Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Spruell.
Hi Katie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My business started out as a very tiny side gig when I still lived in Pennsylvania. I was working two jobs that I wasn’t happy with and knew that I wanted to work for myself someday. I love my freedom to work when and where I decide to. I started out making only sugar scrubs out of a tiny little apartment. I did a couple of local markets and wholesaled to a cute little art shop not far from where I was living. Of course, it was hard to build my business while working one full-time job and a second part-time job, so progress was VERY slow. My husband then got a job in Maryland. I decided to step out of my comfort zone and started making soap.
I was still working full-time, and picking up a lot of side jobs like babysitting, so things were still pretty slow. It wasn’t until I decided to contact a local farmers market right up the road from the house we were living in that things really started to kick off for me. Timing had been perfect – another soap maker was moving and they had a booth open, so I jumped at the chance. Best decision ever. I made a ton of repeat customers who still purchase from me to this day, which I am so grateful for! Selling at that market really helped build confidence in myself as a business owner. I loved talking with my customers each week, which prior to the market, I was painfully shy and a huge introvert- my business has really helped me step out of my shell. Other local shops and markets started reaching out to me, bringing me wholesale clients and more repeat customers. I then decided to start selling online, and it wasn’t long after that where I was able to leave my job and start working from home doing what I love most. My husband accepted another job down in Georgia after a few years in Maryland, and since moving down here, I’ve quickly built up a local following, and look forward to seeing it continue to grow!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not. Trying to get to the point where I could work from home was no picnic, and there were days it felt like it would never happen for me. But none of that really compares to the effects the pandemic has had. Since 2020, running a business has been very stressful and can take a toll on mental health. There were shortages on so many things I needed to make soap, so I would be out of stock on so many things causing me to lose sales, super long wait times for shipping, and customers waiting weeks for their packages to arrive because of the staff shortages in the postal service, markets and shows being canceled, etc. Now inflation is yet another hurdle to overcome. Running a small business has never been for the faint of heart, especially in these times.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m known for making high-quality skincare products, made right here on my little homestead. Out of all the things I make, I love making soap the most. I enjoy creating new scent blends and trying new techniques. I try to “style” them in ways that set them apart from others, and I pride myself on not using poor-quality ingredients in anything I make. Those who follow me see me running my business, all while doing things around my homestead like gardening, raising honeybees, canning food, and helping to renovate our old house. I like to think that my personality shines through in my business. Something I take a lot of pride in is when someone who follows me online meets me in person and tells me that I am just like how I am online. I love that because I feel like I’m pretty genuine with how I interact with my customers. I respond to every single comment, message, and story reaction because I take a lot of pride in letting my customers know that there is a real person behind the screen and that they are appreciated. In doing this, I’ve created a really great relationship with my customers!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
I’m a big fan of various Facebook groups. I’ve learned a lot from people in different groups, from soap-making to business to homesteading. Following people on social media who align with your goals and the kind of lifestyle you want is imperative, in my opinion. I only like to follow people who I can learn from and inspire me in some kind of way.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thebeardedbeehomestead.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/thebeardedbeehomestead
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/thebeardedbeehomestead
Image Credits
AJArtsandCo BarefeetAtlantaPhotography
