BONUS newsletter: People I'd Rather Be Talking About
BONUS newsletter: People I'd Rather Be Talking About
In the spirit of holiday shopping, small business Saturday, and highlighting awesome people... meet Sarah, a wife, mom, and maker specializing in soap, lotions, lip products, and more!
Happy Black Friday!
I’m so excited to present the first People I’d Rather Be Talking About issue.
In the spirit of the holiday shopping season and Small Business Saturday tomorrow (11/25), I’m highlighting Sarah of Grace Bath & Beauty Co. - a small business located in Wisconsin.
Let’s hear Sarah’s story!
A bit about Sarah
Sarah is a Wisconsin native and Carroll University graduate (BS in Communications with an emphasis on PR/marketing). She started her career working in marketing at The Bonton Stores and later EatStreet until the pandemic eliminated her department.
Also, at this time, Sarah was a new mom to her daughter Grace. Since it was difficult to find childcare during the pandemic, she decided to stay home with her daughter. Then, in 2021, Sarah re-entered the workforce, working at a play cafe. The job allowed her to connect with other moms and was just the outlet she needed during what was a very difficult period for Sarah. Also during this time, Sarah had a son named Dylan, who she unfortunately lost in December of 2022.
Looking for something to help her cope with her grief, Sarah began making soap, a hobby that grew into Grace Bath & Beauty Co. - named after her daughter & inspiration, Grace.
Sarah & daughter Grace
Sarah’s business allowed her to rediscover joy in her life. Then, in the spring, Sarah found out she was pregnant again. It was a magical time. With her soap business taking shape, she and a candle maker friend decided to do a market that summer on July 15th.
Unfortunately, on June 30th, Sarah lost her baby at 12 weeks.
It was a devastating time, but Sarah forged ahead. She did her first market on July 15th with very low expectations - she was just looking for something to help her through this dark time.
The market was a roaring success, and she received many compliments on her product. Most of all, she got the reassurance she needed that this was what she was meant to be doing.
Grace Bath & Beauty Co.
Today, Sarah is growing her business with help from her husband, Michael, who accompanies her to many markets. Her focus is on in-person events now, but is toying with selling online and has dreams of a brick-and-mortar store one day.
Sarah with her husband, Michael & daughter, Grace
A bit about her products:
blend of essential oils and luxury fragrance oils
sustainably sourced, all-natural ingredients, organic whenever possible
products are free of carcinogens, Prop 65 ingredients, mutagens, reproductive/organ/acute toxins, parabens, and phthalates and are vegan and gluten &cruelty-free.
AND THEY ARE AMAZING - beautiful packaging, and they look, feel, and smell delightful. I bought one of her lip scrubs, and it’s the best part of my nightly routine.
Sarah’s advice for someone who’s facing hardship or a rough patch:
Give yourself grace. It’s okay not to be okay. Cherish and celebrate the small moments. If you got out of bed today, give yourself a pat on the back.
It’s so easy to get consumed by all the negativity in our personal lives and the world around us- much harder to focus on the little things.
The good things.
It can always be worse.
It can always be better.
But this is where we are right now, so it helps to focus on what we can control.
Thank you, Sarah, for your inspirational story and words!
Readers, please take some time to find & follow Grace Bath & Beauty Co., and if you’re in the Greater Milwaukee area, see if you can find one of Sarah’s holiday markets! Or reach out to her with your questions or requests!
Here’s where you can find her online:
Via email: gracebathbeautyco@gmail.com
Instagram: @gracebathbeautyco
Facebook: Grace Bath & Beauty Co.
Sarah & Grace
Thank you, Sarah, for being one of the People I’d Rather Be Talking About!
That’s a wrap!
Paid subscribers - stay tuned for more special holiday shopping info in tomorrow’s Saturday Sidebar. Everyone - I’ll see you next Thursday for a regular edition of What I’d Rather Be Talking About.
Support small businesses & have a great weekend,
Abbey
P.S. Don’t forget, What I’d Rather Be Talking About is having a holiday sale! ⬇️
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Weekly Thursday newsletter, What I’d Rather Be Talking About, AND a Saturday newsletter, The Saturday Sidebar (special sales, offers, and insider info).
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