One can find that starting a soap business is quite fulfilling. Whether you are doing it as a hobby or to sell, here is a guide to making hand made soaps. In this guide, I will explain everything you need to start a soap business. From soap creation to its marketing, there are many important steps to follow. With these steps, you can easily build a successful soap brand.
Let’s start.
Why Start a Soap Business?
There are many reasons why it is advisable to start a soap business. First, soap is one of the products that everyone uses in their day to day lives. Second, soap making is an art and can be fun to make. Third, the market for handmade soaps is expanding and consumers are now more inclined to buy soaps that are made from natural products. You can produce products that will be distinct from the rest of the products in the market.
Remember! There are various techniques for making soap, however, one of the easiest methods is to melt and pour soap. This method is easy and does not involve the use of many apparatuses that are complex to operate.
What is Melt and Pour Soap?
Melt and pour soap is a soap base that is made in advance and can be melted, new ingredients can be added to it and then poured into a mold. It is a good option for those who are starting out because you do not have to work with lye, which is toxic.
Choosing a Melt and Pour Soap Base
There are various types of melt and pour soap bases that can be used for soap making. There are several types and some of the most common ones include glycerin soap base, shea butter soap base, and goat milk soap base. Every base has its advantages. For instance, glycerin soap base is transparent, and one can easily incorporate colors and other artistic creations. Shea butter soap base is a good moisturizer, while goat milk soap base is mild for the skin.
Melt and Pour Soap Recipes
After you have selected the soap base you would like to use, you can then begin to try out melt and pour soap recipes. You can also include scents for aromatherapy and natural dyes such as lavender or chamomile oil.
Lavender Oatmeal Soap Recipe:
- 1 pound of melt and pour soap base
- 2 tablespoons of dried lavender flowers
- 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal
- 10 drops of lavender essential oil
Now!
1. You should then chop the soap base into small pieces and then melt it using either the microwave or a double boiler.
2. Pour the melted soap base into a bowl and mix the dried lavender flowers and ground oatmeal into it.
3. Add the lavender essential oil to the mixture.
4. After that, pour it into soap molds and let the soap mixture cool and solidify.
5. Carefully unmold the soap and let it cure for 24 hours.
Create Your Brand
Your soap business needs a strong brand. A good brand helps you stand out and attract customers. Here are some steps to create your brand:
Choose a Business Name
It is important to choose a unique and appropriate name for your business that should also be representative of your products. It is important to consider what makes your soaps unique and use that to come up with the name. The name should be memorable and not difficult to pronounce or spell.
Design a Logo
A logo is a crucial element when it comes to branding. It is also the graphic portrayal of your business or company. There are several ways to get a logo: you can pay for it and get it from a designer, or you can design it yourself with the help of special internet services.
Create Soap Labels
Soap labels are crucial in the marketing process since they help in branding and convey information about your products. Your labels should contain the name of your business, the name of the soap, the ingredients, and any extra benefits (for instance, if it is a moisturizing soap or an organic soap). It is possible to print labels on your own or order them at a professional printing company.
Soap Boxes and Packaging
This is the reason why it is considered that packaging is a part of your brand. It also has the function of protecting your soap and giving it an appealing look. Custom soap boxes are ideal to use when packaging your soaps since they are easily customizable and can be made from cardboard. It comes in different sizes and styles. Select soap packaging boxes that are in line with the image and identity of your brand.
Set Up Your Soap Business
To begin selling your soaps, there are some procedures that you need to follow in order to set up your business properly. Here are the steps you need to take:
Register Your Business
To start with, one has to obtain a business license for the soap business from the local government. The steps differ depending on your state, but you must decide on the type of business entity you want (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) and complete the necessary forms.
Get Business Insurance
Insurance in business helps you to cover you and your business in case of risks. At the absolute bare minimum, you should consider getting liability insurance. This protects you in the event that someone gets injured through the use of your product.
Set Up a Workspace
You require a clean and well-arranged environment to make your soaps. You can create an office at home but ensure that you follow all the health and safety measures. Store and arrange your materials and equipment in a manner that is convenient for use.
Purchase Supplies
You require raw materials to create your soaps. This includes bases for making soaps, fragrances, colors, molds, and packaging materials among others. You can get supplies from stores that sell craft materials or order online from various suppliers. Also, you can order kraft soap boxes in bulk to get the best protection for your soaps.
Concluding
It is always good to start a business in an industry you love and a soap business is one of the most rewarding businesses. If you have been interested in soap making and are thinking of starting a business, above are some steps that will help you. The key points to always remember are to begin at the foundation, build your brand, structure your business correctly, promote your products, and continue to expand.