Friday, September 12, 2008

Friday Feature No. 25 -- Featuring The Sweet Unfolding

Welcome to Friday! I hope that everyone is doing well. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are dealing with the hurricanes right now, especially Hurricane Ike.

Congratulations to Huguette, who was our winner of the necklace from Lula Boutique. Congratulations to the three winners of the FREE month long ad spots: Laura C, who generously gave it to her friend who owns Naptime Cards; Aimee W., who generously gave her spot to her mother-in-law who owns My Bright Pouchette; and Kelly, who owns Pia Tilly's Boutique. Thank you for ALL of your comments!

Today, we are featuring Sarah, from The Sweet Unfolding. Sarah has an Etsy shop, but also has her own website, www.thesweetunfolding.com.

Sarah has a shop full of wonderful goodies that any lady would love to have, from Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar, to Pistachio Damask Letterpress Notecards, to paper banners for every special occasion.


Let's hear a little more about Sarah and The Sweet Unfolding.

TDB: How did The Sweet Unfolding get its start?
Sarah: I’ve always wanted to work for myself, and I had been mulling over different ideas for several years. When I was planning my wedding a couple of years ago I kept seeing the same products over and over on different wedding web stores. I wanted something unique, so I decided to make almost everything for our wedding—from invitations to favors to the guest book and even the flower arrangements. It was so much fun that I put together a small collection of handmade favors, cards, gifts, and other items to sell on Etsy. In June of this year I officially launched www.thesweetunfolding.com to showcase my designs as well as the work of other designers and offer some unique choices for weddings, parties, and gifts.

TDB: Where else do you sell your products besides Etsy?
Sarah: I also sell my products at www.thesweetunfolding.com. I’m still kind of new to creating my own items for sale, so I’m investigating where else to sell them. I’ve been getting wholesale requests recently, which is exciting, so I’m looking forward to my products being carried in others’ stores as well.



TDB: What is your favorite thing about your business?
Sarah: I love the creative process, especially developing a collection of items. I had so much fun developing the fragrances and products and packaging for The Sweet Unfolding’s signature line of bath salts and other bath products. I enjoyed it so much that I’ve been working on a couple of new lines that I plan to introduce soon.
TDB: What is the best piece of advice you've been given (business or personal)?
Sarah: A good friend and business owner told me that to be successful I need to be true to myself and let what’s important to me shine through in my business. That’s been the basis for a lot of the business decisions I’ve made, especially concerning the socially conscious aspect of our products and our business practices. I want to make sure that The Sweet Unfolding is doing everything as fairly and as positively as possible to make things better for everyone involved.



TDB: What does a typical day look like for you?
Sarah: I usually get going around 8 a.m., although it depends on how late I stayed up working the night before. I have a terrible habit of staying up too late because I’m enjoying my work so much I don’t want to stop. When I worked for other companies it was always easy to stop at the end of the day, but working for myself is so much fun that I have to remind myself often to step away. It always surprises me how much I work each day, and how much I love it. Since I don’t have children yet I still have the luxury of having most of my time to myself, and I do make sure to stop and spend time with my husband each evening so that my work doesn’t become a higher priority than my family.

First thing in the morning I respond to any emails or inquiries that I received the night before. Afterward I typically pack and ship any orders that have been placed. The rest of the workday I divide my time between making products and the administrative side of the business. I try to spend an hour on marketing and an hour on bookkeeping each day, although I’m still developing the discipline for that. In the evenings I spend time with my husband, Mike, usually hanging out at home or grabbing dinner in our neighborhood. We live in Chicago’s Greektown neighborhood, so we take advantage of all the great food. I usually wind up the day by working on projects while we watch TV together.



TDB: Please share 3 random facts about you (yes, you can divulge little secrets if you like!)
Sarah:
- I am a huge fan of the band Indigo Girls, and if I could give up my responsibilities and be a groupie for a year I totally would.
- I adore sugary kids’ cereals. If I would allow myself, I would eat nothing but Cocoa Krispies all day, everyday.
- I love the television show Law and Order so much that I named my car after Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy.

