Welcome to Lily Flower Trinkets and Soaps
Your Source For Delightful Hand Crafted Soaps and Accessories

Finding Balance; My Journey of Being a Full-Time Working Mom and Starting a Home-Based Small Business Making Handmade Soaps

Hey there! Welcome to my very first blog post! I'm so excited to share my journey with you as I embark on this new adventure of starting my own small business from home. My name is Catalina, and I'm a proud mom who works full time but has always had a passion for arts and crafts. I recently discovered the world of handmade soaps, and was immediately hooked!
Like many moms out there, I know the struggle of finding the perfect work-life balance. Juggling a demanding job, family responsibilities, and now starting my own business may seem overwhelming, but I believe that with determination and the right mindset, anything is possible.
For the past year, I've been honing my craft in the evenings and weekends, creating unique and beautiful handmade soaps and jewelry pieces. The idea of turning my hobby into a business has been on my mind for a while, and after receiving so much love and positive feedback from family and friends, I decided it was time to take the leap. I understand that turning my passion into a profitable venture won't be easy. I expect to face challenges along the way, whether it's managing inventory, marketing my products, or finding time for self-care.
Through this blog, I want to document my experiences, share helpful tips and tricks I learn along the way, and hopefully create a supportive community. I'll be sharing stories about my little successes, struggles, and how I navigate the world of entrepreneurship while balancing my full-time job and family life.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank my family and friends who have been my biggest supporters and encouraged me to embark on this journey. Without their love and belief in me, I wouldn't have gathered the confidence to take this first step.
So, if you're a working mom like me, who is curious about starting your own business, I invite you to join me on this exciting path. Together, we can celebrate, share inspiration and find courage through the challenges we face. Until next time!

Why Hand Crafted Soap?

1. QUALITY
Hand crafted products use natural, food grade ingredients. These are typically gentler, especially for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Because they are handcrafted in small batches, the maker is directly involved in the quality and safety of each item.

2. ENVIROMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Raw materials are commonly more natural, often organic and acquired locally which reduces the carbon footprint of the business and keeps the supply chain as local as possible. Hand crafted products are more sustainable from start to finish.

3. ECONOMIC POWER
While hand crafters may sell online, we are still small businesses. Your purchase puts money directly back into a community, supporting jobs and local economic development.

4. VARIETY
The variety to be found in hand crafted soap is enormous. The big soap companies have very limited selection which may not be suitable to your specific needs. Get to know your local soap crafter. Chances are, they have what you need.

The Journey to Becoming a Legal Selling Entity: A Step-by-Step Guide

Starting a business and becoming a legal selling entity is an exciting endeavor. In this blog, I will take you through the journey I embarked upon to establish my new venture. From building a logo to registering with various government agencies, here's how I made it happen.
Step 1: Crafting the Perfect Logo - Every business needs a memorable logo. I began my journey by brainstorming ideas and consulting with my daughter. After several iterations, we nailed down a logo that truly represented my brand's identity.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Company Name - Finding the perfect company name took time and careful consideration. I wanted a name that was memorable, reflected my brand values, and was legally available. I registered my chosen name to ensure its uniqueness.
Step 3: Trademark Registration - Protecting my brand's identity was crucial. I engaged with a trademark website to guide me through the registration process. I submitted the necessary documents and closely monitored the application until it was approved.
Step 4: Establishing an LLC - To ensure personal liability protection, I chose to establish a Limited Liability Company (LLC). I followed the necessary steps, such as filing the Articles of Organization, drafting the Operating Agreement, and obtaining an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS.
Step 5: Registering with the Corporation Commission - As per the regulations in my state, I registered my LLC with the local Corporation Commission. This step involved submitting the required forms and paying the necessary fees, solidifying my business's legal status.
Step 6: Obtaining a Federal EIN Number - To legally operate my business, I acquired a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS. This unique number is essential for tax purposes and opening business bank accounts.
Step 7: Registering with the Arizona Department of Revenue and the City of Chandler - This ensured compliance with state and local regulations.

Step 8: Establishing an Online Presence - Creating a Facebook business page and building a website were integral to my marketing strategy. I tailored my social media presence to match my brand's voice and utilized professional web designers to bring my website to life.
Conclusion:
Becoming a legal selling entity involved many steps, from designing a logo and choosing a company name to registering with state and local authorities. Each task required dedicated effort and attention to detail. By following this step-by-step guide, you too can establish your business as a legal entity and embark on your entrepreneurial journey with confidence.
Remember, every business's journey is unique, so consult with professionals familiar with your local laws and seek legal advice as needed.