Friday, January 16, 2009

Closing Longcroft

I always knew that running two companies might one day mean I'd have to choose between them, and after a very tough week of meeting my soap-making obligations, it became clear to me that I just couldn't go on selling soap. I spent most of the weekend agonising over it, and then, on Monday, I began taking steps to close my little soap company down properly. Everything should be in place by the first week in February.

Of course I'm sad, but at the same time, I do feel a burden has been lifted. I want to be absolutely sure I always give my customers the best service possible, and feeling pulled in two directions was making that difficult.

I have a lot of exciting plans for Gracefruit.com, and am looking forward to launching lots of new products over the coming months.

And on a more personal note, I'm really looking forward to using the extra room in my house! We cleaned out the soap room on Wednesday and are making fun use of the space. I wish I'd taken before and after photos, but the before shots were just too scary. :)

23 comments:

T.L. said...

Best wishes for the change! I like your attitude. Onward!

egassner said...

Ohhh....how sad to see Longcroft go! But I can understand it too....I sometimes don't *feel* like making soap and would rather be sewing stuff for my girls, ect.
Can't wait to see what you're doing with Gracefruit though!

Amber said...

Oh wow! I can't wait to see what changes are in store. Still sorry to see such a tough decision have to be made.

El Sapone said...

Hey Elizabeth!
Was it hard to choose? How sad for Longcroft but so good for Gracefruit and also good for me:)
I´m really nosy what´s going on at Gracefruit and I hope you´ll get a lot of nice new things.
Best wishes for you and Gracefruit
Sannyas

gracefruit said...

Thanks, TL! That's exactly it, isn't it? Gotta move forward.

E, we have all sorts of plans for Gracefruit. I'm quite excited! And I'm looking forward to the day I can make soap again just for fun.

Amber, it was really hard, but once it was done, I felt better. Forward progress!

Sannyas, there was never any question which I would choose. It had to be gracefruit. I'll have new fragrances soon, and new fruit powders. We're also planning to add some new cosmetic ingredients like emulsifiers, preservatives, thickeners -- lots of fun things!

Anonymous said...

That must have been a hard decision! But now the hardest part is over and it looks like you are relieved :-)

Anonymous said...

Oh wow, that was such a major decision! I'm glad you knew in your heart which to choose that would make you the most happy. I shall hold on to my soaps from you for a whole longer (because they're freshening my drawers) just to savor them for a wee bit more.

Do you know that I'm on the Gracefruit mailing list and it makes me cry to not be able to get your scents and powders and stuff?

Anonymous said...

(I don't know how the word "whole" got in there...oops)

Lomond Soap said...

Elizabeth, although I haven't been round here much I have to say how sad to see Longcroft go :( You were my big inspiration when I started soaping 2 years ago, you have never stopped inspiring me. Thank you! I wish you all the best with your plans with Gracefruit and one day I will come and pick up my oils instead of having them delivered.
Corrie X

Gretel said...

Good luck for the future, and well done for making a brave business choice. One day soap making is going to be my hobby, (I've been meanign to do it for years) and I've bookmarked your site for future supplies.

(PS - You were spot on about the Cancerian thing!)

Unknown said...

Saara, it was quite difficult, but it was also the right thing to do. Isn't that the way though? The hardest thing to do is most often the right thing to do.

Teresa, I'll still make soaps. Maybe. One day! :) We are looking at exporting beyond the EU. With the Sterling so low, we're getting inquiries from all over.

Corrie, thank you! That is so lovely. If you're ever going to be over this way, let me know. I'll make cupcakes. :)

G, I'm Cancerian, too! Sometimes I think I'd make a very good hermit. When you decide to make soap, please let me know. I have lots of helpful links I can send.

Anonymous said...

I'm really excited to hear that!

Croap Queen said...

That must have been a very hard decision to make Elisabeth, but I wish you all the very best with Gracefruit and your plans for the future.
I've got some decisions to make too (Portugal here I come???? :0/ ) and I'm not looking forward to them, so I admire your bravery and spirit to move forward.
Good luck
Jo x

Joanna Schmidt said...

Ah, yes.... business decisions are rough and when it involves matters of the heart, it's even harder. If soaping is a passion, then one day, the passion will return. (of course, if you ever need to rid your equipment or molds on anyone, I am here as your dumping ground, E!!)

WHen we do things we love for money---over time, does it lose its lustre?

FuturePrimitive Soap Co. said...

Gracefruit Rules OK!
You are on to a winner with Gracefruit...each time I tap in a Fragrance Oil or a soapy term into Google, you come up - so I guess it makes sense to focus on that option. Good for you, I hope you continue to do well and wish you every success - we're all behind you...and waiting for more scrummy FO's. I've been using my 'Snowdrift' soap this week, perfumed with your Oatmeal, Milk & Honey - it's gorgeous. Thank you X

Heidi said...

Crap...I just typed out a long comment and then lost it = P

Good luck with Gracefruit! I'm sure you have amazing things in store. It will be so much easier to do without being torn.

Body Natural Soap said...

Wow how I understand how you feel. I struggle with it all the time. I love your attitude though. Sometimes letting go of something can be so refreshing. I really know that what ever you do it will be a positive move for you.

Body Natural Soap said...

I hope we hear about your girls (hens) from time to time.

gracefruit said...

Thanks so much, everyone. The sadness is fading as I order lots of new fun stuff for gracefruit.com. Finding new products has always been one of my favourite things to do.

Comforts and Candles said...

I'm sorry you had to choose Beth but I do understand... It's horrible when a passion dwindles into a 'job' rather than something to do for the pure enjoyment of doing it... Perhaps you'll wake up one day and decide to have a bash and 'play' just for yourself... Once the chickens have been fed and the latest batch of fairy cakes sampled! ;-)

Ann-Marie x

gracefruit said...

Ann-Marie, I did clear a shelf to store a few essentials, just in case the mood strikes. For now, we'll be using fragrance oil test bars!

Kim said...

Best of luck, Elizabeth! I'm a little sad to hear of the closing, too, but you've got to do what is right for you in the future.

gracefruit said...

Thank you, Kim! I'm not sad any more. It feels really good to have focus.