Back Porch Soap Company

Student Spotlight: Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Company

2012-01-31T20:51:00.001-05:00

Blue Hoot Soap Company's beautifully packaged soaps.

The following is an interview with Alyssa Wise Taylor, owner of Blue Hoot Soap Company.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born and whatever else you'd like to share as to how you got to this point in your life?

I was born in New London, Connecticut but I grew up in Acton, Massachusetts. When I was a kid, I was into art...I spent a lot of time drawing. I considered being an art major in college but chickened out...the whole starving artist thing. So I ended up majoring in marketing at UMass Lowell.

As a young adult, I really got away from my art, I had a career in marketing communications at a couple high-tech companies...Not exactly my dream job, but it was steady. It wasn't until we had our second baby that I got back in touch with my creative side. I started taking watercolor classes one night a week, and the light went on. I didn't realize how much my creativity defined me as a person. But once I opened that door again, the creativity came fast and furious.

After we had our third child, I quit...and I thought, when I'm ready to go back to work, I don't want to go back to corporate scene again. That's when I started thinking about starting my own business. I'm one of those people who enjoys working alone, I'm creative and I have practical business experience. My marketing background is so useful to me, especially with my branding. So my path has been a crooked one, but now it's serving me well.

Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Company

2. How did you get interested in making bath and body products?

I've always been a bit of a soap freak, there's something about the weight of it in your hands, it smells incredible and of course, it is beautiful. Soap was always the thing I would buy on vacation or in gift shops. So I told myself one day I'd learn how to make it...and I did.

3. When did you launch your company?

Blue Hoot Soap Company launched in February 2010. I named my company for my late grandmother. She was a feisty, independent woman and she loved owls. When she passed, I inherited one of her owl necklaces with blue lapis eyes. I thought the name was a terrific way to honor her spirit.

4. What do you sell? What sets you apart from other bath and body companies?

Blue Hoot's Body Scrub

Well to start, plain and simple, I make fantastic cold process soap. I don't cut corners with my ingredients, each variety is made with 85-95 percent organic oils. I use a lot of olive oil and shea butter. I use pure essential oils and I play with blending scents and natural colors. But as far as what sets me apart, I have to say my branding and packaging really make my soaps stand out. Customers repeatedly tell me how much they love the name of my company, my logo and how I package each soap. Of course these things only take you so far, it's the soap itself that brings them back for more. Some of my other products include scrubs, lotions, creams, body butters, and my all natural baby skincare products.

5. What course(s) did you take with Marla? Which were your favorite and how did they benefit you?

Itook Marla's Bath and Body University. Soaping aside, the classes opened my eyes to a new world of bath and body products...many of these products are made with the same ingredients I use to make my soaps. It really made sense to offer more than just soap to my customers and now all of my products sell very well...particularly my whipped organic shea butters and sugar scrubs.

6. What is your favorite part of running a bath and body business?

So many things...I love using my business as a creative outlet...I love the pure and meditative process of soap making. And finally I love making all my own decisions...it's so liberating! I've seen so many cases of too many cooks spoiling the brew. Now if I feel like something will work, I just go for it.

7. What is your least favorite part?

Oh, the accounting, definitely. It's a necessary evil, but once you get a system down, it's not so bad.

8. What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

Probably the juggling..we have three kids, 5, 8 and 10...and although I can make my soap at home, I also need to get out there and market my soap. So that part is tricky. But my family is so supportive...and my husband is my biggest cheerleader. My plan is to ramp up the business slowly as our kids get older...eventually get a studio space with a storefront...but right now I'm savoring the time with our kids and grateful I've got this little business going on the side.

9. When you have free time how do you like to spend it? Hobbies, sports, travel, etc.?

Watercolor by Alyssa Wise Taylor

I spend most of my free time with my family. But I'm also a painter. Since July of 2011, I've been a member artist at a cooperative gallery, Art on Main Gallery in Westford, Massachusetts. I paint mostly with watercolor, occasionally pastels. Another challenge, finding time to paint! I really want to do it all, and I don't want to give anything up.

10. Do you have any words of wisdom to share with other small business owners?

I wish I had something more original to say, but the truth is you need patience. Don't get discouraged if things don't happen overnight. Just take the first step if you are passionate about something, then take the next one after that. Second, connect with other small business owners...we all have so much in common, and we can learn so much from each other.

Note from Marla: Thank you, Alyssa. I love your story, your products, and your branding. Three kids and time to do all of this - I'm impressed! And I know your grandmother is proud of you too.

If you've taken classes with us, email Marla to be featured on Student Spotlight.

Inspiration & Optimism: Beauty Products Rock New York International Gift Show

2012-01-29T22:46:00.001-05:00

I had such an inspiring full-day of walking and shopping this year’s January New York International Gift Fair (NYIGF) at the Javits Center in New York City. It was one of the busiest Sundays in the winter market that I have seen since the economy tanked in 2007. Not only was the traffic heavy, but order writing was brisk from observations and speaking with other entrepreneurs. This is great news. Confidence in spending shows up with retailers first, then retail sales should be brisk in stores this year. There were also very interesting new products (in personal care and throughout the show) as well as some new trends that I observed.

The first of two ExTracts aisles.

NYIGF typically features around 2,800 exhibiting companies and 35,000 attendees. Show representatives say that lines from more than 85 countries are represented. One section of the gift show, ExTracts, represents the personal care and beauty market. The lines that I am reviewing were found throughout NYIGF, including ExTracts.

Emerging Trends

The marriage between food and personal care continues (feeding your skin). Packaging trends for beauty leaning towards kitchen/food (honey, milk in glass containers), which makes sense as the shift to cosmetics/foods takes place. Also showing up in interesting fragrance descriptions. Example “Bordeaux, Fig, & Vetiver”.

Continued growth/interest in eco-friendly, sustainability and fair trade. Check out these recycled green wine bottles from Paddywax http://www.paddywax.com/Shop/Eco-Green
The sustainability and fair trade section of the NYIGF had a great “vibe” and traffic/order writing appeared to be brisk.
Inspirational labeling (see featured company are you? below)
Bohemian theme was very popular in general gift sector
Decorative/Interior Design labeling in personal care gift sector (damask, tapestry and colorful graphic designs)
Decorative Lines (http://micheldesignworks.com/)
Home fragrance explosion (More home fragrance lines than I’ve ever seen: approximately 125 total lines)
Bright colors: fuchsia, orange, bright pinks, purple, offset by black
Natural colors: green and amber bottles and jars/packaging
Increase in minimalistic labeling
World travel themes (maps and images of Paris, Rome, New York) and http://micheldesignworks.com/design-collections/paris.html and http://www.paddywax.com)
Floral fragrances return big-time for Spring 2012
Bees, honey and beeswax in personal care products
Personalization/Monograms/Letters in Soaps
Wax seals with stamps. http://www.ecoya.com.au/#/collection/metro and http://www.foundgoodsmarket.com
Black packaging (example: http://www.ecoya.com.au/#/collection/diffuser)
Small to large size companies partnering for long-term empowerment (charities and more)

Handcrafted Beauty Lines and New Product Introductions


Spotted this sign at NYIGF. It's the perfect reflection of the passion some of these small, handmade beauty company owners that I met today have for their businesses.

One of my favorite independent, handmade bath and body companies at the show was Lotus Love Beauty, a line based on “Accentuating Your Inner Beauty.” Owner Jessica Gulati and her mom, two of the most passionate about their business and one of the friendliest business owners that I met at the show, are based in San Diego, California. Every dollar spent on their colorful bath and body line supports The Shanti Project, an initiative to bring positive change to the world.

Another interesting handcrafted line with an eco-friendly feel is Good Fortune (http://stores.goodfortunesoap.com/StoreFront.bok) . Company owner Jennifer Jack is a graphic designer turned soapmaker. Based in Tennessee, she recently traveled to Haiti to teach soapmaking there. Her soaps are packaged with a fortune card (similar to a playing card). The company also has clever gift sets and also offers private labeling.

Julee Ireland (http://www.juleeireland.com) is a handmade, whimsical line based in Westlake Village, California. After being laid off from one of the largest home builders in the U.S., Julee launched a greeting card soap in her kitchen in 2009. An artist and designer, she created an array of greeting card soaps, soy candles, fragrances and bath and body products. Her patented greeting card soaps impressed me, and also apparently impressed some big-name retailers as well.

A completely different line, Cote Bastide (http://www.cotebastide.com), is the perfect reflection of a trend toward minimalism in personal care products packaging and design. Cote Bastide offers room sprays, shower gels, candles, sea salts packaged in a muslin bag and more. This European-inspired line was featured in the France Pavilion at NYIGF, one of several international pavilions.

Jessica Leale, president and founder of are you? (http://www.areyoudesigns.com) gave birth to a dream that she had for a business in 2008. Three years later, she launched her company with her first wholesale order. She debuted her company at NYIGF this month. Are you? is a line of inspirational and motivational products, including soy candles. For example, vanilla cinnamon pairs with “are you making a difference”; lemon basil pairs with “are you making memories?”; and vineyard fragrance pairs with “are you following your dreams?” Each of her candles has a soybean on top of the way to remind customers that it is made with pure soy wax. All scents are hand stamped on the letterpress label and each candle has a cotton paper hangtag attached by a 100% natural hemp cord. She offers hand stamped natural muslin gift bags.

Greenleaf (http://greenleafgifts.com) unveiled two new fragrances at NYIGF, Island Sunset and Radiant Waters in its home fragrance collection. Greenleaf is owned by husband and wife team, Bob and Sylvia Caldwell. The company also introduced a new Sydney Aroma Décor Set, a clear glass aroma décor diffuser with a decorative top, diffuser oil, and stone and wick assembly.

Candle company Votivo (http://www.votivo.com) introduced its newest fragrances Pink Mimosa and Breath of Lavender in its soy candles, reed diffusers, fragrance mist and travel tins. The company says Pink Mimosa is a complex blend of sweet strawberry and mandarin combined with white gardenia, wild honeysuckle and mimosa with base notes of vanilla rum, sandalwood and musk. Its Breath of Lavender combines lavender with amber, tonka and musk.

Another interesting small business is New Jersey-based B. Witching Bath Co (http://www.bwitchingbathco.com). Last summer, the company’s Organic Shaving Jelly was the winner in the NYIGF Natural/Organic Category. This particular product is made with 95% organic content, infused with organic aloe, cucumber, cranberry extracts, and kosher vegetable glycerin. Although I didn't find a new product announcement for this company, they are worth mentioning as they are picking up steam and loads of press.

Brooklyn was well represented at the NYIGF. Two independent soap companies, Soapwalla and Metropolis Soap, both exhibited at Extracts. Soapwalla, whose tagline is “Feed Your Skin”, was founded in 2009 by Rachel Winard. Her line includes a top-selling deodorant cream, body oils, face serum, bath soaking salts, body washes, lip balms and soap. Winard’s company won Summer 2011 NYIGF’s “Best New Products Award.” Check out her line at http://www.soapwallakitchen.com.

I stopped and chatted with Megan Finkelstein, founder of Metropolis Soap Company (http://www.MetropolisSoap.com). She launched her company in 2009 and introduced her new exfoliating body scrubs at the show. She raises the bar (no pun intended) on ingredients, as she uses 100% vegan, no synthetics or sulfates, and only sources from fair-trade companies. Her skin care line ranges from soaps, herbal spa soaks, lip creams and whipped shea.

Another company, Anjolie Ayurveda (http://www.anjolienyc.com) introduced a line of aromatherapy body butters. The product is wrapped in jewel toned, handmade paper. The butters are available in Sandalwood Saffron, Neroli Lemon, Lavender, and Neem Tulsi. The company is owned by mother/daughter team of Cary and Meryl Gabeler from Hastings-on-Hudson, NY.

Powerhouse company K. Hall Designs launched a new line called Barr Co. (http://www.khalldesigns.com/products/barr-co/), a one-scent, new line that utilizes reusable glass, tinware and bags. There are 11 products in the line: Muslin Bag of Sea Salts, Eau de Parfum, Three-Piece Soap Gift Set, Hand Salve, Oatmeal Saddle Soap, Candle Travel Tin, Candle in Glass, Hand Soap, Lotion, Bubble Elixir, and Bath Salt Soak.

Worker B is a company reflective of the popularity of beeswax and honey in personal care products. Last year this company won Best of Show in Extracts for its Worker B Rescue Putty, a balm made with olive oil, beeswax and raw honey sourced from local beekeepers (http://www.worker-b.com). They support the work of local beekeepers, and uses bee products (raw honey, beeswax and propolis) from chemical and anti-biotic free hives. All other ingredients are certified organic and their packaging materials are recyclable.

Marula Oil

One area of opportunity I often suggest is building a brand around a single ingredient. First there was shea butter. Then argan oil. Now there is Marula Oil, a company by The Leakey Collection (http://www.marula.com). Designed by Dr. Ashton Kaidi and Katy Leakey , 100% natural marula oil is made from fruit collected off the ground by hand. The oil is cold-pressed from the kernels and touted as being 16% more powerful than argan oil. They claim that the benefits of marula oil is that it is fast absorbing and high in omega-9 acid at 60-70% concentrations.

The couple lives among the Massai in the Kenyan bush. They wanted to help their neighbors and provide work opportunities without changing their culture. As members of the Fair Trade Federation, they pay fair wages to the artisans, and donate proceeds to over 1,400 Massai women and their families.

Another company with minimalistic packaging is elizabethW (http://www.elizabethw.com), based in San Francisco, CA. This company introduced a Shea Butter Body Cream featuring shea butter, ginseng, comfrey, ivy, and cucumber as ingredients. The product’s container can be reused or recycled, and the packaging can be recycled. Packaging material is sourced from sustainably managed forests. All packaging is letter pressed in-house with vintage Heidelberg letterpresses.

Australian-based Apple & Bee (http://www.appleandbeeusa.com/skincare/bath-salts-rejuvenation-blend) introduced its Rejuvenation Bath Salts which contain 100% Australian organic ingredients: sea salt, Epsom Salt (magnesium sulphate), certified organic Australian white clay, certified organic wild geranium grandiflorum (jasmine absolute), essential oil, Mentha Piperita, Limonum (lemon) peel essential oil, Cymbopogon Schoenanthus (lemon grass oil). The salts are made from 100% organic and natural ingredients, these salts dissolve in water, leaving no waste. They are certified by the internationally recognized organization Climate Friendly. The packaging is 100% organic biodegradable cotton with non-toxic dyes. This company offsets its carbon emissions by buying energy back from renewable sources such as wind and solar power. It has established the Bee Foundation to raise money and awareness for the Colony Collapse Disorder, and to research causes for the decline of honey bees around the world.

