Transitioning from Nursing to Becoming a Full-time Natural Self-Care Entrepreneur.

Nearly 30 years in the making — this is the chapter I’m closing with love.

After nearly 30 years as a registered nurse, I’ve made the life-changing decision to retire from the profession that once was my calling. I became a nurse while my children were growing up — they were between the ages of 5 and 15 when I entered nursing school. In fact, the year I graduated with my nursing degree, my oldest child graduated from high school. Earning that degree was the second greatest achievement of my life, and caring for hundreds of patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and in their own homes was truly an honor. The first greatest achievement of my life was raising my young children as a single mom for years before I remarried.

I am originally from Queens, New York, and moved to Maine soon after my divorce to start a new chapter for my family. Some years into my nursing career, I remarried and presently my husband and I live in the country in Maine where I grow organic herbs that I use in my handmade soaps, salves, and body products — drawing on the healing power of nature that surrounds me.

Organic herbs harvested from my garden to be used in my products.

But time moves quickly. Three decades have passed, and with them, I’ve walked through life’s joys and heartbreaks — including the tragic loss of my daughter, Elena Lozada. Elena dreamed of opening “Lena’s House,” a safe and healing home for young women recovering from substance abuse. Today, that dream lives on in me — and in everything I create. In Elena's honor, a scholarship fund has been established in her name at Northern Maine Community College. This scholarship supports students who are living with mental health challenges, a portion of my business proceeds help fund this ongoing tribute to her legacy and spirit.

Her dream lives on in every step I take.

My goal now is to spend more time with my children and grandchildren, friends and family and tp care for my own health and my husband's health, while building a business rooted in healing and love.

That’s why I’m turning my longtime passion for handcrafted, all-natural bath and body products into a full-time business — Soapinapouchandcandles.com.

Every batch is made slowly and soulfully, using herbs I grow and ingredients I trust. This is self-care from the roots up.

To reflect this new chapter, I’ve combined my former candle company, So Happy Soy Candles, with my soap brand Soapinapouch. The result is one unified name: Soapinapouchandcandles.com — a place where nourishing skincare and hand-poured candles come together in harmony. While some of my candle labels may still say So Happy Soy Candles, rest assured they’re the same high-quality creations, now under one heartfelt brand.

🌟 What’s Next: A New Chapter Begins

The limited-edition $100 Self-Care Gift Box — filled with over $150 worth of handmade bath, body, and candle products. Every box supports my journey from nursing to full-time self-care artisan.

To kick off this journey, I’m offering a limited-edition $100 Self-Care Gift Box, filled with over $150 worth of luxurious, small-batch products — including natural soaps, a body butter, a cleansing bath oil, a balm, shower steamers, facial oil and a soy candle. There are other products too with this gift set.

• 🌿 Free U.S. Shipping

• 🏱 Beautifully gift-boxed

Your gift box arrives in a stunning white or blush pink keepsake box, finished with your choice of a ribbon in lavender, pink or white.m

• ♻️ Bonus: The first 10 customers will receive a free eco-friendly cosmetic travel bag, made from recycled plastic

As a special thank-you, the first 10 orders will include this refined, eco-conscious cosmetic bag — a graceful companion for your natural self-care rituals.

Every purchase supports my dream of building a thriving, sustainable business while honoring my daughter’s legacy — and helps me take one more step away from burnout and toward a life I truly love.

💕 Will You Help Me Make the Leap?

If my story speaks to you, I invite you to browse my shop, explore the collection, and share with a friend who loves natural, handmade self-care.

More products will be added as I continue my transition from nurse to full-time small business owner.

Thank you for being part of this journey.With gratitude,Carrie