TDB: What are your goals for your business for the next year?
Sarah: I am planning to expand my designs with another line of bath products. I’d also like to work on invitation design, focusing on eco-friendly products. At www.thesweetunfolding.com we are hoping to add more consignment opportunities for independent designers to showcase great designs perfect for unique weddings and events.

Thank you Sarah, for sharing a little glimpse of your life with us.
********************************************************


Our giveaway today is for this wonderful set of bath and body products from The Sweet Unfolding. You will be able to choose from either the "Petal" fragrance, or the "Flutter" fragrance.


To enter, please check out Sarah's shop or website and then come back here and comment about your favorite item, or a fragrance that you would like to see. One comment per person please.

You MAY earn extra an extra entry by blogging about this giveaway, or by adding us to your blogroll. We also have a button on the right hand side of the blog, that you can pick up and put on your blog. Please leave a separate comment for your extra entry.

PLEASE make sure you have a valid email in your comment or on your blog profile. You do not have to have a Blogger account, as long as you leave an email. If you don't, your comment will be deleted, and you will not be eligible to win.

Deadline to enter is Thursday, September 18th at Midnight PST.
This giveaway is open worldwide.

Have a great weekend and don't forget to enter to win the custom made "Bridget" dress from "Bridget & Co.". Scroll down to find out how.


Angie

162 comments:

peg42 said...

Love this site! I would love to try the Petal 16. oz. European Bath Salts and I'm really curious about the Red Rose Petal Soap. This soap sounds really unique and luxurious.
Thanks so much for this giveaway!

Fangirl Jen said...

Great products for pampering myself. I would love to try the Bath Salts.

Terri Fisher said...

I really like the banners they make, especially the welcome banner. It's really very lovely and would look nice in any decor!

tfisher83 AT myexcel DOT com

Anonymous said...
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Angela said...
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Anonymous said...

These products are so great and the names are cute, too. Flutter, it just makes me think of butterflies on the breeze.
gaem_06 [at] yahoo [dot] com

MOMFOREVERANDEVER said...

probably vanilla - nice selection..great luck

The Downtown Boutique said...

I'm so very sorry for those of you who had to see the comment above that I deleted. Some "anonymous" person had the courage to leave a comment on our family friendly site, using profanity. Again, we are so very sorry that you had to see that.

Anonymous said...

I like the Golden Swirly Birds Notecard Set! cdziuba@aol.com

Tina said...
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David Johnson said...

The European Bath Salts sound interesting, thanks. titanicluck at gmail dot com

janetfaye said...

I like the Celebrate Sweet Bath Confetti.

Thank you!

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

janetfaye said...

You are on my Blog Roll.

http://grammyjanetsplace.blogspot.com/

janetfaye (at) gmail (dot) com

agordon10 said...
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idahomom said...
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Anonymous said...

I want the 16 oz European Bath Salts, I love bath salts and I love those jars too.

tgoly@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I like the Celebrate Sweet Bath Confetti. Looks great.

rebbi511 at peoplepc.com

monky said...

My favorite item would be the Red Rose Petal Soap. Sounds great!! :)

Thank you for the great giveaway!

:)

Jenn S. said...

I would love to try the All Natural Mani/Pedi Tea set or the Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar.

Anonymous said...

My suggested fragrance would be for something in the patchouli/sandalwood family! Also, just a small suggestion for Sarah -- I would like to see a little more detailed descriptions of the scents you currently have (especially for "Flutter" and "Petals"). I was a little confused as to what these products might actually smell like!

Thank you for letting me leave my opinions and thank you for a great giveaway!!

Amanda said...

The European Bath Salts sounds amazing, thanks.

Anonymous said...

