Hi everyone! I'd like to just say hi and introduce myself as a soaping newbie!
I've been researching and want to get into Cold Process soap making for about 2 years, however didn't have the incentive to finance the space, time and investment in this potential hobby. I'm super excited to be making the leap - which was actually spurred on by my two children.
Both of my children (boy, 9 years old, girl 7 years old) were diagnosed in 2011 with Celiac's Disease - which means a completely gluten-free diet and lifestyle. One thing we keep running into is the use of bath and body products and questionable gluten content. While some research points to the protein not being absorbed - anything that can go in the mouth (soap, shampoo, etc) has been something of a concern. My children and I sat down to figure out some solutions and they asked about making our own soap and "bath stuff". As we discussed the idea, and I mentioned we'd make more than we could use, their entrepreneurial spirits kicked in and we formulated a loose business plan that includes selling at local Farmer's Markets and creating a website to sell our wares.
Our basic plan is based on "all natural" ingredients - so no artificial colors and fragrance oils. I know that limits us in some ways, but after much discussion, we decided this would be one of our differentiators from some of the other soap makers out there. I think our first soap recipes will be experiments with 80% castille.
As pet owners (we live on an acreage) we also decided we're going to try and develop a pet line - shampoo bars, and products centered around Neem Oil, Tea tree oil, Charcoal as well as unscented.
As an internet entrepreneur myself (I'm an online business manager, specializing in operations and systems support for 6-figure coaches), I feel like this is a great way for me to get into this hobby while at the same time, teaching my children about running their own business. If we start making a decent revenue, then even better. I'm hoping my background in biochemistry (my major in college) will come in handy in this new venture.
I'm meeting with an acquaintance and buying out her entire soaping inventory and supplies on March 1. She was a soaper, stopped last year and has hundreds of dollars worth of scent and oils, butters, packaging in addition to the equipment she used, including molds. I thought this would be a great way to get started - since even if the oils are starting to get to the end of their shelf lives.. they'll be good enough fodder for our first experiments.
We haven't actually started batching soap yet! And we know it's going to be several months before we're ready to even think about selling. But that's where we are. Hoping to learn from all of you and become part of this community over the next weeks and months!
~Crystal
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Best of luck to you! And welcome!
