amy g. Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 (edited) As most of you already know, my almost 18 year old has Autism, and multiple learning disabilities. The psychologist who tested her, recommended that we start the paperwork for her to be on permanent disability. That is not something she was comfortable with, at all, so we helped her to start her own company raising show goats, and selling goat milk soap. This past weekend, she had a big show that was 30 hours over Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Everything imaginable went wrong. It poured Thursday night, and her assigned spot was flooded, so she was moved across the street behind a field almost out of sight from the food and music. Friday, as soon as she set up, it poured again, and we had to go back home. Saturday, she got sunburned, and we went for hours without a single customer even walking by her booth. She made sales to almost everyone who came by, but there just were not enough people. The vendors around us started just leaving because it wasn't worth their time with so few people. There was plenty of grumbling because we all paid a high booth fee to get on, and they could not sell enough to make that up. Instead of giving up, my daughter asked the coordinator if she could take a basket of soap across the street where the music and food was, and sell there. She made more in 2 hours doing that than we had for the 9 hours before. She also put broken soap in the bathrooms with a sign for people to visit our booth if they liked it. On Sunday, there were even fewer vendors who bothered to show back up. There was a huge trail ride, to the festival, where they had a sermon, Christian bands and a Bar B Q. The remaining vendors were excited to see how many customers showed up on Sunday. Unfortunately, they did not want to leave their horses, to cross the street and shop. So the booths still got very little traffic, except for people searching for us because they loved the soap in the bathroom, or the ones that had already bought from her basket, but wanted to see the larger selection of scents at the booth. The event coordinator stopped me to tell me how impressed she was with Dd's persistence and work ethic. The vending coordinator for her big 8 week festival, kept telling her how great she was doing. Some women approached her about vending at their Yacht club in November. When everyone else was packing, up, there she was, still selling to the people who were picking up litter, and had just gotten off work. Another vendor approached her, and said that she has a masters in marketing, and she will be available to answer questions, or give advice anytime, because she really wanted to see Dd's company grow. When we got home, and counted money, she had made 5 times her booth fee. Much better than the established adult vendors there. I'm just so proud that my child who used to not even be able to look at strangers, much less talk to them was able to push herself out of her comfort zone. I'm so happy that she didn't just say, "This sucks, let's go home." like so many other people did. I'm so proud that the first grade teacher who told me, "She is never going to make it." was so very wrong. I'm excited about the doors that are opening up for her, despite her being "different". Come celebrate with me! Edited June 12, 2012 by amy g. I found more typos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FaithManor Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party::party:SWEET! Faith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Annie G Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 What a great young woman your daughter is!! Some of the most hard working, determined young people I know are kids/young adults with special needs. With your daughter's attitude, she's going to go far!!! Congrats to you both. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Caitilin Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 What a beautiful and uplifting story, Amy! Congratulations to Miss Good, and you and Mr. Amy for doing such a great job. :grouphug: and :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Heatherwith4 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That's wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dana Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That's wonderful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ssavings Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That's wonderful!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soror Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! :iagree: That is just wonderful, good for her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Missouri Okie Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks. That story made my day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Country Mouse Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! :iagree: Thank you for sharing that. You have every reason to brag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted June 11, 2012 Author Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks, Everyone. If you are on facebook, you can see her pictures and like her page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Dog-Dairy/124762224219698 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blessed Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Amy your daughter is an inspiration! It's amazing what she did, with all the challenges she's faced and all the negative things that have been spoken over her. She's like the bumble bee who doesn't know he shouldn't be able to fly. Thanks for sharing! Sharon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thescrappyhomeschooler Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks, Everyone. If you are on facebook, you can see her pictures and like her page. https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dancing-Dog-Dairy/124762224219698 Thanks for sharing! The Renaissance Fair booth was awesome! Loved the flower pot idea. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
didadeewiththree Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! :iagree:This is wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SpecialClassical Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 What a wonderful result of your family's love and guidance for your precious girl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KS_ Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :hurray: That's really wonderful! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Girls' Mom Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That's awesome! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NicksMama-Zack's Mama Too Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party: Thank you for sharing your daughter's story! It's very inspiring. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dandelion Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Your daughter sounds like an amazing young woman - good for her! As the mom of a boy on the autism spectrum, I especially appreciate hearing stories like this (I teared up while reading too!). With that kind of drive and determination (and fantastic natural business/marketing instincts from the sound of it), she'll go far! :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
