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.

why I am not a fitness influencer

I have been in the fitness industry off and on for a decade, on all sides. Front desk girl, client, class participant, sister to the gym daycare teacher, and now I am the personal trainer. Several times a week I host a live session from my living room. I build fitness plans every week. I have stacks of 5 subject notebooks full of original routines; piles of books that have been eagerly consumed. special interest? hyperfocus? you betcha.

sure, I am certified. AFPA-certified personal trainer. I am studying yoga under My Vinyasa Practice. nutrition classes through AFPA. business classes through ISSA. to keep most of these certificates active, continuing education classes or retesting is necessary. science evolves daily, most fitness professionals either have to constantly update their knowledge or fall behind the times.

collecting certificates like trinkets.

Since COVID, working remotely was and still is the best option for our family. making silly videos with filters is easy. posting myself in gym clothes at any angle to be openly judged by others never felt like a safe place.

I’ve seen the sweetest of fitness girls get destroyed in comment sections. I’ve witnessed the best of young men put their bodies through strenuous training to compete only to be called disgusting in passing. yeah yeah it sounds biased and trivial; bc it is my experience that I’m basing the decision on, what’s it matter to you then? ;)

soooo many people have come forward with, ‘Shannon, make videos, all you have to do is record yourself and post it! you’re doing it anyway.’

do you know how many middle-aged, genetically small, long brown-haired women are exercising on social media and private platforms? the market is drenched. needing equipment and infinite time to record and edit video… it just doesn’t seem like a practical fit for me at this time.

maybe one day when the kids are older; I don’t want to put myself into a ‘I’ll never do that’ box. it does look like a lot of creative fun. for now, I am going to stick to building relationships and driving results with current clients… continue to branch out and get a firm foundation in brand identity and business.

if you’re interested in personal training sessions, you can learn more about them on the services page or book a free consultation. the client log is kept small to allow scheduling changes, personal accommodations, and daily time spent per client. I come with references!