Show Wrapup

These were the personal care product introductions I found at Extracts and throughout the New York International Gift Show. Just as day one of the show was buzzing with buyers and orders, I expect the remainder to continue to be brisk. Keep an eye on these companies as well as these trends, which I expect to play out an even bigger role throughout the year.

Cosmetic Course Quickie: Making Body Scrubs

2012-01-26T00:36:00.000-05:00

It's winter in New England and there's nothing better to keep away dry skin than a body scrub. Interested in learning how to make your own exfoliating body scrubs? Listen to our audio clip:

Making Exfoliating Body Scrubs (mp3)

Have fun making your own scrubs! Check out our DVD and e-books, cosmetic courses and online programs.

Hey, Entrepreneur - It's a Year for Bigger Risks, Bigger Goals and Blazing a Trail!

2012-01-15T23:22:00.001-05:00

If you're a small business owner or an entrepreneur sitting on a brilliant idea, this message is for you. With the start of the new year, you're probably setting goals for the next 12 months and wondering if you should take a few risks or play it safe this year. Perhaps your brain is telling you to play only your "conservative cards" in 2012. Or maybe you watch the news and the words "troubled economy" resonate in your head.

My guess is that there is a tug at your heartstrings begging you to take risks this year - to put yourself out on a limb. I'm hearing it from friends, colleagues, and my clients on a daily basis:

"...should I?"

"Am I crazy to want to start this idea...right now?"

"I have this new project, but is this the year to implement it?"

If you know that this is a feasible opportunity, that there is a demand for what you're offering, and your vision is well thought out then my answer is "Hell yes!" The opportunities for consumer retail products (crafts, beauty, cosmetics, bath and body consumables) are phenomenal. But before you bring your product to market, I must again emphasize the importance of conducting research, product demand, viable sales channels and of course determine your profitability.

We've all heard of words which reference how to set yourself or your business apart from the competition. But this year, more than ever, I urge you to:

Make A Difference

Nail That Innovative Niche

Then Trailblaze Like Nobody's Business

Now is the time to take risks. If you are a woman-owned company or startup, this is especially the year to be aggressive. Got an idea to move forward with? A bit scared? Good!

When you hang out at the end of the branch it gets your heart racing. But over time a successful entrepreneur will find that it's more comfortable there. I like the new, the unexpected. I like to push myself into uncharted territory. Do you?

Student Spotlight: A Visit with Finn & Co. Owner and Founder, Meg Spencer

2011-12-12T10:35:00.022-05:00

Tell us a bit about yourself. Where were you born and whatever else you'd like to share as to how you got to this point in your life?

I was born in Portland Maine. I have spent most of my life here in Maine. I also spent 15 years off and on the beautiful island known as Nantucket. I love the beach! If I could not be in Nantucket on the beach, you could probably find me on Ferry Beach in Scarborough, Maine. Though I am a beach lover, I love my sun hat, SPF, and my Kindle. I love the salty air along the Maine Coast! It is truly refreshing, and always gives me peace of mind.

I found my way through a lot of trial and error. I went to school in NY, and returned to Maine after 911. I needed to be near family and friends after such a tragedy. I also felt lost. It was during this time I had to be honest about what I wanted in my life, and who I wanted to become. I always knew I wanted to be a business owner, but I had no idea how to do that. after taking some private Pilates lessons, thanks to my parents, I opened a small private Pilates studio first known as You studio in Gorham, Maine. I added Gyrotonic to the studio, and then I went on to school at Spa Tech in Westbrook, Maine. I had a true passion for skin care, and working one on one with people. It all came so natural to me, so I assumed this was my path.

I also found Back Porch Soap Company which completed my search. It felt very meant to be when I first met Marla. I spent the last two years focusing on becoming a strong business owner of a small luxurious product line, but also becoming a new mom. My daughter Finnley is the best part of all of this. I named the company after Finnley Frances Spencer.

How did you get interested in making bath and body products?

I became interested in beauty care products after I became a licensed esthetician. Through my schooling I did a few classes on how to make perfume and lotion. However, I wanted to know more, and there is no where in Maine I could go to learn exactly what I wanted to learn. I was looking for something that I could use with my license. I was searching the web, and I found Back Porch Soap Company. You never know sometimes when you find things online, so I called back Porch Soap company. I was able to speak with Marla, and it all just clicked! There was immediate chemistry. It was such a comfortable place to learn, and I did learn a lot! Marla is an amazing patient teacher, and I am grateful for her classes. I feel that I have found a career that truly is an added joy to my life.

When did you launch your company?

I launched Finn & Co. in September of this year, but we are doing another launch in January right before all the gift shows! We will be exhibiting at the Boston Gift Show in March 2012. Please come see us!

What do you sell? What sets you apart from other bath and body companies?

We currently sell three small collections of natural, luxurious products for babies and adults. We have our Luxury Collection which consists of a Face Oil, made with 11 highly moisturizing, balancing, and nourishing oils. It's great around the eyes! Also in that collection we have a body oil and a balm. People love the balm. It is great for all those dry hard to hydrate areas. Each product is natural, paraben free, and very soothing! We use less than 1% of a paraben-free preservative. We only use preservatives in the Luxury Balm and the lotions.

Our products are formulated for all skin types. Our second collection is the Sea Class Collection. In that collection we have our White Sand and Black Sand fragrances. Not only will you find a luxurious fragrance, but a luxurious body lotion that is so silky and hydrating. The smell is soft and subtle, and gives you that fresh clean and sexy feeling! This collection also includes a soap we call Sand Bar. It's a highly moisturizing bar that is the perfect base for all these products. The goal is to get clean, not strip all your skins natural oils.

Lastly, our Little Luxe Collection, is made for the most delicate skin. The collection is 100% natural and we use organic ingredients. The collection makes a great gift set. I use the balm after Finn’s bath time. Her skin is already silky, but the balm makes it even softer and it is a nice barrier. The winter months can be very harsh on the skin here in New England . I use the baby balm on my hands, elbows, and heels after a hot shower.

What course(s) did you take with Marla? Which were your favorite and how did they benefit you?

Let me think, there were quite a few! I took the Cold Process Soap making class, How to run a successful Bath & Body business, organic scrubs, salves, balms & butters, baby care, and also natural anti aging products. I loved them all! I spent a lot of time practicing what I learned, but Marla made it so much fun, and she made it easy for me to love this new career path.

What is your favorite part of running a bath and body business?

I love being my own boss! I love being creative, and actually creating something that is good for people’s skin. I feel proud of my work, as I have spent two years working on my line. I did not do it alone. I had a lot of help from Marla, and also my mother, who is the other half of Finn & Co. I love the challenges that I face. It is not easy to run your own company, but those small challenges that I face remind me how much I love my work, because I just keep going!

What is your least favorite part?

I am not a mathematical mind. I love the dream, the writing, the packaging, the creative marketing end of this job, but sometimes I am faced with that MATH. There is a lot of book keeping! I always want to create!

What are your biggest challenges as a small business owner?

My biggest challenge is getting people to know Finn & Co. As a new brand, among the millions already out there, it is hard, but I have the faith, and the passion to keep this little company going and hopefully succeeding! I believe in word of mouth, and getting some good press. We should not have to pay a fortune for this!

When you have free time how do you like to spend it? Hobbies, sports, travel, etc.?

When I have free time, I am with my husband and baby. I like to read, and exercise. I love being a business owner, and it is sometimes hard to break away, but when I look at Finnley, I just want to play! We also have a 100-pound golden retriever who needs a lot of walking, so we walk a lot!

What are your words of wisdom?

I feel that passion is priceless, so to be successful , your passion should always shine through your work, even when you are having a bad day.

Charna Brings Her Two Natural Perfume Classes Back to Boston this Month!

2011-09-06T10:39:00.024-04:00

Have you gotten a whiff of the popularity of natural perfumes lately? Natural perfumes are hot, hot, hot! If you're new to the idea, Natural Perfumery (NP) is the creative art and science of using natural aromatic raw materials that are beautiful and complex to produce lovely perfumes. These aren't synthetic or man made fragrances - instead they are made with natural essential oils. Whether you want to learn to make natural perfumes for yourself or add it to your product lineup, mark your calendars for two Boston area workshops on September 17.

We welcome back workshop instructor and natural perfumer extraordinaire, Charna Ethier! She is the “nose” and founder of Providence Perfume Co. (Providence, RI) a natural perfumery specializing in luxurious botanical fragrances. After spending years working with large beauty and fragrance companies such as Aveda, she desired to create her own line of perfumes that were truly natural.

She is member of the Natural Perfumer’s Guild obtaining Professional Perfumer status and a regular participant in global perfume projects and collaborations. Her perfumes have received critical acclaim and have been featured on AOL, The Rhode Show, numerous magazines, and fragrance websites and blogs.

On Saturday, Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon, Charna will teach a "Blending Natural Perfumes" workshop. Under Charna's guidance, students will create and take home:

Two Liquid Perfumes
One Solid Perfume
10 essential oils (to take home after use in class blending)

In addition, Charna will share her knowledge on:

1. The Components of Natural Perfume: Essential oils, Absolutes, Floral waxes/concretes, Natural Isolates and Alcohol.

2. Tinctures (Hows and Whys)

3. Importance of Notekeeping (formularies, impressions, revisiting)

4. Measuring

5. Labeling and Ageing

6. Storage of Perfumes and Perfumery Ingredients

7. Accessory Notes

8. Botanicals Requiring Dilution

In addition, each student will receive a valuable handout containing reputable sources for ordering supplies; standard proportion of base, middle, and top notes; as well as formulation guidelines.

On Saturday, September 17 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Charna will teach "Fine Tuning Natural Perfume Blends."

In this class, students will learn a myriad of techniques to create well-balanced, well-blended natural perfumes. Under Charna's guidance, students will create accords and bridging accords, as well as accessory notes. Charna will share her tips and tricks on creating perfumes with longevity sillage (the lingering of perfume).

Join us and experiment with accessory notes. You'll learn the effects and importance they play in building your natural perfumes. We'll also discuss how to measure these effects in proper dosages.

Students will take home three accessory note samples and a tincture created in class, along with instructions for further developing the tincture at home.

It will be a lively and interesting class, as Charna explains fragrance family classifications and perfume potency. Students will learn how to fine tune and troubleshoot perfume formulas. In addition, Charna will share how to store and preserve natural perfumes and perfumery materials. In addition, students will learn the importance of filtering.

This class is held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, which is located approximately 40 minutes southeast of Boston and one hour from Providence. For more information and to register, please visit our website.

Hot in the City: Soap Making in NYC

2011-07-22T13:59:00.014-04:00

While most of the country is under a heat wave, New York City is no exception. Temps soared close to 100 degrees yesterday. But that didn't stop 12 energetic students from learning to make cold process soap on the Upper West Side last night. We cranked up the air conditioning, and cranked out close to 40 lbs. of handmade soap formulated with organic oil goodness!

Three sisters the island of Dominica flew in from to join the class. They are opening a soap business there this year. Other students came from all over the U.S. to learn tricks of the trade for business and personal use.

In addition to making soap, we discussed recipe formulations, safety precautions, the best molds to use, sourcing ingredients, liability insurance, water discounting, fragrance tips, essential oil blending and more.

Check out our next series of NYC soap making classes!
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Students from Overseas and Across U.S. Trek to NYC Soap Making Classes

2011-06-22T16:20:00.010-04:00

Fifteen adults spent their Memorial Day weekend dressed in face masks, latex gloves and protective goggles in an Upper West Side craft shop to get up close and personal with the caustic chemical lye.

Instead of heading out of town for the long holiday weekend, the group stood in a classroom at Little Shop of Crafts, learning soapmaking from Marla Bosworth, founder of Back Porch Soap Co.

About two hours into Friday night's three-and-a-half hour session, Bosworth was supervising students as they mixed melted shea butter, lye, and water in a plastic bucket with a hand blender.

Bosworth teaches students how to incorporate organic ingredients, where to source supplies, and emphasizes the use of natural and organic colorants like the parsley shown here

One student sprinkled dry parsley, a natural green colorant, into the mix, which looked like cake batter. After pouring in essential oils may chang, cedarwood and vetiver, a lemony scent filled the air.

"Isn't it fun?" Bosworth said. "When the whole thing happens, it's just magical, isn't it?"

Bosworth was once a market research analyst who dabbled in making her own creams at home for fun. When she was laid off in 1998, she used her severance package to start Back Porch Soap Co.

Now she manufactures her own line of bath and beauty products out of her home studio in Duxbury, Mass. She teaches hands-on classes there — topics include organic body butters and artisanal bath fizzies — and also consults with clients on how to start their own bath and body products business.

Bosworth teaches classes at Little Shop of Crafts on Amsterdam Avenue and West 94th Street about every other month. Later this summer, she's opening a permanent store and classroom inside Little Shop of Crafts.

During Friday's class, Bosworth dispensed plenty of tips. Some were business-oriented, such as where to get insurance if you're going to sell soap out of your home, and how to look up information about the FDA-approved method for labelling soaps.

Other information was more in keeping with the theme of Bosworth's product line, which is entirely vegan and uses all natural ingredients, some of which are organic.

"There's nothing like essential oil to change your mood," Bosworth said as students stirred a combination of rosemary, patchouli and lavender oils that she dubbed her "Good Karma" blend. "If you're a little off and bummed out, smell some rosemary."

Some students at Friday's class were enrolled in an $895 four-day series of classes called Bath & Body University, for people who want to start their own businesses.

Others took the soapmaking class for fun. One students was a retired nurse whose son gave her the class as a present, another was a woman who wanted to learn how to make soap for a husband with sensitive skin.

Gina Francois, a web designer, said she took the class because she wanted to learn how to make soap "the right way."

Francois started making her soap at home after her daughter was born with mild acne and a doctor advised her to seek out cleansers with natural ingredients. She taught herself how to do it mostly by reading information on the Internet, she said.

Francois was enrolled in the four-day Bath & Body University. "I've been here since Wednesday and there are so many things I've found out I was doing wrong," Francois said. "It's been great."

At the end of the night, students left with two plastic tubs filled with still-warm soap batter. It would set overnight, then get sliced into bars, then spend another four weeks "curing."

Bosworth said she got "completely addicted" to soapmaking as soon as she made her first batch.

"I love the fact that you can take all natural ingredients and create your own soaps from scratch and not have to use any chemicals," Bosworth said.

