Determination!

   I couldn't continue on this series of Beginning a home-business part 1 or Another-in-beginning-home-business Part 2 without including a very important if not the Most IMPORTANT aspect to a home business. 

Determination!

continue reading here determination 

determination

 

      If you are not completely determinded to succeed in your home business, you will not see it through to completion. While beginning our Soap Business many road blocks came along and made me question my intentions, or my determination. Because my vision came from the Lord and He was leading in it, I had a comfort zone that others may not experience. I knew that what I had done each day was a success. I had been faithful to what I had been called to do. This meant that I was growing in my faith and also in my earnestness to obey the Lord. This was a success that I was grateful for.
     As Christians we are called to be faithful, not always seeing the end result but knowing that our faithfulness was the character trait with the most value.
     Although financial success was the first goal, I was quickly challenged in that with just the amount of leading the Lord was doing. What I had begun to help my husband, turned out to be what helped me the most. Seeing the Lord leading in each area turned out to be the biggest blessing of starting a home business. 
    Financial success is important especially in our tough economy but spritual growth is by far the biggest investment we can do for our family and ourselves.



     Please feel free to message me or write to me for any help I can offer you. If you are considering a home business, I just want to encourage you to step out in faith! And to see the Lord work!
God bless you all,
 Love Karen

Another in the Beginning a Home Business Series!

I sure hope that I can encourage each one of you to be the entrepreneur that you are feeling led to be.  This is the backbone of this great Country that we live in.  If you are being led, and find that each time you pray, you are more excited to start an enterprise...your next step may be to seek out a expert in the field of Web Design. 

    I was so blessed by a Web Designer that knew each aspect of my business.  Her speciality of creating a home business helped me so very much, but besides this, she encouraged me to step forward in Faith.  She offered a hand in each area, and if she didn't know answers she would help me to find them.  She really was a Godsend!  You can view her designs and her talent here http://www.victoriasshabbycottage.com/ 

     Each one of the steps I took brought me closer to a launch date, but there were many glitches that came along the way.  I am happy to say that each one I would meet in prayer.  As I prayed I was given relief.  I would still face the problems, but I had a faith that I was being directed to begin a business.  I was walking in faith and needed the growth.  This helped me to keep things in a perspective that each trial was given to me to increase my faith.

   Maybe you are not being called to make soaps...or maybe you are not sure what you would do.  I would encourage you to do what you enjoy.  Do what needs to be done.  And do what you have experience doing. 

     We have spent many years growing organic produce and marketing at local farmers markets.  I would encourage you to seek this market out.  This is a Great way to market without much expense.  Most markets are easy to get into and you will be able to make friends and get to know your customers. 

    Baked items are highly sought after.  Cookies and Candies can be sold in our State without a license.  Find out what your local laws are BEFORE starting a business.  Look for items that can lead people to them.  If you are thinking of cookies, make sure your cookies are freshly made with plenty of delicious scents filling the air.  Do you ever walk by a candy or cookie store?  Do you smell the scents?  Mmnn is what you think!  This is what bring people to buy.  And this will be what leads people back to you.  Scent has an enormous benefit, it lingers in our brains and reminds us of what goodness is!  When you are deciding what your business may be, remember to use this to your benefit.

    I also want to encourage on diversity.  Working to diversify your business will bring you more income.  A plus is that if there isn't a need in one area it may spark an interest in another area.  Also we have experienced how beneficial it is to our family to provide as much for customers as possible.  Yes, it includes more work, but also increases more pleasure for your business.

