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Autumn Equinox Marks a Turning Point for My Business

23 September, 2019


          
            cozy photo with socks, book, coffee

My husband Paul and I are a house divided when it comes to the changing of the seasons. I'm the kind of person who thrives in 65-75 degree temps and wilts in the heat. So obviously spring and fall are my preferred time of the year. He's the kind of person who pulls out the long underwear as soon as the daily highs hit 65 and will nap in the hammock on a 90 degree day. He reacts to the end of summer like it's the death of happiness in the world. And I'm just so relieved that I can wear long pants and boots again for awhile.

I don't think I could live in an area that doesn't have seasonal changes like the Midwest does. Despite the fact that these changes are becoming more extreme with each passing year, I still love the smell of fall leaves, the spooky feeling surrounding the month of October, and I get giddy over the very first snowflakes.

The Autumn Equinox for me marks the start of a crisp, colorful time when one can indulge in all things comforting - scarves and sweaters, blankets and hot cups of tea, fireplaces and glowing candles. And the beginning of fall means the best of the year's celebrations are coming soon! Oktoberfest, Halloween (my personal favorite), Thanksgiving, and Christmas/Yule.

How Fall Changes My Business

This time of year also marks the start of the seasonal slow down for my business. While holiday sales typically continue until mid January; October thru December is when market season slows down before rolling to a halt at Christmas. After December 21st, I likely won't have another in-person event until at least the end of April 2020.

I can't slack off on production, though, because while I have fewer events in the fall I spend a lot more time on keeping my stockists full of inventory for holiday shoppers, shipping out online orders, and completing wholesale deliveries for companies who find soap to be a lovely gift for their employees.

The harvest season is the time of year when my little business is the most bountiful. I find this to be a good time to reflect on the year so far and make business decisions about the year to come. It's hard to fret about any struggles from earlier in the year during such a successful time. The start of fall is filled with positivity and hope for the future.


By all these lovely tokens
September days are here,
With summer's best of weather
And autumn's best of cheer. 
~ Helen Hunt Jackson 


Fewer events means I'm able to start easing back into a more balanced schedule. I'll be able spend more time on leisure, home projects and self improvement while I enjoy the fruits of my labor. I think I'll start taking yoga classes again and maybe get around to painting the bedroom.

What does the beginning of fall mean for you?