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.

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.