    I have included a list of each step that you may need to take

1. Pray for Guidance

2. Wait and be patient

3. Pray again

4. Wait some more!

5. Choose out a business Name

6. Seek professional Advice

7. Find out Business Laws in your Area

8. Find your market. And look for a niche that others may not have thought of

9. Remember to find a way to increase your sales, by increasing your products

10. Make your business as professional as you can

  

      I might include here that we have started all of our businesses on a NO DEBT policy.  This has been a blessing to our family.  We haven't had to lose money to make a payment and pay an interest loan at the same time.  Our business strength has been increased by less stress in our hearts and lives.  This may be possible from ways that you might not expect.  I urge you to be as practical as possible.  When we began a cookie business, we started with a large mixer that was paid for by making cookies.  This mixer is professional quality with a professional price tag but that was cut in thirds by a business that had closed down.  Each new item you purchase must be able to be paid for by the business to lower your stress.  Keeping your business stress free is one of the biggest gains you can make!

     Praying that I can bless you today!  Remember to feel free to message me or to write to me if you have personal questions.  God bless you,  Love, Karen

Beginning a Home Business

    I would love to share a little of how I started our Goat's Milk Soap Business for other Homeschooling Mothers that need a way to help their families.

     When I first got the Vision from the Lord to begin a Soap Business, I was very uncertain of how to begin.   This uncertainty made me hesitant in stepping out in Faith. 

 

    The First Step if you are seeing a Vision, or hearing a call from the Lord is to

Pray!

Step Two; Wait!

Step Three; Pray again,

And Step Four; Wait!

  

     Now I write some of this in fun....but honestly that waiting was the hardest part for me.  I would rather jump into most things and worry later if I do things correctly.  When beginning the Soap Business, I had to wait and research. 

     Researching is very important.  I found that researching began to take away the fear I had of starting a business of my own.  Once I was able to put things into a list, I was able to accomplish SMALL tasks, that led up to bigger ones.

    My first action, was to procure a business license!  I needed a business name to do this, so I began praying for a Name that was lovely as well as "catching!".

    Victorian Rose Soap Company is our registered Name.  We registered it with the State of Oregon as well as registering our Website Name.

    Next we began assembling recipes, supplies, and needs, as well as oodles of information!  This took hours of research.  Even though I had been a soap maker for many years, I had to have far more information to sell soaps than to produce soaps for our family's use.  This research allowed me to adjust recipes with ingredients that I have studied and used in our own home for our family's health and body care.  I have a strong love for natural products, so this blends well with our Soap Business.  I did face a challenge deciding if I wanted to make "UN-natural products available"  I met this with prayer and with a lot of questions to others asking them if they preferred all natural or Beautifully scented? I felt strongly that offering each would help others to learn and use all natural products. 

    When gathering supplies, you will be faced with many questions.  I found this to be one of the many trials of starting a business.  How many soaps do you want to produce?  How many items do we really "need" to start a business?  Just how much do we spend to begin a business?  All of these questions were really answered by my husband and the Lord's leading and providing.

     Steps forward were beginning to shape our business, I will continue on the following this list on my next postings.  I am super excited to be able to share with you ways to help your family.  And if I can answer any questions for you please feel free to leave me a comment in my comment box.  I am also able to personally answer questions if they are of a personal nature. 

Titus 2:4,5 then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.  Love, Karen

Day After Christmas Thoughts

     So what do most of you do the day after Christmas?  Is it a day spent relaxing?  A day that you don't have to cook, because of leftovers?  A day that is quiet because the Children are happily playing with presents?  Is it a day that you can put the Holidays behind and begin again to be rested?

"Long after the angels disappear into the heavens, the shepherds return to their flocks, the magi journey home, and the great star sets, JESUS remains.

The Child in whom we rediscover God's great love for humanity becomes the adult Redeemer who challenges us to imitate His selflessness and compassion in order that we might transform our world in love.

May we allow the miracle of CHRISTmas to continue long after the holiday trappings have been packed away.

May we welcome the adult Messiah and His challenging Gospel to recreate our lives--making the peace, justice, and hope of this holy season a reality in every season of the new year." ~Author Unknown


     Christmas is a Gift to us, that doesn't stop on December 26th, our Gift of Jesus continues all year around.  Yes, we thank God for sending Jesus on Christmas, but are we thanking Him as much on Dec. 26 or 27th...etc.?


