Recognizing the Need to Pivot

As entrepreneurs, we often talk about adapting to market trends or meeting customer demands, but there’s another crucial aspect of adaptation: aligning your business with your life circumstances. For me, the shift was born out of necessity—both practical and emotional. I couldn’t imagine dragging heavy furniture or spending hours at estate sales with a baby strapped to me and looking for a corner to breastfeed my son. My family’s needs had changed, and my business needed to change with them.

At the same time, I noticed a growing trend among my customers. People were increasingly seeking products that offered self-care and comfort—items that made them feel nurtured in their busy lives. The handmade candles, soaps, and lotions I had dabbled in as a big part of my business, or how I like to call it, a layer of my business" were gaining popularity. These products not only resonated with my customers but also aligned with my personal interests and my desire to create something meaningful and manageable.

I wanted to write a little bit about how FLAVIA SOAPS & MORE started, over the years I have had the pleasure to meet so many new people, some of you know and are familiar with the beginning of my business, some of you don’t know, so I wanted to write a little background on how and why I started my Business in 2001.

Having my daughter changed my world in ways I never anticipated. Before she came into my life, I was climbing the corporate ladder, working long hours, and envisioning a future that seemed set in stone. But everything shifted when I held her in my arms for the first time. The idea of putting her in daycare while I spent my days at a desk filled me with guilt and dread. It wasn’t just the emotional toll—it was also the staggering cost of childcare. I realized that I had to make a choice: continue in a career that left me unfulfilled and away from my daughter, or take a leap of faith into the unknown.

What to expect from this blog:

• Behind-the-scenes glimpses: From the creative process of developing new scents to the challenges of managing inventory and marketing.

• Customer stories: The heartwarming encounters, the funny anecdotes, and the valuable lessons learned from interacting with our amazing customers.

• Tips and tricks: From merchandising advice to social media strategies, I'll share the knowledge I've gained along the way.

• Successes and struggles: Running a small business is a rollercoaster ride. I'll be honest about the triumphs and the setbacks, because transparency builds trust.