Some of my Inspiration...

I wanted to post a few pictures of the beauty of the North Georgia Mountains where I spent half of my childhood. This is a huge part of my inspiration to make natural products using what God gave us! These are my Mom's gardens, by the way...

My Dad found these baby birds when he was trimming the bushes. He was so worried that the Mama Bird wouldn't come back to her babies, but she did.

This rose bush is huge, the picture doesn't do it justice.

This is the view from my parents front door. I never get tired of it and try not to take it for granted!

Lots of great things have been going on lately, in fact I probably don't even have time to fit them all in, but I will try. First of all, I had a great Mother's Day. I got to hang out with my family downtown at Artisphere. The weather was absolutely beautiful, a perfect day to be in the park. We sat & watched my favorite artist Brian Olsen paint live. It's called Art in Action and it so cool. He put on a contest to win one of his paintings for the fan who got the most votes, and guess what- I won! It was really amazing to see so many people voting. I will write more about that later.

I have also been working with Hellion Brewing for the last few months to come up with a couple different varieties of soap using brewers yeast. It was very interesting and my first private label project. We did a plain eucalyptus, a plain rosemary and then a combination eucalyptus rosemary. The soap turned out really smooth, I was happy with the overall outcome. It's amazing how many different things you can do with soap!

The market has had a great start. Last Saturday I had another record breaking day to match the first. I hope that it doesn't slow down, I love seeing the streets crowded.

For the past month I have been working with a major retail chain to carry my soap. The process has been very long & involved, but I know it will be worth it when I see my soap on their shelves. I don't want to divulge who it is, yet. But, trust me, I will keep you posted.

In the past two days I have made 9 batches of soap. The month of May will be crazy busy for me so I'm trying to plan ahead and get a good stock up. Business is continuing to grow and I couldn't be happier...and more thankful!

Swirls Galore...

Just been practicing with swirls & color...

Carolina First Market Comes in Like a Lion!

Main St. in downtown Greenville was buzzing this past Saturday morning! I have never seen such a crowd in my three years of being down there. Downtown has the coolest vibe and when it is full of people supporting their local farmers & artisans, it's just amazing. Peace, Love & Soap had its best sales day ever! By twelve o'clock, we were almost out of soap. We had many of our faithful customers re-up their soap stock, and tons of new faces as well. I picked up some green garlic, handmade spinach gnocchi & saffron pasta. We had it for dinner tonight and it was so yummy. The Greenville Times snapped a shot of Cameron & I headed back to our booth with our garlic. I'm pretty sure Cameron was begging me to buy him boiled peanuts (which I finally did).

I have also been working on my swirling techniques so I will post some of those pics. Mike made me new molds which are so much more efficient. I love them!

Things have been going great for us and I'm really excited about things to come. This weekend is Artisphere and I get to watch my favorite artist Brian Olsen do his thing called Art In Action. Check him out on youtube, it's amazing!!

Thank God for Spring!

This was taken in our beautiful Falls Park, right in the heart of downtown Greenville, SC. It is one of our favorite spots to go on a beautiful day!

Our First Market of the Year!

Although sales have been great so far, we have not yet had a market day- until today! Christian and I headed over to Clemson University's Farmer's Market this morning after dropping Cameron off for school. The weather was absolutely gorgeous which made it a pleasure just to be outside. Christian was a very good boy, willing to "help" out in any way. Overall, our first market of the season was a success and we were even asked to come back and be part of the Earth Day festivities at Little John Coliseum (the big football stadium). Exciting!!

New Pics for Peace, Love & Soap - Tell Me What You Think!

It's amazing how many hats a person must wear when trying to run a small business and a small household at the same time (which, usually my household runs me!). Today I was taking pictures of my products and making macaroni & cheese at the same time. Yesterday I was making soap and the beds. I feel very thankful that I can be home with my boys and still have outside interactions with my wholesalers and customers involved with my business. This week I dropped by a local restaurant that had expressed interest in carrying my soap in their place. There was a lady ordering at the counter who kept looking at me. At the same time we both said, "You look so familiar!" Then she shouts out, "You're the soaplady! I love your stuff!" It made me feel pretty good to be called the soaplady (oddly enough, it wasn't the first time), but even better to hear that she loved my soap and she went on & on about my lip balm. It never gets old to hear that somebody is enjoying the fruits of your labor. I'm going to post a few pics from today. My husband probably could have taken much better pics, but I am impetuous and can't wait! So there!