    Praying that you are all blessed this Gifted Season, and all Year Long with the Joy and Peace of Jesus!  Love, Karen

Giving Gifts!

Are you looking for a place to send a Gift?  Are you seeking an end of the year deduction?  A large need that only each one of us, giving any amount will help?  I have a few thoughts for you.
 

    I have a Dear Friend that has traveled to Ghana to build a small hospital for the village of Yiwabra.
http://yonkofa.org/ has a great video to show you the work in progress and the needs that are so very large.  The People of Ghana are a hardworking people that have many needs, amongst the biggest is a medical clinic.  Any amount will help to support the work being done.  You can also like them on facebook
http://www.facebook.com/#!/yonkofa

A Dear Family in the midst of a Crisis with their Son; Noah!  If you feel led to give, any amount, it will make a difference.  I know that our times are hard, I know this so well.  Please consider gifting any amount and knowing that the Lord is caring for this family....Your gift will allow Him to WORK in You!  http://www.prayingfornoah.com/

     Another need that if you can donate any amount will make a big difference in  the life of a Little Boy named Isaiah.  Isaiah has Down's Snydrome and a Ipad will make communication a possiblity for him.  I would love if you can send any amount to him here http://www.giveforward.com/pleasehelpisaiahcommunicate


     I would just love to thank all of you for Considering these needs.  I would love to see my blog make a difference in the lives of the hurting, the needing, and to be able to send love to those that have serious needs that we aren't able to understand.  Thank you so very much!  Love, Karen

Merry Christmas!!!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-Isaiah 9:6
'The Prophesy of a Savior, given to us in Isaiah for all of Mankind. 

~For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." ~Luke 2:11

Wishing your Family a Very Blessed Christmas Day as we remember Christmas is about the Christ that was born in a stable, to come unto Mankind to Save us from the Sin of this World.  As we gather around and sing the Carols, and partake of the Blessings ...let us not forget

Jesus is the Reason, We Celebrate the Season!

We have our Winners!!!!

Merry Christmas!  We have Three Winners to our Giveaway!

And the Winners are:

Caroline from The Modest Mom

Kathleen Davis

Gail Harris from The Imperfect Housewife

Congratulations to all of our Winners!  I will need each of your addresses!  Email Victorianrosesoap@gmail.com

We are so happy to be mailing you each out three bars of our Beautiful Christmas Soaps! 

Merry Christmas to you all, and thank you so much for taking the time to support our Small Farm Business!

God Bless You!

For all of you that didn't win, we will gift you a 15% off discount when you enter "Victorian Rose" in our voucher box at checkout.

www.victorianrosesoap.com

Wonderfully High-Antioxidant Rich

This Soap will be available on our Website for sale on Jan. 1, 2012 

It's Our NEW BATCH....a Wonderfully High-Antioxidant Rich....Sea Buckthorn Oil with Pomegranate Concentrate~ Dead Sea Salts Soap!
Scented in Sweet Orange, Lemon, and Citrus Blossom! 

We have been working hard to get more Soaps made, and I am so thankful for incredible Ingredients! We have been given so many wonderful gifts from the Lord to guide us on our paths of seeking healthful ways to nourish our Skin.

                                                                        

Our Sea Buckthorn Plant (Hippophae Rhamnoides) covered in Fruit ripe and ready for picking.  Take Note of it's very sharp thorns!  I have had the incredible pleasure of drinking whole Sea Buckthorn Juice made from our fresh berries juiced with water and plenty of Sweetner!  Sea Berries are VERY SOUR and tastes very like Orange Passionfruit Juice.

