One of the best ways to be inspired to make yourself and your business the best they can be is to learn from the success of others. That’s why we love to spotlight our members here at the blog. Today, you’ll meet Susan Mann of Manor Hall Soaps in Springfield, Massachusetts.
Susan has been a member of the Indie Business Network since February 2006. I asked her to share a bit about her life and her line of products. Here's a little of what she said:
Q1 TELL US ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS
Manor Hall Soap was born in a little gift shop in Vermont when I came across some handmade farmhouse soap, colored black and white and called “Moo Soap”. I didn't know you could make soap yourself. I immediately set off in search of recipes only to stop in my tracks when I found out that soap was made with rendered animal fat. Fast forward three years to 2004 when I discovered you could make soap with olive oil… and I've never really looked back.
Q2 WHAT ARE YOUR BEST SELLING PRODUCTS?
My Almost Sunset soap bar is still my number one. It's a blend of lemongrass, ylang and patchouli, with about another half a dozen essential oils that play off each other beautifully. My heart still skips a beat when I watch people pick it up at shows, hold it close, and say “wow”.
Q3 WHAT SORTS OF THINGS DO YOU LIKE TO DO WHEN YOU'RE NOT WORKING?
I love the sea in all seasons. Springfield, MA is not terribly close to the sea, but I make the time to get there. The sea has always cleared my head. I also adore nature and find it very inspiring to walk among it. It's not just the sounds of the wildlife and the smells of the woodlands, but the shadows as the light filters through.
Q4 WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A MEMBER OF THE INDIE BUSINESS NETWORK?
Definitely the mutual motivation and the feeling of not being alone. Being in business is all too often a solitary thing, but the sharing and helping each other through good and bad times is very uplifting. The liability insurance is wonderful, the blog is a wealth of information and I love the way you (Donna Maria) are accessible to us all. Your private coaching sessions have been invaluable!
You can learn more about Indie Business Network membership and the benefits we offer (including affordable product liability insurance, coaching, and mentoring) at this link. Learn more about our entry level Indie Protégé program here.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MANOR HALL SOAP COMPANY
