Has anyone been wondering where I have been? If you have been sitting anxiously, waiting on my next post, I am here to say I am sorry for causing you to worry but also to let you know I am back! So, where in the world have I been?
The answer to this is simple: I have been crazy busy. I have been so busy that my garden has failed, my house is looking less than organized, and I am almost positive I forgot to teach the kids anything for a few weeks. For those of you that follow me on Facebook, you may know that I have been working at starting my own business. This is one of the many reasons that I have been busier than ever. We also increased the things we have to do each day. Coupled with my evening job, I have been forced to put some things on the back burner. Don’t worry, I have not forgotten about you guys, which is why I am here giving you a much-needed update post.
Let’s start with the biggest reason I am so busy. I have just launched my new business. After many months of planning and production, I have finally made my shop live, (so please click the tab above and visit it.) I have been thinking of starting my own business for years. I have wanted to have the freedom to be my own boss and the ability to stay home. I went through many ideas and even a direct sales company before I came to my current business. We are now not just The cRaven’s Nest but The cRaven’s Nest LLC. We are official!
I decided that I wanted to begin making bath and body products including things like sugar scrubs, lip balms, and bath bombs. I came to this product line when I was messing around making some scrubs for myself and watching some YouTube videos on how to make bath bombs. After some research and checking out the local competition, I jumped in with both feet. Using some of my savings, I got myself the ingredients and equipment to get started.
At first, I just made stuff and gave it out. This is a great way to not only get people interested but also work on losing money. After a few months of this, it was time to get serious. I started spending my evenings not only making products but also designing my shop and learning how to run the website (I am still learning and hope that each week the site gets better.) I had to figure out the best way to package, label, and photograph products within my budget which, was also a learning curve. I did all of this while still trying to school the kids and working in the afternoons for 6hrs. Needless to say, at this point, I am sure I have been burning the candle at both ends and require a self-care day.
So what is my goal for this business? I plan to get to the point that I can make enough to primarily work from home. I want to start producing more on the homestead that I can incorporate into my products. Beeswax from my bees, lavender from my garden, and so forth. I want this company to be a place people come to find fun scents and relaxing products that they enjoy year-round! Maybe one day I can even have a storefront.
Now to tackle the other reasons I have been MIA. Our schedule has gotten full again. With more things open and more groups meeting, we are doing something away from the home just about every day. My youngest has therapy 3 days a week, my oldest swims and up until last week, my middle rode horses, not to mention trying to fit in a hike, playgroup, and co-op. I honestly think I just wore myself out writing all that out. I then go to work in the afternoons then, come home and work on the business. Overall all our days are packed with stuff, possibly because last year they were not packed with stuff.
I know everyone is so glad to be able to get back out again, meet up with people, eat out, send kids to school or sports. But honestly, a little part of me misses when things were closed, because then my schedule was, well empty. I love all that we do, however on my really busy days I sometimes think how nice it was when we just had time. This is a big reason I am working so hard now, trying to make my way so that I can have time.
If you are still following me I appreciate it, and I promise more content will be on the way. Next week I plan on sitting down with the older two boys and finding out from them how they felt like slaughter day 2 went. If that seems like something you will enjoy be sure to stay tuned.
Have a great weekend everyone!!