Our beautiful Soap of Dead Sea Salts Soap with Sea Buckthorn Oil, and Pomegranate scented with Sweet Orange, Lemon, and Neroli Essential Oils.  Displayed with Imported from Russia, Sea Buckthorn Oil.
We are also pleased to bring you our other product using the Fabulous Sea Buckthorn Oil

http://www.victorianrosesoap.com/item_25/Sea-Buckthorn-Oil-Whipped-Shea-Body-Butter.htm

Additional Information on the benefits of Sea Buckthorn Oil, can be found here

www.fromnaturewithlove.com/product.asp?product_id=OILSEABUCK 

Seabuckthorn Berry Oil and Seabuckthorn Seed Oil both possess nourishing, revitalizing, and restorative properties. Seabuckthorn Berry Oil is a beneficial ingredient in formulations intended for acne, dermatitis, irritated or dry skin, eczema, skin ulcers, postpartum pigmentation, burns, scalds, cuts, and tissue regeneration. The stimulation of tissue regeneration is helpful in the treatment of burns, bedsores and poorly healing wounds. Seabuckthorn Berry Oil helps reduce the damaging effects of sun radiation. It can effectively combat wrinkles, dryness and other symptoms of malnourished or prematurely aging skin.

www.victorianrosesoap.com

 

Another Giveaway!!!

Yes, We are in the Christmas Spirit at Victorian Rose Soap Company!  In fact we have already had three winners!!  We are so excited by sending out Gifts that we are having another Giveaway! 

This Giveaway will run for One week and End on Monday December 12th.  We will award three winners with 3 of our Christmas Bars! 

These Soaps are made with our Enriching Goat's Milk and all our soothing oils; Coconut Oil, Palm Oil, Olive Oil, and Castor Oil, as well as Shea Butter that is an excellent addition for its wonderful benefits to your skin.

Our GIVEAWAY will include three Christmas Soaps for each winner and shipping included!

(the soaps will be our choices)

To Enter Please use our Comment box

**Special Note**
If you are commenting as annoymous, please leave your first name and the initial of your last name, so that I can reach you if you win :)
Winners, will be announced here on Dec. 12, and also on our facebook page.  You will need to check back to see if you are the winner!

To enter Please send us a comment in our blog comment box
For Additional entries, you may do the following;

Go to our website at http://www.victorianrosesoap.com/.

to view our soaps, and come back here and  tell us what your favorite soaps are
one entry
(One additional comment in our comment box)

Follow our Blog 
two entries- two additional comments

 

Like Victorian Rose Soap Company

On facebook 

If you already Like us on Facebook, please share about our giveaway and if you have a additional page on facebook a share on that will count for an extra entry.

 

Follow us on Twitter 
If you already follow us, please tweet a post about our giveaway

one entry
 (One additional comment in our comment box)

Share on your Blog,

 (please post a link to your blog post when you enter)

Five entrys (five additional comments in our comment box :)

Drawing will close on Dec.11,2011

Our Gifts to you will include a Lovely Christmas Gift Bag which will make this a Perfect Gift for giving away or for putting  your own name on it 

Merry Christmas!!!

Jesus is the Reason

to Celebrate the Season! 

ANOTHER GIFT!

We have a gift to give!  A Great Big Thank You for Entering Our Giveaway!  A Gift of Free Shipping (a $5.75 value) off of orders $15.00 or more is FREE when you enter "Gift" into the voucher code on our Website

Our Body Butters make Great Stocking Stuffers!

They are very nourshing to dry skin or skin that is chapped from the cold.  I keep one in my purse for use while I am out shopping and exposed to commercial soaps.

Our Christmas-Collection

Our Christmas Soaps are great for having on hand for quick gifts or Stocking Stuffers as well.

Thank you all for the Support you have shown our family!  And Merry Christmas to ALL!

And the Winners ARE......

We have used Random Drawing to help us with Our Giveaway http://www.random.org/

And the Winners are:

                      

Country Girl

Kathleen D.

Naomi R.

Congratulations to our Three Winners!!!!

Please contact me with your addresses so that we can happily send you your gifts! 

Thank you everyone that entered!  We are so excited to have made new friends!  Shared more of our Soaps with our readers, and we look forward to getting to know all of you better.  Please stop by facebook, twitter, or leave me a comment in our blog comment box.... and say, Hi :)