White Rose Petal Soap.

damlakayi (at) yahoo.com

llinda29 said...
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clynsg said...

The Rose Petal Soaps sound lucious, but I would like to see something in either lilac or lavender scents (or both!). Also, you might consider adding a line of sachets for drawers and closets.

crystal said...
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Anonymous said...
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MageMorgana said...

I like the Swirly Birds Notecard Set ;)

ladyblue1112000[at]yahoo.com

Jessica said...

I would have to say my fav is the All-Natural Bath Tea.



kiss_of_blue@hellokitty.com

danosor said...
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Anonymous said...

I think the All Natural Bath Tea sounds interesting for a new product to try in the bath.
Elaine R
emrosser@shaw.ca

Unknown said...
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Anonymous said...
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Deborah Wellenstein said...
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Anonymous said...

The Red Rose Petal Soaps look awesome and the banners are super cute!

hebert024 at aol dot com

Judy said...
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Brittany said...

The believe bubble bath looks really nice!

Beverley said...
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janeh said...
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susan1215 said...
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Simply Sentimental said...

I love the Rose Petal Soap...I'd love to win this...I'd give it to my mom who loves taking a nice long hot bath everynight...

:)Sydnei

Anonymous said...

Annerszz101@roadrunner.com

I would love to give the Celebrate Sweet Bath Confetti to my mother. She's addicted to baths & good smelly stuff. :]

crashers525 said...
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Anonymous said...
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Maja said...

All NAtural bath tea.

angelina115@hotmail.com

Anonymous said...

Christina - xristya@rock.com - My favorite item from The Sweet Unfolding Shop is the White Rose Petal Soap which, though each one is shaped like a rose, I see comes in red, pink, and clear colors also! I have always loved roses and am certain that this fragrance would be heavenly!

EDRing said...

I would love to try the Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar, it sounds heavenly.




Ellen
eering99@hotmail.com

mverno said...
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Minute said...

My favorite product is the Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar. minute11@gmail.com

Cori Westphal said...

I think the Rose Petal Soaps sound really interesting. Thanks for the great contest!

vboackle said...
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Unknown said...
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Bunny B said...

I love the Bath Salts. Anything with a peachy scent makes me swoon! :)

bunnybx at gmail . com

getpalmd said...

Would choose bath salts, and delicate sounds good!

toughturtles said...
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Anonymous said...

The Swirly Birds Notecards are whimsical, sassy and pretty!!! Thank you for the contest!
txgigggles@yahoo.com

redfuzzycow said...

i like the swirly bird notecard set, so sweet

retellingstories said...
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tatertot374 said...

Thank you for having this! The Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar sound heavenly :) Thank you!tatertot374@sbcglobal.net

Anonymous said...
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GALENA said...
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Abby said...

Oh those banners are precious!

ajcmeyer AT go DOT com

Anonymous said...
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SeahorseLady said...
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Anonymous said...
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furygirl3132 said...

The Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar sounds really nice, I love anything Vanilla scented. Thanks so much for a great opportunity!

Eloise
furygirl3132[at]comcast[dot]net

Kari said...

Prairie Wishes notecard set are actually my favorites, thank you!!

Anonymous said...
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cathirushing said...
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pootieposh said...
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windycindy said...

Hi, I love bath and body products! Scents like I enjoy are Lavender, Vanilla, Sandalwood, Peppermint and
Lemon. Please enter me in your wonderful giveaway drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

judybrittle said...

Flutter sounds really nice. Its described like buttery on a summer day. I am really curious about the scent that sounds wonderful. Thank you so much!
judybrittle(at)aol(dot)com

kristilb19 said...

Flutter 1 oz. European Bath Salts would be great in Strawberry scent... I'd like to see that!
kristilb19@yahoo.com

Jinxy and Me said...

The White Rose Petal Soap sounds great. Would love to put it in my upstairs bathroom.

petteytiffany@yahoo.com said...

european bath salts
petteytiffany@yahoo.com

Laura said...

