Yep, absolutely ages since we last updated our Blog. So much has happened that it's hard to know where to begin really! So I'll take up where we left off...
So I signed the lease on the 24th April, and things really kicked off. I had a date for opening- 8th of May- and nothing was going to stand in my way! Not the electricity people ('Yes madam, we'll be along on the 11th May to put the fuse in'), not BT ('Ooh, this might actually shatter the whole window...'), not even Ikea selling us the wrong size doors for the cabinets!
I've never put so much flat-pack furniture together in one go either. Ye gods, my hands were a mess! If it wasn't for our newly-made Whipped Shea Butter I'd have been sunk. I did everything, I even wired lights up. The only thing that was beyond my remit was plumbing in a new sink and re-routing an electric socket, so a million thanks go to Tor.
The moment the fascia went up I wept like a baby. It is stunning. More than I wanted to pay but then the 'handy' man that took the letting agents sign down absolutely ruined the existing fascia boards, so it was unavoidable. Who cares though, it's bright, clean, eye-catching and 100% what we were supposed to have!
After that it was a race to get ready, stock into the shop, gaps to be filled, and plenty to make pretty. We opened and the first person through the door was a charming gentleman that wanted an organic soap. He then proceeded to tell us all about saponification, did we realise that that is what makes soap (ya think he he)? Yes, and he's been in 4 times since then and said the exact same thing each time. We love local colour :)
The first day was brilliant, exhausting but absolutely wonderful. Since then we've gone from strength to strength. Even the news of soap shops in the neighbouring town hasn't worried us as we sell completely different products, plus customers love to see the open work area where we make it, it's fascinating for them. Our 2 websites, www.thesoapycauldron.co.uk and www.wholesale.thesoapycauldron.co.uk have increased in traffic as well, we think it's because customers can see the shop.
Our latest additions are soap cakes- they've made a massive comeback! Also Lip Balms and a fabulous product called Pout Polish which is a sugar and Shea scrub for your lips.
Well, I think that's all for now, we'll be sure to update you more often from now on!