Revving up for Spring!

Well, I thought that the soap business would be at a lull for at least a few more weeks...boy was I wrong! Things have really geared up in the past couple of weeks and thank goodness I had my new workspace set up just in time. I have been working on a project with a local brewery that I can't wait to write about. For now I have to keep it under wraps. My retail orders are pouring in and the feedback is amazing! There are people calling the stores requesting notification when my products come in. It's so exciting! I have a couple of meetings this week that I'm hoping will be fruitful, and in the meantime, I've been mailing out internet orders.
I finally obtained the rights to the www.peaceloveandsoap.com url!! This is great news because I've been trying to get a hold of it for two years and it was "taken". I can't wait to get my website up and make it much easier for customers to order online. We've been exploring different site options and it seems the more I get to know, the more confused I become! I'm anxious to get started.
I love my new set up. I have more room than I've had yet, and actually have shelf space to fit all of my stuff. My favorite thing is the custom fragrance hutch that my Dad built for me. The kids like to play in there while I'm working which works out great cause I can keep a good eye on them. It's pretty much a win, win!
Saturday I will have my first outdoor event of the year. I will be at Earthfare grocery store on Pelham Rd. The weather is supposed to be really nice, so hopefully we will have a good turnout. If you're in the area, come stock up on some Peace, Love & Soap!

Peace, Love & Soap Loves the Supper Swap Girls!

I have so much to write about that I'm sure I won't be able to fit it all in at once, but here goes. Right now I am sitting on the floor of our room at the Grand Vista in Orlando. Despite todays rain, it's been a great vacation spending time with family & friends. I am so happy to have a quick break from the fast pace of life and the Christmas season. I keep reminding myself, "Slow down and take in these moments." I've had a very busy soap run, lately. I am thankful for the business that I really haven't had to work very hard to get. I've been up to my son's school, to my husband's golf club, and filling mail orders in between. I had the most amazing thing happen last week. On my way home from an event I got a voicemail from one of my retailers saying that they had moved my soap to the front of the store and it had flown off the shelf. They needed 120 bars as soon as possible. Then when I got home, I got an email from my banner guy that he needed 200 bars by the end of the week. Now I will admit I was a little worried that I might not be able to fill both orders because I had been so busy with other events going on that I didn't have much stock. I even had my poor husband hobbling around on his ailing ankle making soap for me while I was out selling! Long story short- we managed to pull it off with soap that we had wrapped from the women's show. Thank God something good came of that show! Another very exciting thing that has recently happened was that some very good friends of ours, the Supper Swap Girls, gave us an amazing shout out which can be seen here, http://www2.wspa.com/supperswapgirls . They have a regular segment on the 12 o'clock news on our local channel 7. They spoke so highly of our little soap operation. It's friends like these that help us advance in the indie-business world!
Also, my mom has been out there spreading the word to some local outfitters, so hopefully they will be partaking in spreading some Peace, Love & Soap. Without the love and care of others, we could not thrive as a business or a family. We are Blessed.

Peace, Love & Soap is now Certified SC Grown!!

I am so happy to announce that Peace, Love & Soap is now a Certified SC Grown product!! This means that our company has been evaluated and qualified by the State of South Carolina Department of Agriculture to be a partner of the Certified SC program. Since we use many products in our soap that are grown or originated from South Carolina, we qualify. This is very important to many people who believe in buying only local and sustainable food and products. Peace, Love & Soap will now be promoted through SCDA promotional efforts, events, and programs! Thanks to the SCDA and all those Palmettovores out there! We appreciate your business!

Peace Love & Soap is ready for Fall...

After the show I was definitely ready for a mini break from soap. My family had been so helpful and supportive through the planning and execution that I wanted to give them a break too. In Cameron's last week before pre-K we just chilled around the house building tents on the back porch, riding bikes, watching movies and lots of other laid back activities. He started his first soccer league and he absolutely loves it! Mike is helping coach and he loves it, too! He couldn't wait for this moment since he is a devout soccer (football to him) fan. This past week Cameron started school and he is quite content being back with his friends and teachers. He cries when I come to pick him up, which sort of makes me happy because I know that he enjoys being there. Christian and I have also enjoyed having a few hours to ourselves in the morning. He revels in the attention and I revel in giving it to him. He is talking so much and I cannot believe the things he says. He is very kind and loving and I hope he always will be.