More info on upcoming New York City soap classes.

Reprinted with permission by Leslie Albrecht, DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

Summer 2011 NYC Soap Making Classes

2011-06-14T08:57:00.010-04:00

Join us in New York City for three fabulous soap making classes this summer: Cold Process Soap Making, Glycerin Soap Making Techniques, and Wild Child Soapmaking (combining cold process and melt and pour). The Wild Child class is brand new, and inspired by the presentation and demo we gave this year at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference.

New York City is an inspiring place to be in the summer. Spend the days taking in the sights, shopping, and then enjoy our evening classes.

July 21 - Cold Process Soap Making

July 22 - Glycerin Soap Making Techniques

July 23 - Wild Child Soap Making: Combining Cold Process and Melt and Pour

If these classes don't fit into your schedule, be sure to check out our September classes.

All classes are held on the Upper West Side of NYC in our private classroom at Little Shop of Crafts (711 Amsterdam Ave. at 94th Street). Our classes are hands-on and all the New York City Soapmaking classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, president and CEO of Back Porch Soap Company. She brings more than 13 years experience in the handmade bath and body industry as well as decades of marketing, market research and retail sales experience.

Hope to see you in NYC!
classes in new york for lotion making, NYC soap classes, nyc soapmaking classes, nyc soap making class, how to start a bath and body business, how to start a soap business, lotion making class nyc, new york city soap class, bath and body university, soap marketing plan, Soap making courses, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York, Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making ClasseBrooklyn soap classes, manhattan soap classes, queens soap classes, bronx soap classes, staten island soap classes

Wild Child Soap Making Techniques - Mixing Cold Process Soapmaking with Melt and Pour

2011-06-08T09:00:00.004-04:00

I'm back from the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild (HSMG) Conference in Miami where I presented on two topics, "How to Successfully Wholesale" and "Wild Child Soapmaking: MP and CP Combos." The soaps that I made during the latter workshop were shipped back and also arrived fresh and in tact thanks to UPS. I've sliced them to show workshop attendees the final results online. Check out our Facebook Fan Page for more photos.

If you weren't at the conference, and would like to attend a Wild Child class, check out our NYC soap making class schedule. Or even if you did attend the conference and would like hands-on experience with these techniques, join us for our next class will on July 23, 2011 on the Upper West Side of NYC where we are opening our new store at 711 Amsterdam Ave. (at 94th Street).

If you’ve never tried combining the two techniques you’re missing out on a truly creative process. Combining MP and CP soapmaking techniques produces fascinating effects in swirling, layering and embedding.

It’s true, purist cold process soapmakers might snub the idea and ask why anyone would want to try to combine the two processes: either you make CP or MP, just don’t blur the lines right? But for those of you with a wild side, there are three reasons you might just love giving it a try:

You just plain like a creative challenge.
It’s a great way to use MP and CP scraps.
Some colors and additives work better in MP and are a great way to sneak them into CP.

In each of these techniques be sure to consider your color combinations. After all, the goal is to produce stunning soaps. Keep in mind that some MP soap colors migrate or bleed, and depending on the results you desire, you may or may not want to avoid using them. If non-bleeding is desired, lean toward colorants such as ultramarines, oxides and/or herbs so colors won’t mutate between layers.

In addition, ensure that your fragrances complement each other as well as you mix and match your MP and CP bases. As you can imagine, the color and fragrance choices are endless.

For best results, choose melt and pour bases with higher melting points (140 F). There are quite a few MP bases on the market, so check with your supplier to determine the melting point of the base you are using. This way if your CP soap goes through gel phase, it won’t melt your MP soap.

When formulating recipes, first determine the amount of MP soap to be used. This is sometimes known as the “offset.” As with any MP being added to CP, you subtract the weight of this offset from your total batch weight. Then refigure your oil and water (lye too, of course) based upon the newly calculated weight. (Note of confidence: Once you try it you’ll realize it isn’t nearly as difficult as it may sound.)

Lastly, keep in mind that due to high glycerin content, MP soaps sweat. You’ll want to consider wrapping your soaps or letting cure in low-humidity area. Or simply use a low-sweat MP base. Another trick is to add botanicals to the top of your soaps to keep moisture content low on the top.

CP with MP Swirl

The first demonstration was Pictured above is a cold process soap colored with ultramarine purple. Swirled into this loaf is a blue melt and pour. I also topped the loaf off with the blue melt and pour and added iridescent glitter in true Emeril style. I snuck ylang ylang essential oil into the melt and pour, which otherwise can speed up trace or seize in cold process soap making. The purple cold process was scented with lavender, which gave the final product a beautiful scent.

CP with MP Embeds

This beauty is cold process soap colored again with purple ultramarine and embedded with melt and pour chunks and curls.

Another advantage of combining melt and pour soap into cold process soap is that colors that traditionally do not work in cold process soapmaking, such as this pink ultramarine colorant, can be added into the melt and pour.

Whipped CP/MP into MP

Thanks to Katherine Lancaster who shared with her tips with me on whipping cold process and melt and pour together. The picture above is a combination of the whipped cold process soap and the melt and pour. I embedded it into a loaf of melt and pour. It turns out great!

HSMG attendees checking out the setup, finished products, asking questions and taking photos.

Above are MP/CP soap loaves made during the demo at the HSMG conference. Want to try the CP/MP whipped soap recipe that Katherine shared? Get your Wild Child on because here we go:

Cold Process and Melt and Pour Whipped Soap
1.5 lb. Handmilled Cold Process
1 lb. part Melt and Pour
8-10 Tbsp. water
1 Tbsp. light oil
1 Tbsp. glycerin
Colorant (optional)
Herbs or Exfoliants (optional)
Preservative (recommended)
1-2% Fragrance

Directions:
Handmill cold process soap into fine shreds into double boiler. Add water and combine. Heat until melted and smooth. In the meantime, heat and melt MP. Cover and hold at melted state. Remove handmilled CP from heat. Working quickly, using hand mixer whip in light oil, glycerin and and melted MP soap. Sprinkle in exoliants and continue to whip until it turns to a whipped cream consistency.
While still warm, piped onto soaps or mold into bars. Let sit to firm for two weeks or longer if needed.

Tips: The less water used, the faster the bars will firm up. Add colorant to melt and pour or into entire mixture when whipping. There aren't any "rules" to this. You'll get a feel for what works and what doesn't quickly.""

Have fun and be sure to leave a comment if you've tried any of these techniques. We'd love to feature your soaps!

Day One Kickoff! Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in Miami

2011-05-19T11:01:00.002-04:00

The Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild kicked off their 2011 Handcrafted Soapmakers Conference on May 18 at the Miami Downtown Hilton. This year's conference drew nearly 300 attendees. In addition to soapmakers from all over the U.S., there are 14 attendees from Canada, and others from Guatemala, few from U.K., Colombia, Puerto Rico, Cayman Islands, Australia, Bahamas, Ecuador and Venezuela.

The rooftop pool at the Miami Hilton is a bonus and great place to steal away for an hour or two! This is the view from my seventh floor, floor to ceiling window.

The view of Miami (harbor views are off to the left) from my hotel window. It's beautiful at night, too. I'll try to get a shot of the "moon over Miami."

Robin Schmidt of Dragonfly Handmade Soap (HSMG speaker coordinator) ready for a line of attendees awaiting their registration and highly coveted goodie bags.

My friend, Kim Johnson, with keynote speaker Barbara Corcoran, real estate mogul and one of the multimillionaires on ABC's "Shark Tank". One of my favorite parts of the conference is meeting up with new and old friends.

Donna Pixton-Hacker of Chamomile Cottage introducing Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale. Kayla gave a workshop on how to make your own melt and pour soap. I'm going to give this a whirl when I get home. Hmmm....new soap making class in NYC and Boston?

The conference provides time for networking with other soapmakers. Seated on the far right is Gillian Deconto of Little Bitty Soap Company out of British Columbia. To the left is Trista Page of Indigo Bee and Laura Page, general manager at Essential Wholesale.

Jennifer Hardaway of Klean Spa making suggestions during the Legislative Issues workshop with Mary Anne Walsh and Rick Limardo.

The fabulous Feleciai Favroth (HSMG treasurer and conference committee member) making introductions and announcements.

Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus kicking off the first night networking event. She shared interesting personal stories and business tips throughout the evening.

Wholesale Supplies Plus treated HSMG attendees with an espresso/coffee bar, sundae bar and more than $5000 worth of gift certificates.

Everyone behaving after line dancing and acting wildly to "earn" raffle tickets for the $5000 giveaways.

Networking continued late night for some attendees (especially West Coasters who are still on Pacific Time) - poolside or in restaurants around Miami. Stay tuned for another post after the completion of Day 2!

Did you attend the HSMG Conference? What was your favorite part of Day One?

HSMG Conference Tip 5 of 5: How Not To Miss Each and Every Workshop

2011-04-05T09:30:00.009-04:00

This blogpost is the last in a series of tips for attending the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild (HSMG) Conference in Miami next month. This tip is about how to not to miss each workshop. If you're attending this year's conference, or planning to attend future conferences, my hope is that you'll find these tips helpful.

Upon check-in at the HSMG Conference registration you'll receive a folder (see below), along with a fabulous goodie bag. The folder contains the conference schedule. View the schedule online at the HSMG website for pre-conference planning (which I highly recommend).

This is my folder from last year's conference in Denver.

The first thing you'll notice is that there are two tracks running throughout most of the conference. This means you'll have to make a choice as to which track you choose. There are already sessions that I'm torn between, and this is where a gameplan comes in handy:

Partner with one or two other conference attendees. It is easier to keep track of if you only partner with one or two people. Otherwise you'll be chasing down too many people during the conference. If you don't know anyone read How to Get Your Social Media Game On Before and After the Conference blogpost (see link below).
Determine who will attend each session. Divide and conquer!
Take an extra handout for each of your "teammates" per session.
Take legible notes for each session on a separate piece of paper. Or bring a laptop and type up your notes.
Email your typed notes to your teammates. Or if you have handwritten notes, use the hotel copy machine (or scan when you return home and email to your teammates).
Schedule an end of day "briefing session" with your teammates to distribute handouts. During this time, while the information is fresh in your mind, point out any key observations that were made during the workshop.

Simple as that! You won't feel as if you missed a thing. Also, you will have networked with two industry colleagues that you may or may not have known previous to the conference.

You can read the prior posts here: Why You Should Pack an Extra Suitcase or Box; How to Get Your Social Media Game on Before, During and After the Conference; Even if You're Shy Just Say Hi; and An Open Mind Could Lead to More Sales.

Want to connect with me?

http://www.backporchsoap.com
Are you Twittering? Follow Me: http://twitter.com/BackPorchSoap
Find Me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BackPorchSoap

See you in Miami!

Tip 4 of 5: Why You Should Pack an Extra Suitcase or Box for the HSMG Conference

2011-04-04T08:20:00.010-04:00

Photo Credit: Jocelyn Mathewes

This blogpost is the fourth of five in a series of conference tips. Today we're talking about why you’ll be glad you packed an extra suitcase or box for the conference.

The first year I attended the HSMG conference, I had no idea how many freebies and goodies that would land in my lap. The moment you check into registration you’ll land a giant sponsor-filled goodie bag that in past years has contained molds, fragrance samples, herbs, pail openers, and so forth. The freebies don’t stop there. There are raffles, give-aways at evening special events and also vendor tables where you can buy and win more soap-related products and services. There are also three days of conference handouts, which pile up quite a bit. When combined, all of these can take up quite a bit of space in your luggage.

On my flight home to Boston after my first conference, I showed up at the Palm Springs, CA airport to find out that my luggage was 10 pounds over the limit. The ticketing agent looked and me and smiled politely, "I'm going to have to charge you a $90 over-the-limit fee." So I transferred 10 pounds of goodies back into my carry-on and lugged the bag all the way back to Boston (and a layover in Denver to boot..ah, no pun intended). I promised myself that would be the last time I would shlep all that extra weight. Somehow I would get those goodies home without paying the price with my wallet OR my back. Since then I’ve smartened up and packed a small empty carry-on size suitcase within my regular luggage. This allows you to strategically pack for the way home.

If, for whatever reason, you don't feel like packing a second suitcase, there is another option. Mariann Smith of Just Bubbly (Rockaway Beach, NY) packs a prepaid and pre-labeled, USPS flat-rate shipping box just for this reason. Simply pick up a large flat rate box at your local post office, purchase a prepaid label, pack it in your suitcase, and you're ready to go. You might want to bring along some packaging materials and plastic ziploc baggies to compartmentalize small items. When you've packaged up your box, drop it off at the front desk of the hotel and it will see you when you get home!

Whether you decide to pack the extra suitcase or prepaid flat rate shipping box, you'll be glad you did! Your shoulder, wallet and plane carry-on companions will thank you.

HSMG Conference Tip 3 of 5: Time to Get Your Social Media Game On

2011-03-31T19:59:00.011-04:00

Today I booked my flight to Miami for the Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild (HSMG) Conference in May. It's hard to believe that the conference is only a little over a month away. This blogpost is the third of five in a series of conference tips and focuses how to get your social media game on before, during and after the conference.

If one of your goals is to meet and network with industry peers and experts, then reach out to them prior to the conference through Facebook, Twitter and blogs. First, simply head over to the Handcrafted Soap Guild Facebook page to chat with other attendees and HSMG members. Besides making new friends there and joining in on the conversation, you can join other soapmakers' fan pages and help promote each others' business.

Donna Pixton-Hacker, owner of The Chamomile Cottage (Mount Laurel, NJ) agrees. "One of the really fun parts of being at the HSMG Conference is taking photos of my new soapmaker friends and posting it on their Facebook page to show their friends and customers the lengths we go to keeping our businesses growing and learning," she said. "We will Tweet on each other's pages, post Facebook messages on each others' walls. It also gives us a short journal of the people we have met and the things we learned while at conference. I have spent many nights going back through my posts to recall what someone else captured from a speaker's presentation that I may not have gotten from it. So, I continue to learn from others long after the conference has ended."

As Donna mentioned, jump onto Twitter where you can find the Soap Guild under @TheSoapGuild. By following the Soap Guild you'll stay up-to-date with their posting. While there, enter in #SoapConf11 in the search box. It will populate results for anyone mentioning the conference. Using the hashtag (#) is a great way to meet attendees before the conference and keep in touch with them during and afterwards. I make sure I Twitter during the conference, and check the daily feed throughout the day to find real-time news, tips and funny stories.

