And now, a moment for biology.

[jadegirl]

Just got back from the dentist. I have a major project to do today, and am *really* hoping to get my latest shawl done by Friday, but I thought I'd take a moment to write while waiting for my mouth to return to normal. Cleanings every 3 months are a major drag.:(

First, LJ is being odd in regards to comments, I'm getting email about them, but they don't show up in the entries, nor can I respond. So, to gothwalk I think you've got a good point, and Sir has stated quite clearly that he feels that by taking me on as a responsibility, he takes on my responsibilities by extension - he pays my student loans, for example. I just...well, I just have trouble with it, internally. Part of it, I think, is that in some small way I feel burdened by the weight of the expectations my family has put upon me, all without ever consulting me. They don't spare a moments thought to who will take care of them should they become ill, or should the money run out. On some level, it seems that they simply expect that I will, partly because they know my honor won't allow me to do otherwise. I think they're right to believe so, but I also don't think it's wrong for me to feel burdened by it. And since I see it as a burden, why would Sir see it otherwise? Add that to my sense that my family is a part of me, and in some bit of mental gymnastics, I feel like I become a burden to him by extension. Odd, I know, but that's the knot I seem to have tied myself into. Oh, and Sir's name is Dan. He's over at holzman, where he mostly rants about US politics, but sometimes waxes lyrical about cooking. :)

To docstrange Indeed, but it's a quiet sort of anarchy, with frequent stops for tea.:)

And now, for biology. Recently I saw a comment on a list about zoos, and the person said that they knew many animals would be extinct if such things did not exist, but perhaps it 'should' be that way. I do not understand such a view. Of course I'm a bit biased, having worked with animals for many years, from a vets office to the Live Animal Unit of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences, which has a close relationship with the Philadelphia Zoo. First, a disclaimer - Yes, I expect there are some awful zoos. I have no experience with any, but simply knowing how the world works I expect there are some that should not exist. However, in a world where humanity is the number one threat to biodiversity, zoos play a vital role in protecting against severe alterations in the very fabric of our planet. Yes, in the wild natural selection does work, culling species that are not able to thrive. However, in this modern world, *unnatural* selection is king. Zoos spend a great deal of time, money, and energy on trying to stem the tide of unnatural selection by doing research on conservation methods, reintroduction of endangered species, and public education. I shudder to think of what the world would look like without these things, and without that tiny bit of public awareness zoos provide into the rampant problems caused by industrial development, logging, and suburban habitat destruction. I could ramble on about this for pages, but you get the point.

And now, for something different. earthsister suggested something I hadn't really thought of, and I thought I'd ask for some general opinions. Most of you are aware that I make a lot of natural bath and body products, and she suggested selling them. It seems like a good idea, but I'm torn. You see, 99% of the stuff that I make is dead easy to do. I may have an easier time getting some of the more esoteric supplies, because I have a very good herbal supplier not far from here, but there's honestly not much I make that calls for anything too exotic. On the other hand, people are busy creatures, and may prefer to give me the money to do the work...Or would they? It seems that most of the people who are interested in the type of things I make are also interested in learning to make them themselves.

Here's what I currently make: Salt and sugar based body scrubs, facial washes and scrubs, cold cream, massage, bath and body oils, moisturizers, hand and nail creams, bath salts. Soon I'll be finalizing compounds for lip/cheek/eye color, too. I can customize any of the above to suit preferences in scent, skin type, etc.

So do you think it might be a good idea to offer my wares for sale? If so, how would you go about it? A webpage seems like a chancy thing, for one thing, webspace is a problem - I don't want to do a site with pop-ups. Besides that, there are a zillion hits if you do a search for natural beauty products. Hmmm...

Comments

[surrenderedsoul.livejournal.com]

Couple of thoughts... first is that perhaps until you are sure there is a market substantially big enough to warrent a certain level of inventory... perhaps you make only enough to give a sample or two and then take custom orders. I would say start with word of mouth or flyers, or even ebay.

This achieves a few things... it keeps inventory and supply costs down to a bare minimum so it isn't really "costing" you to see if the venture takes off.

It also by doing it through orders allows people to get a more 'custom' and personal feel to an industry that is already loaded with non-custom stuff.

Most practically it also allows you to see if the venture is even worth getting into before you have to deal with the practical end such as NY sales tax, NY business registration, NY income tax for businesses etc. all a pain in the tush but doable stuff.

All in all i would say that there may very well be a market for personalized and customized bath and body wares.

Alot of it would come down to how you were able to market it, what it would actually be able to be sold for, and would it actually be worth your effort.

