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Dreams vs Fantasy


We seem to be constantly bombarded by inspirational messages these days thanks to social media.

"Dream Big" and all the variations on this theme, seem to be the most prevalent.  "If your dreams don't scare you, they aren't big enough".  Well, says who?  We craftsmen are dreamers at heart, no doubt.  But I've been struggling lately.  I came across an opportunity in the local soap world a few days ago that is awesome.  A huge thing really. My best dreamy friend, who I love so dearly and has been my biggest champion, says go for it - Don't you want to live your passion?  Grab for the ring, don't look back, everything will work itself out,- she rallied me up into gung ho gear, but the more I think about it, I feel it's just not for me.  Reality says I don't have the financial means to do this, plain and simple.  Passion comes in second to finances.  So I've been contemplating this dreaming thing and I've reached the conclusion that I am not failing - dreams can change and even be reinvented, and it's OK if they're only moderate in size.  

I LOVE making soap, I think that's pretty clear by now!  I love that my soap makes people happy and my heart literally warms anytime that perfect person picks up a bar and says "OMG these smell so good!"  My small local venue is proving to be a great fit for me and I enjoy it thoroughly.  I see so many of you who have your own business and do incredibly beautiful work, and who among us doesn't fantasize about making soap full time?  Seriously, who doesn't want to quit their day job and just play with bubbles?  Having a little shop of their own, and immersing themselves in the world of soap every day.  We covet the life of  the "lucky" person who does, but  they aren't just lucky. Those of you who work soap full time work your arses off! And to be honest, that's just not what I'm looking for.  

I've have absolutely no official business plan - heck, I struggle with keeping listings on my Etsy page- seriously!  I don't use Twitter and I can't tell you what makes my soap "brandable" .   I just know it makes me happy and others seem to like it, too.  I plan to start reaching out to other local soapers simply for the fellowship of it all.  So maybe this is my dream, just spending alot of time playing with soap and selling it here and there - enjoying the process without pressure.  Thank you for allowing me to get this in writing and out of my head!





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