DAY IN THE LIFE OF A SOAP MAKER // Make Lip Balms & Soaps, The Current Economy and Business Changes

Hi Friends! I hope you are excited to spend another day in the studio with me. I have some restocks to do for lip balms and whipped soaps, a few orders to ship, but I also want to chat with you about the current economy and how I'm pivoting a little to protect my business. Everything in this video is my opinion and I am not a professional financial advisor but I want to share with you how I am approaching sales the rest of this year so you at least know how I am operating my own small business.
Nars foundation: seph.me/3xuxOvJ
Ilia powder: seph.me/3BkTHPm
Ilia cream blush: seph.me/3BIanlf
Merit highlighter: seph.me/3S3lOt0
Ilia eyeshadow: seph.me/3DovsSY
Freck eyeliner: seph.me/3BmXPhT
Ilia mascara: seph.me/3xrpaOv
Notion app: bit.ly/3Pr8HBq
Soap equipment lip balm tray: bit.ly/3HiWnOU
Wholesale supplies plus lip balm tubes: bit.ly/3RZ5mdu
WWD: bit.ly/3BEuj8t
Some of the below links may be affiliate links that I collect a small commission on if purchased.
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Flodesk (email marketing platform)- get 50% off using my code here! flodesk.com/c/...
Inventora (my inventory system)- inventora.co/?...
Canva (designing my labels, social media, etc.)- You can get a 30 day free trial via the link here: partner.canva....
Epidemic Sound (where I get my music for KZbin)- www.epidemicso...
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[@jenaerose1]

Wow!!! You have flower cups too??? You take branding to a whole different level. I absolutely love it. You've actually inspired me to step back and take a look at my branding. I am going to be making a lot of positive changes. Thank you for all of your inspiration.

[@caitlinblue]

I love me some flowers!! Thanks for watching 🥰

[@kandrstrickland9746]

I love watching you in your business ventures. You are real and no hiding the upside and downsides that happen. On that note I would like to say I am in no way an expert but I have been in the business world for around 35 years now and the one thing people will spend money on no matter the economy situation, is self and body. I have to agree the economy is down now and people may not purchase as much but they will purchase something. Body products are necessary at all times....so maybe think about a necessary product i.e. sunscreens or deodorants. I have super long hair and I HAVE TO PURCHASE conditioner or I look like a scarecrow walking around 🙃. You've got this and you know what hard work is obviously, just hang on and the economy will turn around again. You're super talented and immensely intelligent and you have a passion for what you do. That in itself is priceless. You got this lady!!!!

[@ikindred]

I have been in business for 11 years and full time for 4 years. I have also scaled back on some of my products that aren't big sellers also. I have even decided to do some of my printing inhouse and it has saved me a ton of money. Thanks for a great video!

[@caitlinblue]

That’s another great tip to bring things back in house to save!

[@MarciesWhimsySoaps]

Beautiful! Thanks!

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much Marcie 💕

[@SirenaSpades]

I think if you think outside the box you could get more sales. I know you do wholesale, I don't know your area, but in my area we are on the coast with tourism and resorts in the summer. Something like farmers markets, selling to resort gift shops and hotel gift shops that are seasonal, and developing a few local scents with very specific local names might help.

[@Hausofdaisy]

I really enjoy your channel. I'm in the beginning stages of trying to take my homemade jewelry to the next level. I can relate to everything you talk about. I just followed you on IG and may have to try some products! Thank you!

[@caitlinblue]

Hi Mary! Awe thank you so much and congrats on your jewelry business! 💕

[@Lia-uz7bu]

I just recently started taking my business seriously and it's been... terrifying to say the least watching how things are going. It honestly feels impossible to break into the market right now. But every day I just have to promise myself that I won't give up. And by the time the economy starts taking a better turn I'll be ready to seize the opportunity. 🥰 Hoping for the best for everyone's businesses!

[@firdowskruger9896]

Great attitude and I am at the same place as you. Let's not give up but keep pushing forward. Love and hugs from Pretoria, South Africa 🇿🇦 💖

[@caitlinblue]

If it makes you feel better I have those same days of feeling terrified. But I just keep telling myself that we have to keep doing the things that scare us because the rewards are just that much better! You've got this! 💕

[@sjastram]

I have changed up quite a few things. I was gifted a dehydrator, which I am using to dehydrate my own botanicals for soap tops. I switched from shrink wrap and two labels per bar packaging to wrapping with paper i have printed- went from $0.40/bar to $0.05/bar. Narrowed down my fragrances. Not sure what i am doing for holiday gift sets. Gotta decide that very soon. This is going to be a rough holiday season.

[@caitlinblue]

Sounds like you’re already ahead of the game!! Wishing you much success this holiday!❤️

[@hollyhobbyist1659]

I 100% feel you on at LEAST making the equivalent to last year in Q4. I'm so glad I didn't over purchase supplies like I felt compelled to.

[@caitlinblue]

Such a smart move to not over purchase! I wish you the best this upcoming season! 💕

[@lovelather9012]

I think I want to get more into white label. I realized one day, I have this skill that others don’t, just pay me for what I can do and you handle the rest (which to me is all the hard stuff lol!!).