The only other thing i am not certain on is what type, if any, "regulatory" stuff goes on marketing bath and body wears... are there any "health" code type things that would come of more than custom production of such and what ramifactions would that be while working out of the house.

In other words when it looks to be more "business" and less "hobby" all sorts of those types of things could pop up.

hope this helps
jen

[jadegirl.livejournal.com]

Oh, I solely want to keep it at the level of making custom blends for people, very, very small scale. Doing 1099's is a pain, and I don't want this to turn into a 'cottage industry' type of thing - it would swallow too much of my time, and I don't have enough as it is!:)

[surrenderedsoul.livejournal.com]

On a small scale i would say then it would make sense to be able to sell them to those who might find it of interest and in that case word of mouth might be the best way to start, along with taking orders. Again it keeps costs down. Another suggestion as well is to get 1/2 the funds up front in the form of deposit this way you have operating money for the supplies and also keeps people from sticking you.

Could indeed be an interesting venture for you :) And if you are serious about selling, if i am allowed [will check with S] i am serious about buying some :)

i make some of my own, but its always nice to try out other people's wares.

j.

[kaonamai.livejournal.com]

i'd definitely buy handmade bath/body products. i'm a lush junkie, and just stocked up on some stuff in montreal, but they don't have a store on the east coast :( so i would definitely buy from you. as for advertising, you could see if a natural store/yoga place/holistic center/etc. would stock your products, but i'm not sure how to go about that. also, if you could try a farmers' market/craft fair type of venue. not sure if you would have to pay for a table...i think it depends. you should sell your knitting too!

[jadegirl.livejournal.com]

I think I'm going to start with word of mouth for now - there's a lot of hassle involved in getting a permit to sell *anything* in NYC.

I'm thinking about making a few knitted items to sell, but the problem there is time - there's quite a few hours invested in making all but the smallest, simplest things, and covering yarn plus a wage above minimum would quickly price my goods out of most markets.

By this evening I'll post a catalog of stuff and prices.:) Thanks for your vote of confidence!

[subbbree.livejournal.com]

Most of the things I buy like this, I buy from people like you. People that I "know". I agree with the sentiment that word of mouth is the best way to start. A lot of people seem to read your journal. Perfect time of year too...Christmas gifts and all. I say go for it! (Assuming you get the greenlight from Dan of course.)

[silme.livejournal.com]

I definitely would be interested in hearing more about your beauty wares. It may be dead easy, but there's that time and energy factor, both of which I'm usually lacking. I can buy the oils and all, but then finding the time to mix things is rare. And custom made is always good.

About the situation re. responsibilities and Sir -- would you feel safer if you have something in writing from him -- that all will be ok -- no worries about your future? (That's more about an earlier post.) And about your family and expectations -- that's simply not fair to make you feel that you must be the caretaker. It's a feeling I've had over the years also, and I'm still working on it. What has happened in the past is that I forget to care for myself -- gee, kind of like now when I'm more worried about missing work than my health. ;)

[firinel.livejournal.com]

I think it's a good idea; I think plenty of people would be interested at the scale level you're looking at.
I'd recommend setting up a paypal account. It can be a personal one, not a business one, and then people have a slightly easier way to go about paying you, without you worrying about finding a way to accept creditcards.
I'd recommend a small webpage, even if it's just one page with some descriptions of the things you can do, ingredients, and how you can customise them. For that, we'd be willing to give you space on pinkstuff. And if you like, so you don't have an unwiedly name, I'd let you have http://www.myriadcolours.com/jade if that would suit you better.

[jadegirl.livejournal.com]

Thank you! I know you and Marn out a lot of work into pinkstuff, so I would appreciate it if you would let me give you your choice of my wares, assuming you're interested in such things, of course.:)

Paypal - I won't be able to do that in the beginning, as it will entail getting a new bank acct, since our current bank won't deal with Paypal (pain in the neck, that is).

Domain names - whatever is easiest for you, really.

Thanks again!:)

[littleblueworld.livejournal.com]

Oh, yes! I think you should do it!
(and I would offer you webspace, but I've been beaten to it, and I know Fin knows way better how to set this up.)

I am excited for you.

[shakespearessis.livejournal.com]

I would definitely buy stuff from you if you were to start up a business and pass the word along. (I'd like to support a good cause, and, yes, am lazy when it's not my sewing. *grin*)

Webspace - doteasy.com is my provider for my site (http://www.vaguelyevil.org). It's $25/year with domain name for 20MB webspace with no pop-ups.

[jadegirl.livejournal.com]

I have a trade in mind with you - will email with details.

[ex-earthsist869.livejournal.com]

well, I don't usually have access to all the ingedients I need, so I'd certainly buy, and be willing to spread the word, too.