Lately I have been canning a bunch of veggies to last us through the winter. I love canning. I really think that its a therapeutic hobby that is so rewarding. It's so cool when you line up all of your jars and know that they are straight from the farm! So far I have canned corn, green beans, marinara, and tons of salsa (it is a family favorite!).

Today, when I get back from my errands I will make some soap. I'm glad that I took a break because now I'm ready to do more. I've been getting lots of internet orders and have decided that I really need a Peace, Love & Soap website. I plan to get that up before Fall is in full force.

Last Day of Show

My last day at the show was far better than the first two. There was much more business and people to talk to about my products. I was really surprised about how many people had heard of Peace, Love & Soap and had actually used it! My sister Abby went to the market and ran my booth and then came over to help me at the show. It was fun to walk around and see the different booths. I couldn't help but notice how many women were there who had started thier own businesses just like me. It's so great to live in a country where if you have an idea, you have the freedom to do what you want with it- that's big. It's easy to take for granted until you realize that every country is not as free, especially toward women. It really makes you appreciate the men and women who make sacrifices so we don't have to!

Peace, Love & Soap at The Upstate Women's Show

I wanted to post some pics of the show from today and yesterday! It's been a good experience and lots of fun meeting the other exhibitors. The picture below is of Tommy K and Bill S from Vision Printing and Graphics. They did my backdrop and banner and I was so happy with it. Not only did they do an incredible job, but they got them to me in very short notice! Also, I have to give props to Matt Williamson who is so talented with the graphic stuff. He made a really great looking banner out of a few not so great quality pictures that I gave him to work with! Thanks guys!

Below is a picture of myself with Amy Parham. She was a contestant with her husband Phil on the Biggest Loser. At first I was pulling for them because they are from Greenville, but as the show progressed, it was evident what nice people they were and I really wanted them to do well because of thier character, not their zip code. I was really excited to meet Amy and relieved to find that she is as nice in person as she is on tv. I brought her some soap and hope she likes it!

Here is my wonderful family! They have indulged my insanity and nonstop soap talk for the past month (when I signed up for the show). I could not have done it without them and I vow that after tomorrow they will have homecooked meals again!
Next are a couple pictures of my booth. I was very happy with how it came out. My Dad built the wood shelf especially for the show. It is totally collapsable so it will fit in my little car. I love it and it's extra special because I know it was made with love. My Mom and a good friend, Karen, came out to the show today and I was so mad that I forgot to take pictures of them My Mom unknowingly was dressed to match the theme colors of the exhibit hall- purple and white. Some good friends of mine also came out to support me and we got to walk around for a while and look at the other booths. It was fun and it made me feel good to have so many people care! All in all it was a good 2 days. From what I hear, I need to brace myself for tomorrow. It's supposed to be really busy. We shall see!

Peace, Love & Soap Expands its Line!

There have been so many things going on lately that I'm ashamed to say I haven't had time to even write about them. As I write, there is a two year old standing behind me, in my chair, with his little arms wrapped around my neck telling me he wants to eat. I will try to keep this short and sweet for his appetite's sake!

Mast General sales have been really going great! They reordered only two weeks after the first order! I will be there this Sunday from 1-4 to do a sort of meet and greet and answer questions about my products. I'm trying to pull together a soap demo so people can see how the soap is actually made. The Farmer's Market store in Blairsville is also rocking & rolling on the soap sales. My sister delivered their third order this weekend. My wholesale customers are such a pleasure to work with.

August 27-29 Peace, Love & Soap will be at the annual Upstate Women's Show at the Carolina First Expo Center. I am super excited about the show and have been gearing up for it for the last month.

We have also added a few new products to our current selection and so far we've gotten great feedback! We have a Sugar Scrub, Bath Salts, and pure glycerine bar. The Sugar Scrub and Bath Salts are offered in Lavender, Peppermint, Sweat Cream, Paradise & Sweet Pea. The glycerine layered bar is offered in Citrus Basil Peppermint, Citrus Peppermint & Sweet Cream. The Sweet Cream has sold out twice at the market!! I also have some fun items that I will picture below.

We have taken a couple of big steps in ordering a shrink wrapping system and our first 55 gallon drum of oil!! I know, I know, probably sounds silly, but it is a major step for us. We feel that these things are needed to keep up with our orders!! Peace, Love & Soap is growing- What a Blessing.

