Getting You Up To Speed

I just want to officially introduce myself. Since I'll be writing about my life, it might be helpful for you to know a little background.

My name is Debbie and I'm 32. I met my hubby, Jim, in high school and we got married 8 years later. We have a 2 year old son named Sequoia and he is an incredibly awesome little boy. Jim and I are expecting a daughter in October, which is scary because I'm so happy with Sequoia I think my new comfort zone is with boys. But everyone tells me that it's perfect to have one of each. I'm sure it will be!

My first creative aspirations were in Fashion Design. I got my BFA from an art school in San Francisco then moved to Santa Cruz for several years after that, where Jim got his graduate degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine. I've done some design work, but mostly specialized in "Product Development." I won't bore you with what that is, but it's an important, technical part of the fashion business. 4 years ago Jim and I moved back to San Diego where we grew up to settle down near our families. I got a great job and was happy.

That was all well and good until I had Sequoia. After some turbulent stuff that happened at my day job, having career focus didn't seem like my first priority anymore. I'm sure many of you who are reading this can totally relate. I have struggled with my career ambitions every since. Luckily, I'm good at my job and can do it regardless of how I'm feeling.

Here's where Soapylove comes in. When I was pregnant with Sequoia, I started making my own body products, like cocoa butter cream for my belly. Then I started making glycerin soaps. This is so fun because it's super creative, has so many possibilities, is a very affordable hobby, and fast! Unlike sewing that takes days if not weeks, a soap project can be completely done in a day. I love that!!

I found Etsy, set up a shop, and over the last year has become quite successful (at least I think so). I have a strong wholesale business and make new soaps on the weekends. I'm still at my day job, but am able to manage Soapylove as well. It truly has been my lifeline during low moments in my career.

If you're still reading, thank you so much! I really appreciate your interest and time. That's pretty much my story. Jim and I are not sure what the future will be in regards to my work life. Our daughter is due in a few months and we're just taking it one week at a time as things evolve. Jim has a wonderful new acupuncture clinic that he is nurturing and building. It's really great that we each have a passion that we are pursuing.

I'm sure I'll keep revisiting these topics in future posts, but that's basically the Lay of the Land. Thanks again for reading!