it's more than a simple bar of soap
Soap Box Sayings
When we started our soap making journey in 1999, I had no idea that only 2 short years later, the Twin Towers would be attacked and knocked down.
These towers were an icon of my childhood, that would always be pointed to upon entering NYC from the Williamsburg Bridge before driving up Delancey Street.
That is the neighborhood where my father was born, and spend the early part of his childhood, 100 years ago.
Every one of those carts in the photo to the left is a small business.
The view upon entering NYC from the bridge
Twin Towers
Anyway, the towers fell and NYC was in disarray while the world looked tearfully on.
I decided to put positive energy into small business, which is what NYC (and most cities around the world), is made of.
Small businesses were greatly affected, and struggled, many disappearing forever. The amazing thing about small business, is that it recovers quickly, because there’s always someone planning something.
Think about it as you go through your day
One small thought
The way I put energy into small businesses everywhere, was to give each of Ithaca Soap’s bar soap an esoteric value, with a saying on the label above the scent.
Shortly after, the popular soaps, that small business stores wanted on their shelves, required bar codes. These took the place of the sayings on our label for 11 of our bar soaps.
Don't be fooled. Robots are not counted as people
Small is 1-20 people
Once again, as the world descends into turmoil, small business is affected. If you have been reading my newsletters since the days, when I printed it on paper and mailed it out via USPS, you know I am a firm small business advocate.
Small business, run by actual people, is the life blood, feeling, and heartbeat of all communities worldwide. Without small businesses, a town or city is not as beautiful as it could be, there’s not that much to do outside of work, and the place itself feels empty. We have all driven through, stopped in, and possibly even live now or have lived in these towns.
When traveling, most people instinctively seek out the smaller, more interesting businesses.
The photo to the right is Lucky Dog Farm Store. The farm is located in Hamden, NY. The general store, restaurant, and antique shop has closed, but the farm continues through farmers markets, a CSA, and a farm stand.
You have an instant community where ever you go
Small Business Rocks
Small business does not only provide a great shopping experience. Small business gives the community:
- public meeting places
- farm fresh food supply
- household goods supply - like soap
- a job supply (small business usually provides most of the jobs)
- local carpenters, plumbers, car mechanics, electricians , etc.
- If you work for a small business, you have a special lifestyle that a corporate job cannot give you
- artist community
- music community
- good restaurants
- places to go for entertainment
- gardens
- bookstores
- small business gives a community a good, happy, cooperative feeling
- farmers markets
- festivals
- air bnb’s
- boutique hotels
- wineries, breweries
- food coops, small grocery stores
- massage therapists, yoga instructors, meditation groups
- child care
- I can go on and on and on…..
bar soap reading
Lavender
I am highlighting these bar soap sayings to remind everyone what it means to shop small and be part of a community, whether you are at home or on vacation. Thank you for being here and supporting small business. We really think about what it means to give and provide a product that works and feels good.
Let's start with #0 Lavender
The reading is part way down in the description on the right of the Lavender Bar Soap page. Click the link below.
The photo at the top of this blog post is our 1st soap box.