We are truly a family business. I may make the soap myself, but there is so much more than just that going into it. My husband, sister and even the boys all pitch in whenever they can. I'm so thankful to be surrounded by people who care. My cousin, Jamie, brought her kids over for a visit last week. She and her daughter, Madison, helped make some bath salts and sugar scrubs. Madison joined me for the market and we had the best time selling and talking to customers. She was a great help! Thanks Maddie!!

Big News at Peace, Love & Soap!

I am so happy to announce that you can now find Peace, Love & Soap products at the Mast General Store in downtown Greenville, SC. It has been a pleasure working with them on their first order and am proud to have our soaps in the store! So if you live in Greenville, go check it out!!

Peace, Love & Soap Featured on Change Starts at Home!

Things have been kind of crazy around here, lately. We just moved into a new house, which was such a Blessing because we were quickly outgrowing the place we were in. Along with most others, I officially hate moving! I know that hate is a very strong word, but I mean every letter of it. However, we are all moved in and it is wonderful! My boys have lots of room to run and play and I have twice the area for my soapmaking. I have been filling soap orders like crazy and the market has been going really well.
My oldest son started t-ball last week and it is so fun watching him play a team sport. Since he was a baby I imagined how cool it would be to go to his games and practices one day, and it is! He made friends with another little boy on the field and I overheard them talking to each other. They were saying how they really wanted to catch a ball and get to throw it in to first base. Finally, a ball came straight to Cameron. He quickly scooped it up in his glove and when he looked down at the ball, he picked it out of his little glove and tossed it to his friend so he could throw it to first. My heart sunk with joy and before I knew it I screamed out, "Way to go, Cameron- that was great, buddy!" His coach, unfortunately did not feel the same. He yelled out to Cameron, "Next time throw it to first base yourself, it took extra time to pass it to someone else and for them to throw it in." He turned to me and said, "Hey Mom, that wasn't something to cheer about," "but it was kind" I fired back. See I think the coach was wrong. Empathy and compassion for others is something to cheer about. My child showed good character by letting his little friend throw the ball instead of taking it all for himself. I hope that those characteristics follow him into adulthood. He is such a Blessing to our family!
As far as soapy news goes, Peace, Love & Soap has been featured on the San Fransisco based site Change Starts At Home. Check it out under the Economics section! http://www.changestartsathome.com/ Thanks for the support! It means so much!

Interview with Cafe Handmade!

Click on the link to check out my interview that is featured on Cafe Handmade!
http://cafehandmade.blogspot.com/2009/06/mommaprenuer-katie-williams-peace-love.html

New Packaging!

This is the new label designed by my husband. We wanted something that will work better for retail stores who don't have tons of space. I love the new label and the shrink wrapping makes it even better!

Peace, Love & Soap is Growing!

A lot of things have been going on lately in my world. A couple of weeks ago I was approached by 2 very popular retail stores in Greenville. They were interested in carrying local products for thier customers. I was so excited to meet with them, but I had some major preparation to do before the meeting. The most important being packaging that would work for a store that didn't really have space for full logs, a cutter, etc. I racked my brain all day and almost threw my computer out the window trying to figure something out. I wanted a unique label that would represent the nature and quality of my product. Just in the nick of time, my husband showed up and rescued me (and the computer!). He put together an awesome label, if I do say so myself! Thanks, Mike! I shrink wrapped a few bars and was good to go. I met with both places and they both wanted my products- Yay! I will announce where they are when it all goes through. I'm so excited.

On Friday, my youngest boy, Christian, turned 2! I can't believe it- where does the time go? A couple days before his birthday he told me that he was ready for the big boy potty, and he's been in undies ever since! Is it supposed to be that easy? I'm not asking any questions, I'll just go with it.

We are also about to move to a new house in 2 weeks. This is a major Blessing because we were quickly outgrowing this place. The boys will have a nice yard to play in and more living space. Not to mention I will have twice the area that I work in now, for my soap making!

I bought a baking tray rack (probably not the technical term) on wheels the other day, which I kind of feel is a soap artisan's right of passage! I loved setting all of my bars on the trays to cure! FUN! So, I've definitely been busy and I love it. The market is going very well. I am getting to know lots of people in Greenville. I love the sense of community that you feel downtown, it's really great!

Welcome to the World Baby William!

I am ecstatic to announce the birth of our newest member of the family! William Michael Griffith was born on Tuesday April 28 at 10:16 am to my beautiful sister-in-law Gina and her husband Andrew. He is a precious little guy and we can't wait to meet him in person! We love you, baby!