Expert: Terry Knorr - 11/14/2006

Question
I have started making my own soaps as a hobby, I have even learned through the Internet how to make my own soap base to save money on buying it from a hobby store.  I was wandering what it would take to start a business doing this as an extra income. I enjoy making soap, I find it very relaxing and rewarding when my products turn out the way I want them to.  I just really don't know how to get started letting everyone else enjoy my product. I have given them to family members and they loved them and have asked for more. I think this would be a very rewarding career for me if I could figure out how to get started.
Thank you
Kim

Answer
Hi Kim!

There are a many ways to get started.  Choosing the "right" way is a matter of understanding your market and being creative and even a little daring.

To help you on the right path, I'd recommend contacting your local chamber of commerce.  These are people with a considerable amount of business experiance and are there to help you succeed.

You might also want to look into the handcrafted soapmaker's guild.  If you do a search for them on the internet, you should have no trouble finding them.

I would also suggest that you consider buying The Soapmaker's Companion by Susan Miller Cavitch.  It is published by Storey Publishing and is an excellent book.

I hope I've been some help to you. If I can help further, feel free to contact me again.

Have a great day.
Terry