Support Local Artisans and Entrepreneurship
Macomb County needs this valuable resource for local artisans, local retail gift and specialties shop and creative gathering spot.
Project Description
- Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties is a wholesale candle making supply start up that was established to provide a strongly needed resource for local artisans. Before Silver Moon, the alternatives have been to drive an hour+ or order online, paying high shipping rates while waiting for needed supplies. Additionally, we offer an awesome and unique retail section, stocked with artisan crafted gifts and specialties all “made in Macomb County” (many by the wholesale customers) as well as custom orders for special events and business promotion. Wait, that’s not all! There’s also a fun, inspirational, creative space where classes and parties are hosted and, local artisans and small business owners meet to create, support and collaborate.
- About this time last summer, when presented with opportunity, I made the decision to take a leap of faith and bring to life the business model that I had been contemplating and documenting for more than 5 years. Being a "first" in the area, I knew the business would not be an overnight sensation and there would be unexpected setbacks. However, I never could have predicted the list that presented itself in the first six months, the most critical time of starting a new business. While all impacted cash flow at some level, the most impactful has been the alleged "maintenance" on the “Great Sinkhole of 2017” (located next door to the plaza and was claimed to have been “fixed right” over 2 years ago). The county public works department literally shut down the main entrance to the plaza for over 4 months, blocking the driveway with a sewage pipe that they've since buried. In other words, 4 months of expenses with little to no income. **As of today, the public works office refuses to answer any of the multiple inquires for information and compensation for months of lost business (a written request for damages has been made and was forwarded to their legal department to scare me off).
- Despite these setbacks and LOTS of sleepless nights, the decision to hang tough, “stay the course”, adjust and adapt, etc. was made as, we were finally able to get the driveway open (although the work continues), business IS steadily picking up and nearly every person who has stopped in the store has commented on how much they love it, how glad they are it’s here and that they'll be back. Candle making parties and classes are happening, people are coming to shop for gifts in our retail section, artisans are coming to purchase their wholesale supplies locally and are making Silver Moon Bath & Spa their supplier of choice. In other words, the indicators are present that this business has the ability to sustain and positively impact the community as intended.
- Although there has been a steady upward trend, the monthly income/cash flow is still not yet where it needs to be and, we are in need of working capital as we prepare for the “busy season” that will start later this summer and continue through the end of the year (nearly 75% of candles are made and sold during this time). This capital will allow us to meet monthly expenses as well as increasing necessary inventory for the fall/winter candle making season. It's important to share that a great deal of time and effort has been spent searching for funding that might be available for a “single parent, long haul COVID survivor, woman-owned start up” and more than several grants have been applied for. Unfortunately, grants are extremely competitive and generally get awarded to more established businesses. Because Silver Moon is a new start-up, SBA loans are also not an option.
- When I found Ifundwomen.com, I was hoping there was going to be a group of “angel investors” who were just looking for cool crowdfunding campaigns and would think “hey, I believe in that Silver Moon Bath & Spa business model and want to help them succeed”. However, after attending the info seminar, I discovered that’s not how it works and, initially abandoned the idea. In the seminar, we were instructed to send our campaign to everyone in our contact lists so, because I believe in what this business has to offer and I believe in the local artisans who are counting on it to help build their businesses, that’s what I’m doing.
- I get "times are tough", everyone is asking for something, it's impossible to contribute to everything and do not expect that everyone (or even most) who receives this will participate in this campaign. I do hope that if you think there’s something offered at Silver Moon Bath & Spa that might be of value, you will give this some serious consideration. I also hope you to consider sharing this with those who may be able to help and benefit from this campaign. Perhaps you know someone who’s getting married and might need favors for a wedding or shower, a girl scout leader who might want to book a party for the troop, a small business that may need promotional products (business card lip balms, “welcome home” candles for real estate agents, etc.). Please forward the link because, in essence, all anyone is doing is paying now for products and services later. This is also a great opportunity to purchase gift certificates for gifts, incentives, etc.
- Because “crowdfunding” feels an awful lot like begging to me and, I would rather crawl through broken glass than ask for anything (especially without something in return), for every dollar contributed, a Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties gift certificate, equal to the amount of the contribution, will be “rewarded”. Gift certificates may be redeemed toward anything for sale in the store (retail and wholesale), as well as custom orders, classes and parties. You do not have to be local as retail products, kits and custom orders can be shipped. Gift certificates will be issued digitally within a week of receipt of a contribution and may be used immediately.
- Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties thanks you for your consideration, contribution and, most of all, your confidence in this small business as well as all the small businesses associated with it.
- Below are some photos from a recent make your own fairy globe class held at the store. New photos will be added over the next few weeks to see more of what Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties has to offer to the community.
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Will be updated as questions are asked.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Just Because I Care
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Rewards
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Just Because I Care
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.
Gift certificates may be used toward anything for sale at Silver Moon Bath & Spa Specialties, as well as classes, parties, and custom orders. Gift certificates will be rewarded digitally no later than 7 business days after a contribution is received and may be used immediately. Gift certificates may not be exchanged for cash.