Sara Nesbitt, owner of Sara's Soaps 'n Such (Burgaw, NC) did just that at last year's conference in Denver. "It's all about the hashtag," she said. "Use it on Twitter to find other Twitter users who are planning on going to the conference, who are tweeting from the conference and who are talking about it afterward. I didn't know about the hashtag prior to the conference last year, but I connected with several people online using it during and after the conference. That has led to anticipating this year's conference or future conferences and excited chatter about meeting."

An added bonus of using social media to keep up with conference happenings is the impact it can have on your business. Pixton-Hacker said, "I have noticed when my other HSMG Soapmaker friends do the same for me (post pictures on her business page from the conference) it boosts my customers' interest in what I'm doing, selling, or creating."

Lastly, use a search engine such as Google or Bing to search for recent blogposts on the HSMG Conference. You'll find companies and vendors who plan on attending and can comment on their blogpost, follow them on Twitter and Facebook, or simply email them to let them know you'll be at the conference.

Stay tuned for Tips 4 and 5 to be posted later this week: Why You Should Pack an Extra Suitcase and How Not To Miss Each and Every Workshop.

See you in Miami!

HSMG Conference Tip 2 of 5: Even If You're Shy, Just Say Hi

2011-03-08T18:26:00.013-05:00

This blogpost series focuses on tips for attending the annual Handcrafted Soapmaking Guild (HSMG) Conference. This year the conference is held in Miami, FL on May 18-20, 2011. As I mentioned in my first post, the first year I attended I had no idea what to expect. I've picked up little tips along the way (and some thanks to input from other attendees) that I hope you'll find helpful if you're planning to attend.

Meeting other bath and body company entrepreneurs, industry movers and shakers, and networking is one of the highlights of the conference. It's common to be shy, especially if you are attending the conference for the first time by yourself. If you're not much of a mingler, or have never attended a business networking function to hone your networking skills, here are a few tips to get you making new friends.

First, it really can be as easy as just saying hello. Remember, you're at a soap convention. Just ask someone what kind of soap they make and where they're from - it's that easy. I always joke that one of the reasons I go to the soap conference is because I can talk soap with other people 24/7 and no one fades out or loses interest. But it's true. Everyone is there for the same reason: we love soap and want to promote and sell more of it.

"Jump through the hoop - put fear aside. It's amazing what happens after the ice is broken," says Mary Humphrey of Annie's Goat Hill (Leesburg, OH). She admits that she was previously a very shy person until she decided to just jump into conversations.

Second, go to Twitter or Facebook to find new acquaintances prior to the conference. "Pick a few people to interact with. Look online to get a feel for someone. Introduce yourself to them," says Kristen Bowen of Kristen Bowen Studio (Hyde Park, UT). One of the easiest ways to do this is to go to the HSMG Facebook fan page, introduce yourself and ask who else is attending the conference. Go to Twitter and follow @TheSoapGuild, @BackPorchSoap, @kbstudio, and @anniesgoathill.

Third, make friends with the wonderful HSMG volunteers. They wear brightly color aprons (easy to spot), have a great sense of humor, are friendly and are pros at making introductions. Even though they are quite busy throughout the conference, they have time for a quick hello, know many of the conference attendees, and are a great resource for meeting new people.

Lastly, use breakfast, lunch and dinner as a time to just simply say hello and talk soap to fellow colleagues. Remember that this isn't a time to sell your soaps. It's a time to be open to new friendships and to potential opportunities.

What are some suggestions you'd like to share?

Check back tomorrow for How to Get Your Social Media Game on During and After the Conference.

HSMG Conference Tip 1 of 5: An Open Mind Could Lead to More Sales

2011-03-07T18:06:00.016-05:00

This blogpost series focuses on tips for attending the annual Handcrafted Soapmaking Guild (HSMG) Conference. This year the conference is held in Miami, FL on May 18-20, 2011. The first year I attended I had no idea what to expect. I've picked up little tips along the way (and some from other attendees) that I hope you'll find helpful if you're planning to attend.

One of the most important tips for a successful conference is to keep your mind open to new opportunities and possibilities. This is an educational and networking event, so you may not get direct leads for sales at the conference. But you just never know what opportunity may present itself. Here are just a few opportunites that have happened to me:

Meeting new colleagues/friends in the industry who later may refer customers to you when they cannot fill their product or capacity needs.

Mixing and mingling with industry suppliers who may feature your company or products on their website (to lead to more exposure and orders).

Potential collaboration with industry colleagues whom you previously assumed were "the competition." (Like I said, keep an open mind and leave preconceived notions at home.)
Picking up a key piece of information from a presentation that is the perfect piece you needed for your business.

Sara Nesbitt, owner of Sara's Soaps 'n Such (Burgaw, NC) said she picked up a key piece of information at last year's conference in Denver. It was just what she needed to hear. "Attending last year's guild conference increased my sales through the use of social media. I'd mostly thought of social media more as a networking tool than a marketing/branding tool," she said.

Sara said Donna Maria Coles Johnson of Indie Beauty changed how she viewed social media. "For example, she talked about adding brief videos via YouTube to your social media life. They don't even have to be directly related to your products or business; they can be about other people's businesses, like those that are local to your community, Sara said. "I'd never thought about that. I had used YouTube to upload tutorials for fellow soapmakers, but not to market other people. My thinking changed from "Social networking" to "social media." Ironically, through "media," I've begun to "network" more, connecting to local people who I've met in real life and befriended in person."

Sara said last year's conference taught her that social media wasn't something to fear. As a result, she now uses Facebook, Twitter, blog, newsletter and has a YouTube channel. "I use these tools to help other soapmakers grow their businesses - swirl tutorials for CP, discussion forum on Facebook, pictures and ponderances on my blog," she said.

Check back tomorrow for my blogpost entitled "Even If You're Shy, Just Say Hi."

Blog Post Series: Top Five Tips for Attending the HSMG Soap Conference in Miami

2011-03-06T10:27:00.023-05:00

It's March, and I can hardly believe the Handmade Soapmakers Guild Conference in Miami, Florida is only two months away. I've been busy working on my two presentations and demo for the conference. Held May 18-20 at the Miami Downtown Hilton hotel, this fun and inspiring conference attracts entrepreneurs for lectures, classes, workshops and networking.

This is the third year I've been asked to speak at the conference. I'll be giving a presentation on "How to Successfully Wholesale" and a demo called "Wild Child Soapmaking: Combining MP & CP Methods."

This is a six-part blog post series to share what I've learned from attending past conferences. I've been picking up tips each year and thought it would be helpful for new attendees. If you have been attending the soap conference please leave your helpful suggestions and tips in the comments and I'll share them in this series as well.

Here are my top five tips that I'll publish in detail this week:

Proof That An Open Mind Could Lead to More Sales
Even If You're Shy, Just Say Hi
How to Get Your Social Media Game on During and After the Conference
Why You Should Pack An Extra Suitcase
How Not To Miss Each and Every Workshop

The keynote speaker for the 2011 Annual Conference is Barbara Corcoran, head of The Corcoran Group and real estate contributor to NBC's TODAY Show and a "shark" on the ABC reality show Shark Tank. Barbara is also a regular columnist for the New York Daily News and MORE Magazine.

There are many other fabulous speakers: Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus, Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale, Marie Gale of "Soap and Cosmetic Labeling: How to Follow the Rules and Regs Explained in Plain English,", Larry Plesent of Vermont Soap, Tina Howard of Majestic Mountain Sage, world reknown aromatherapist Robert Tisserand and many more.

In addition to informative workshops, there is plenty of time to network with other business owners (one of my favorite parts of the conference). The evening sponsored dinners and entertainment are relaxing, informal and included in the conference package. Speaking of dinner, you won't go hungry at any HSMG conference. Last year I won more than $250 in raffles and giveaways - in addition to the $100 highly coveted goodie bag!

Two years ago the conference was held in Palm Springs, CA and I spoke about "Differentiating Yourself in the Highly Competitive Market of Soapmaking." Attendees learned how to increase sales by targeting niche and vertical markets. There I presented on how to develop an "eye" for demands and trends in other industries to stay ahead of the competition.

Last year at the HSMG 2010 Soap Conference in beautiful Denver, CO I presented on "New Opportunities in the Melt and Pour Soap Market." After the Palm Springs conference I didn't know how the Soap Guild could possibly top such a fantastic event, but they did.

It's not too late to join us in May. Simply visit the HSMG website and sign up. Hope to see you in Miami!

Fresh and Green for Spring: Natural Perfume Workshop with Charna Ethier

2011-02-11T12:05:00.014-05:00

Natural perfumes are hot, hot, hot! If you're new to the idea, Natural Perfumery (NP) is the creative art and science of using natural aromatic raw materials that are beautiful and complex to produce lovely perfumes. Whether you want to learn to make natural perfumes for yourself or add it to your product lineup, mark your calendars for our Boston area workshop on March 19.

We are so fortunate to have Charna Ethier as the workshop instructor! She is the “nose” and founder of Providence Perfume Co. (Providence, RI) a natural perfumery specializing in luxurious botanical fragrances. After spending years working with large beauty and fragrance companies such as Aveda, she desired to create her own line of perfumes that were truly natural.

Two Liquid Perfumes
One Solid Perfume
12 essential oils (to take home after use in class blending)

In addition, Charna will share her knowledge on:

1. The Components of Natural Perfume: Essential oils, Absolutes, Floral waxes/concretes, Natural Isolates and Alcohol.

2. Tinctures (Hows and Whys)

3. Importance of Notekeeping (formularies, impressions, revisiting)

4. Measuring

5. Labeling and Ageing

6. Storage of Perfumes and Perfumery Ingredients

7. Accessory Notes

8. Botanicals Requiring Dilution

In addition, each student will receive a valuable handout containing reputable sources for ordering supplies; standard proportion of base, middle, and top notes; as well as formulation guidelines.

For more information and to register, please visit our website. This class is held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, which is 40 minutes from Boston and 1 hour from Providence, RI.

New England Soapmakers' Meetup in Boston

2011-01-19T15:17:00.011-05:00

New England Soapmakers Meetup in the South End of Boston. A little brunch, shop talk and then browsing afterward.

Pictured above from left to right is: Kim Tobojka, Helene Matteson of Urban Kitchen, Deb Scanlan of Grace Farm Organics, Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Co., Rose Carbajal of Brooklyn Bath, Marla Bosworth of Back Porch Soap Co. and Robin Schmidt of Dragonfly Handmade Soap.

After brunch at Aquitaine we browsed and shopped in the South End.

South End Browsing & Shopping Sites

Posh (Gifts)
557 Tremont Street

Pet Shop Girls (Canine Shop)
400 Tremont Street

Motley (Gifts)
623 Tremont Street

Aunt Sadie’s (Candles and Gifts)
18 Union Park Street

Lekker Unique Home Furnishings (Interior Design)
1317 Washington Street

Flour Bakery & Café (Bakery)
(Best of Boston for 6 years)
1595 Washington Street

Hudson (Gift)
312 Shawmut

South End Buttery (Organic Bakery)
Boston’s Best for four years including 2010
314 Shawmut Ave.

Polka Dog Bakery (Canine Bakery)
246 Shawmut Ave.

J.E.M. Home (Gifts and Interior Design)
470 Shawmut

Bead & Fiber (Craft Store)
460 Harrison Ave.

Gifted
2 Dartmouth Street

The trendy South End has a wide variety of dining choices - from restaurants to bars and cafes. You'll find Indian, French, Italian, Ethiopian and Thai just to name a few. The SoWa district is filled with art galleries and artists' studios. Just around the corner the South End Open Market, on Harrison Street, is where local artists and small businesses sell their wares on Sundays, from spring until fall. In addition, the South End is home to the Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) and the school for the Boston Ballet.

If you live in New England and make bath and body products, join our Meetup Group. We'll be meeting in NYC at the end of January to attend the NYIGF and shop in the Big Apple.

How To Make Soap DVD - Save 50% Through December 2010!

2010-12-15T20:44:00.014-05:00

When I first started making cold process soap back in the 1990s there were no soap making DVDs, no soap making classes, and only a handful of books on the topic. I would have loved to been able to pop in a DVD and watch a soapmaker show me step-by-step precautions, ingredients, equipment, formulation and process! In my DVD, I've done this for you!

You'll learn how to make cold process soap from scratch. It's easy to follow, and I lead you from start to finish to bring you to a level of comfort in working with lye and creating your own soap recipes. This soap making DVD ships with a handout complete with detailed written instructions, recipes and a vendor supply list worth the price alone!

In addition to learning about safety guidelines, I will show you how to work comfortably with lye so that you can finally make soap by hand at home! I'll discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding and curing.

Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the soap-obsessed? Perhaps a birthday gift? Or a special gift for yourself? As a holiday special, I'm offering 50% off any DVD from December 15, 2010 through December 31, 2010. Choose from: Cold Process Soap Making, Bestselling Creams and Lotions, and Bestselling Bath Bombs and Body Scrubs.

If you're giving this as a gift, I'd be happy to enclose a personalized note. Just mention in the Special Instructions section upon checkout the name of the recipient and any message you'd like for me to include.

Happy Holidays & Happy Soaping!

~Marla

Bye-Bye Dry Skin, Hello Shea Butter: Top 10 Ways to Eliminate Dry Skin

2010-12-14T15:07:00.006-05:00

Suffering from dry skin this winter? Here are my tips for bringing saying bye-bye to dry skin! Make sure you see below for two-day sale on our bestselling shea butters.

Back Porch Soap Company's "Top 10 Ways To Remedy Dry Skin"

Skip the drying soaps and shampoos. Don't use any products that have sulfates in them. It is an irritant and drying agent that literally strips your skin of its precious oils. While you're at it, throw out any products with parabens or dyes. Remember to choose handmade soaps with high-quality ingredients.
Choose your moisturizer wisely. Our 100% shea butter (the pulp from Africa's karite trees) coats and protects the skin and is my first recommendation for those of you with a tendency toward super dry skin or even excema and psoriasis. Keep your ingredients simple. Toss any moisturizers that contain alcohol, sulfates or parabens.
Nix the long, hot shower. I know, it feels good. Especially on a cold day. But you are robbing your skin of moisture and oils. So cut it short - 5 minutes is plenty - and use warm water instead.
Take your Omega 3 EPA/DPA Fish Oils. In capsules, liquid, whatever it takes. Not only will it help your skin, your ligaments and joints are going to love it. Take two grams of fish oil daily. Also, flaxseed oil is a wonderful supplement for keeping skin healthy and glowing. Check with your M.D.
Drink plenty of water. Yes, it's true and you've heard it all before. Drink eight to 10 8 oz. glasses throughout the day. Your skin is the largest organ and needs to flush the toxins out daily.
Turn on the humidifier. Home heating takes the moisture out of the air during the winter months. A $30 humidifier will aid your skin and sinuses. Most come with an indicator. Try to keep it at 35%.
Moisturize after your shower. This is the best time, since your pores are open and ready for protection.
Take care of hands and feet. Remember to moisturize them as well. I recommend soaking your feet for a bit at night, then massaging them with shea butter and finishing off with a pair of cotton socks. You'll wake up with super soft feet.
Exfoliate twice a week with an inexpensive loofa or bristle brush. It aids circulation (start from the outer limbs and work toward your heart) and removes the surface layer of dead cells.
Cut down coffee consumption. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it removes water from the body. A good rule of thumb is for every cup of coffee you drink, tack on another 8 oz. of water in addition to the 8 glasses you should be drinking daily.

