Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild conference

Hey there, fellow soapers. If you’ve ever found yourself raising your hand because you’re neck-deep in questions and on a wild journey, this one’s for you!  Yep, been there, done that – and guess what? You’re not alone. Let’s dive into a candid chat about the twists, turns, and bubbles of running a handmade soap business. And trust me, it’s a tale worth sharing. Before we get started here are some resources for anyone who is just starting out.

Choosing A Name For Your Soap Business

Thinking of starting a soap making business?

10 Things You Need To Know Before Starting A Soap Making Business

Soap Making Business  Organizing Your Soap Lab

Been There, Done That: My Soapy Odyssey

Picture this: Over three decades of toiling away for others, navigating the stress-filled, hustle-bustle of a demanding job. Sound familiar? Well, let me tell you – I’ve been right there with you. And here’s the kicker – somehow, amidst all that chaos, I found myself evolving into a soap-making dynamo, crafting a business out of it. But let me set the record straight – this wasn’t my childhood dream, and creativity wasn’t exactly my middle name.

Confession time: I wasn’t the artsy, crafty kid. Nope, not me. I wasn’t painting masterpieces, stitching up wonders, or churning out mouthwatering cakes. Nope, I was more of a toy car than a doll kind of person. I was all about the great outdoors, spending hours in the garden, inspecting bugs, and unearthing slow worms from the compost heap. My teenage years? Welly boots and adventures with ponies and pups.

From Unlikely Beginnings to Uncharted Territories

Fast forward a bit, and here I am, a soap-making entrepreneur. How did I get here? Well, life has a funny way of evolving, doesn’t it? I stumbled upon my creative side later in life, just like so many of us do. And being the stubborn mule I am, I decided to make it work in my favor. Plus, let’s be real – the thought of escaping the grind of a 9-to-5 job was a pretty strong motivator.

But let’s get real – the journey behind the scenes has been a rollercoaster. Expectations? Oh boy, they had their own agenda. The reality? Well, that’s where things got interesting. So, let’s embark on a whistle-stop tour of what I thought it would be versus what it turned out to be. Trust me, the grand finale is worth the ride!

Great Expectations vs. Bittersweet Reality

Expectation: Running a soap business is a cakewalk compared to my day job. Reality: Soap business – challenging, multi-faceted, and definitely not your 9-to-5 gig. Sometimes reactive, not proactive, and often heading in unexpected directions.

Expectation: I can bid adieu to my day job and rock the soap-making business. Reality: Figuring out how to make your soap venture big enough to leave the day job? It’s like solving one of those crazy impossible puzzles! 

Expectation: No more being tied to a desk – freedom at last! Reality: Newsflash – I’m still spending 75% of my time shackled to the desk. From social media to emails, blogs to stock control – it’s a desk-bound marathon.

Expectation: Fun, creative soap-making whenever the mood strikes. Reality: Practicing new recipes and creating products? Yeah, not as easy as it sounds. Time constraints? Oh, they’re real.

Expectation: Freedom to work flexibly on my terms. Reality: Without a somewhat structured work week, things unravel fast, and the ball starts dropping left and right.

Expectation: Craft shows – the highlight of my soap business journey! Reality: Craft shows = long days, sometimes not worth the effort, and feeling like you missed out on Christmas shopping. Plus, no breaks!

Expectation: Blissfully basking in the aroma of soap-making. Reality: Scent overload can lead to headaches. Not as fragrant as you might imagine!

Expectation: Turning my hobby into a business will be a breeze. Reality: Yes, you can turn your hobby into a business, but be prepared to put in the elbow grease!

The Highs and Lows, Oh My!

Now, onto the nitty-gritty. The not-so-glamorous bits that you might not hear about often:

The Toughest Bits:

1. The Greasy Clean-Up: Soap-making leaves its mark everywhere – from your utensils to the microwave, it’s like a greasy treasure hunt.
2. Never Truly Switching Off: Soap is always lurking in the shadows of your thoughts. Forget switching off – it’s always there, scheming its sudsy plans.
3. Physically Intense Days: Soap-making is no joke – it’s physically demanding, involving hours on your feet, lugging ingredients, and a whole lot of elbow grease.

The Brightest Bits:

1. Customer Love: Nothing beats the heartwarming feedback from customers. Their happiness is the ultimate reward.
2. Happy Dance for Sales: Cha-ching! That little dance you do when you make a sale – pure bliss.
3. Unmatched Satisfaction: The glory of doing it all by yourself – a sense of accomplishment like no other.
4. The Sweet Scent of Independence: Freedom from following orders – making all the decisions your way.
5. Flexible Lifestyle: Working when and where you want. Hello, midday garden breaks!
6. Proudly Peculiar: Yes, I might smell of soap, but it’s a badge of honor!

In the End, It’s a Soapy Triumph

So, what’s the bottom line? Running a soap business is hard work – especially in the early days. But guess what? It’s worth every ounce of effort. I’m head over heels for my businesses. The customers, the stockists, the teaching – I adore every part of it. And here’s the kicker – even when I’m away for a few days, I’m itching to get back to the next challenge.

Feeling inspired? Ready to take your soap-making game up a notch? But wait, you might be wondering where to start, especially with all those UK regulations swirling around. Well, that’s where The Soap Business Boot Camp comes in. If you’re intrigued, check out the options right HERE.

So, there you have it – the behind-the-scenes soap scoop on my journey. A journey that’s been packed with highs, lows, sudsy messes, and a whole lot of heart. Here’s to embracing the chaos, celebrating the wins, and carving a path that’s uniquely yours! 

Do you have a soap business story to tell? Share it in the comments below.