subject: How To Start A Home Soap-making Business [print this page] To begin a home soap-making business, you must have some specific equipment. You may already have some of these things on hand. Most of the items are not difficult to find, and can be located in a grocery or hardware store. You'll need:
* A large-capacity, stainless steel stock pot or canning cauldron. It should be able to hold at least several quarts of liquid easily.
* Eye-protection. Welder's goggles or other types of industrial safety glasses/goggles will work.
* Hand protection, such as rubber gloves.
* A candy/liquid thermometer.
* A long-handled stainless steel spoon for stirring. Make sure it doesn't have any plastic parts.
* Stainless steel measuring cups and spoons.
* A kitchen scale.
* One or two large glass or ceramic bowls with handles for easy pouring.
* Sodium hydroxide, also known as lye.
* Soap molds and a soap cutter or stainless steel knife.
Once you've amassed the right equipment, you'll need to hunt down some soap recipes. Most large bookstores carry books on soap-making, which include how-to hints, tips and recipes. They also usually include glossaries of terms related to soap-making and explanations of different types of oils, fats and essential oils that are typically used to create soap. You can also find recipes on the Internet, but it's highly recommended that you purchase one of these books when you're first starting your home soap-making business.
Next, experiment with a few different recipes. Different soaps use different types of base oils/fats. Lard, shortening, vegetable and olive oil are the most common, but most any oil can be turned into soap. Experimenting with different fats gives you practice and helps you discover what kinds of fats you prefer to work with.
Be sure that you always follow the instructions very carefully when making soap. Sodium hydroxide is extremely caustic and flammable. Always wear gloves and protective eyewear to avoid burning the skin and the eyes. Work in a well-ventilated area (open a kitchen window, turn on your overhead vent) to avoid inhaling sodium hydroxide fumes.
Once you've perfected your technique, begin looking for places to market your products. Soaps made from all-natural and/or organic ingredients are hot sellers at craft fairs and natural food/health stores. Sign up for a table at some local craft fairs. You can also approach the owners of natural food/health stores in your area to see if they would be willing to carry your products in their stores.
You can also try selling your soap online. Internet auction sites are a great place to start. Eventually, you may be able to expand your home soap-making business and build your own website from which to sell your products. However you choose to market your products, a home soap-making business can be very fulfilling.
by: Scott Lindsay
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