Fresholi | Melting Pot Café

Hi all, I'm Tanya - living in Lowestoft on the east coast. I've been interested in all things soap and body for years, but have now decided to have a complete change of career after suffering severe depression. My doctor suggested I find something I enjoy! However I'm absolutely terrified at the change - anyone else been through something similar?

Hello Tanya, welcome in.

You'll find a friendly lot here - may well help lift your depression.

Hi Tanya,

Welcome to the forum.  It sounds like you are making great decisions that are right for YOU so look at it not so much as a change, just a turn in the right direction.  You'll probably have a few grumpy moments when your products don't turn out the way you want, but many have a real giggle about the failures (take a look at the Croap Gallery in soapmakers general discussion  ;)  :mwaha:).

Do have a read through the boards that you can see (there's more that will open up the more you post) and whenever you fancy a real giggle, have a look through the Naughty Corner (I rarely go there of course  :angl: but you will soon learn who the naughty ones are  ;))

Anyway, welcome and I hope you enjoy it here  :buttrf:

Change is something that happens because it needs to, but not necessarily because you want it to.  I've had something similar (Fibro, son with special needs) and had to find work that would fit around my new life.  So far I really love what I do (yes, even the labelling, how's that for weird!).  It takes time but it doesn't require a master's degree - learn at your own pace, don't rush, ask questions, share ideas.  This lot is very good for that and I owe more than a fair share of my knowledge to their advice and input.

So welcome and good luck!

Hi Tanya and welcome to the forum :) I have just gone through what i can honestly are the worst 2 years of my life, and have only just got back into making things again, i only make for my own use though at the min, you will love it here its so friendly :)

Hello I did just that. After 26 years of childminding I gave up and started making skin care products.
It is not easy and there are many out there so think hard about what you want to start making, how you are going to sell it and if you can survive with out a regular income.
If the answer is yes to the last question then go for it.

Hi Tanya, good for you for having the strength to make changes -  it's great!!
I suffer from depression, I think made worse by the demands of a busy family life, and 'creating' my soaps is what I love and it helps me to escape and get time for myself. I've had some real 'dodgy' times in my life and I do believe things happen for a reason. I'm the happiest i've been in a long time.  
We've all got something that we are good at haven't we? And it's so fulfilling and rewarding to make products that you and others love.

There is loads of support on here, granted there are a few nutters but thats wot makes it sa' coooool. :mwaha:

We're all happy to help if we can. Good luck and welcome x

 

Hi Tanya
Glad you found us! Jump in & enjoy ;D
Look forward to seeing you around.

Thanks so much everyone -   definitely feel I've found my niche! I think it's gonna be interesting turning all the ideas that're in my head into real live products! reckon you'll be hearing a lot from me.... or seeing it all in the croap gallery  :mwaha:

Good start, you're already speaka de lingo :mwaha:
Heads up - don't mention ir**ing! It doesn't go down at all well with the Fresholettes ;)

 :) Hi and welcome, I too have had bad depression in my life, have'nt had it for some years now thankfully, have had bad days,but nothing like the crippling one of the past.I too just recently have had a complete change of life, one which I have chosen and I am still loving it.I do so hope you can find the same pleasure that we do from soap and I wish you all the very best of luck with it.
PS I am still a newbie.

 :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: :hi: Hi Tanya

Hya Fleggie. I think you have made an excellent choice.
I was diagnosed with Chronic fatigure syndrome several years ago and last year after a minor op it went into overdrive, meaning at times I could barely walk, couldnt even push the hoover. I started out by makin soy wax scented melts and container candles, and moved on to bath and body products in sept/oct last year then soaps in january this year. I found it has really helped me. At times when I felt I couldnt do anything an actually felt very frustrated and useless I could look at the side in the kitchen and see and smell beautiful things I had made. This hobby has really lifted me up and you can lose yourself in it and forget you other problems.

I hope you really enjoy it, I know you will, and you have certainly come to the right forum for friendly helpful advice and great people.I love it here.

Hi Tanya  :)

Welcome.  Have fun and enjoy learning here - there are a lot of very knowledgeable people around who will help out wherever they can.  I understand and empathize about the depression - I battle with it too following a really rough few years.  Learning a new craft and making some wonderful friends has helped me no end so I hope it does the same for you.

Jo

PS We are an extremely nosy lot, we like pics of things, and occasionally we end up in the naughty corner (well, not me  :angl: but some do)

Hiya Tanya

Welcome to the forum. You will love it here and it becomes addictive!!!!

Hiya Tanya!!   :hi:

Hi Tanya  :). Sounds like good advice from your dr, I am sure you will love soap and potion making! :buttrf:

Tanya, Hi and Welcome,  I hope you find your new hobby as cathartic as I do, in the face of overwhelming odds at the moment I am doggedly putting my head down and getting on with putting my business together, and strangely it is a very comforting process. So good luck to you, and if you need anything just shout. x

Ps. How could anyone be sad when they see Helens beaming smile on her avatar, its enough to banish the darkest of moods.

Aw.... what a sweet thing to say.  Thank you  ;D  :buttrf: