We can't be perfect all the time: day in the life of a business owner

[@SuzanneRowell]

In business since 1997 (also based in Massachusetts) ignore the so-called "suggestions" from the harsh critics, and never give away your supply sources, recipes and knowledge of what took years to learn. Keep doing what you are doing, deep breath and march on to success!

[@caitlinblue]

Well said! Love this and appreciate the support! 🥰

[@tandi4201]

Girl, I totally get you! I'm diving into seasonal markets, and you're so right about the social media saturation. Trying to sell my fall collection, create content, and prep for the next season - it's a lot to handle! 😛😛😛 My sales conversion rate has been a bit of a challenge, but I'm dead-set on growing organically. Balancing a full-time job with all these creative endeavors is a real juggling act, but you know what? 🥵😎 It's all under control; we've got this! 😝😂 Here's to celebrating all the fantastic girl bosses out there! 🥂

[@caitlinblue]

Love you positive attitude so much!! Hope you have an amazing holiday season!

[@aordinarygirl7403]

Girl stahp! You owe nobody an explanation! I think you’re so sweet to take everybody’s comments into consideration, but please don’t let it get under your skin. One great thing about boxes is that you can fit a lot more info on them than you can the actual containers and so many brands take advantage of that. Personally I always save the boxes. I love to read them, and I place the products back in them after each use. I love where you’re going, it’s so inspiring! Really happy for you!

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment! I love that you save the boxes, I have a few special ones from perfumes and cosmetics myself.

[@mychannel1163]

Hello Caitlin, your answer is right on point, we're not perfect and little by little we're improving. You're doing just fine and you certainly do not have to justify your choices. There are and always will be nay sayer, and you're right to ignore them. You are an inspiration and I love watching your videos. Sending you love

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much for the love and encouragement! I'm so glad you like my videos.

[@cierramichaela]

Even the small changes toward a more eco friendly brand makes a huge impact in the environment. Also, being eco friendly gets expensive and where I’mat in my small business I choose to be sustainable for now. I enjoy watching your growth and find inspiration in what you do everyday✨

[@caitlinblue]

Love this thought! I agree every little step is making an impact, thanks for watching!! 🥰

[@shopwildvenus]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and Urgh this whole 'eco-friendly' agenda. We all do our best right? It's expensive and a huge drain on time sourcing the 'right' packaging. People forget that when it's a small business not everything is possible because we do EVERYTHING. Besides, there aren't enough larger companies being called out for making good on their eco-friendly pledges when they deffo have the resources to do so. Keep doing what your doing Caitlin and everyone else who can relate 😘

[@elianamckee]

@@shopwildvenusExactly. I live in Alaska and just getting the materials here cost me 2 arms and two legs!😂😮😢

[@anabs_wrenandrita]

I had to stop the video and comment. You are 100% right. I've been at this for about 12 years and I understood early on that I was never going to make 100% of the people happy. I do the best I can, but I also have reasons for what I do. I always like to bring up the items that people take with them into the shower/bath. The risk of injury with a glass jar in the shower worries me much more than the use of plastic. I have two options, don't make the product that a majority of people enjoy, or lose the one sale of the person who would like their product in glass. As small scale businesses (some of us smaller than others), it's important to look at these comments with an outsiders eye and not take it personally. I commend you for what you have been able to do. It's more than what I'm able to do right now, but I'm always looking at different ways of diminishing my footprint without compromising my products nor the safety of my customers. As far as not sharing anything, never apologize. I find it interesting how people are so quick to ask a small business for their trade information, but they would never think of ringing a Bath and Bodyworks and do the same thing. It's absolutely OK and encouraged to set boundaries. I wanted to support, so I ordered already. Love everything :)

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much for taking the time to write such a thoughtful and kind comment🥰 I totally agree with everything you said. Small improvements add up to big changes!

[@MarciesWhimsySoaps]

Hi Caitlin! I hope you had a great holiday season! I got one of your emails today....your site and packaging is sooo beautiful! You've done such a fabulous job! Cant wait until you post here again! Have a great day!😊🌸🌸🌸🌸

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much! Sorry for my late response...just catching up. Hope you had a wonderful holiday season too!