misidawnrn Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That is fantastic!!! What a good girl! (and what a good mama for raising such a good girl!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hmvaughan4 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That's great! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtsmamtj Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party: Thank you for sharing your daughter's story! It's very inspiring. :iagree: - :party::party::party:REJOICING WITH YOU!!!! T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spaceman Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That is a very touching story, thanks for sharing. She's quite inspirational! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catherine Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I am in tears!! Congratulations to your persistent and hardworking daughter. And to you, of course!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Desert Rat Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks for sharing your awesome story! What an inspiration to those of us with quirky kids. We need more success stories. I'm so happy for you and your lady. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juniper Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 You have an AMAZING family!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JenC3 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I would incredibly impressed with a nonaustic dd who did what yours did. Way to go mama, you've helped her to be i a place most kids are not. Bravo to you both! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Oh Amy, that's awesome! Good for her! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jean in Newcastle Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Her story gave me happy tears. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
angela in ohio Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Job well done! :hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mom2denj Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 This story put big happy tears in my eyes!! I am so happy for her. I wish her many blessings in the future!!! Oh, and as far as her first grade teacher:thumbdown: There is always hope!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Walking-Iris Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :D I also refuse to believe my ds's dx is any excuse to do any less than our best. Even when I suffer under desires to protect my ds. When he freaked out during his first soccer game and the coach pulled him to me and I said he didn't have to do it if he didn't want to and he sucked up his tears and firmly said "no I want to play" and went back into the fray. Happy for your dd! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaz Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thanks. That story made my day. :iagree: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurker Bee Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Yep, the story brought me to tears. I will have to share this with my family. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 I'm so happy that she didn't just say, "This sucks, let's go home." like so many other people did. I'm so proud that the first grade teacher who told me, "She is never going to make it." was so very wrong. I'm excited about the doors that are opening up for her, despite her being "different". Come celebrate with me! This is sooo good on so many levels. Incidentally, did you know that one of Billy Graham's teachers also said: "He's never going to amount to anything" :001_smile:? This shows what persistence and perseverance can accomplish in adverse circumstances! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ktgrok Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Your post made me cry. Bless her and you. And where is the link to buy soap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigMamaBird Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 You got me tearing up over here! Way to go girl!! And good job to you too Mama! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted June 11, 2012 Author Share Posted June 11, 2012 Thank you so much for the encouragement. Her website is Dancingdogdairy.com Ds designed it for her years ago, and part of her rigidity is not wanting to change anything about it to make it more streamlined, and easy to use. It took her so long to learn how to update it that she does not want to go through that all over again with a new version. The good news is that she was actually listening to the vendor about marketing. The woman explained how Miss Good is actually losing money when she ships. Dd admitted that she knew that, but couldn't figure out how to fix it. I'm hopeful that she will be willing to let up a little of her fear-based control and make the changes she needs to make. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whereneverever Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 She sounds amazing! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hockey Mom Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! Mine too. What an inspiration!!! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jennifer L Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 That brought tears to my eyes! What a wonderful girl! Now I want to see her soaps! :iagree: Congratulations to you and your daughter!! Very inspiring! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weat4 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Wonderful! I'm going to share this with my kiddos ~ how inspiring! Please let us know if she gets an on-line store. Julie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yslek Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party: What an encouraging post! Thank you for sharing, and good for your dd. :) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Amy, your daughter sounds wonderful. :001_smile: Any chance she has an online shop for her soap? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swellmomma Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party: Does your dd do online sales? Reading this just made my day! It gives me hope for my own special needs kids, especially the one that I have been told since he was 5 years old will never make it, is unteachable, will never stand on his own 2 feet in this world. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
********* Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Ah, I went back and read the whole thread, and found your post where you put her website. Yes, it does need some updating. It's a bit confusing to order from. For example, if I were to order 'Creamsicle' soap, is the price for one bar? it's not clear. More pictures of the actual product would be good. Man I wish I lived in Texas. You all have a nice farm. :001_smile: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
besroma Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 How wonderful! :party: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Teachin'Mine Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 Mine too. What an inspiration!!! Ditto! Congratulations to her - her hard work, persistence, and ingenuity paid off!!! :hurray::party::hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeatherM2 Posted June 11, 2012 Share Posted June 11, 2012 :party::hurray::hurray: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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