How to be a Soapmaker!

There are a few links on this page that will direct you to more detailed pages on specifics, like thermometers. Check out these pages because the more info you have on how to start a soap making business, the better your success.

When I first started learning how to be a soapmaker and making soap, there were not many soap makers around. When I attended an event, or the Farmers Market, or when I started a little soap store, I was the only soap maker around.

I started in my home with the minimalist of supplies and these were:

Learning how to be a soapmaker could lead to starting a fun soap making business, consider these supplies:

One thing that you will need is room. Room for the soap to sit in its mold for a few days, then when the slabs are cut and the bars are curing, for up to 6 weeks.

Ideally, you would have a special soap making space that includes a sink, lots of storage space, and lots of counter space. Once you are making soap everyday, your supplies will be bought in bulk sized pails and quarts to help cut costs.

Some of the store front expenses when you start a soap making business are: business license, rent and damage deposits, any updating of your retail space, display materials (we used antiques, wood furniture and borrowed furniture), hook up charges of all utilities, double cost of business phone vs home phone (I have no idea why), see what costs are included (garbage pick up, triple net, snow removal, parking), signage costs, 2 stoves for making soap, utility sink for the large pots, computer and cash register.

Then come the variables, and these will depend on your expertise in other matters: advertising, accounting, collecting and remitting taxes, employee costs, website.

As an alternative to opening a store front, consider using someone's space, or share a store with someone, like a book store. If you live in a larger city, say starting at 750,000 people, you will probably have enough opportunities around your city to sell soap and not have to have a store front.

Learning how to be a soapmaker and having the soap store was some of the best years ever! Being your own boss is great and earning a living by being creative and productive is the best.

From 'how to be a soapmaker' to some tips on finding supplies....