Check out our two-day sale on 100% shea butter and shea butter body creams. Supplies are limited. Sale runs until 12/16/2010.

January 2011: NYC Soapmaking Classes and Natural Skincare Classes

2010-12-10T21:23:00.014-05:00

Update February 2011: Although January has come and gone, check out our current soap making class and natural skincare workshops in NYC!

Join us in New York City for five fabulous classes in January 2011. Our Cold Process Soap Making Class and Organic Body Butters, Scrubs, Salves and Balms classes are always a sellout. We are teaching three new classes in NYC this time around: Organic Oils Liquid Soapmaking, Natural Shampoos and Haircare Products, Natural Home Fragrances and Soy Candles. Many of these classes will run again in September 2011.

All of our hands-on New York City Soapmaking classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, president and CEO of Back Porch Soap Company. She brings more than 13 years experience in the handmade bath and body industry as well as decades of marketing, market research and retail sales experience.

All classes are held on the Upper West Side of NYC in our private classroom at Little Shop of Crafts (711 Amsterdam Ave. at 94th Street).

January 26 - NYC Organic Cold Process Soap Making Class

January 27 - NYC Organic Body Butters, Scrubs, Salves & Balms

January 28 - NYC Organic Oils Liquid Soaps

January 29 - Session I: Soy Candles, Diffusers & Home Fragrances

January 29 - Session II: Natural Haircare Products

Check out our natural cosmetic formulation and business classes here.

Last Day of Holiday Baking Recipes: Yummy Greek Butter Cookies

2010-12-06T19:42:00.008-05:00

This is the fifth and final post in a series I called Five Days of Holiday Baking. I'm sharing my favorite holiday baking recipes and hope you've enjoyed what I've posted so far. For my last recipe, I'm sharing delicious Greek Butter Cookies - also known as Kourabiethes. It comes from a dear Greek friend of mine who lives in New Hampshire. Her mom graciously shared it with me years ago when I spent one Christmas at their house during my college days. A Greek recipe is an appropriate celebration, as I just put the finishing touches on soapmaking classes and natural skincare classes in Greece for April 2011! Hope you'll check the classes out and think about joining me for a very special trip.

Greek Butter Cookies (Kourabiethes)
Yields approx. 4 dozen cookies

1 cup butter
1/3 cup confectioner's sugar
1 egg yolk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
2 cups all purpose flour
whole cloves (optional)

Cream butter and confectioner's sugar. Add egg yolk and vanilla. Mix well. Gradually add flour and blend well. Chill 3-4 hours or overnight. Shape into 1-inch balls and flatten slightly to about 1/4". Insert whole clove (optional - but delish!) in center of each cookie.

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 325 degrees F for 20-25 minutes. Cookies are done when there is a bit of golden color around the edges. Sift additional confectioner's sugar over warm cookies.

Hope you enjoyed my Five Days of Holiday Baking! Now I'm off to make all of these recipes for friends and family.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

~Marla

Day Four of Holiday Baking: Making Fudge is Kind of Like Making Soap

2010-12-02T16:10:00.011-05:00

This is the fourth post of five in a series I'm calling Five Days of Holiday Baking. I'm taking a break from posting about soap making classes and instead sharing my favorite holiday dessert recipes. You'll love both of the fudge recipes I'm posting. They are both incredibly delicious: one is my personal favorite (super easy and versatile) and the other is my Mom's long-standing favorite that her mom (Grandma June) made for countless decades.

My fudge recipe (and my Mom's too) is a bit like make cold process soap. You can pick your additives (nuts, mini marshmallows, dried fruit, etc.) and change around the base recipe as much as you'd like. Unlike soapmaking, no need to run it through the lye calculator! Here's a trick - try making two recipe of fudge, for example one butterscotch and one chocolate, then pour simultaneously into your pan (reminding you of soap yet?) and gently swirl (although it will be quite thick at this point.

Marla's Super Easy Fudge Recipe

3 cups baking chips (chocolate, butterscotch, peanut butter, white chocolate, or even mix them)
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Pinch of salt
Optional: 1/2 to 1 cup "additives" (nuts, mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, M&Ms, etc.)

Directions: Line a 8 x8 pan with foil and butter it lightly. Melt chips, salt and sweetened condensed milk in a saucepan over low heat. Stir continuously. When chips are melted, remove from heat and add vanilla and any additives. Stir quickly to incorporate them well. The fudge will begin to thicken as starts to cool. Pour into foil-lined pan.

Let cool at room temperature for one to two hours. Cut immediately into squares and wrap in foil. Store in air-tight containers.

Mom's Favorite Fudge (Makes 3 lbs.)

3 cups sugar

3/4 cup butter

2/3 cup evaporated milk

1 12 oz. package semi-sweet chocolate chips (or peanut butter/white choc./butterscotch!)

1 7 oz. jar marshmellow creme

1 cup chopped nuts (or other additives!)

1 tsp. vanilla

Combine sugar, margarine, and milk in heavy 2 1/2 quart saucepan, bring to full rolling boil, stirring constantly.

Continue boiling 5 minutes over medium hear or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees, stirring constantly to prevent scorching.

Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips until melted.

Add marshmallow creme, nuts, and vanilla, beat until well blended. Pour into greased 13x9 pan.

Cool at room temperature. Cut and wrap in foil.

Hope you are enjoying the recipes! Feel free to leave a comment with your favorites!

Day Three of Holiday Baking: Bet-You-Can't-Have-Just-One Creamy Caramels

2010-12-01T21:09:00.006-05:00

Today is day three of Five Days of Holiday Baking Recipes. Yesterday I shared Rose Levy Beranbaum's Mahogany Buttercrunch Toffee recipe. I'm sharing a wonderful and easy recipe for Creamy Caramels that I know you will love. These homemade caramels are highly addictive. Bet you can't have just one!

Creamy Caramels

1 cup sugar
1 cup dark corn syrup
1 cup butter
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp. vanilla extract

Make sure you have a candy thermometer on hand.

Line an 8-inch square pan with foil. Butter the foil and set aside.

Combine sugar, corn syrup and butter in a saucepan. bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.

Boil slowly for four minutes without stirring. Remove from heat and stir in milk. Reduce heat to medium-low, stir constantly, and cook until candy thermometer reads 238 degrees F (soft ball stage).

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla. Pour into prepared pan. Cool. Remove from pan and cut into 1-inch squares. Wrap individually in waxed paper and twist ends.

Makes about 60-70 pieces.

Day Two of Five Days of Holiday Baking Recipes: Mouth-watering Mahogany Buttercrunch Toffee

2010-11-30T18:54:00.008-05:00

Today is day two of Five Days of Holiday Baking Recipes. Yesterday I shared my Top Secret Holiday Cookie recipe. Fasten your seatbelts, because today's favorite comes from Rose Levy Beranbaum. I "discovered" Rose back in the 1990s when this recipe was featured in The Boston Globe Magazine. At first I was a bit overwhelmed just glancing at the recipe - I was comfortable with baking, but had never made English toffee. If this recipe looks intimidating to you, just try it once. Compared to soap recipes, it really is a breeze!

Why is this recipe in my Five Days of Holiday Baking Recipes? Well it isn't technically baking, but this toffee makes a fabulous addition to holiday treats. Your friends and family will be impressed - this toffee looks and tastes uber gourmet. The brown sugar gives a beautiful mahogany color to the toffee and the baking soda ensures that it is brittle and not sticky.

Pick a cold, dry day and make sure you have a candy thermometer on hand.

Rose Levy Beranbaum's Mahogany Buttercrunch Toffee

(Makes about 1 lb. or 10, 5 inch pieces)

2 cups blanched, sliced almonds

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 1/4 cups firmly packed light brown sugar

2 Tablespoons water
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

3 oz. semisweet chocolate

Adjust the oven racks so they divide the oven into thirds. Set oven at 350 degrees F.

Have on hand a nonstick or buttered cookie sheet and a candy thermometer.

Spread almonds on a cookie sheet and bake them, stirring occasionally for 10-12 minutes or until they are golden brown. Let cool completely.

In a food processor fitted with a metal blade, pulse the machine in on-off motions until the almonds aer finely chopped but not powdery.

Sprinkle half the nuts over a 7 x 10 inch area on the cookie sheet. Set it near the burners; you'll need to grab it quickly. Have the vanilla and baking soda nearby as well.

In a heavy-based saucepan, preferably nonstick, combine the brown sugar, water and butter. Bring to a boil, stirring constatly, until the mixture reaches 285 degrees F on a candy thermometer. This is the soft crack stage (a little of the mixture dropped into a bowl of ice water will separate into threads that are hard but not brittle.)

Immediately remove the saucepan from the heat and add the vanilla and baking soda. Pour the toffee mixture carefully and evenly onto the nuts, keeping within the 7 x 10 rectangle.

Working quickly, scatter the chocolate onto the toffee. Press the chocolate lightly with your fingertips so it starts melting.

Let it sit for five minutes. The chocolate will be soft enough to spread with a metal spatula or butter knife. Make an even layer over the surface of the toffee. Dust the chocolate with the remaining almonds. Leave the toffee to cool completely, then break it into irregular pieces. You can store the toffee in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a month.

Five Days of Holiday Baking Recipes: First Up, My Top Secret Cookies..."Hey, Martha, Check These Out!"

2010-11-29T19:47:00.001-05:00

I've decided to take a few days off from writing about soap making classes and instead share with you some of my favorite holiday recipes. Family and close friends know that I'm an avid baker, but I rarely have time to indulge in whipping up culinary delights - now it's whipping up cosmetic formulations. But in the early 1990s I dreamed of continuing my education at Johnson & Wales culinary school in Rhode Island. My dream was to start a biscotti baking company. I was obsessed with biscotti back then. But thankfully a few years later I made a solitary batch of soap that would forever change my life....in a remarkable way. I digress.

My gift to you this holiday season are five days of recipes - not just any recipes but ones that have become an annual tradition for my daughter (now 16) and me. I first started making these in 1990, just four years before she was born. Each year I take photos of us baking together. And I cherish these recipes I'm about to share.

Why this Top Secret Holiday Cookies Recipe? First, I've never received so many compliments and rave reviews on a cookie recipe in my life. Honestly. You'll see. Second, they store in an airtight container for up to a month (which is important if you are shipping them to friends and family overseas). They also freeze well. Lastly, a recipe doesn't get much easier than this.

My hope is that these recipes will be near and dear to your heart. Special thanks to Grandma June and Grandma Zinetta Smith, who both passed along their love for baking to me. Thank you for the childhood memories of watching in awe as you baked with joy and love. I will never forget those majical moments. And to you, dear readers, remember to add an extra pinch of joy and love to all your recipes.

Enjoy! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Sweetest Holiday Wishes,
Marla Bosworth

Top Secret Holiday Cookies Recipe
by Marla Bosworth

Dough Ingredients

1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
1 cup sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
3 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 cup sour cream
Dash of love
Dash of joy

Frosting Ingredients
1/2 cup butter
1 lb. confectionery sugar
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
4 Tbsp. milk
Sprinkling of peace and kindness

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Cream together butter and sugar. Add eggs and vanilla. In separate bowl, mix all dry ingredients. Alternately add half the dry ingredients, then half the sour cream. Repeat until dry ingredients and sour cream are incorporated into the mix. Place dough in plastic wrap or plastic bag and refrigerate for at least two hours or preferably overnight.

Roll dough onto floured board until 1/4 inch thick. Roll it thinner than most cookies, as it will rise slightly during baking. Using your favorite cookie cutters, work your magic by using up all the dough!

Bake on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper (I like the way they turn out this way). Bake 4-6 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as they get dark around the edges easily. Cool and frost.

Frosting Instructions: Place softened (not melted) butter in bowl. Add confectionery sugar, vanilla and milk. Beat until smooth. Store unused frosting in airtight container. Although it decorates smoothly, it will harden within a few hours.

Decorating Tips: My daughter likes to divide the frosting into at least five bowls and color each one with food coloring. We use a variety of sprinkles (jimmies for you New Englanders), colored sugar, and candies.

(Want to reprint? Please email marla@backporchsoap.com.)

The Chemistry of Soap Making Class at Wellesley College

2010-11-25T22:10:00.002-05:00

I recently taught a soap making class at Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA) on "The Chemistry of Soap Making" for Professor Didem Vardar-Ulu, Assistant Professor of Chemistry. Her class is made up mostly of juniors and seniors.

The Science Center (pictured above) at Wellesley is quite impressive. It stands out on campus as a massive structure. For a unique look at inside it, visit Wellesley's website.

We began Professor Vardar-Ulu's class with an overview of organic chemistry and how it pertains to soap making and how to choose plant oils for various skin types before students made their own batch of soap from start to finish. We also discussed how to choose fatty acids for soapmaking. See our previous blog post on the properties of fatty acids (lauric, myristic, palmitic, stearic, ricinoleic, oleic, linoleic and linolenic).

Above, students lower their lye water temperatures. Once in the desired temperature range, they combine the lye water with the melted oils.

Success! Students transfer their soap into molds for easy transport home. Once soaps cure, students will test their moisturizing effects on the skin.

Want to try the Totally Groovy Hemp and Almond Soap we made in class?

Yields: 2 lbs.
Superfat: 5%
Lye Concentration: 27%

Water Discount: 38%
Saturated: Unsaturated Ratio: 49:51

2.875 oz. (81.497 grams) Lye

7.6 oz. Water

6 oz. Coconut oil

6 oz. Palm oil

3 oz. Sweet almond oil

2 oz. Hempseed oil
0.625-1.2 oz. fragrance (students used a rosemary/peppermint essential oil blend)

Please use necessary safety procedures when making cold process soap. Wear protective eyewear (goggles), mask and gloves. No children, pregnant women, nor animals around. Remember to add the lye to water. Then the lye water to oils.