Great shop and my fingers are crossed to win! My favorite item was the Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar. How fun to buy for yourself, or cool to add to a friends birthday present. Thanks for a wonderful giveaway!! laurachilton {at} hotmail {dot} com

silverbele said...
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miriama said...
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Kirby McCauley said...

The yellow damask note cards are lovely!!

kaylee8 said...
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jennem said...

I like the White Rose Petal Soap.
jennem22 at yahoo dot com

bfox74 said...

My favorite is the Flutter 16 oz. European Bath Salts.

Anonymous said...

The European Bath Salts are great! Thanks! senekers@comcast.net

sweetsue said...

You have the best giveaways! I love the pretty White Rose Petal Soaps.

yyeres said...

Red Rose Petal Soap

yyeres at gmail dot com

bison61 said...

I would like to try the White Rose Petal Soap

tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com

mar said...
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msrodeobrat said...
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kygirl said...

Pink Rose Petal Soaps are my pick.

mogrill said...
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Happi Shopr said...

The yellow damask note cards are lovely. I would like the Flutter one since I love butterflies

trinitygsd at yahoo dot com

aimsbetter said...

I would love the Petal Body Wash.
sapphire712@hotmail.com

Tammy said...

their soy wax tin candles look cool - the Ruby scent sounds like it smells gret

ky2here said...
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Millie said...

The petal european bath salts sounds to die for!Or the milk natural spa set... Thanks for the chance to win such a great prize!

Millie said...

I have your button on my blog :)

Superdumb Supervillain said...

I love the letterpress damask notecards.

Anonymous said...

The Red Rose Petal Soap, thank you. Icetwofire[at]aol[dot]com

CanAmBlond said...

My favorite item is the White Rose Petal Soap. It's relaxing just saying it! Thanks for hosting!

JaniceJ said...

Both the Red Rose and White Rose Petal Soaps sound very interesting, thanks for the giveaway!

Super Fun Mama said...

Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar
is what I would love to try.

Anonymous said...

The Swirly Birds Notecard Set is classic and elegant!
doot65{at}comcast[dot]net
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

I want the 16 oz European Bath Salts.
erma.hurtt@sbcglobal.net

Kristi Price said...

I like the European bath salts in the Flutter scent. I bet that would smell fabulous. I also like how she has her bath salts bottled. Thank you for the giveaway and have a nice evening! Kristi

Anonymous said...
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Jodi said...

I would love to see Vanilla Bean as a fragrance. Great site!!!!

purehrt555(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I think the idea of the Pink Rose Petal Soap is wonderfully decadent. I can picture a bunch of these floating on my bath!

myanamink@gmail.com

Miss Spoken said...

Would love to have the Sweet Unfolding Luxe Bath Gift Set
gkstratos@yahoo.com

tlcfromtn said...

I would love to try the Goat's Milk Lotion in Indulge. Sounds really nice! Thanks for the giveaway!

Anonymous said...

I think the Palm Tree Favor Box on thesweetunfolding.com would be the perfect addition to a beach wedding!!

casper@dublin.com

Anonymous said...
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joannaonthelake said...

Great interview with Sarah! I enjoyed learning about the artist behind all her wonderful products. My favorite item from Sarah's Etsy Shop is the 4 oz. Goat's Milk Lotion in the PETAL Fragrance. I can practically smell the fragrance notes through my computer! Her products all are fantastic!
joannaonthelake@gmail.com

fancyfeet48 said...
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Anonymous said...

I would love the soy candle in the fresh scent. It's perfect for travelling.
Nycole K
knycks1@aol.com

cman said...

I love the The Sweet Unfolding Luxe Bath Gift Set :)

Cherie J said...

The Skin-Softening Solid Perfume sounds wonderful.

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Teresa690 said...
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Anonymous said...

i really like the golden swirly birds notecards set.

fertawert AT yahoo DOT com

Helen said...

