Why Buy Handmade? 

As I stood at my workbench this morning making little toadstools I pondered why I buy handmade products…

I like being seen as a person, not being tossed into the sea of humanity and counted as a number, as insignificant. I like it when people recognize me, as me.

There is one company I buy from, and follow and support, expressly because of their personal touches. A hand written note, or a fragrance oil sample or just a little bag of candy (as if I need that temptation) all add to my desire to buy from them again. I was genuinely surprised the first time I purchased from them, and it made me take a harder look at their company.

I don’t buy from this company because they are the least expensive, the fastest shipping (although that helps tremendously if its both – handmade/hand-touched and fast shipping) or because they remembered my name (which practically no one can pronounce, let-alone remember). I buy from them because they acknowledged that my purchase mattered to them and reflected that I mattered, by the thoughtful packaging.  Which, just simply, feels nice.

The other day, while following up on what I’m calling a “bid” for a soap job, I sent a custom box with my soap samples. I only made one box that size, not going to market them, but just offer them as gifts, I asked myself “why am I going to so much trouble for a job I might not even get?”

This is my thinking, “each encounter I have with another gives me an opportunity to create, with them, a special moment”. They invited me into their world, and as a good guest, I bring a gift. I get to fill their shipment with anything I like, just like the company I mentioned before did. I have no boss, or someone looking over my shoulder to say “that’s not how we systematically do things.” I can be as creative with sending a package as my soaps.

Also, by someone purchasing from my little Soaping Apothecary (or I like to think of that way) they have invited some of my creativity into their world, so I can take advantage of that moment and be as magical and sparkly as I want.

So far, not one person has complained about getting too many samples, solid perfumes or complimentary soaps, so I will keep listening to my own creative drummer and march that beat right through to your mailbox.

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