Well after two years of anticipation, It is finally going to happen! For those of you that are lost. I was filmed December 2006 for HGTV's hit show "That's Clever", I was given multiple air dates - Those never happened. So I finally gave up!
Now it looks like my series is already scheduled online and is due to air sometime the end of February or early March. Once I have an exact date I will post it online. I am somewhat apprehensive about doing that; Why? Well the producers of the show forced me to do some really out of character things but..... it was a great experience and I am sure will be entertaining for all of you. So.... tune in for updates!
Smell ya later,
Cindy
Saturday, December 20, 2008
My Segment WILL Air
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Put A Fork In Me; I Am DONE!!
Well here it is December 18th, and I THINK I am finished with all soapy orders for the year. Of course the minute I publish this something will happen. Sales are finally winding down for the season, which is bittersweet for me. I say that because I am tired! I have worked my butt off this holiday season, and I am ready for a nice break. On the other hand; I am such a busy body that I am not sure I will know what to do with myself.
At any rate; I intend on being MIA from the soap shop and this blog for ATLEAST a week. Thank you to all my fabulous customers and friends during this holiday season. I wish each and everyone of you a safe, yet fun holiday; and incase I decide to take two weeks off - Have a Happy New Year.
Smell ya next year,
Cindy
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Second Edition of Interview
Okay; since I could not get a clickable link, below is a copy of my interview with WAHM Boot Camp:
Q: What is the name of your company and when did you start it?
My company name is Sudz N Bubbles, Ltd. I started my company 2004
Q: What is your name & how many children do you have?
My name is Cindy Tollen, I have two boys: Austin 17 years and Denton 9 years old
Q: What was the inspiration behind your company?
The inspiration behind my company is my youngest son ‘Denton’. He is the reason I started Sudz N Bubbles. He was diagnosed with moderate eczema; his doctor suggested a glycerine soap. I paid over $8.00 for a slice of soap. After that I decided to learn to make it myself. I began making bars for him, all the while becoming addicted to soapmaking. I began giving my ‘plain bars’20as gifts to friends and family, after awhile they began coming back for more, only this time they wanted to pay me for them. Hence, Sudz N Bubbles was born.
Q: How long did it take you to earn a profit from your business?
It has taken a long time. I believe that I made some really bad decisions along the way. I just began turning a profit last year. So I suppose you could say it took me about three years.
Q: What obst acles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
I faced a few obstacles along the way. I was a real estate appraiser and broker before I broke into the soapmaking business. So my obstacles were people not taking me seriously and thinking it was just a silly craft I did in my kitchen. Having perseverance and some press tends to help a lot.
Q: Did you ever feel like quitting? What kept you going?
Yes; I felt like quitting more than once. When people make snide remarks, and don’t seem to support your ideas it can20be very frustrating. I kept going because I felt like I had a very unique product that makes gift giving fun. I love to see someone smile when they see my products; that in itself was enough to keep me going.
Q: What quality/qualities (i.e., tenacity, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a mom entrepreneur?
There are so many qualities but honestly; the two most important qualities are discipline (that means get out of your pajamas, put on work clothes) and time management. I used to waste so much time on the internet. Internet surfing is leisure time!
Q: How do you juggle career and children?
It can be really trying at times. However; my oldest is 17 and very self sufficient which helps. Otherwise; to juggle both we go back to time management and using it wisely. Work while the kids are at school or napping. Sometimes it can be tempting to watch TV, surf the web, etc. especially since I work at home. I have really learned to manage my time.
Q: Do you have employees?
Yes; I have two part time employees
Q: What one thing (book, website, coach, tool, blog, service, etc) was VERY INSTRUMENTAL in your success?
I have a great friend that seems to be educated in EVERYTHING. He was incredibly instrumental in my success. We would talk every morning about goals, ideas, etc. I also completed some online business coaching classes from Jenn Givler. (She is amazing!)
Q: What is your favorite quote?
This quote comes from my mom and it is the truth, especially when dealing with employees “If you accept it, it becomes acceptable.”
Q: What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
My advice to a new mom entrepreneur would be, if you have a vision, and feel very strongly about it. Don’t give up and don’t l et others bring you down. There is something to be said about positive energy.
Q: Who were others that you looked up to during your successful rise?