[@caitlinblue]

If you can I think it's a HUGE market! I know so many small boutiques and businesses that want that custom product. Go for it!!!

[@robinm6967]

Good video! I will be going to a Craft Fair in November & I getting everything ready! Could you share which one of the credit readers do you used? Thanks

[@caitlinblue]

Tha k you Robin 🥰 I use the Shopify card reader. At the time I got my first one for free when I signed up so that’s why. Hope your market is a huge success!

[@debravogt7139]

The praying mantis is good luck. Let it be!

[@arlishaedwards4850]

Great video again! I’m addicted to them. About organizing, do you have a certain day that you make soaps, another day stock another product, etc? I’m feeling like I’m all over the place making product and don’t get everything completed. Thanks for the video😊

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you so much!! I am not as organized as I would like to be...I tried doing a weekly schedule like you mention but things would come up and then I would be hard on myself for not tackling 100% of my to-so list. So I use the notion app and do the best I can each day to tackle my to-do list. Hope that helps! 💕

[@mokkw2]

Hi, where did u buy the your body butter container ?and which one is it?thx!

[@LanieLuvsBeauty]

I've been making major changes for my business for time and money. Alot of ingredients I use for my products I will be making inhouse. Also when making sushi, make sure your knife is really sharp, dip the knife in water before you cut and wipe the knife after every cut. 😁

[@caitlinblue]

YES! I learned the knife part is so important! I think I found an online course to take so fingers crossed I can improve 😂

[@LanieLuvsBeauty]

@@caitlinblue You will! I had the same issue when I first made sushi.

[@SeaStarSoap]

Your so great💕 I think you did a great job on the sushi for your first time.

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you SO much!! Haha it was not the easiest recipe to tray and tackle on a Monday but thank you! 💕

[@lisagarrett1330]

How do you clean the inside o lip balm tubes? Thank you for your videos, I enjoy them.😘

[@caitlinblue]

I just use alcohol and paper towels. I spray the entire front and back with 70% alochol and then use my gloved hands and wet paper towels to get into the crevices. Not sure its the most efficient way...but it works!

[@aliciahunt274]

In the video you stated that you were not keeping a lot of inventory right now, how are you balancing that with any supply chain issues there might be or not being able to get the inventory when needed (like the lip balm tubes)?

[@caitlinblue]

I’m currently not having any supply chain issues 🤞 but I did buy 10,000 lip balm tubes knowing it would get me through the year. So in some cases you do have to stock pile. In hindsight though I Gould have bought half those units.

[@SH-op8lv]

That was great! With the economic downturn, myself and family relocating to another state and experiencing social media burnout I stepped away from my business. However, I am trying to get back into it slowly with a fresh set of eyes. Thanks for being an inspiration.

[@caitlinblue]

It's totally okay to take a break which is a lesson I'm learning this year! Time with family and enjoying life is more important sometimes! 💕

[@leonormarrero162]

I really enjoy your channel. I also small businesses owner, opened last year. It hasnt been easy, but it is not impossible. Thank you for your channel! 😊

[@caitlinblue]

Congrats on starting! A lot of people let the fear stop them, you’ve got this!!

[@candacenicole1111]

Here watching girl!! Love the video🙌 Have a great day!!!😁

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much for the love and support! 🥰

[@candacenicole1111]

@@caitlinblue Ofcourse, your so welcome!☺️

[@kaaayl11]

Ive been in business for 2 years now & I’m thinking about doing my first christmas market. How much stock do you recommend I bring to my first in person market? I live in a big city but kinda concerned about not having enough stock or having too much stock (especially christmas stock)

[@caitlinblue]

Hi Kelly! Hmm...that's such a tough question. In my experience during the holidays people at markets tend to buy the smaller things. For example, I have 2 sizes of my whipped soaps and I probably sell 3 minis to every large. So I'd bring more stock in those lower items if you have them. I'd have your bestsellers with a good amount of inventory in them. Not sure if that helps...but good luck!!!

[@kaaayl11]

@@caitlinblue thank you! Ive done a virtual market before but never a in person one so hoping it goes well!

[@kaaayl11]

@@caitlinblue do you also have any ideas on how to display lip balms at markets? Ive checked pinterest but not many ideas 😭

[@teressataylor2220]

You should try Yeung Man cooking. He has a vegan sushi master class.

[@caitlinblue]

Oh my gosh thank you! I’ll look into that!🥰

[@latoyareally]

That was great business advice at the end. Thank you for sharing and being so honest! Its always refreshing over here!

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you so much I'm so glad you found it helpful 💕

[@latoyareally]

@@caitlinblue You are so welcome!

[@firdowskruger9896]

Great video as always🥰🌻

[@caitlinblue]

Awe thank you so much friend! 🥰

[@anabravo3581]

You're amazing Caitlin. I was really missing watching your videos... sometimes life gets in the way 😊

[@caitlinblue]

I hear you on life getting in the way! So glad you’re loving my videos! 🥰

[@jemimashultz4616]

I’m noticing the economic crisis is getting harder for us to sell! I’m a entrepreneur as well and I can tell the difference between last year and this year 🥹

[@BellyliciousMama]

I enjoy your business talk! You make it ALL make sense!