I'd like to try the Goat's Milk Lotion in Delicate.

shelly1212 said...
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Anonymous said...

Skin-Softening Solid Perfume in Whisper Fragrance sounds great.
sc2466(at)comcast(dot)net

Anonymous said...

Red Rose Petal Soaps

monica_crss@yahoo.com

intime said...
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bboyle said...
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Anonymous said...
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Stacey said...

Skin-Softening Solid Perfume in Your Choice of Fragrance in Petal

Unknown said...
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Deb Anderson said...

All-natural Bath Tea sounds really relaxing and soothing. I'd love to try it, or any of the products. Great shop!

justicecw said...

I have always wanted to try a soy wax candle...they look interesting. thanks, justicecw@hotmail.com

Huguette En said...

My favorite would have to be the Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar, LOVE the smell of vanilla :)

Unknown said...

The Luxe Vanilla Bath Caviar is my favorite. garrettsambo@aol.com

michelena2000 said...
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Smooshy said...

the european bath salts look nice

Tamara B. said...

I like the Europeon Bath salts in the fragrance of Blush. Thank-you for the website link it is a wonderful site.

KLM39 said...

The Mini Gift Set in Flutter. I just bought it!

Roseann K. said...
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said...

The Welcome Banner!

autumnsensation@yahoo.com

Charity S said...

I would love to try the body lotion.

Email in blogger profile.

Thanks

Betty C said...

I'd love to try the Red Rose Petal Soap. I looks and sounds so appealing.

mkane26 said...
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Anonymous said...

I would like to see the Pink Rose Petal Soaps. Thanks for the contest.
Kathy
kathleenyohanna@hotmail.com

guysrose said...

I would love to try the skin softening perfume and the Luxurie scent sounds wonderful!
guysrose at aol dot com

Francine Anchondo said...

I would love to try the European Bath Salts . Thanks so much for the giveaway.

fmd518@inbox.com

Christine said...

I'd love to try the Goat's milk lotion. I can't decide which scent sounds better- Fresh or Petal. They both sound good. I love the packaging as well.

Unknown said...

I love all bath salts and everything rosy. Thanks!

AudreyO said...

The Red Rose Petal Soaps look great. Thanks!

Lisa said...

rose petals soap sounds so relaxing and romantic...just what this mom needs!

katybaby said...
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dhunt said...
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Unknown said...
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Aisling said...

My favorite product from The Sweet Unfolding is their freshly made organic body wash in Whisper.

Bakersdozen said...

I am interested in the bath salts, and I think the Petal scent sounds wonderful. vidomich(at)yahoo(dot)com

/\Heather/\ said...

I like the White Rose Petal Soap. Unique item to put in the guest bath.

ms-texas said...

I really like all of the stationary - especially the Damask Notecard Trio

masonsgranny59 said...

I heart the White Rose Petal Soap.

Peggy said...

Great site and Petal sounds lovely. So many pretty items,one of my favorites is the Prairie Wishes Notecard Set. Love them. Count me in to this wonderful contest

Anonymous said...

4 oz. Soy Wax Candle Tin
luckydolls123[at]verizon[dot]net

memetu said...
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Donna said...

I would like to try the goat's milk lotion in the PETAL fragrance.

Donna said...

I put you on my blog roll.

ameriqueen said...

Blossom soothing bath milk would be a great escape from a long day!

Charlene Kuser said...

I would love to try the Skin-Softening Solid Perfumee in Linger.
I love the organization and display
of products on this website.
Everything is elgantly packaged
as well.Please enter me and thanks


CharlieGurl57@aol.com

KristenH said...

My favorite item is the Skin-Softening Solid Perfume in Your Choice of Fragrance. The FLUTTER fragrance sounds like it smells great and I wish I could try it out. This is a great giveaway and I really hope I win. Thanks.
girlof80s@aol.com