Want to learn how to make soap? Check out our soap making DVDs or come join us for a cold process soapmaking class in Boston or New York City.

(Marla is contributing writer for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009, 2010 and is scheduled to speak again in 2011 in Miami. She teaches natural skincare and business classes throughout the U.S. and overseas. She is available to teach intensive workshops and can be reached at marla@backporchsoap.com.)
Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

Cold Process Soap Making Class Yields 24 Litsea and Rosemary Mint Loaves!

2010-11-15T19:20:00.006-05:00

This weekend's cold process soap class marked the 29th class I've taught in less than three months. It's been a whirlwind last few months - from teaching a Beauty Business Bootcamp in San Francisco, to New York City Bath & Body University and then back in the Boston area for more classes.

Typical of our classes, students this weekend came from all over the U.S., as well as from different walks of life and professions. But over and over they all have at least one thing in common: the desire to learn to make natural skincare products.

Above are the 24 loaves, getting packed up and heading home with students to be given as gifts to family and friends around the world (or kept for themselves!). We scented the 20 lb. batch of Groovy Hemp Soap with Litsea (May Chang) and Patchouli essential oils. The Moisturizing Cocoa Butter Soap recipe was scented with Rosemary and Peppermint essential oils.

Check out our calendar for upcoming Boston Soap Making Classes and New York City Soap Making Classes, as well as Natural Skincare Business Consultations. If you would rather learn from home, you can always purchase our DVDs and class handouts.

October Cold Process Soap Making Graduates at Back Porch Soap Company!

2010-10-19T21:30:00.007-04:00

This month 11 energetic students graduated from our cold process soap making class in our Boston area studio. They learned to whip up two, 20 lb. batches of soaps using organic oils and butters.

Here, one of the students is blending in the essential oils we chose for class: lavender, rosemary and patchouli.

Talk about teamwork! It's no easy feat transferring 40 lbs. of soap into 2 lb. loaf molds, but they made it look easy.

Want to learn to make cold process soap? Join us for our monthly soap making and natural skincare classes in the Boston area (Duxbury, MA) or quarterly classes in New York City. Want to host our natural skincare classes in your city? Email us for more information.

Our studio is located 30 minutes from Boston, and only 45 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. With beautiful Duxbury Beach, Cape Cod and Plymouth (Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation) only minutes away, this is a perfect family destination! Your family will have plenty to enjoy in the area while you take soap making class or two.

About Your Instructor
My name is Marla Bosworth, and I'm the founder and owner of Back Porch Soap Company. I've been making soaps and teaching soapmaking for 12 years. My wholesale clients include Whole Foods and upscale boutiques around the world. I teach classes because I love sharing my passion for soap making, natural skincare products, and entrepreneurship.

My credentials include a B.A. in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire in 1987. I have an extensive background in marketing, market research and manufacturer consulting as a Market Research Analyst for the company now known as Forrester Research. Clients included Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Xerox and IBM to name a few.

My true calling is creating beautiful soap luxuries and inspiring other entrepreneurs how to do the same.

(Marla is a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009, 2010 and is scheduled to speak at the 2011 conference in Miami, FL. She teaches natural skincare and business classes throughout the U.S. and Europe.)

Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

How to Choose Oils & Butters for Soap Making

2010-09-12T20:00:00.003-04:00

"How do I choose oils and butters for soap making?" is one of the most frequent questions I hear from want-to-be soapmakers. Whether you are making natural skincare products, cosmetics, or cold process soap, you'll want to choose liquid oils as well as solid oils and butters based on their respective properties. What will the oils you choose bring to your recipe and to your customer's skin? What I emphasize in my soap making classes and private natural skincare consulting is that the more you know about the oils you are using, the more results your products will offer.

Most plant oils are available in organic and non-organic. In addition, there are refined, bleach and deodorized (RBD) solid oils and butters. I personally am not a fan of RBD oils and butters as the processes (high heat, bleaching, etc.) often strip the natural ingredients of their valuable properties. In addition, some of the oil processors use chemical solvents to extract all the oils for higher yield for their company.

Fatty acids play an important part in cold process soap making. Let's take a look at some of the fatty acids and the properties they lend:

Lauric Acid: Creates a hard bar, is cleansing, and has a light and fluffy lather
Linoleic Acid: Moisturizing/Conditioning
Myristic Acid: Creates a hard bar, is cleansing, and has a light and fluffy lather
Oleic Acid: Moisturizing/Conditioning
Palmitic Acid: Creates a hard bar and a stable lather
Ricinoleic Acid: Conditioning/Moisturizing, and has a fluffy, stable lather
Stearic Acid: Creates a hard bar and has a stable lather

One of the reasons I like the lye calculator over at Soap Calc is the valuable information it gives on the fatty acids in the oils/butters you choose for your recipes.

If you're looking for the quick low-down on which oils I recommend for soapmaking, then here is my list. It's hard to narrow down to these, but here are my top five tried-and-true choices for soapmaking oils and butters:

Coconut Oil: Creates a hard soap with a fluffy lather. It boasts vitamin E, K and minerals such as iron. Use up to 30% in recipes.

Palm Oil: Creates a hard bar with a creamy lather and contains antioxidants and vitamin E. Use up to 30% in recipes. If you are looking to create a sustainable product, you may wish to eliminate palm or find a sustainable palm resource. (There is valid concern about the palm oil farming in Malaysia and the affect it has on the environment and living beings.) I have been working on a palm-free soap recipe for several months.

Olive Oil (Grade A or Extra Virgin): Besides being moisturizing, olive oil contains vitamin E, A, betacarotene and vitamin K, cholorophyll, phenols, oleocanthal and squalane. Use as much as you'd like in soap recipes, just know that if you use more than 30 percent your soap will be softer and take longer to cure. Too much olive oil (40 percent or more) creates a bit of a slimy lather, in my opinion.

Soybean Oil: Mild, moisturizing and creates a low, creamy lather. Use at 20 percent or less. I suggest that you purchase only non-genetically modified (GMO) soybean oil. (It is a sustainable oil produced in the U.S. and by purchasing it you are supporting American farmers.)

Shea Butter: Creates a moisturizing, soothing, nourishing soap that softens skin. Wonderful for damaged skin and full of Vitamin E. Use at 15 percent or less.

There are many other wonderful oils and butters from which to choose. In a recent poll on our Back Porch Soap Co. Facebook Fan Page, many soapmakers chimed in their favorites ranging from sweet almond oil to mango butter.

If you're looking for a reliable supplier for soap making oils and butters, Jedwards (Quincy, MA) is a family-owned business located just outside of Boston. For a minimum $100 order, you can pick up your order and save on shipping. Just call a day or two ahead and prepay, as they do not have a showroom at this time. One of the reasons I purchase all my oils and butters from them (besides offering high-quality ingredients and being able to pick up my order), is that their products are extremely consistent from order to order.

Which butters and oils do you use for soap making?

Newbury Street Soap Tour in Boston

2010-09-10T16:14:00.012-04:00

If you're a New England soapmaker and/or bath and body company owner, you're invited to join the New England Soapmaker's Meetup Group on Friday, September 17 starting at 4 p.m. for a Soap Tour of Boston's Newbury Street.

I'll take you to some of my favorite places on Newbury Street: Lush, Sabon, and Fresh, just to name a few. We'll take a look at bath and body products up and down one of the trendiest streets in Boston. While there, besides smelling soaps and trying creams and lotions galore, we'll check out packaging ideas, trends, displays, etc. We are planning to grab dinner and drinks afterward.

We'll start at 4 p.m. outside of Sabon, located at 129 Newbury Street (the east end of Newbury Street closest to Boston Common).

If you plan to join us, please RSVP on our New England Soap Makers Meetup page. There is no cost, except for parking and dinner/drinks.

Can't wait to see all of your new and familiar faces.

~Marla

New York City Soap Making classes Announced for October 27-30!

2010-09-06T15:49:00.016-04:00

Join us in the Big Apple for Cold Process Soapmaking, Advanced Cold Process Soapmaking, Creams & Lotions, Body Butters and Body Scrubs, as well as our popular How to Run a Successful Bath & Body Business seminar. Our New York City Soap Making classes are only held four times per year.

New York City classes are running this fall from October 27-30, 2010. Classes are held in Manhattan at a convenient Upper West Side location (94th and Amsterdam). Sign up soon for the early-bird discount. Hurry, we expect all of our classes to sell out this session!

If you're looking to take all five of our classes in NYC this October, save when you sign up for NYC Bath & Body University.

This is an all-inclusive four-day bath and body intensive program that will get your current business or the one you've dreamed about owning off of the ground. You will receive four full days of training - and a course completion certificate - exclusively from Marla Bosworth, founder and owner of Back Porch Soap Company. With 12 years of bath and body industry experience, she also will share her 30 years of retail, market research, and entreprenurial and business experience. You'll learn how Marla landed more than 200 wholesale accounts, including Whole Foods, and how you can have the business of your dreams too.

Students have travelled all the way from Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Chile, Guatemala, Ireland, Venezuela, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Israel & and from around the United States to participate in our programs.

This specialized program is perfect for entrepreneurs who own a business as well as for budding entrepreneurs who are seeking training in the field of bath and beauty. (Remember to check with your tax accountant, as this class fee, your travel and accommodation expenses and more could be tax deductible.)

Hope to see you in NYC!
classes in new york for lotion making, NYC soap classes, nyc soapmaking classes, nyc soap making class, how to start a bath and body business, how to start a soap business, lotion making class nyc, new york city soap class, bath and body university, soap marketing plan, Soap making courses, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Learn to Make Salon-Quality Haircare Class Returning in November!

2010-08-23T21:52:00.010-04:00

Boston beauty expert Rick Spina will return to our studio on November 7, 2010 to teach the popular class on How to Make Natural Haircare Products. Students will make three products while Rick shares his wealth of knowledge of haircare products. He will share how to customize product based on various hair types.

This class is intended for individuals wanting to learn how to make their own haircare products and also for bath, beauty and salon professionals who would like to develop their own product line.

The class is hands-on in our studio located near Boston. Rick will instruct the group as we make three products as a team. Students will take home one of each of the following products:

1. Colorsafe Shampoo - Low pH cleaner that is gentle to colored hair. Says Rick, "About 90% of my clients have a lot of money invested in their haircolour and this is the basis for the individual shampoos I make for them."

2. Leave in Conditioning Gel - Attracts and holds natural moisture, neutralizes static electricity to eliminate frizzies, and increases natural shine.

3. Hair detangeler - Non-Greasy, spray-on detageler that allows the comb to slide through the hair, eliminating snapping and breakage. This product is also used as a pre-shampoo spray, for clients with color corrections, chemically drained hair conditions and unstable color clients (the color is unstable, not the client).

To register and for more information visit the registration page on our website.

Summer Soap Class Students Create Beautiful Calendula and Cocoa Butter Soaps

2010-08-08T12:15:00.001-04:00

What a wonderful, energetic soap class this summer! Students made two, 20 lb. batches of cold process soap. Here is our batch made with calendula - one of my favorite herbs. It's known for its antibacterial and immunostimulant properties. We infused the calendula in organic, extra virgin olive oil.

To make pouring easier, students transfer the 20 lb. raw soap into an easier-to-manage container before distributing into loaves.

Here students are distributing the 20 lbs. of raw calendula soap into containers to take home. They wait 24-48 hours, unmold the soap, slice it and wait 4-6 weeks to cure.

Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Join us in New York City or Boston for our cold process soap class. You will learn safety guidelines and reach a level of comfort so that you can finally make soap by hand. We discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding, curing and much more. Students receive soap recipes and a list of my favorite places to buy soap making supplies and equipment.

If you prefer private classes, contact us for consulting information. We've taught students from Ghana, South Africa, Germany, Chile, Guatemala, Ireland, Venezuela, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, Turks and Caicos, Israel & and from around the United States how to start their own soap and natural skincare businesses.

Unable to travel? Let us come to you through our Learn At Home DVDs and online webinars.

For those of you experienced soapmakers looking for a new recipe, try our Moisturizing Cocoa Butter Soap with Calendula and let me know what you think!

16% Cocoa Butter
28% Coconut Oil
28% Olive Oil (infused with calendula)
28% Palm Oil

I like to superfat around 7% for this recipe.

Try this essential oil blend:
4% Vetiver essential oil (one of my favorite "anchor" essential oils)
96% Litsea essential oil

Do you have a favorite essential oil blend that you'd like to share?
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Just Added: More Cold Process Soap Making Classes for This Summer!

2010-07-12T12:20:00.003-04:00

I've had so many requests for more cold process soap making classes this summer, so I've added two more for July and August! These are held in my studio in Duxbury, Massachusetts. We are a short 40-minute ride from Boston, Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island.

The first one is coming up soon on Saturday, July 31 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(FYI, there is a Glycerin/Melt & Pour class the same afternoon from 2-5 p.m. if you would like to stay and learn both techniques.)

The second class will be held Saturday, August 28 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Students come from near and far (Ghana, Ireland, Venezuela, Chile, U.S. and more) to take our hands-on classes. Besides having a great time and meeting other cool people, you'll learn all you need to know about making cold process soaps, formulating your recipes, safety precautions when working with lye, sourcing ingredients, packaging, labelling.

Check out my website for more information. Hope to see you there!

New 4-Day Bath and Body University Just Added for October 2010!

2010-06-30T13:00:00.002-04:00

Have you been wanting to take your current bath and beauty business to the next level or the one you've dreamed about owning off the ground? Then this Four-Day Bath & Beauty University will be perfect for you.

Come meet other students from around the world and enjoy the beauty of fall in the Boston area, with all of its various shades of foliage. Slated for October 21-24, 2010. Our August Bath & Body University sold out quickly, so if you're interested, sign up soon! Payment plans are available - check out details on our website.

What you'll receive: learn to formulate your own products (from cold process soaps to creams and lotions just to name a few), how to run a successful bath and body company, finding your niche and differentiating yourself from the competition and take home 90 products valued at $654. Leave with a solid plan for your business and products. You'll be taught and guided by Marla Bosworth for all four days.

