Soap Making, Oils and Recipes
This Stretch Mark Oil Recipe from Pure and Natural Soaps is great if you are pregnant and trying to prevent stretch marks, and also makes a great gift for any friends having a baby!
Ingredients:
1/4 cup coconut oil
2 tbls. cocoa butter
2 tsp. sweet almond oil
Directions:
Combine these ingredients over low heat until it has turned into a clear liquid.remove from the heat and let it cool for a while. Once it is cool to the touch you can pour it in a tightly sealed container.
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:
The Brightest Bits:
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.
I began using the Dr Max Powers “Stretch Mark Treatment” every single day about two months ago and it works WONDERS. First you can use it for stretch marks and you can use it for scars and to moisturize your face and neck, ladies!
You must follow the instructions even though they are pretty simple. If I am using this for acne scars, skin discolorations (sun exposure), uneven skin tone I apply either over makeup (may not be recommended as this could remove your makeup)and on a freshly washed face.
I use the lengths of my fingers not fingertips since they produce the oils that could cause you breakouts from YES touching your face. I rub into the affected area or scar (even works on cystic acne scars) atleast two to three times a day when I am able to. But if not I do this at night before going to bed. Be patient and wait one to two weeks before you notice a big difference as the scar gets lighter your face appears to be glowing and skin discolorations slowly fade.
Keep on it atleast everyday. I thought it was only for men who workout – based on the way the product looks, but I am glad I bought this and one bottle lasted me over two months and I used it everyday! Give this product a try, be patient, follow the directions and you will not be disappointed.