#36 The Adventure to Great Soap & How to Find It: The value of people who value you

In the journey to make great soap, we've learned that ingredients matter — but so do people who support and stay active in our lives when small business gets busy.

Just like a bar of soap, relationships are as good as what goes into it, a life well-lived is shaped by the people we surround ourselves with. And there’s something incredibly grounding about being in the company of those who genuinely value you.

Not for what you do, not for what you produce, but simply for who you are.

Take my 2 closest friends Mandy & Nancy-They are both wildly successful at what they do. Nancy is an LPN, and Mandy is a small business owner for a local thriving microgreens business. The 3 of us pursue very different goals and wants in life, but at the end of the day, it's not the money made, the goals crushed, or the hours put in, it's a love of supporting another hard-working gal, It's loving each other through personal struggles, it's celebrating the wins. It's sitting on the couch in our pajamas, laughing about silly stuff. It's an unspoken heart-to-heart knowing that when life gets busy, they are always there, sending good vibes and prayers for happiness and personal success. To know that you have a small group of folks who "Got you" no matter what life throws at you is priceless.

*Real talk incoming*

In the realm of owning a business, many people go into starting a thing, feeling that everyone they know, are friends with, and are related to will come out of the woodwork, wallets open, finger on the social media share button, throwing themselves at your business to support. You will find in MANY cases; this is not the reality. Being in many conversations with business-driven people, they often find the same! Why is this, I often wonder. Honestly, it has nothing to do with YOU. (Many offenses we take from others are rarely personal & directed at us!)

The lack of support we receive from those we thought we were friends with or loved by can hurt, but again, it's rarely personal. Maybe what you're doing with your passion/grit/drive gives them big feelings they don't know what to do with.

Your grit might highlight where they’ve given up on a dream or goal. Your passion might remind them of dreams they’ve sold short. Your progress might make them feel left behind.

That doesn’t make you wrong. It doesn’t make them bad.

It just means your path isn’t for everyone — and not everyone is meant to walk it with you.

But here’s what does matter — People do see you. They are silently inspired, encouraged and prompted to do something bigger than themselves.

The ones who show up to events, no questions asked. Who buy your products, comment on your posts, tell a friend, or simply say, “I’m proud of you.” The ones who cheer when you succeed and offer grace when you struggle.

Value them. Love them back. Let them know you notice.

Because in a world that often takes more than it gives, these people are rare. They’re the ones who believe in dreams & goals, small beginnings, and honest effort. They’re not just customers — they’re community. They’re not just followers — they’re family.

At Apotheca Brown, these are the people we make soap for.

The ones who choose intention over convenience, who feel something when they hold a bar of soap made with real goat milk, herbs, and care. The ones who know that supporting a small business isn’t just a transaction — it’s a quiet act of love.

So if that’s you: thank you. We see you. We value you more than words can say.

And if you’re still finding your people — don’t lose heart. Keep working hard at your goals. . Keep building. Keep going. The right people will find you. And when they do, it will be worth every quiet room you walked through to get there.

ABOUT THE PHOTO: This is a photo of some dear friends of ours from the Venice Farmers market in April 2025. The 4 folks in this photo are a great example of being both friends, co-workers, and supporters! Mike and I adore these folks. They are so fun, full of heart, and always supportive in EVERY way, a small business owner and friend we are lucky to have.

From left to Right Mike, Jen Pedro, Maria, Sarah & Nick.