resources for soapmaking business

disclosure: this post features Amazon Associate affiliate links, which means if you purchase a product via one of these links, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This helps support this site and does not affect the price you pay.

just like yoga to pole dancing, hula to poi, and skateboarding to surfing… there is a soapmaking to candlemaking pipeline. something so satisfying about falling in love with a craft or hobby that comes with an interesting cousin. this list may contain resources for soap making, lotion bars, and candlemaking. the common factor for this particular craft are beeswax, oils, product receptacles/packaging, and value of function.

Resources:
Pure Soapmaking by Anne-Marie Faiola
Simple & Natural Soapmaking by Jane Berry
Easy Homemade Melt & Pour Soaps by Jane Berry
(I often visit Jane Berry’s blog for inspiration)
Grow Your Handmade Business by Kari Chapin
(crazy good guide on craft business structure)
The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin
(general craft business knowledge, amazing resource!)
2021 Essential Oil Recipe Book by Katie Veldkamp
(founder of Simply Earth essential oils- which I use in my products!!)
Beeswax Alchemy by Petra Ahnert
(full of beeswax history and personal touches- love the master salve recipe)
Native American Herbalist’s Bible by Awenasa Sandoval
(you cannot make any kind of healing claims with your products! learning about ingredients used in soapmaking is vital)
The Artist’s Way Starter Kit by Julia Cameron
(being a Creative requires discipline, this is an amazing program that has benefited my life beyond words)
The Creative Act: a way of being by Rick Rubin
(seriously, if you want to live a whimsical and creative life, structure is key)
On My Own Two Feet a girls guide to personal finance by Manisha Thakor
(very easy read , I highly recommend this book, especially if you’re not outsourcing financial guidance)
Two Weeks Notice by Amy Porterfield
(finding the right mindset and structure to move from a 9-5 to business founder- must read for anyone wanting to start their own business)
The 12 Week Year by Brian P Moran
(the gist of this difficult read was implementing 12 week projects and goals, instead of 12 month)
Building a Wellness Business that Lasts by Rick Sollmeyer
(cofounder of MindBody, excellent business resource for anyone in the health and wellness industry)

and finally..

Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild

I will update this list as I go! Thank you so much for tuning in.

Rose Bath Soak Recipe

disclaimer: this blog contains affiliate links.

Herbal Bath Soak

ingredients:
5lb epsom salt or magnesium (buy here or here)
3 cups organic rose petals (I usually go for this brand)
4 tablespoons sweet almond oil
2 tablespoons colloidal oats
1 tablespoon rose absolute oil
40 drops ylang ylang eo
10 drops clary sage eo
germall natural preservative (to prevent molding of organic material)

this recipe is customizable. you can use any mix of herbals and oils for to make bath salts, soaks, and teas. it makes 5-6 one pound containers (depending on the amount of petals/herbs you use).

instructions:
mix oils and preservative in a small bowl.
mix epsom salt, petals/herbs, colloidal oats, and sea salt in a large bowl.
dump your oil and preservative mixture into your dry ingredient bowl.
stir gently with wooden spoon until combined.
separate into your air tight containers.

tips:
sometimes less expensive brands of epsom salt have extra ingredients. use cation and check ingredient list when deciding to use epsom salt vs magnesium.

mixing your oil and preservative mixture with the rose petals, before adding it to the salt, can decrease stir time.

organic ingredients are crucial for this. which adds to the price tag, I know. the point of all of this is to detox from chemicals, right? why bathe in them.

you can use regular oats for this, I recommend putting them into a blender, reducing them to powder form. using colloidal oats will ensure you’re getting top quality products and possible benefits!

sweet almond oil is made of tree nuts. if you do have a tree nut allergy, I recommend using organic jojoba oil.

I charge $15 per 1lb container. this is enough to cover overhead expense plus interest for the card you charged. ok byeeee. thank you. byeee.

disclaimer from my husband: get a overflow cover and a drain cover to prevent organic materials from clogging your pipes! wipe tub out immediately after bathing to prevent tub staining. ye be warned!