About Your Teacher: My name is Marla Bosworth. I'm the owner/founder of Back Porch Soap Company located in Duxbury, Massachusetts. My company was launched in 1998. Currently I sell to more than 250 upscale retail boutiques throughout the U.S. and overseas, as well as natural food stores such as Whole Foods. My professional background includes nearly 20 years in market research and consulting for small and large businesses. You'll learn from my vast retail industry experience, as well as my internet marketing insights. Come learn from someone who is "in the trenches" of a soapmaking business day in and day out! I am a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009 and 2010.

Classes are held in my Duxbury, Massachusetts studio. We are located just 30 minutes south of Boston.

View our website for more information and to register for this class. Most students come from outside of New England, and many travel from overseas just to attend my classes. I've taught students from Ghana, Venezuela, Nigeria, Peru, Philipines, Chile and Ireland. I'm happy to help you with your travel arrangements. Please email me.

Recommended nearby accommodations:Hampton Inn, Plymouth, MA (15 minutes from my studio)Best Western Cold Spring, Plymouth, MA (15 minutes away) Closest Airport:Logan International

The closest accommodations in Duxbury a bed and breakfast called Duxbury Tall Pines at a rate around $75-$100.

Other Transportation: Commuter Train MBTA Commuter Rail to Kingston Station Amtrak Closest station is Providence, RI and Boston, MA. Connecting commuter train available from Boston.

I also teach private classes. Send me an email and I'll reply with more information.

What a few of my students have said about working with me:

Marla,

We wanted to let you know that we loved all your classes. Every recipe, instruction, tip you gave us has a lot of value for our business. For us coming all the way from South America was absolutely worth it to sit at your table and learn from you. We really appreciate all your generosity and kindness throughout the classes. I am sure that we will have much success because of you! Thank you very much for having us in your class!

Our best wishes, Ale & Fifi
Venezuela

*******************************

Marla,
I am remiss in not thanking you for the wonderful cold process class I took with you in May.We are using the soap I made in class here at home and it is outstanding! My family has sworn off store bought.I also made my first batch on my own! Had to clear the house of family and pets, but I did it. I am now curing a peppermint/with caraway seeds type of garden soap. I am looking forward to taking a swirling class with you hopefully in the winter.

Thanks again,
Carolyn
Fitchburg, MA

******************************

Hello Marla,

You are the best! Thank you so very much for being so informative in the advance soapmaking class last month. You are very accommodating, genuine and caring. I appreciate your effort to share your knowledge so that your students will be better equipped to create soaps more confidently. You thoroughly covered all bases.

Revonnie H.
North Carolina

***************************

I came away from Marla's "Bath & Body University" with a clear vision on how to get my soap business off the ground. She taught me how to create beautiful high-end soaps that I'm in love with. Marla is a personable, natural mentor with a sincere desire to help others turn their aspirations into a reality. I couldn't be happier about my decision to complete her program.

Alyssa T.
Massachusetts

*************************************
Hi Marla,

I just wanted to say that your class was really informative. You presented the information in a clear and articulate manner. I'm planning to use your suggestions right away!

Elaine C.
New York City

*************************************

Hi Marla,

I can't thank you enough for all of the valuable information you supplied me with yesterday during my one-on-one consulting. You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate that you share it with others.

We covered so much, and it is all in areas that my business needs attention to, just what I was looking for, I can't wait to get started!

Looking forward to catching up in Denver.

Jane F.
New Hampshire

************************************

Hi Marla,
Thank you so very much again for conducting such a wonderful class! I can absolutely see why you have a lot of repeat students! Organized, informative and fun!

Merilyn K.
New York City

**************************************

Hi Marla,

I wanted to thank you for the outstanding class that you taught this past Saturday! I am very excited to dive right into soap making and feel the confidence to do so because of your class! You were very thorough, patient, and pleasant to be around. In general, I believe that you made everyone feel at ease. Thank you so much.

Very Sincerely,
K. Rokos
Vermont

***********************************

I HIGHLY recommend Marla's business coaching and classes to ANY and EVERYONE! In my quest to launch a business of my own, I found it to be of paramount importance to have actual product making classes under my belt, so I packed my bags and headed from DC to Duxbury, Mass.

Upon completion of the Soapmaking Bootcamp, Organic Product Development and Business Coaching classes, I walked away empowered with the knowledge that I could successfully embark on what was once a fleeting thought... MY VERY OWN BUSINESS!!! (and tons of take home goodies that had to be shipped!)

Lydia, Washington DC
Certified Holistic Health Counselor
(IIN/ Columbia University)

****************************************************************
Ideal for those looking for soap making courses, soap making classes, soap workshops, cold process, melt and pour, market and business plan for soap business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

New! How to Make Natural Shampoo and Hair Care Products Class

2010-06-06T19:09:00.004-04:00

So many of you have been asking for a class on shampoo, so here we go! I'm thrilled that Boston beauty expert Rick Spina is teaching three exciting projects and sharing his wealth of knowledge. He will share how to customize product based on various hair types.

This class is intended for individuals wanting to learn how to make their own haircare products and also for bath, beauty and salon professionals who would like to develop their own product line.

The class is hands-on in our studio located near Boston. Rick will instruct the group as we make three products as a team. Students will take home one of each of the following products:

1. Colorsafe Shampoo - Low pH cleaner that is gentle to colored hair. Says Rick, "About 90% of my clients have a lot of money invested in their haircolour and this is the basis for the individual shampoos I make for them."

2. Leave in Conditioning Gel - Attracts and holds natural moisture, neutralizes static electricity to eliminate frizzies, and increases natural shine.

3. Hair detangeler - Non-Greasy, spray-on detageler that allows the comb to slide through the hair, eliminating snapping and breakage. This product is also used as a pre-shampoo spray, for clients with color corrections, chemically drained hair conditions and unstable color clients (the color is unstable, not the client).

To register and for more information visit our website.

Soap Making Classes, Soap Business Workshops and More

2010-05-23T21:25:00.001-04:00

This is such a great time to learn to make soap: whether you're open to a new hobby, side business or launching a full-scale bath and body company. It all takes planning and proper execution, of course. Whether you live near or far, I hope you'll come join me for a class or two!

All of the Boston classes are listed by month here. Check out our New York City soap making classes and natural skincare classes. I also teach one-on-one classes and consulting to help you formulate your own skincare line or grow your current bath and body business.

My workshops take place at Back Porch Soap Company in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Our New York City classes are taught on the Upper West Side.

My studio is located 30 minutes from Boston, and only 45 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. With beautiful Duxbury Beach, Cape Cod and Plymouth (Plymouth Rock and Plimoth Plantation) only minutes away, this is a perfect family destination! Your family will have plenty to enjoy in the area while you take soap making class or two.

About Your Instructor
My name is Marla Bosworth, and I'm the founder and owner of Back Porch Soap Company. I've been making soaps and teaching soapmaking for 13 years. My wholesale clients include Whole Foods and upscale boutiques around the world. I teach classes because I love sharing my passion for soap making, bath and body products, and entrepreneurship.

My credentials include a B.A. in English/Journalism from the University of New Hampshire in 1987. I have an extensive background in marketing, market research and manufacturer consulting as a Market Research Analyst for the company now known as Forrester Research. Clients included Hewlett-Packard, Canon, Xerox and IBM to name a few. Currently I am an independent bath and body business consultant.

My true calling is creating beautiful soap luxuries and inspiring other entrepreneurs how to do the same.

(Marla is a contributing author for The Saponifier Magazine, a moderator on Indie Beauty Network, and a speaker at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference in 2009 and 2010. She teaches natural skincare and business classes throughout the U.S.)

****************************************************************
Ideal for those looking for Maine Soap Making Classes, New Hampshire Soap Making Classes, Vermont Soap Making Classes, Rhode Island Soap Making Classes, Connecticut Soap Making Classes, New York Soap Making Classes, New York City Soap Making Classes

New Learn at Home DVDs: How to Make Soap and How to Make Cream and Lotion

2010-05-18T09:00:00.010-04:00

Are you ready to learn how to make handmade soap but can't find a class nearby? Or are you ready to start a soap business but not sure where to begin? I'm excited to share with you brand new workshops on DVDs that I introduced at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Conference this year in Denver. They were a bestseller and I know you will love them too.

Two DVD workshops are available: "Cold Process Soap Making - Level 1" and "Bestselling Creams & Lotions". I'm sharing tips and secrets to formulating that I teach in NYC where classes run $155. But you can learn from home for only $48.

I've been teaching soapmaking classes since 2004 - six years after I started my soap company. Students have come as far as Ghana, West Africa and Venezuela to learn how to make bath and body products to launch a business. These DVDs are perfect for individuals who want to make natural skincare products for themselves and their families as well as entrepreneurs who want to formulate their own products and start a bath and body company.

Each DVD comes with a printed handout for easy reference to instructions, tips and tricks, troubleshooting, recipes, and a valuable supplier list. You can learn from home at your convenience without having to travel! I've taught hundreds of students over the past six years and I'm told my classes are extremely thorough and easy to follow. I'm sure you'll find the same is true with my DVDs.

Many more DVDs are the works and some of them are listed on my website with anticipated availablility dates. Be sure join my Facebook fan page to stay up-to-date!

Interested in wholesaling these DVDs? Please inquire at marla@backporchsoap.com.

Are there other classes that you would find helpful to have on DVD? I'd love to hear your suggestions.

New Opportunities & Networking at 2010 HSMG Conference

2010-05-09T17:11:00.001-04:00

There's one place you can always find me in May - at the Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild (HSMG) Conference. A soap conference, you ask? Yes, a soap conference. For those of us in the industry, it's an annual event that is inspiring and uplifting. It's educational and fun. Oh, and the goodie bags and vendor events top the highlights.

This year's HSMG Conference was held at the Inverness Hotel in Denver, Colorado. Although I live in Boston, I am a Wyoming girl at heart. Gazing out at the snow-capped Rocky Mountains from my hotel room made my Western heart very happy - despite the daily 6 a.m. alarm clock.

I met many new colleagues and reconnected with other soapmaking and industry movers and shakers. In the next few weeks I'll be making a some exciting new announcements that came from networking at the conference.

Above is Kayla Fioravanti from Essential Wholesale and me. She and her husband threw a fabulous party Western party Saturday night that featured can can dancers and an improv comedy show. Kayla also gave a wonderful presentation entitled "You are the Secret Ingredient: Formulating Your Dream Business."

My presentation on New Opportunities in the Melt and Pour Market was sponsored by Debbie May of Wholesale Supplies Plus. Debbie hosted a wonderful dessert event on Friday evening. There were several thousands of dollars in giveways, and I won a $175 gift certificate! Debbie gave a very educational presentation on Taking Your Business to the Next Level.

One of my favorite presentations (there were many) I attended was one on Trace Analysis by Kevin Dunn (see photo above). Kevin's book, Scientific Soapmaking, is a must read for any cold process soapmaker.

Another favorite presentation was "The Safe and Effective Use of Essential Oils in Soap" by Robert Tisserand. He elaborated on aromatherapeutic oils and blends for soaps - antibacterial, skin soothing, skin protecting, etc. He gave examples of historical and current blends, and how to make blends that last and have fragrance impact.

Although I had already interviewed Joshua Onysko of Pangea Organics back in February, I enjoyed hearing him tell "The Story of Pangea Organics." Joshua shared how he took Pangea from the initial bright idea to an award-winning company setting new environmental and sustainability standards in the industry. (Pangea is the first company to introduce and be awarded for biodegradable, compostable, plantable packaging.)

There were many other wonderful presentations by Anne Marie Faiola, Donna Maria Johnson, Kelly Bloom, Amy Kalinchuk and Marie Gale. Check out HSMG's website for more info and check out their Facebook fan page.

Next year's conference will be held in Miami, Florida. Hope you will pack your swimsuit and join us!

Did you make it to this year's conference? What did you find valuable?

NYC in May! Soap Making Classes and How To Start Your Own Soap Business Classes

2010-04-06T16:10:00.001-04:00

Join me in New York City in May 2010 for one or all five hands-on, educational bath and body classes:

May 19, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Scrubs, Bath Bombs, Balms & Body Butters

May 20, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Cold Process Soap Making

May 21, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Creams and Lotion Class

May 22, 9:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

How To Run A Successful Bath & Body Business

May 22, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Organic Glycerin Soap Making

May 20-22, Limited Availability
Private Consulting Appointments

I'm excited to be returning to teach a third round of classes held on the Upper West Side at a great studio inside Little Shop of Crafts (711 Amsterdam Ave. at 94th Street).

Classes are already filling up for May classes. Sign up today at my website. In March, students travelled from more than five states as well as NYC to attend.

These classes are intended for both individuals and entrepreneurs with current bath and body companies and for individuals wanting to start their own business. Come join these intimate classes to learn how to run a successful bath and body company.

You'll learn from me, Marla Bosworth, a 12-year bath and beauty expert and market research analyst, who launched Back Porch Soap Company with only a few hundred dollars. Now I supply more than 200 upscale boutiques, Whole Foods, resorts, gift stores and spas with my products. In this class you'll learn how you can do the same.

Coming from out-of-town and looking for accommodations? Email me for recommendations.

Note: All classes must be prepaid in full on www.backporchsoap.com prior to attending. You will receive a confirmation email. Register before May 1, 2010 for special, early-bird discount.

Can't make this class but want to stay in the loop with us? Sign up for our newsletter and we'll email you to let you know the latest happenings for new classes and more!

In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.
*************************************************************************
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Top Five Essential Oils for Soap Making

2010-03-11T13:15:00.001-05:00

One of the most frequent questions I am asked during soap class is "Which essential oils should I buy to have on hand for soapmaking at home?" It's a very good question for several reasons.

First, essential oils are one of the most expensive ingredients in soapmaking. It's wise to be selective as you won't want to buy 12 or 15 essential oils as you ease into your new craft. Remember, you are adding 0.5 oz of essential oil per pound of oils in your recipe. So if you are creating a batch of soap that requires four pounds of oil, you will be adding 2 oz. of essential oil. It can be one essential oil or a blend of oils, but right around 2 oz. Some soapers use a bit more, and others use a bit less. As you become experienced, you get a feel for your particular oils and their staying power.

Second, if you narrow down your oils to the top five, you can purchase in larger quanitities (I recommend 16 oz. of each) for best pricing. Most suppliers charge more per ounce on 2 oz. or 4 oz. than they do on a 16 oz. or pound of essential oil. So you're spending your money wisely up front.

Lastly, if you choose your top five wisely, you'll end up with blending options. This means besides making a one-scent batch, you can also make a two or three-scent batch.

