Teach Soap

Hi fellow Soapers and those yet to be, like me! My name is Tony AND a stroke survivor of 10yrs this coming October and I live in the Bahamas.

I’m trying to get into this awesome world of soap making etc. (1) out of part necessity (I have very DRY skin) and (2) part to fulfill the “Entrepreneurial Spirit” that lurks within.

I am embarking on a “NEW” business venture selling African made products and soaps etc. and especially wants to dabble heavily into the use of Shea Butter, Vitamin E, Honey & Aloe as my base ingredient and go from there by adding anything that is viewed as “natural ingredients” in my creations.

And here’s my question; is this an “Over Kill” and should these “Butters” be “RAW” or “Refined”?

I’ve taken my thoughts outside and, my mouth has gotten me in trouble so-to-speak when I made mention to the Nurses that attended to me the other day at the clinic by telling them of my plans of crafting soaps to their “Personal Specs”.

They all thought it was a great idea and wanted to know when I will start! Well, the journey begins now! So now the million dollar question is this practical?

The way I see it, I will create a “Package Deal”: 3 Bars of soap, 1 Shampoo, 1 Conditioner and 1 Lip Balm then throw in a dram of body oil…all based on the “Theme” of ingredients of their choosing…once again is this practical and is anyone doing something similar.

Please be WARNED I’m not short on questions or ideas…I just want to know from you experts if this is viable and where should I start…I’ve already seen from the Soap Queen that M&P would be the simplest way to get going so I’ll be ordering a kit and dabble a bit!

Many thanks in advance for your able assistance!

Oleislesoaps & TonyC

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OleIsleSoaps & TonyC

Willing To Learn What Will BE!

are you going to import from africa or are you creating the soaps and products

Hi Philly, And thanks for asking.

No but, I would hope to someday to order directly from Africa...do you have or know a source?

Meanwhile since I'm just getting started I'm using and . I've tried the Dudu Osun & the natural Black African soaps and the Shealoe creme is what to doctor ordered so-to-speak. They are all SUPER!!!

Also tell me, could " Fragrance Body Oils" like Egyptian Musk be used to scent soaps etc.

What do you think of my plans...are they to far fetched

Thanks again for weighing in!

TonyC

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OleIsleSoaps & TonyC

Willing To Learn What Will BE!

First let me say welcome to the forum and I envy you your warm location! I also applaud your ambition and your “Entrepreneurial Spirit”. That being said though, IMHO you are putting the cart before the horse. First thing to do is to study so that you will be able to say if you want to use refined or raw ingredients and why you are making your choice. Then, how do you make these things and what ingredients will you use? It isn't enough to say that you want to use shea and aloe and whatever else you are going to use in soap, shampoo and lotion, you have to know how to use those ingredients, as well as the others you will need. You also need to know the why of certain ingredients, as well as the why you'd better not use other ingredients. Then there is the fragrancing part of the equation. If you are using only natural ingredients you will need to know a LOT before you can safely add essential oils to any product or you can hurt people.

I am not trying to be mean or dash your dreams, I am just suggesting that you hit the books before jumping in with both feet.

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy

Hey Tammy...You're my kinda a Gal.!

yes....I know I'm putting the "Cart before the Horse", I'm just wondering if MY "Plan" stand a chance in the "REAL" Soaper's World!

I should also have said that's my M.O. I love to DREAM and get myself in trouble sometimes but Madam...your point is well taken and it will be followed up on....I love product knowledge...the how's and the wherefores etc.

No fear of dashing my hopes...we do have Soapers here ( in Bahamas) but I don't see them touting their wares in a "Direct Way" (Marketing) and if they are out there...please COME TOWARD THE LIGHT!

PS: Check out my signature! And thanks ever so much!

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OleIsleSoaps & TonyC

Willing To Learn What Will BE!

Tony, evey great idea starts as a dream - sometimes small and sometimes we just jump in with both feet. My question to you is: do you have the energy, time and finances to start this? If yes then why not try it? The idea could work and if not you can change or redevelop it. Either way you will have learnt and accomplished something.

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Susie
Sometimes A Mistake is so much fun, You just have to do it again!

I would study the properties of each oil or butter to see what it brings to the table. Not everyone likes black soap and from what I have sampled, there are different qualities available since black soap is made differently by each person or group. I've tried some soaps that were strong enough (lye heavy) that could do some serious damage to the skin.

Nothing wrong with dreaming, but please do your homework and have everything else in place. I don't know what the rules and regs are in your place, but here I need a business licence, a resale license, be registered with the Franchise Tax board since I collect taxes and have liability insurance. Soap just isn't make something and sell it tomorrow.

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Irena
Closed minds are like faulty parachutes; they refuse to open.

I am glad that you are willing to teach yourself and more importantly, that you realize the potential hazards of proceeding without as much knowledge as possible! As for your dreaming, go for it! While it is not a dream you can have today and have product to sell tomorrow, no dream without good hard work succeeds anyway. As for your "marketing plan", well that will take a little more investigation and work on your part before you can see if it is truly feasible. As someone already suggested, you will need to check into what the regulations are where you live. There are big picture things, like knowledge about the craft, then there are things like what you are required/not required to put on labels.
While you are teaching yourself about the properties/cautions/and the interactions of the ingredients you intend to use work, you may want to investigates suppliers that would be able to service you, and at what cost. Once you have the general concepts and an idea of what it will take to make the products, you can begin to see if this is a business endeavor you can swing financially and work load wise. Marketing is way down the road.
The short answer is yes you can do it. But the long answer may be that you don't want to or can't because of regulations, funds, etc. It may also be that you will end up wanting to make one product and not all that you mentioned, or you may begin with one and add more later. By all means, if this interests you, pursue your dream! But you know I have to add, do your homework first.
Much luck and keep us informed!

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Remember, it's not just that we weather the storm, but how we dance in the rain.

Tammy