Running my handmade business was more than just creating healing soaps—it was a labor of love, a source of healing, and often, a lifeline during tough times.
But what happens when the business that once saved you becomes a source of stress?
What do you do when you realize that your financial foundation is shaky, and you’re one misstep away from serious consequences?
What do you do when your business hits a crossroad?
I am sharing this experience with you—one that’s equally painful, enlightening, and empowering. It’s my experience about how a single encounter with a rude tax professional became the wake-up call I didn’t know I needed.
The Moment That Changed Everything
Picture this:
I’m sitting across from a man who’s supposed to be helping me with my LLC taxes.
Instead of guidance, I’m met with condescension, insults, and even accusations. He referred to my husband and me as “people like you” and outright called us criminals.
It took every ounce of self-control not to lash out, but I stayed quiet, absorbing his harsh words.
The truth? He wasn’t entirely wrong.
Our business was missing critical documents, and without them, we were at risk of being targeted by the IRS.
Hearing this was a gut punch, but it was also a relief.
Finally, someone was giving me the honest guidance I had once paid for but never received.
It was the clarity I needed to face a hard truth that I didn’t want accept few years ago: it was time to let go of the business I had poured my heart into.
The Love and Legacy of My Soap Business
Don’t get me wrong—I loved my soap business. It was my sanctuary during one of the toughest transitions of my life. I watched it grow from nothing, to thriving, and even healed parts of me that I didn’t know were broken.
But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. I was holding on out of love and loyalty, even when the signs were pointing me in a different direction.
This experience taught me three invaluable lessons that I carry with me every day:
- Your business is yours—and no one cares about it as much as you do.
Whether you succeed or fail, the weight of it falls on your shoulders. That’s why it’s so important to take ownership of every aspect, from the creative process to the financial details. - Know everything about your business.
From legal requirements to the numbers on your balance sheet, ignorance isn’t bliss—it’s a liability. Proper documentation and bookkeeping aren’t optional; they’re essential to your business’s survival. - Free gifts and shortcuts will cost you in the long run. Without proper documentation, even the most well-intentioned decisions can backfire.
And here’s a bonus lesson: Letting go doesn’t mean the end. Letting can be the freedom you need to start something that leads you to who you are in business and in life.
What’s Next?
Now, I’m at a crossroads. I’ve spent hours brainstorming my next move—should I finish my book on soap making?
Should I pivot and share my hard-earned lessons in business strategy and bookkeeping to help others avoid the mistakes I made? Two months ago, I started my Handmade for Profits blog to share my journey with others.
Looking back, it feels like the universe—or God—was gently nudging me in this direction all along. Writing and connecting with fellow handmade business owners has been a dream, and I know my experiences, both the highs and the lows, can truly help others.
One thing’s for sure: whatever I choose, it will be a solid decision rooted in clarity and purpose.
A Gift to You from my blog: Your Financial Foundation Starter Kit
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that handmade business owners deserve better. You deserve the tools, resources, and guidance to build a strong financial foundation—without the stress, fear, or costly mistakes.
That’s why I’m offering a FREE Small Business Financial Tool Kit to help you take control of your business finances.
Inside, you’ll find Excel templates and a checklist, to help you streamline your bookkeeping, and focus on what you do best—creating.
Click HERE to download your free tool kit.
Final Thoughts
Change isn’t easy, but it’s necessary.
Whether you’re just starting out or reevaluating your current path, remember this: your business is a reflection of you.
Protect it, nurture it, and don’t be afraid to make the tough decisions when the time comes.
What’s your story? Are you at a crossroads in your business journey? Let’s chat in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts and support you however I can.
With love and solidarity,
Your Friend In Business
P.S. Don’t forget to grab your FREE Financial Tool Kit—it’s my gift to you, handmade business owner to handmade business owner.
