Save The Plastic For The Big Guys

I am now officially one of the “little guys.”  As a member of this club I now can appreciate all of the irritating store owner rules that as a customer I could never understand. For one: credit card minimum purchases. While I think any store owner would take a credit card over no sale, I can relate to the constant bank charges one must endure as a small business owner. As a result of my own retailing experience, I have now adopted a policy to spend as much cash as possible when dealing with other small business people. Many of the artisan businesses I run into do not qualify for the best interest rates based on their sales volume and each of those $10 or $8 purchases cost them more than when someone pays with cash. I know it’s always more convenient to run purchases on plastic but just remember the little guy trying to start or stay in business can afford it less than a Walmart. So I’m turning over a new leaf in an effort to support other small businesses. Hope you will too…

A Smart Idea

Those who know me well know that I’ve had a cupcake fetish since way back; way before Crumbs went national.  On a recent excursion to downtown L.A. we found Big Man Bakes. I’ve tried cupcakes in every state I’ve ever visited and I can fairly say (and probably shouldn’t) I’ve tried more than thirty different varieties from cup cakerys. What I found so impressive about Big Man Bakes, aside from the truly tasty, fresh cupcakes is the fact that this business seems very men-friendly. I love that the look and design are masculine and minimal and reflect the owner. What’s brilliant is that this business is tapping into a unique market; men. With all the polka dot, striped, candied, sprinkled looking bakeries, this place hits a perfect note among the less frilly and those like myself that don’t always want to sit in a cafe that looks like a sugar plum fairy threw up.  No less than three men walked in and ordered cupcakes – for themselves. As a soap provider to many male customers, I applaud this original and smart approach to business. Great job Chip. It was great meeting you (and looking up to you…)

Taking a Break

On a beautiful March weekend we found lots of inspiration in Griffith park. This amazing ivy gives me an idea for a new green inspired soap.

Art Always Helps

Given the insanity of our everyday lives (as shown here in my sister’s kitchen demolition project) , art always helps, gives reprieve, perspective and levity. When life is in chaos, take a lesson from this picture. It’s brilliant: She let my niece draw all over the wall before the wrecking ball.  This tactic can surely be used elsewhere. Bravo Stacie.