| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cajungal |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 3:16:25 PM
I need to brag! I am so proud of my 13 year old daughter. She has started a new business and it has taken off.
My kids have always had their hands involved in work from raising chickens and ducks to sell to feed stores, to mucking stalls, to mowing yards, to babysitting, to selling baked goods, to charging an entry fee for them to tour visitors to see our animals. But, this time is different.
My girls have always done their work together. Just a few months ago, Nicole came to me and said that she wanted to do something on her own. Something that would be just her and she could run it like a real business. So, I told her to think on it, research it and come up with a plan. SHE DID!
Long story short....She has taught herself to make homemade soap. She asked if her "big" present for Christmas could be an investment into her equipment and supplies. We gave her the money, she purchased everything she needed, she made a logo, she made tons of different types of soap and different shapes of soap, she made the appointments to see store owners, she had a marketing plan, she handled her business meetings and got into the stores! Her novelty soaps are getting the most attention right now and people are calling for special orders. A store owner was visiting the feed store and saw her soaps and called. He and his wife own a candle gift shop that they make the candles for. He has hired Nicole to match the scents of his candles and make soaps to go with them! I even get a little nickel, too, because she has hired me to make crocheted rags!
We homeschool and this whole experience has been homeschooling at its best! Every subject is covered.
I need to also say that MaryJane's book pages 184 and 185 helped to inspire my Nicole. I encouraged her that her age doesn't matter. She just needs to work hard and present herself and her products in a professional manner with an added touch of love and customer appreciation. She has done that and more. I have done nothing in this endeavor except drive her around because she's not legal yet.
She feels so good about herself. I have seen her mature in many areas in just the past few months. I think our lifestyle and our allowing her to do those other things I mentioned (chickens, etc...) all played a part in forming this good foundation for her.
Anyway, I just had to brag....
She'll be on ebay soon and she's included on the sites of the local stores. The name of her company is Nicole's Suds N Such. Watch for her!
Blessings!
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| 16 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 10 2006 : 06:01:06 AM
Christine, thanks for your kind words.
Nicole's business was a hit for Christmas. She got into it at the right time. She was very busy filling orders and replenishing store inventory. I have been quite proud of her.
She's now getting things ready for Valentine's Day....really cute ideas. We've been taking pictures of her products to set up on the internet and to make a brochure.
Frannie, I have not forgotten your generous offer of taking a look at them to bring into Kentucky. Nicole just wants to make sure she presents them to you in a very professional manner. So, the brochure and samples will be coming!
Some of you other ladies mentioned wanting some, too. Thank you!!! We'll be in touch!
Nicole has just started her 9th grade course of studies.... a lot more time consuming than previous years. I've allowed her to make her own schedule and she made a time slot for working on her business each day. She's about a grade and a half ahead for her age. She wants to finish school by 16/17 . Whew! If only I could've been that "mature".
Anywhoo, thanks to all for your encouragment.
Blessings
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| HomesteadHerbs |
Posted - Jan 09 2006 : 1:36:12 PM
Catherine, I know it's been a while since the original post, but I just wanted to express how wonderful that your daughter has begun this venture! It's homeschooling at its best! And you should be proud of yourself! You've done a great job!
Christine
Growing, using, and learning about herbs. Living a Godly simple life! |
| minibear |
Posted - Dec 22 2005 : 08:39:32 AM
What a great young lady you have to be proud of...I'm sure we will hear much about her in the future...congratulations on being such a good Mom...Merry Christmas from Down Under
Hugs, Mini |
| theherblady |
Posted - Dec 22 2005 : 08:00:13 AM
I agree Laura~~ Sounds like Nicole has "stepped out" where I havent had the nerve/vision/motivation to do. Great job Nicole and it's wonderful of mom "Catherine" to support her in her new found business~~
Jan
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| CountryGirl85 |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 9:41:46 PM
How wonderful! I am inspired! I've been wanting to do something like that for quite a while but haven't had the motivation your daughter seems to have! I wish her the best of luck and I can't wait to buy some soap!
Much love,
Laura
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| julia hayes |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 7:22:28 PM
This story has just made my day! How fabulous! Congratulations and I am so happy you shared your story. What an amazing family you are! I am utterly inspired! Blessings, Julia hayes
being simple to simply be |
| Lavender Cottage |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 05:01:46 AM
Catherine-that is fantastic and so wonderful to read about. Thanks for sharing it with us. Much continued success to Nicole and I love hearing the well-deserved pride and joy in your voice. I'm all smiles now! :)
Enjoy the day!
Ellen in MI |
| cajungal |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 05:00:35 AM
Ladies, Ladies!
Thanks for the kind words. What a great way to start my day.
Blessings!
Catherine
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt." |
| knittingmomma |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 04:25:28 AM
That is sooo wonderful! Congratulations! We homeschool our children and our 10 year old has dabbled in several businesses he has started. Nothing has really taken off yet, but he keeps coming up with new ventures and I know one day one of them will.
Simple Living, Homestead Dreaming Mom of 5
http://www.naturalearthfarm.com |
| Mari-dahlia |
Posted - Dec 21 2005 : 04:18:37 AM
That's great! That is exactly what we should be teaching in public school. Maybe people would actually graduate knowing how to balance a check book or budget. Way to go! |
| therusticcottage |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 8:27:14 PM
Catherine -- that is so great!!! Yeah for Nicole!!! She is learning valuable lessons right now that will carry her successfully through the rest of her life. Sounds like she has a great mom for a role model!
http://rusticcottage.blogspot.com/ |
| CabinCreek-Kentucky |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 6:24:59 PM
Catherine .. that is so wonderful! wonderful! I adore the love and pride i hear in your 'voice' about your dear children. YOU are a fantastic momma!!! AND .. will Nicole be offering her soaps here on the forum? I would surely love to buy some .. and would be interested in buying them 'in bulk' for my little antiques booth in town! I'll be happy to show them around to other shop owners to see if they might be interested in them too! (Sounds like she has quite a few customers already .. and i'll be happy to 'get in line'). I keep my MaryJane book close at hand at all times .. and just peeked at pages 84-85. MaryJane's book is what i love to call 'a stone tossed into a pond .. with ever widening circles'.
Please have Nicole contact me about some soap sales. xo, frannie
True Friends, Frannie |
| RachelLeigh |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 5:35:10 PM
That's very inspiring! I love to hear stories like that because it proves that you're never too young, or too old, to make your dreams come true!
My blog: mycountryhome.blogspot.com |
| Judes |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 5:03:45 PM
Yea Nicole! ...and Catherine, you should be proud of yourself too, for raising such a little entreprenuer! Keep me posted! I'm sure I'll want some!
http://schoolstreet.typepad.com
www.jac.etsy.com |
| Aunt Jenny |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 5:00:55 PM
That is so neat..and such a testimony of what a good homeshcool teacher YOU are too..what fun and what a wonderful learning experience for her!!!
Jenny in Utah
It's astonishing how short a time it takes for very wonderful things to happen...Frances Burnette |
| ThymeForEweFarm |
Posted - Dec 20 2005 : 4:22:01 PM
Go Nicole! That's fantastic!
Robin
www.thymeforewe.com
www.farm-garden.com/robin |
