Deb's Oils

Making the move

deb — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:32:53 +0000

As we began our final weekend at Firewheel Town Center yesterday, we asked each other how we felt about this new transition. Surely after three long, tough years in retail we would express some regret that we chose not to continue in a high traffic mall. But no, our feet are doing the happy dance, and although we are so tired, we wonder how we can keep moving, we know that one end is near, and a new journey, seeing you again in a different setting, is worth everything we go through.

The back room is almost empty, and boxes await the oils and bath and body products that will stay until the end. Don has worked tirelessly, putting up shelves in the new store, cleaning what will become our production area, and making sure code enforcement does not cite us for not mowing .

All in all, (although you might want to check with me come Monday or Tuesday of next week), the move has not been terrible thus far. Going slowly, having a plan, and knowing where to put each little bottle, each display piece, and each product line, helps tremendously. We look forward to seeing you at the 5th Street store May 3 and beyond!

Spring Newsletter

deb — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 19:01:25 +0000

Hello Everyone!

Today is the Friday before Easter, and Don and I are counting down our final days at Firewheel Town Center. As most of you know, after almost three years, we have made the financial decision to find a more affordable store where we can have our own hours (and days of the week), open our doors and windows to the beauty of nature, and keep our prices low by having manageable overhead costs. All this came to pass when we found that diamond in the rough in the guise of a 100 yr. old frame house in Sachse–just 1.9 miles north of the mall on Hwy 78. With only 816 sq. ft., this ideal spot has the ambiance that welcomes everyone to the world of scent. Although we won’t go through the final inspection until Monday, I anticipate that everything will go smoothly, so I have been planting rose bushes, my beloved lavender, and lots of flowers.

Our last day at FTC is Sunday, April 22; we will open the doors of the new shop on Thursday, May 3 at 11:00. We are expanding into the soap supply business (a convenience store for soap-makers and hope to kick off the move with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony through the Sachse Chamber of Commerce. We hope you follow us the short distance to Sachse, and we look forward to offering great quality oils and fragrance products for many more years. Like us on Facebook, check out our website, and watch as I learn the ins and outs of Foursquare.

Positive steps

deb — Sat, 25 Feb 2012 17:58:27 +0000

With the first green tag from the city and anticipating the move in just two months, we have sent out the first round of emails introducing ourselves to potential customers of soap supplies. Not surprisingly, many emails were returned undeliverable, but several responses from interested people lead us to believe that we can make a difference. Keeping our eye on the potential will be our mantra, and we continue to be blessed with loyal and new customers who value the quality and affordable products we offer. Saging the new location this morning, we welcome all optimistic and positive vibes; compassion, tolerance, and good will will lead us into the spring.

Setting things in motion

deb — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 20:03:40 +0000

Don always tells me when it’s right, it’s easy–and he was correct once again. The frustrating hunt for a new location began about five months ago, with our customers, friends, and other business folks offering advice, suggestions, and ideas for the next step of the journey. We looked at properties all around–Plano, Richardson, Wylie, downtown Garland, and Sachse. We sifted through square footage, NNNs, and sizes ranging from 800 sq ft to over 2,000 sq ft. None seemed particularly fitting for what we do, and wanting to stay somewhat close to our current storefront, we faced rents that were pretty exorbitant, especially given the economic climate.

On Don’s suggestion, I contacted the Sachse Chamber of Commerce to see if any of the former city hall spaces were available; they, in turn, gave me the number of the man who owns the former Chamber house. Lo and behold, although another business had expressed interest, no lease had been signed…all we had to do was wait it out and see what happened. After almost a month, the owner of the lease space called–and as simple as that, we handed him a check, got the okay to change the locks and will start the two-month process of moving our oil shop.

We will continue to sell quality body and fragrance oils, along with all our other scented products, and we also wanted to reach out to the diy community with soap supplies for the home crafter and those wanting to start their own business. If you or someone you know is interested in raw materials, molds, colorants, and ready to use bases, email us with specific needs so we can have them stocked and ready. Wholesale accounts need to have a current copy of a resale certificate on file. This can be found at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/01-3392.pdf

Business forms for TX can be found at http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/01-forms.html

We hope to see you soon!

The cost of doing business

deb — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:33:05 +0000

It’s a little disconcerting that I created a new website that includes posting a blog, and all of a sudden I am bombarded with spam messages comments advertising all kinds of nonsense. I can only continue marking them as spam in hopes that at some point these intruders will tire and go away.

Don and I have ruled out the strip centers in Sachse as an option–they are as costly in lease expectations as the mall–hasn’t anyone been watching the economic forecast? Tomorrow we meet a leasing agent in Garland, just a stone’s throw from our current location. We do not anticipate anything different there, but we can always hope.

In the meantime, it’s a slow Valentines Day, and we are watching the clock until we can join the other revelers in celebration. Warm wishes for a fine Tuesday!

Networking

deb — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 00:50:18 +0000

After talking to my friend Sandra, I am reminded of the importance of networking. No contact is too small or too large, and everyone knows someone who either makes soap, is interested in making soap, or wants to take a class in soap-making. After our chat, I logged into my LinkedIn account and revised my profile to include the wholesale soap supplies that we are carrying now. The people we have met through the years will offer invaluable advice and support as we continue to forge new territory.

Waiting is not my strong suit

deb — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 22:59:55 +0000

Don and I made an agreement that we would wait until February 8 to start looking again for a new store location. That decision takes some of the stress off (not knowing where we’ll be in three months time worries me a little), but right now, we do not intend to spend money on unnecessary expenses. Sheesh! The venture into wholesale soap supplies will be harrowing enough, but knowing our focus will lead us to the right place.

The Elements

deb — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 22:48:56 +0000

Hi Everyone, This is our first post as we acclimate ourselves to the new format. Deb’s Oils involves the four elements: earth, wind, fire, air through bath and body products, natural additives, scents, candles, incense and diffusers. We look forward to the challenges and adventures of 2012.

Happy Year of the Dragon–so fitting for us, wouldn’t you say? Best wishes and take care until we see you again.