After a couple months searching we have found a new home for Pudleduk. Starting some time in January customers can find us on Maple Street in Vassalboro. It will be a work studio/retail outlet for customers to stop by at.
Our hours will be Wednesday - Saturday 8 am - 2 pm (winter hours)
We may be there at additional times but never for sure.
We will let you all know when we open!
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Looks Promising!
I spoke with the Realtor for the Hathaway Creative Center today and this spot sounds so promising!! All we have to do is check it out in person. The building is completely being revamped geared towards Artisans. It really sounds like the perfect place for what we want to do!
The best part..actually there are several but one of the best parts is that there will be windows all around the shop looking in from the "Lobby". This is perfect with our idea of the "open kitchen" look. People walking by would be able to see us making our products and that would definitely draw people in.
I am so excited right now! This could be the perfect spot! Another awesome thing is because it is a building under construction we would have basically a "shell" and they build the spot for us. The shop would be set up exactly the way we wanted with all the amenities we need. One being a ventilation system for when we are making soap. The great thing is this particular spot shares a wall with a bathroom on the back side of the spot. We would easily be able to plug into the vent and hot water systems.
Super excited! We go Mondaty at 4:00 to actually see the location in person.
The best part..actually there are several but one of the best parts is that there will be windows all around the shop looking in from the "Lobby". This is perfect with our idea of the "open kitchen" look. People walking by would be able to see us making our products and that would definitely draw people in.
I am so excited right now! This could be the perfect spot! Another awesome thing is because it is a building under construction we would have basically a "shell" and they build the spot for us. The shop would be set up exactly the way we wanted with all the amenities we need. One being a ventilation system for when we are making soap. The great thing is this particular spot shares a wall with a bathroom on the back side of the spot. We would easily be able to plug into the vent and hot water systems.
Super excited! We go Mondaty at 4:00 to actually see the location in person.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Next ...
We are planning on looking at the Hathaway Creative Center in Waterville next. It looks beautiful from the photos. I envision a country feel to the store with scattered rugs and custom store decals made for the windows. The space we would be able to afford would only be a quarter of the room above. :-)http://www.hathawaycreativecenter.com/
Monday, November 3, 2008
Oh Sweet Muffins...
So we met with the owner of the building on Main Street today. Oh my... First he was 25 minutes late but while we waited we were chatting with a lady that was waiting for him to arrive with money he owed her. When we are finally able to ecscape the cold outdoors, we go inside onlt to see a disaster! The ceilings are coming down, the flooring was horrific and the space had no natural light. When he said there was interest from a bar owner for the other half of the building, we decided it was time to go. An Artisan shop just doesn't sound right next to a bar/dance club.
So needless to say our search continues. I have some calls out. One place we absolutely love! Beautiful inside and a nice location. I have a feeling the rent is high but maybe we will be lucky. Wow this is emotional all ready but I am so excited about this as well!
I'll keep you posted!
So needless to say our search continues. I have some calls out. One place we absolutely love! Beautiful inside and a nice location. I have a feeling the rent is high but maybe we will be lucky. Wow this is emotional all ready but I am so excited about this as well!
I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Looking for New England Artisans
We are currently looking for Artisans in the following Categories. If you do not see a category you fit in, please do not hesitate to contact us. We may still be interested in adding your items to our shop.
Art
Books (Handmade)
Canned goods i.e Jams, Jellies, Relish (you must be licensed)
Clothing
Felting (supplies & finished work)
Furniture
Glass
Mineral Make Up
Pets
Quilts
Toys (wood toys would be great!)
Art
Books (Handmade)
Canned goods i.e Jams, Jellies, Relish (you must be licensed)
Clothing
Felting (supplies & finished work)
Furniture
Glass
Mineral Make Up
Pets
Quilts
Toys (wood toys would be great!)
Friday, October 31, 2008
Searching ...
Monday, 11/3 we are checking out a couple spots for Lease on Main Street in Waterville, Maine. First floor locations and the price is great! Will something be wrong or have we searched at the perfect time? Cross your fingers and send positive thoughts our way.
Our Vision
We wanted to give you an idea of what the store will be about.
Have you ever been to restaurant that had an open kitchen? You know where you can see the chef preparing meals for the customers. I want the same look for our shop but with soap making. Not only will we have a place for patrons to shop but it will be our work space as well. We will produce our soap and other products right in front of the customers. I am thinking behind the checkout desk will be us working and creating soap for everyone to see! I think this will be a neat way to connect with customers and to let them see how we produce our products.
We will have workshops as well. Soap Making, Jewelry, Candles, knitting and so on. If you are interested in offering a class, please let us know.
As a mother of two and a wife of a non shopping husband I know the importance of space for them. I envision a toy area for children and a resting spot for husbands with cozy chairs, books and snacks. We want everyone to feel welcomed and at peace while their loved ones get to shop without worrying if they are happy, restless or bored.
Have you ever been to restaurant that had an open kitchen? You know where you can see the chef preparing meals for the customers. I want the same look for our shop but with soap making. Not only will we have a place for patrons to shop but it will be our work space as well. We will produce our soap and other products right in front of the customers. I am thinking behind the checkout desk will be us working and creating soap for everyone to see! I think this will be a neat way to connect with customers and to let them see how we produce our products.
We will have workshops as well. Soap Making, Jewelry, Candles, knitting and so on. If you are interested in offering a class, please let us know.
As a mother of two and a wife of a non shopping husband I know the importance of space for them. I envision a toy area for children and a resting spot for husbands with cozy chairs, books and snacks. We want everyone to feel welcomed and at peace while their loved ones get to shop without worrying if they are happy, restless or bored.
The Beginning ....
We have dreamed of owning a store for many years but when my mom and I started Pudleduk Family Farm Soap Company in 2005 I never thought it would actually happen. After a few years of doing craft fairs, Farmers' Markets and online sales, the most asked question we are faced with is "Where is your shop"? Well the time was not right until this week. We have decided to open a Brick and Mortar shop in Maine. Our search may take some time but we will find the perfect spot for our new shop. We have been doing research on location and space. Our ideal spot would be on Main Street in Waterville, Maine. Why Waterville? It is a wonderful community and our best selling market. The traffic is wonderful and the town truly appreciates and values Handcrafted, Home grown, Local Artisans and Farmers. It is by far our first choice for a location. The other criteria being a first floor location and easy access. We do not want customers having to climb stairs or search for us in a back alley or through tunnels. :-)
What are we looking for and What is our focus?
For starters we will be accepting items on a Consignment basis. Now as a business that started with doing Consignment we understand the questions that can arise. We will do weekly inventory and mail checks or make Paypal deposits promptly at the end of each month. I am an office nerd so you are guaranteed some type of paperwork from me.
I have done some research online for the past few months and I have found even in this economy customers are still willing to spend money on practical items even if they cost a bit more. If they can justify the purchase it will happen. With the scares from items imported from overseas buying local is very appreciated and respected. So the focus of our shop will be Handcrafted, Affordable, Practical items from local New England Artisans.
What are we looking for and What is our focus?
For starters we will be accepting items on a Consignment basis. Now as a business that started with doing Consignment we understand the questions that can arise. We will do weekly inventory and mail checks or make Paypal deposits promptly at the end of each month. I am an office nerd so you are guaranteed some type of paperwork from me.
I have done some research online for the past few months and I have found even in this economy customers are still willing to spend money on practical items even if they cost a bit more. If they can justify the purchase it will happen. With the scares from items imported from overseas buying local is very appreciated and respected. So the focus of our shop will be Handcrafted, Affordable, Practical items from local New England Artisans.
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