From starting a business, to closing, to starting a blog (an ongoing cycle of learning)
The Start
About three years ago I had this idea of starting a witchy, natural, herbalist skincare business. It began with playing with melt and pour soap, reading the Practical Magic series, and longing to be able to create while earning an income from home. I wrote recipes, prepared a grimoire, learned from others, and still found that despite marketing, opening an Etsy and a Squareonline account, I was not making any sells (unless you count friends and family). Frustrating is an understatement.
Then it dawned on me. One, we are in a recession, it didn’t feel right trying to get people to buy (albeit affordable) skincare products. And two, I work two jobs and am a mother as it is. I don’t think I had the mental resources to adequately run a third business. And that’s okay.
Instead, I decided that maybe what people would be more interested in would be a place where they could learn how to make natural skincare products themselves. It would be cheaper, certainly for both parties, and then that way, instead of taking time away from my child during the day with filming content, I could spend time writing in the evening after selkie baby was asleep. At the time of writing this, I am only my first week in, and I think that I need to lower my expectations and understand that blogging is just like any other form of media. It will take time, and dedication, and will patience.
My goals with this blog
I have always been irked by long stories that come before the recipe. I love that someone made a connection with their recipe, but frankly, I am there for the recipe. Which is why my pages start with the recipe and end with the reasons why I like making my own skincare. Not everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s okay. At some point, I would like to compile everything into one book and either sell a physical or digital copy. But even then, I think of just making it free.
The part of myself that wants to be financially independent with no debt is constantly at war with the part of myself that just wants to give and make information accessible.
Why selkies?
Look, I love mermaids, I do, but I feel a connection with the selkies even more so. Maybe its my Irish ancestry, or perhaps the feeling of not really belonging somewhere and finding comfort in the tumultuousness of the sea. A selkie will always return to the sea, no matter what life she has created on land if she were to find her skin again.
I don’t expect many to read this page, but it is freeing to be able to write it out and put my goals and thoughts into the world. Aren’t we all just looking for a means to thrive and grow? Till next time, be sure to check out my recipes and happy crafting!
Healing
I’ve recently been diagnosed with hypomanic bipolar disorder. Which makes sense as to why I have hard time maintaining habits an goals, like this blog and writing my book. But I think now that I am on a medication that’s supposed to help I think it will be easier for me to maybe not be 100% on my goals, but at least be able to work towards them in a less sporadic way. We will see. I hope that one day I am able to look back at what I have been able to accomplish in spite of my brain constantly trying to keep me from basic daily cares.
