Friends, I have an announcement to make.
But first, let me express my immense gratitude to you. You have made my days SO Bright over the last six years. I absolutely love seeing you at markets, and on Instagram, and shopping through my website. I have so much fun with you and you have made hard times (hello, pandemic!) so much more manageable by supporting Bright Day Bath & Body over the years. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I love you.
Ok, announcement time....
It is time for the sun to set on this Bright Day. It is a bittersweet thing to announce and I have all kinds of feelings about it, but mostly I feel that it is the right time to draw a close to this Day.
For the past six years I have enjoyed the fun, challenging, rewarding and daunting experience that is building a small business. From brand concept to product development to manufacturing processes to business administration, I have had the wonderful opportunity to wear so many different hats on this journey. I've worked hard, pushed myself to work harder and also enjoying the freedoms and flexibility that come with solopreneurship.
I love soap. I got started in this business because handcrafted soap was the one thing I repeatedly came home with from shops, tradeshows, craft shows and fairs. Many times, it was the only thing I'd buy. I loved the easy, special flair a good bar of soap added to my day. It created a small moment that brightened my day. I was inspired to try the craft myself and when I fell in love with it, I wanted to be that person who created that moment of brightness in other people's day.
It has been a blast. Mostly because of you. I had a long career in sales before I started this business, and it was no surprise that one of the most fun parts of the business for me is interacting with customers at events and markets, or online via social media and my website. Setting up a tradeshow booth, engaging passersby, building comradery with my fellow market vendors all makes for a wonderful work day. My heart absolutely sings when I hear a repeat customer say they love my products, and I am beyond honored when someone says they gifted my product to someone. To buy my handcrafted product as a gift- I was in complete awe the first time I heard that, and I still feel incredible honor about it to this day. Thank you for helping me feel a sense of pride in my creations.
Owning a small business is so rewarding, but it is also hard. For me, I discovered things about my work preferences I didn't realize before. I get lonely working by myself for too long. Networking with other small business owners is so helpful, and interacting with customers is very fulfilling, but at the end of the day, I'm the only one working on my goals, in my studio, and I realized that I enjoying being on a team. I like working independently on my tasks, but I like having a team that's working towards the same mission I am. Small business owners also wear allllll the hats these days, and there are so many skills to master in order to stand out. Unique products, quality product photos, eye catching social media efforts, trustworthy web presence, good SEO, constant visibility- whether through ad campaigns online or a big in-person presence at events and in storefronts. For me, being a single person making enough product to sell in high enough quantities to make a profit but also be present in enough areas made it really hard to balance a schedule of work and life. In my case, without a business partner, and without the necessary funds to hire employees, being alone was my only option.
Would I do it again? Yes! Would I recommend someone else try their hand at small business? YES! I'm so proud of every small business owner that grows their business into a flourishing company. And I'm proud of every small business owner that tries their best. I highly recommend anyone with a dream or an idea to step up and try their hand at business ownership. The skills and experience I've gained over the last six years, I wouldn't have had a chance to learn in any single position in the regular workforce. I learned how to write a business plan, accounting & bookkeeping (cash flow, budget, p&l, etc), product packaging design, how to build a website, how to tinker with web presence & SEO, how to take product photos, how to write marketing copy, how to strategize a marketing campaign, how to maximize manufacturing processes & schedules, and honestly so much more. It also got me more connected and involved in my local community, and I believe small businesses are key to making a community feel connected, welcoming and unique in its culture. Start your business. Gain those skills. Connect with your community.
For now, I am ready to start a new day on a new career path. Everything on brightdaybathandbody.com is 50% off until it's gone. Be sure to shop for your favorites while you can!
Also, if you're a soapmaker or you're interested in soapmaking, I have equipment and supplies for sale. Please connect with me on Instagram or via email and we can talk about your needs!
Thank you, again, for everything! Your love for Bright Day kept it beaming for six whole years, and I will forever be grateful to you for making this small business experience possible for me for so long.
One more time....
🌞 Have a Bright Day!🌞
-Alexis