[@The.soap.garden]

You’re awesome. I have learned a ton from you. You’re inspiring!

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you SO much, that's so kind!

[@joannelishman204]

i think it's great you share what you can when you can. And you are doing what we all should be doing - keep striving - its not something that you can do 100% from day 1. It can be disheartening when you have critics when you're putting so much focus on progressing on the eco friendly journey. i do think it's important you share how such comments can affect you - sometimes people make comments and they don't realise the impact they can have - it is as important to be kind as it is to be eco-conscious! Sending much love!

[@caitlinblue]

I've learned to leave the critics behind but it took years to do! I know so many people let that stop them which is the more disheartening part. If everyone could just be a little more kind, the world would be a better place. Thanks for your love!

[@mpps1990]

A tip for raw hands after unpacking... I wear gloves while unpacking and that helps a ton. Keep up the good work! It is your business and you gotta do you.

[@caitlinblue]

I never thought of gloves, such a fabulous tip, thank you!! 🥰

[@ChantelleArts]

Your product wall looks so cool 😮

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you! It is nice to look at.

[@53sharkattack]

You are so inspiring and I love your boxes. Keep being you!

[@caitlinblue]

That's so kind, thank you so much!

[@EllieandGinger]

Those flowers toward the end 😍😍 So beautiful!

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you!! I've been waiting all summer for these to bloom...took forever but the wait was worth it!

[@m.s.3798]

Good for you, don't share everything. Love your journey.!!The critics can start there own eco friendly company.

[@caitlinblue]

haha, love that, yes if they aren't in the game making strides they shouldn't be commenting on others. Thanks for watching!

[@elianamckee]

Exactly, m.s.!!!

[@Jesus_Christ_Is_King1]

I asked this before but, what did you get the floral packaging from. Sorry for asking again. I pray your business is more successful. I love your business. Ignore negative comments. You are loved by many!

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you for your kind words. All my packaging is designed by me🥰

[@joannejensen4369]

Great job.🤗🇨🇦🌸

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much!!

[@LoriPoplawski-kd1fl]

THANK YOU!

[@caitlinblue]

You’re so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@leonormarrero162]

Thank you so much 😊

[@caitlinblue]

Thanks for watching!! 💕

[@bridgetsbuttahs3412]

Awesome 👏🏿 you inspire me ❤😊

[@caitlinblue]

Thank you so much, that’s so sweet! 🥰

[@gintsyit]

Please don't make me feel bad I hate Mondays 😔. Please do whatever feels less strefull for your business some people don't practice what they preach about sustainability including brands. by the way I enjoy your vlog

[@caitlinblue]

So glad you enjoyed the vlog! Thanks for watching!

[@RochelleJahdiCo]

These days people really need to stop being so judgmental in my opinion - we all do our best.

[@caitlinblue]

I totally agree! If we all gave each other more grace, I think we would have a much happier world to live in! 🥰

[@carolyncooper9092]

Carry on doing what your doing then if something don't work take a step back , rethink and start again. Mistakes are made so we can learn from them, life would be boring if it was perfect ,

[@caitlinblue]

Well said! We all have to make mistakes to learn!

[@IrishQ76]

Loving my products I purchased. I do wonder why you dont list sodium hydroxide on your ingredient list for bar soaps. That it was mandatory to list all ingredients for all bath and body products. I could be wrong 🤔 wonderful bar soaps, whipped soaps, sugar scubs, and body butters

[@caitlinblue]

So glad you love the products and thank you so much for your order! My ingredients list is written with the saponified oils names which is why you don’t need to list sodium hydroxide separately. If you were to list the oils as their INCI name only, you would need to list sodium hydroxide…

[@IrishQ76]

@@caitlinblue actually it's my second order, first order came from a small business that carries your products second order directly from you on your reopening day. Thank you for responding and clarifying the difference of listing of ingredients. I'm just getting into making bath and body products. I look up to those who have made it a successful business. Your products are just awesome, totally loving the bar soaps. Leaves my body feeling clean and moisturized. Keep up the fantastic work.

[@caitlinblue]

Oh gosh that’s so awesome, thank you!! A great resource if you’re just starting out is Marie Gale!

[@nicolefiore49]

👏🏻❤️👏🏻❤️