What is your name? Megan Green
What is your business? Stinkybomb Soap
When did you start your business? Started tinkering around the summer of 2008, opened our Etsy shop, www.stinkybomb.etsy.com in September 2008
Why did you decide to start your business & why did you choose the type of business you chose? I have always wanted to run my own business, it’s a very romanticized concept for me. Stinkybomb was something I truly stumbled onto. I started the concept to fill a silly, sarcastic curiosity. The feedback I received gave me the confidence to pursue it further.
What is your favorite thing about being in business for yourself? Meeting other small business owners and crafters. I am inspired by some many brilliant and creative individuals around me. I also enjoy that my children can grow up knowing that you can define and create your own reality, as long as you pay your dues, work really hard and love what you do.
What turned out to be harder than you thought? Staying home with two children while running the entire show.
Looking back, what is one thing you know now, but wish you knew back then? That birth control isn’t 100% effective. That and that you have to let go of some control once and a while.
Do you participate in any business groups (mentoring, networking, etc) ? I belong to the Columbus Crafty Cotillion, The Couchfire Collective and The Handmade Soap Makers Guild.
As a business owner, it can be easy to work all the time – do you have any tips for balancing your business and your personal life? A friend once told me: “When you find yourself getting angry at the kids because you are trying to work. It’s time to walk away from your work” Sometimes easier said than done.
What have been some of your best business successes? Sounds cheesy but customer feedback. I love it when people tell me how much someone enjoyed getting our soap for a present. Also, being able to donate a small percentage of our grenade sales to wounded soldiers.
What are you planning to do with your business in the future? We intend to launch more state soaps over the next year. So look for all 50 states to show up soon. Soap making classes and private parties are something we are starting to tip our toes in and has me currently very excited.
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Note from Crissy: I met Megan in 2009 when my friends from Handmade Detroit and I took a road trip to meet up with the crafty ladies of Columbus. She is effing hilarious and makes a very high quality product. I am telling you to go buy something from her. You won’t regret it!