There is another soapmaker who had her business and home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, I spoke with her on the phone not long after that. She was so positive about rebuilding and I thought WOW! If she can recover herself, family, and business after that tragedy – I can do anything!
Q: Your website information
http://www.sudznbubbles.com/store
915-833-SUDZ
Q: What is the name of your company and when did you start it?
My company name is Sudz N Bubbles, Ltd. I started my company 2004
Q: What is your name & how many children do you have?
My name is Cindy Tollen, I have two boys: Austin 17 years and Denton 9 years old
Q: What was the inspiration behind your company?
The inspiration behind my company is my youngest son ‘Denton’. He is the reason I started Sudz N Bubbles. He was diagnosed with moderate eczema; his doctor suggested a glycerine soap. I paid over $8.00 for a slice of soap. After that I decided to learn to make it myself. I began making bars for him, all the while becoming addicted to soapmaking. I began giving my ‘plain bars’20as gifts to friends and family, after awhile they began coming back for more, only this time they wanted to pay me for them. Hence, Sudz N Bubbles was born.
Q: How long did it take you to earn a profit from your business?
It has taken a long time. I believe that I made some really bad decisions along the way. I just began turning a profit last year. So I suppose you could say it took me about three years.
Q: What obst acles (if any) did you face along the way & how did you overcome them?
I faced a few obstacles along the way. I was a real estate appraiser and broker before I broke into the soapmaking business. So my obstacles were people not taking me seriously and thinking it was just a silly craft I did in my kitchen. Having perseverance and some press tends to help a lot.
Q: Did you ever feel like quitting? What kept you going?
Yes; I felt like quitting more than once. When people make snide remarks, and don’t seem to support your ideas it can20be very frustrating. I kept going because I felt like I had a very unique product that makes gift giving fun. I love to see someone smile when they see my products; that in itself was enough to keep me going.
Q: What quality/qualities (i.e., tenacity, discipline, time management) do you think are necessary for a mom entrepreneur?
There are so many qualities but honestly; the two most important qualities are discipline (that means get out of your pajamas, put on work clothes) and time management. I used to waste so much time on the internet. Internet surfing is leisure time!
Q: How do you juggle career and children?
It can be really trying at times. However; my oldest is 17 and very self sufficient which helps. Otherwise; to juggle both we go back to time management and using it wisely. Work while the kids are at school or napping. Sometimes it can be tempting to watch TV, surf the web, etc. especially since I work at home. I have really learned to manage my time.
Q: Do you have employees?
Yes; I have two part time employees
Q: What one thing (book, website, coach, tool, blog, service, etc) was VERY INSTRUMENTAL in your success?
I have a great friend that seems to be educated in EVERYTHING. He was incredibly instrumental in my success. We would talk every morning about goals, ideas, etc. I also completed some online business coaching classes from Jenn Givler. (She is amazing!)
Q: What is your favorite quote?
This quote comes from my mom and it is the truth, especially when dealing with employees “If you accept it, it becomes acceptable.”
Q: What advice would you give to a new mom entrepreneur?
My advice to a new mom entrepreneur would be, if you have a vision, and feel very strongly about it. Don’t give up and don’t l et others bring you down. There is something to be said about positive energy.
Q: Who were others that you looked up to during your successful rise?
There is another soapmaker who had her business and home destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, I spoke with her on the phone not long after that. She was so positive about rebuilding and I thought WOW! If she can recover herself, family, and business after that tragedy – I can do anything!
Q: Your website information
http://www.sudznbubbles.com/store
915-833-SUDZ
My Interview With WAHM Boot Camp
I was interviewed by Kristin from Work At Home Mom Boot Camp; nice little interview. If interested in some reading, link is below:
http://tinyurl.com/6dghcv
I know that link is not clickable; I have been having issues with this on 'blogger'. Might be better if I just cut and paste interview for those interested.
Smell ya later,
Cindy
Monday, December 15, 2008
I Love Free Press!
What a nice surprise to see my company in the weekly edition of:
The El Paso Inc.
http://www.elpasoinc.com/readArticle.aspx?issueid=211&xrec=3497
It is barely a one sentence blurp but..... very cool! I agree with the INC. everyone should buy local for their holiday shopping lists.
Thanks El Paso Inc,
Cindy
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