Guess what!?!?!?!

I made it onto Etsy's front page!!!!! (yes, I do need that many exclamation points that's how excited I am)

I received the excellent news this morning via fellow SF Etsy Street Team member Kendra (thanks a bunch!) that my Citrus Poppy Seed Soap made it onto Etsy's front page yesterday evening. OMG! I cant believe I missed it, but thanks to the fabulous Craft Cult site I was able to get a glimpse of what my lovely product looked like. Ever since I started selling on Etsy about I've wanted to be on the front page and it feels amazing to have it happen (one goal down approximately 9 million more to go - I say that in a good way). Check out the mini version of what my front page looked like. I am definitely going to celebrate by buying myself a treat this afternoon (cookie or fresh made juice??) ;).

2010 Price Changes

At the end of this month I have to raise my prices. This has been a really difficult decision for me but it has to be done so that I am able to continue following my dream of building my business.

The price changes are the result of the increasing cost of raw goods and a realistic look at my business finances. Over the course of the last few years there has been a steady increase in the cost of many of the organic raw goods I use to make my products. For example, the cost of cocoa butter has increased by almost 50% since this same time last year. That is a huge jump!! Combine those increases with the fact that I haven't priced my products at what they are worth and I am creating a situation where I will not be able to sustain my small business. The only way to continue providing high quality organic products and build my business is to make a change.

In order to ease into this transition, I'm offering my current low prices until the end of the month and anyone who orders now through January 31 will receive extra free goodies. To stock up now visit Etta + Billie.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding!!

Best,
Alana

2010 handmade olympics!

I just entered my citrus poppy seed soap and my friend Erin's reindeer head pillow in the eco-friendly category at rikrak studio's handmade olympics 2010! go check out all the entries, add your own (wink wink), and check back for the results.

Top 10 for 2009

There is a big push around this time to reflect on the past year and start setting goals for the coming year. I used to fight this phenomenon but as I have gotten older and wiser (hopefully), I really appreciate reflecting back and looking to the future. I wanted to share my thoughts with you all but I am going to keep it short and sweet. Below is my top 10 list of accomplishments and things I've learned in 2009 - this is by no means a comprehensive list just a few things that I am really proud of/know I need to work on..

1. Opened up my Etsy Shop
2. Triple checking is a good thing and can save you money!
3. Attended my first Soap conference
4. Consistency is key (I will talk more about this is goals for 2010)
5. Received first wholesale inquiries (yippeee, I feel so legitimate)
6. Visited Alaska
7. Reviewing and re-evaluating my goals is necessary for me to move my business and life forward
8. Attended my first craft show
9. I am not a good time manager
10. Its really important to delegate

Happy New Year!

Thanks-Giving

Me and my sis.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wanted to take this opportunity to share 20 things that I am thankful for right now (disclaimer: these are not in any particular order).

1. My Mister
2. Having my parents and sister within 2 hours of where I live
3. The wonderful friends that I have in my life.
4. The fact that I am healthy
5. That I was able to spend my grandmother's 90th birthday with her
6. The support I receive from all my friends and family
7. My fabulous customers!
8. Good food :)
9. My day job, even though it drives me nuts
10. That I found a creative outlet in soap making
11. That I was able to go back to school and not put myself in major debt
12. My knowledge of essential oils and herbs
13. That I have a car (except for parking tickets)
14. That I can read during my commute
15. That I have been able to travel
16. That I grew up in the country
17. Mister is a damn good cook
18. Mentors I have in my life
19. That I am not allergic to cheese
20. My business!!

Friday Finds & Blog Love

My Friday Find is another gray hair...boooo!! :)


On the flip side, my blog interview for Bazaar Bizarre is out. Check it out here. Happy Friday!

Indie Mart Craft Show

I will be at the Indie Mart's last outdoor craft show of the season this Sunday at Thee Parkside. Come say hello, get a drink, some tater tots (seriously, I am so excited), listen to some live music, play some ping pong and make your own upcycled drink coozie!!!