newsletter coming out in October.

A Few Words On Being a "Student of Your Own Success"

Part II-Reposition Yourself Living Life Without Limits-

I've always felt a little "less than" my peers who made their way through college, but on the other hand I'm not sure college was ever for me. These words speak volumes to me and acknowledge something I've always innately known-education is where you find it.

"education isn't always confined to the hallowed halls of esteemed learning institutions. We all must "get in where we fit in"(which interestingly enough, is an old African-American saying)and achieve education even if we have to inhale our learning from secondhand smoke. This is to say that if you can't go back to school to sharpen your skills, you can read the thoughts of those who do what you do. All universities are not made of stone nor are all teachers in front of chalkboards. Life is a school, books are an opportunity to sharpen our minds..."

This is exactly how I learned all I know about soap(and there is still so much to learn-I'll never know all there is.) There wasn't anyone locally to teach me(that I know of) and I had a rabid curiosity/passion for learning all that I could. I took matters into my own hands, and began reading everything I could find on soap. I spent countless hours on the internet reading forums, looking at the websites of the people I considered to be masters at what they do, I read all sorts of information about formulas, properties of oils, and troubleshooting(because inevitably if you make soap long enough strange things will happen.)

While much of my research was soap related I also researched packaging needs, marketing, website building, photography, copy writing etc. I found online mentors that I keep up with even now. I watch marketing trends, how they manage home and business, how they reposition themselves when they feel they are off the path of happiness and success. Much can be learned from reading and networking with others soap makers or like small businesses.All this to say-don't be disheartened if you haven't had the opportunity to grab that college degree-look around at other ways to gain knowledge in the area you are interested in. Read, scour the internet, collect a library of books that you can refer to,network with successful small business owners, surround yourself with people going in the direction you would like to be going in....and be tenacious.

I wouldn't say that my little business is a "huge success" yet, but the great thing is I do have the opportunity to reposition myself and my business to be better and better all the time. I can re-evaluate and seek out people who can serve as role models in areas that I need to work on, I can read, research and apply new techniques to bring weak areas up to thriving areas...so can you, it's possible!

How Does YOUR Garden Grow?

I happened across a post this morning among my favorite blogs that I read daily, and  thought the analogy was so appropriate. I thought my soaping/small business friends might really relate and glean important information from it. So, without further adieu I give you 3 Ways Growing and Garden Can Help You Grow Your Business (No Green Thumb Needed.) 

I Wish, I'd Heard This Years Ago

My current read is Reposition Yourself Living Life Without Limits by T.D.Jakes, and it is eyeopening for me to say the least,so I'll be sharing bits and pieces of it as I go along-maybe it will help you too.

Yesterday, while sitting at the Jury Pool waiting to complete the jury selection process I read these words and they spoke to me-I wish someone had expressed this to me years ago, but also it is important to note that the premise of this book is that you can reposition your life at ANY age.

 " Take the wheel of our life now and go where you are meant to go rather than allow passengers-mothers, spouses,neighbors-to control your destination. Success is not achieving what someone else wants you to achieve. Success is discovering your gift and using it."

"A goal is to get what you see on the inside to happen on the outside. You will know you have it when there is no difference between what you see when you sleep and what you wake up to. In short, I am telling you it is possible to live your dream wide-awake. The distance between what you dream and what you see is achievable."

Don't Forget

Tie a string on your finger so you don't forget, to sign up for the new Tierra Verde Newsletter. The 50th person to sign up wins a free soap of their choice. The newsletter will be THE place to get the latest promo code.

Be the first to take a sneak peek at the very latest "earthly delight" news...promos,new releases,juicy tid-bits,and plenty of eye-candy for the soap lover in you.

Signing up is easy-just see the "Sign up to our mailing list" to the left of the page under my profile, and I'll take care of the rest. :-) 

Quote of the Day

Pumpkin and Clove

 Nothing says "Fall" like the combination of Pumpkin and Clove-beautiful!

 

 'pumpkin and clove' by arch190

Rust scarf shawl, orange bro... Baymut $80.00	Organic White Pumpkin Seeds ... cubits $3.50	1940s Leather Suitcase // Vi... adVintagous $45.00
Beige bulky wool blend yarn Muza $4.80	Modern baby quilt, lap size ... IssabellaTheCa... $85.00	vintage BEIGE leather heels ... vintagemarmala... $24.00
Balsam fir needles with clov... kookyhandbags $12.00	Flowers Bow Wall Door Arrang... LeatherAndRose... $19.99	Plaid Infinity Scarf in Must... JANNYSGIRL $19.50
Clove Shaving Round TierraVerdeSoa... $5.50	Miniature Car - Pumpkin Car ... murmurfremo $32.00	Pumpkin Cup Cozy, Coffee Cup... natalya1905 $17.50
house brooch blue grey chimn... anlizz $10.00	Rust Double Breasted Faux Fu... Lightwitch $45.00	antique wooden clogs - his &... wretchedshekel... $48.00
Salt & Pepper Shakers, Arabe... BeauMiracle $16.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Let's Step Things Up a Bit-With a Little Giveaway

The 50th person to sign up for the Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps Newsletter will receive one (1) free soap of their choice. Winner will be announced in the very first newsletter. One entry per person- of course.

