If supporting small family businesses that make quality, environmentally friendly, natural products is your thing then Apple Valley Natural Soap is definitely for you! I am always so inspired by the families behind every family business, probably because I’m a part of one and I know how much sacrifice and team effort goes into the operation. I also think it’s essential to acknowledge each role a family member plays in a family business, every person is needed. Which is why I’m so excited to be featuring one of Marianne’s lovely and talented “right-hand-daughters” for this feature: Amanda!

Who Runs Social Media For AVNS?

If you haven’t already guessed, it’s Amanda! Amanda uses her years of social media experience to plan, create, and schedule visually captivating posts for Instagram and Facebook. She spends her time brainstorming new content ideas, creating stunning visuals, and making sure the AVNS social media and weekly newsletter are cohesive. If you aren’t following us already, be sure to follow Apple Valley Natural Soap on Instagram and Facebook!

As mentioned, she also took over the weekly newsletter! Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter so you don’t miss all of the updates, content, and products each week.

Born Into The Business

Amanda is no stranger to AVNS products and some of her favorites include the body butters and sugar scrubs, but she explains that a lot more goes into a family business than just testing fun new products and giving the daughter seal of approval, “The most challenging thing about being involved in my family business is having it take over a large part of our lives, conversations, and planning.” To Amanda, this sacrifice is worth it. “The most rewarding part is simply being able to see the fruits of our labor pay off and the experiences we get to have thanks to the business.” What does this look like? Amanda says that her favorite family pastimes are road trips and family adventures, “It can be a little bit crazy, but it’s always such a fun time.”

In the midst of taking care of her role in the family business, Amanda makes time to grow in other interest areas of her life. She recently made the move to Ohio with her husband, following the Lords calling placed on their hearts. “Ii has been quite the adjustment especially being away from family and the business but being the social media and newsletter manager it hasn’t been too tricky to navigate the changes. I am learning ot enjoy our new hometown and I have enjoy spending extra time with my husband during this transition. I am loving trying new shops and coffee spots, working out, making new friends through our new church community and spending time out of doors.” She values the practice of a balanced lifestyle just like her mom, and this isn’t the only thing she’s learned from her hardworking boss and mother, “I have been able to see how difficult and rewarding owning a small business can be. Both my mom and I have entrepreneurial spirits and it is fun to see how she has taken this business and grown it into what it is today. I have seen the dedication, long hours, and sacrifice it takes to run a business of your own.”

Of course, I always have to ask my favorite question:

If There was a bar of soap called the “Amanda Bar”, what would the ingredient list feature and how would you describe the finished product?

“If there was a bar of soap called the Amanda Bar, it would be a salt bar that targeted exfoliation with fine salt, anti-bacterial properties that heals skin blemishes like acne, but also adding moisturizing oils back into to the skin finished off with a fresh, muted, floral and warm scents with lavender and cardamom, sea salt, and vanilla.”

Who else wants to see this bar hit the shelves? I know I do!

Much Love,

Nora