Someone mentioned to me that I haven't blogged about my shop in a while... and that made them concerned that something was wrong. Part of the reason I don't blog about work much is it feels almost commercial... and I promised myself years ago when I began blogging that (Gay) Mormon Guy wouldn't have ads or commercials or whatever.

That said, this is a post about work.

Yesterday work was tough. 

So. Many.  People.

Wednesday has traditionally been an under-the-radar kind of day for The Soap Factory. It's not as slow as Monday, which sometimes is so quiet that I think about closing. It's nowhere near as busy as Saturday. It's just Wednesday.

Except for the last few weeks.

For whatever reason, with the beginning of Summer tourist season, Wednesday in the early afternoon has risen to the busiest time of the week. Last week I thought we were going to drown in customers... and this week had even more people.

I don't run The Soap Factory to make money. If my goal were to make money, I'd be in a different business. I run it because I love it, and because I love being able to interact with people and teach them about life. I love teaching the Gospel to people, testifying about Jesus Christ, and talking about how much He means to me. I love being able to meet people from all over the world, hear their stories, and find ways to help them find happiness and peace.

So, above the requisite number to break even, more customers doesn't mean that business is better. It just means that business is busier.

To be honest, when there are more than 15 people in the store I feel like I lose my ability to really make deep connections with people. Like early yesterday afternoon. People still have a great time, and they write great reviews, but they check out and I feel like I don't even know them. I almost feel like giving them a discount because it feels like they missed out on the personal interaction part of The Soap Factory experience, and indubitably I apologize for being so busy. Contrast that with the times when the shop is quiet and I can talk with people about anything.

Financially, The Soap Factory is in the black. I don't pay myself much... I usually just take home the cash tips from the tip jar... but it makes enough money to pay employees, rent, and all the rest of the costs. Cool new development though: I think that my new budget shows that I might even be able to pay myself minimum wage. 

That'll be a first. :) I've never been able to pay myself hourly in my own business before.

All in all, I find that I love my work. I love the view of the temple outside my window, I love working with my best friend and little sister, I love being downtown Provo, I love meeting new people each day. 

I think I love everything.

Well... almost everything. I could do without the summer heat.


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