Hurry,Hurry! Sign Right Up

Be the first to take a sneak peek at the very latest "earthly delight" news...promos,new releases,juicy tid-bits,and plenty of eye-candy for the soap lover in you.

Signing up is easy-just see the "Sign up to our mailing list" to the left of the page under my profile, and I'll take care of the rest. :-)

Wowza! What a Lovely Treasury

  Honored to be a part of this gorgeous collection. Thank you!

 

 'Mean Green Earthy Goddess Machine.' by TendaiDesigns

Lovely Natural gifts for fall!

Bonsai Tree of life, Peridot... FawnAnselmoArt... $28.00	Limited Offer Rustic Burlap,... TheCreativeGyp... $58.00	Russian Serpentine Bracelet ... heversonart $44.00
Succulent Centerpiece, Rusti... SucculentsGalo... $28.95	Brown Ombre Brooch embroider... bstudio $50.00	Green Earth Gardners Soap TierraVerdeSoa... $6.50
Celeste Earrings- citrine, v... amyolsonjewelr... $38.00	Green Earth Goddess Pendant ... earthdeva $11.50	Rustic Metal Letters heavymetals123 $7.00
Wedding hair accessories Gre... AmoreBride $25.95	Mini Leather Journal, Fores... DancingGreyStu... $17.00	Organic Wedding band. 5 rust... SundayOwl $1285.00
10- 4"mini twig pencils inkkit $10.00	Vintage Green Ruffled Wavy E... OneDecember $11.50	gypsy bangle stack - tribal ... crankypants $20.00
Icicles . Rustic Quartz Cry... Chymiera $45.00

Treasury tool supported by the dog house

Husbands Hide Your Shave Soap

Husbands hide your shave soap.


This is what one wife had to say about her husband's Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps-Lavender shave soap.

"I admit, I "stole" a lavender shaving round of yours intended for hubby and use it for my legs! Loving it!"

One happy wife=one dismayed husband. lol!

I Have a Confession to Make

It's been a rough few months. I've teetered on the very precipice of letting all my soapy love go to the wayside- it isn't that I don't love making soap- I do, I do, I reealllly do. It's that I'm afraid. Up until the past few weeks and days I didn't have a clear picture of where I was heading, or how I was going to get there. I'm terrified of the "business" aspect, it's not my comfort zone at all.

I put tons of work into formulation of my product,packaging,product photography, copy, marketing and on and on... I taught myself enough photography to get by, I do my own copy for the most part because I can't pay anyone to do it-that doesn't even begin to touch the amount of blood, sweat and tears that have gone into websites over the years. Grant you, my husband does the actual coding, but I direct him as to every design detail that I can(sometimes I get a bit of input and advice here and there)- but for the most part, it's a true collaboration of talent and hard work.

The long and short of it all- is that I let my fear take over, I fed fear Wheaties for breakfast. I fed that fear until it regurgitated all over me,and I had to face "calling it quits." I've spent the summer devastated at the whole idea-all the work, all the trial and error, all the faith my family has in me..all the faith my family has in me- that's what keeps me hanging in there. The very thought of letting them down has motivated me to re-evaluate my direction, seek out others who can help me in my weak areas,and support me when I'm fearful. I realize that the business end is something I am certainly capable of learning with some guidance-I mean after all I did learn to make soap on my own didn't I? I can re-think my offerings to include some higher end gift baskets etc.I can re-vamp my marketing and find someone to coach me in that area. I can cut out relationships that don't serve me-people who are back biting or would like to see me fail.

I can move forward feeding my vision courage,strength and happiness. I can do things that feel right for me, I can make mistakes and learn from them, I can acknowledge that I am afraid as long as I don't feed that fear too awfully much-I can  have a do-over-to change a few things,to evolve,it's okay to not have ALL the answers. For another great read about starting over-check out this Truthy Tuesday blog post over at Miss Modish.

In Other News...

I am currently working on the logistics of what will be the first Tierra Verde Handmade Soaps Newsletter-be on the lookout for discount codes, exclusive promotions for newsletter subscribers only, informative tid bits as they relate to handmade soap, be the first to know about new releases, new gift set ideas and upcoming events. Subscription information available soon.

In Praise of Round Soap

I really love round soap, the way they fit in the hand, they way they are so easy to rotate to obtain the optimal lather. Awwww-they are just right. I've been working on a smaller version. I have a few special projects in mind for them.They will need to be cut at a different size than my bars, so it means making some sort of wire cutter-but it will be sooo worth it. Here is my first experiment with the smaller size-I'm loving them!

Doh'

Made a couple of research batches today-and I hate it when  your soaps seeps out of the bottom of the mold just a bit-just sayin.

A Couple of Juicy Tid-bits ;-)

If you're an Etsy shopper this is GREAT news-now you can pick up your Tierra Verde goodies while you're hanging out on Etsy. The Tierra Verde Shop is up and running-it's a small and personal neighborhood shop-(I like to think of it as comfy and cozy-the kind of place you can peruse with your hot tea in hand)pop on by, and show some neighborly love by adding Tierra Verde to your circle or as a favorite place to hang out. Stop on by-we'll leave the light on for you!

In other news-just part of a large order of Lavender Rustica taking up much real estate on my kitchen table, the rest is hanging out over on the curing rack-soon there will be lots of Orange Honey Drizzle soldiers to take up the slack. Lots of soap and so little room-such is the challenge of working out of your kitchen. ;-)

I'm Still Here(Warning Pic Heavy Post)

The beautiful and wonderfully warm Gulf of Mexico

Entrance to the Texas State Aquarium

A "Laughing Seagull" taking a break from his mockery

Brown Pelicans are as plentiful as Seagulls on the Texas Coast

Shrimp boats go out every morning

The "Harbor Bridge" links Corpus Christi to Portland Tx.

Beautiful pottery at Wildseed Farms-Fredericksburg Tx.

Pink Zinnia happily growing in the sun at Wildseed Farms

Colorful birdhouses all in a row-Fredericksburg Tx.

I took a little whirlwind vacation-just a wee little break, but as it turns out even a small break can be so cathartic and for me this trip was about accomplishing a few firsts and ticking some items off my "bucket list."

I've been married for over 20 years and I can count on one hand the number of times I have driven anywhere out of town by myself, as a rule- my husband always drives when we go out of town whether it's 2 hours or 10 it's just a given that he will drive(I think he's afraid for me to drive.) This time a few special circumstances came into play that caused me to have to step up to the plate and drive 10 hours to the Texas coast. Ummm, I have never driven farther than the 6 hours to Dallas, and after my Dallas experience I have been a little less than enthusiastic about navigating about in busy metro areas, but this time it was about 1) a daughter who desperately wanted to see the ocean 2) a  husband already at the coast waiting for us 3) desperately needing to get out of town at least for a short break.....so off we went. I am happy to inform you that with the aid of my daughter,Google maps and a Garmin we made it thru San Antonio and on to Corpus Christi without a hitch. Bravo!! A huge accomplishment for me-it made me wonder why I had been afraid of venturing out on my own- gah, all the time wasted.

Let's see, there were also a few other "firsts" with some being "bucket list" items. Upon arriving in Corpus Christi we ventured out to find not just the Bay, but an actual ocean and ended up at the Gulf of Mexico,and not to travel all that way and never get my feet wet-  I immediately waded in clothes and all. You CAN NOT go to the Gulf of Mexico and not get in-so I did. I didn't really realize this was a "bucket list" item at the time, but in fact it most certainly was.The Gulf of Mexico is incredibly beautiful and amazingly warm-perfect!

On the first full day of our trip to Corpus Christi my daughter and I went the Texas State Aquarium where my daughter goaded my into touching a Stingray and a Shark, and well you can't let the 12 year old out do you. So, for the first time ever I touched a Stingray and a Shark. What do they feel like you ask? Because Stingrays are scavengers and feast on dead things they are covered in mucous-so you can just guess how that feels-right? Sharks are very different they are slightly bumpy like used sandpaper. Very interesting!

The evening of the first full day we allowed ourselves one very nice meal-of course at a restaurant where seafood was the fare as I was very excited to try my first " oyster on the half shell." Yes, I know it's hard to believe I have reached "midlife" and had never had a raw oyster-it's absolutely sinful. However, living in Lubbock,Tx. we aren't exactly privy to fresh seafood, and so I refused to try them until I was somewhere coastal.Oddly enough,trying a raw oyster was an item on my "bucket list" and so I was determined to make this happen. I am happy to report that I did try them and found they do in fact "taste like the ocean"-you always hear that, and it's true-they taste just like the Gulf of Mexico smells-briny and fresh.

Needless to say, we packed as many experiences into the few days we were there-we made another trek out to the Gulf of Mexico where once again I played in the ocean in my clothes (I don't own a bathing suit). I left soaking wet and satisfied even though I had to travel back to the hotel in soaking wet clothes-I wouldn't have missed it-for me this was a trip about accomplishing goals and experiencing firsts.

Freshly Cut

Beautiful Lavender Rustica re-stock

Perfect Olive Oil and Goat's Milk bars all in a row...

Recent re-stocks-with miles to go to go before I'm done, but  I'm off to a great start. New oils just arrived at the door and I'm on my way to tackling lots of re-stocks over the next few days. Don't you love freshly cut soap all lined up in their neat rows?