So what's the deal with Canard Labs? Why choose such a random name? It is... but then it isn't. What you know of today's Canard Labs started off as Baby Duck Soap Co. in 2012.

When I started our business, I named it after the most important people in my life: my husband and son. My husband grew up with the nickname Baby Duck. Liam inherited the nickname when he was born. Naturally it only made sense at the time to name it after them.

Selling for the first two years as Baby Duck Soap Co. was interesting. Most people thought my products were only for babies or children. The biggest turning point was when I was accused of being a murderer at a local Oregon Marketplace. Apparently, someone thought that I was luring baby ducks into my home, murdering them, then turning them into soap. I wish this was a joke (and yes sometimes people would crack that joke) but this gal was quite serious. This prompted the rebrand to Canard Labs.

Why Canard? I wanted to keep the 'duck' in my name. Canard is French for duck! Labs makes sense since soap making is a blend of creativity and chemistry. Not to mention the science behind formulating all of the other products.

So there it is. The story behind the name. More importantly then what the name means is what goes into it's creation. I live and breathe every single design aspect of Canard Labs. Everything has been tweaked and well thought out. From the triple dots in the logo to the color coded dots identifying each product. I love what I've created just as much as I love my family. It's brought me clarity and happiness that I didn't know existed. I hope that when people lay their eyes on it, they see the same joy and love that I see.

I'm at home relaxing with my son, puppy and cat while watching Word World and reflecting on the past week. Oh my goodness so much has happened in such a short amount of time. Let's start with a West Elm update.
As you all know I just recently pitched West Elm in Portland. I was contacted at the beginning of the week to learn that I am scheduled to sell my products via pop-up on October 8th from 1-4pm!!! If you live in or around Portland, I'd love to see you there.

I've been busy adding a brand new baby line to the shop this week as well! The same booty butter and baby powder I used on my little guy is now available at the shop. I've made a very special soap fragranced with Lavender + Chamomile made with coconut milk formulated especially for wee ones. It's called Serene and I hope you love it as much as I do!
We've also added some amazing locally crafted, Eco-friendly wooden teething rattles made by Earnest Efforts. Soon I'll be adding handmade baby blankets, bibs and more to round out the collection.

But wait there's more... This week just keeps getting better and better! The newest member of the Canard Labs family started training this week. Her name is Amy and I'm elated that she's joined us in our quest to grow our business and build relationships with us. Amy is wicked smart, loves all things outdoors and lifting heavy stuff. She's witty with a side of snark and has already mastered the art of making bath bombs! You'll see her at the shop on Wednesdays and Fridays. Once she's ready, she'll be running the shop on Sundays when we transition to being open 7 days a week!! Be sure to stop by and say hi.

I'll leave you with the biggest piece of information this week:
WE ARE MOVING TO COOS BAY
We're so excited for the move. We live in Coos Bay so we're excited to be able to walk to work. We live our current spot and will miss our neighbors tremendously, but this move was one that made sense for our family. I hope that you'll be as excited as we are. We'll be closed the last two days in August as we move the shop over. We'll reopen in the new location on September 1.

June was crazy and I loved every moment of it! From our appearances at the Coos Bay Farmers Market to a quick wholesale pitch to West Elm in Portland to hiring a new team member, it has been a whirlwind. 

Clay has been charming people *almost* every Wednesday at the Market.  We've been selling at the Market for the last 3 years.  We love the people and the energy that surrounds us each Wednesday.

Earlier in month, I applied for an open call to local makers in Oregon from West Elm.  West Elm is my white whale shop.  I LOVE it!! To be in their shop would be pretty incredible.  I was FLOORED when I received an email from West Elm in Portland to pitch my line of products to them.  I drove a total of 10 hours, round-trip to pitch for 13 minutes.  Totally worth it.  I'll know in about two weeks if anything comes of it.  At the end of the day, I had an amazing opportunity to pitch my white whale.  I am a happy gal!

After a lengthy search and many interviews... I'm elated to announce that we have hired a new team member here at Canard Labs.  I can't wait to introduce you all to her! Stay tuned to find out more about Amy.