In the natural skincare and soap classes I teach, students use only essential oils. These are derived from nature - from herbs, flowers, fruits and more. They provide physiological and psychological benefits. For example, two of lavender essential oil's many physiological benefits is that it aids in relief of psoriasis and skin wounds. One of its psychological benefits is that it is calming. You'll want to choose essential oils based on their essence as well as for the healing properties they provide.

Note for new soapmakers: Fragrance oils are synthetic and man made. They do not have physical, emotional or other healing properties. If you are using fragrance oils just confirm that they are intended for use in soap making and ask your supplier if they perform well or if there are any known problems.

Here are my Top Five Essential Oils for Soapmaking:

Lavender
Properties: Calming, soothing and relaxing, which helps those with stress and nervous tension, headaches and migraines. It is a natural choice for healing many skin conditions such as acne, bruises, burns, dermititis, eczema, inflammation, psoriasis, sunburn and wounds to name a few.
Blending: It blends well with many oils, from citrus to florals.

Rosemary
Properties: Rosemary immediately alters my mood. If I'm feeling a bit down, just a little sniff will help restore and balance my mental state. In addition, it is wonderful to use to aid in dermatitis, acne, eczema, and your boosting immune system.
Blending: Try blending with lavender, peppermint, cedarwood, basil, and lemongrass.
Note: Rosemary should not be used by individuals who are pregnant or who suffer from epilepsy.

Peppermint

Properties: Refreshing, restorative and a wonderful stimulant. It aids in circulation, muscular pain, can relieve asthma, and boosts the immune system.
Blending: Works well with rosemary, lemon, eucalyptus and of course lavender just to name a few.

Patchouli
Properties: Calming in small amounts, and uplifting in larger amounts. A known anti-inflammatory and useful in relieving dry skin.
Blending: Patchouli is one of several essential oils known to "anchor" scents. Use in small amounts, even when blending, as it can easily become overpowering. Blends well with lavender, lemongrass, rosemary, bergamot, clary sage and many more.

Lemongrass:
Properties: Uplifting and refreshing (one of my favorites for a kitchen soap). Aids in healing of acne and improves muscle tone.
Blending: Works well with citrus oils, lavender, geranium and bergamot. I love it with peppermint or eucalyptus. It is exceptional with a bit of patchouli.

Suggested Blends based on 4 oz. oil:
Lavender (2.5 oz.), Rosemary (1 oz.) and Patchouli (o.5 oz.)
Lemongrass (3 oz.) and Peppermint (1 oz.)
Lemongrass (3.5 oz.) and Patchouli (0.5 oz.)
Lavender (3.5 oz.) and Patchouli (0.5 oz.)
Rosemary (2 oz.) and Lemongrass (2 oz.)
Lavender (3 oz.) and Peppermint (1 oz.)
Peppermint (3 oz.) Patchouli (1 oz.)

It was challenging to pick just five, as Eucalyptus and Spearmint would have both been next on my list along with Vetiver, Geranium, Bergamot and Tea Tree.

Feel free to post your comments and let me know which oils you love or if you have any questions. You can check out my soap classes and natural skincare classes on my website.

*************************************************************************
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Inside the Heart & Soul of Pangea Organics: Part Two

2010-02-26T11:00:00.001-05:00

A week back from Boulder, Colorado and I'm still inspired by listening to the thoughts and ideas of Joshua Onysko, founder of Pangea Organics. Founded 10 years ago at the age of 23, Joshua now owns the largest handmade cold process soap company in the U.S. Pangea is not your average soap company. It's the leading manufacturer of organic, sustainable, handcrafted and cruelty-free skincare.

You can listen to Part One of my audio interview, posted earlier this week.

In this 23-minute interview (this is part two) Joshua talks about:

Living inside Pangea's first three facilities;
The importance of balancing your career and your personal life;
Why being palm-free is important; how 95% of all ingredients used in cosmetics and skincare are imported and how one of Pangea's missions is to source 50% from the U.S.;
Raising capital;
Being ahead of the organic wave in the U.S.;
How it took five years for Pangea to post profits;
Why he expects it to take until 2015 for the U.S. natural industry to weed out inconsistent brands and be filled with authentic, organic products
How and why Pangea's ingredients are food grade
This year marks Pangea's 10-year anniversary in April and how Joshua views the celebration
One of the biggest challenges that he faces today (hint: he had to cut 72% of his stockists.)
What going mainstream by selling to Sephora in 2009 has done to his business.

One of his messages to soapmakers in the U.S. is to create a high quality product to raise the bar (my pun) on the quality and sustainability of ingredients used in handmade bath and body products. "If you're out there making skin and bodycare products, know that if you put a poor product together, you're not doing the industry any good. Because people are going out there and having a bad experience with this gooey, separated mess and associating that with organic. So if you're going out there and make an organic product, make it work better than everything else on the shelf. Don't sacrifice quality for one ingredient you don't want to use."

Be inspired and take a look at Pangea's research and development mission. There are three key factors that have to come together before their product will hit the market: everything has to be natural, it has to be food grade, and as many organic ingredients as possible. Once these three factors come together it then must be an efficacious product that outperforms everything else on the shelf. For example, the reason Pangea hasn't introduced a haircare line is that there is not yet a surfactant on the market that meets their environmental and quality standards.

All business aside, perhaps one of the best suggestions Joshua gives to bath and body company owners is a philosophy on how to view life. "Focus on the small victories and view every day as a gift. There's challenges and there's weaknesses, but there's also these moments, these small victories that happen every moment, every day that you have to focus on."

Enjoy!

~Marla

Inside the Heart & Soul of Pangea Organics: Part One

2010-02-23T13:00:00.002-05:00

Joshua Onysko and me at Pangea Organics, Boulder, CO

I just returned from Boulder, Colorado where I had the pleasure of interviewing and being inspired by Joshua Onysko, founder of Pangea Organics - the largest handmade cold process soapmaking manufacturer in the U.S. In case you don't already know, Pangea is not your average soapmaking company. It's the leading manufacturer of organic, sustainable, handcrafted and cruelty-free skincare.

What I found most impressive about Joshua (besides being incredibly gracious and having lived in my hometown of Jackson Hole, Wyoming), is what's inside his heart and soul and how he transfers this gift to his company. For example, Pangea Organics gives 5% of its profits to Women for Women International, a program founded to micro-finance women-owned cooperatives in developing countries who are producing ingredients that he uses in his company's products.

By the way, Joshua founded Pangea in 2000 when he was 23. Although it took the first five years to reach profitability, from 2005 to 2010, Pangea will have grown from almost $0 in sales to over $10 million. He is candid in this interview about the low margins on his soaps, especially with sustainable and organic ingredients, marketing and the company's overhead.

In this 20-minute interview (this is part one of two) I ask Joshua questions on how to be a successful bath and body entrepreneur. He also shares insights into Pangea. I hope you find him as engaging and facinating as I do. Check back on Friday, February 26 for Part Two of the interview!

New York City Soap Class, Creams and Lotion Making and More!

2010-02-11T10:45:00.004-05:00

Join me in New York City in for one or all five hands-on, educational, natural bath and body classes. The next series of workshops take place in May.

Held on the Upper West Side at a great studio inside Little Shop of Crafts (711 Amsterdam Ave. at 94th Street).

Classes are filling up. Sign up today at my website.

These classes are intended for both individuals and entrepreneurs with current bath and body companies and for individuals wanting to start their own business. Come join these small, intimate classes to learn how to run a successful bath and body company.

You'll learn from me, Marla Bosworth, a 12-year bath and beauty expert and market research analyst, who launched Back Porch Soap Company with only a few hundred dollars. Now I supply more than 200 upscale boutiques, Whole Foods, resorts, gift stores and spas with my products. In this class you'll learn how you can do the same.

Coming from out-of-town and looking for accommodations? Email me for recommendations.

Note: All classes must be prepaid in full on www.backporchsoap.com prior to attending. You will receive a confirmation email. Register before March 10, 2010 for special, early-bird discount!

Can't make this class but want to stay in the loop with us? Sign up for our newsletter here and we'll email you to let you know the latest happenings for new classes and more!

In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.
*************************************************************************
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

How to Start a Soap Business, Part Two: Profile of a Successful Soapmaker

2010-01-20T09:15:00.006-05:00

This is Part Two in a series on How to Start a Soap Business (Part One is here.) It's important to really delve into your personality and passion as to whether you are the kind of person who can turn your hobby/craft into a full-time business.

There are common threads that run through every successful business soapmaker I've ever met. Those common threads are a fire in their belly, a resistance to failure (because it comes knocking again and again), and an undying enthusiasm as well as passion for their products and business. There's not a class that will teach you about passion. Either you have it - or you don't. But there's much more beyond passion.

It's imperative to strike a balance between the passion of making your handmade beauty products and incorporating the business side. A well-run soap business is like a finely tuned machine. First the soapmaking, then the marketing/selling (usually more than the actual product making), then the bookkeeping. Some weeks the focus is more on marketing/selling. Nonetheless, review the bottom line weekly, then repeat.

Why is it important to review the bottom line? It gives a telltale sign as to what is working for your business, and what isn't. We'll discuss this more later in the blog series.

What happens frequently is that a soapmaker may get caught up in the soapmaking, afterall it is fun to create. We are all artists at heart, yes? But one of two things is going to happen. First, soapmaking funds are going to run dry, and you'll be sitting amidst a lot of stock that needs to be sold. Or second, you keep pouring funds perhaps from your day job into soapmaking while giving away stock and realizing you've never made a dime.

Successful soapmakers know the importance of the company's bottom line. Turning a fun hobby into a money-making business requires a watchful eye on your finances - what's coming in (profit) and what's going out (cost of goods/expenses). The encouraging part here is that if you're not the accounting type, you can hire someone to manage your financial books. Be honest with yourself. If you're not entering your receipts and knowing where you stand on a weekly basis, then it's time to hire help. Depending on the size of your business, you should be able to hire a reputable accountant for as little as one to two hours a week. Not only will this help get your business finances on track, it will also allow free up your time to focus on growing your business.

Owning and running a soap business is not for the faint of heart. A successful entrepreneur needs creativeness, a vision, confidence, can-do attitude, fearlessness, business savviness, and the ability to be a world-class multitasker. Afterall, you are going to be creative director, computer specialist, customer service rep, shipping agent extraordinaire, chief bottlewasher and janitor all wrapped into one (or at least until you have the funds to hire someone for these respective positions).

You must be able to spot and seize opportunity and be open to changes in the marketplace. Every successful entrepreneur I know is passionately obsessed about their business. They are constantly brainstorming – at various times of the day - ideas about ways to improve their business whether it be marketing, new products development and possible joint ventures or leveraging with other businesses.

A wide spectrum of marketing is crucial to bring exposure to your handmade products. To some entrepreneurs, marketing is almost innate. Stay tuned for more in future posts.

Building a part-time or full-time business takes time. It also takes money. So don’t quit your day job yet. Roll up your sleeves and be prepared to work on this new venture when you are not at your full-time job – evenings, weekends, whatever it takes.

What are some characteristics or traits that you've noticed in yourself or other soapmakers?

How To Start A Soap Business; Make Research and Planning Your First Priority

2010-01-13T12:35:00.001-05:00

This is the first in a series of posts aimed at helping you launch your natural skincare or cosmetics line. Over the coming weeks we'll take detailed look at the steps to get your new or current business off the ground.

Earlier this week an entrepreneur asked me how to find a niche for a soap company she is launching. She also asked how to determine her target market. You see, she had already created her products, logos and labels with great enthusiasm, but had not yet focused on sales and marketing.

She is not alone. Many soap hobbyists and crafters reach a point where they are making products for fun and then decide at some point they want to start a business. They've created soaps for friends and family, and perhaps have sold at a few shows, but are so immersed in creating products that they miss a key business point: who's my target audience and how am I going to appeal and market to them?

As a whimsy, creative type, I flew by the seat of my pants when I started my business back in 1998. Business types would ask me if I had written a business plan, and I'd shrug them off saying that I was "...going where the winds took my sail." I was convinced otherwise by several business advisors, and sat down and wrote my business plan. Was it a breeze to write? Not really, it took me several months. However, the process and the final result was eye-opening and enlightening. It gave my business new life and new direction. I found my niche, and my business skyrocketed.

In my consulting practice today, one of the first recommendations I make to bath and body entrepreneurs is to get their vision down on paper: niche, target market, marketing plan, SWAT analysis, competitor analysis, short-term goals and long-term goals.

We'll be covering all aspects of starting and running your own bath and beauty business in next week's class, which runs simultaneous with our 4-Day Bath & Body University.

What are your questions for starting or running a successful bath and body business? Post your comment below and I will answer them in the upcoming posts throughout the next few weeks.

In the meantime, you can find out more about private consulting and classes on my website. Sign up for my newsletter to stay up-to-date on future product and business webinars.

Here are some of the business classes I teach:

How to Launch and Run a Successful Bath & Body Business
How to Differentiate Yourself in the Bath & Body Industry
Business Plan Writing
Product Planning
Marketing Strategies
How to Implement Social Media and Internet Marketing
How to Wholesale Successfully

********************************************************************
Soap class, how to start a soap business, NYC, New York, New Jersey, Colorado, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Top Five Tips for Starting A Successful Bath & Beauty Business

2009-12-20T21:06:00.009-05:00

Recently I was asked for tips on how to start a bath and body business with limited income. Sometimes starting out on a limited income can be a blessing. Having limited income will force you to watch your spending, and to only spend on what is necessary.

Also, don't quit your day job. I recommend my clients to stay with their day job until their bath and beauty business is up and running before "jumping ship."

Top Five Tips for Starting A Successful Bath & Beauty Business

1. Avoid funding your business with credit cards.

2. Write your business plan. It does take time and effort, but you need to know your target market, marketing plan of action, SWAT analysis, pricing, and five year plan.

3. Gather a focus group of people you consider your target market. Choose people who you respect (not necessarily friends or family) and who will give you their honest feedback, even if it is negative. Be open and willing to listen to them. Meet with them at milestones in your business to get feedback on potential packaging, products, etc. Compile a list of detailed questions to give them for feedback on products. This way you get your valuable questions answered with information you can use instead of simple feedback such as "I liked it."

4. What makes you/will make you different from your competition? This is very important. It is going to be your selling point and it is going to be why your customers are going to buy from you versus your competitor.

5. Become your customer. Take away all you know about your company and approach it as someone who has just been introduced to it. Would you be drawn to your image, you products, your website? Step back and take a look at your products and company like this on a regular basis.

This is just the tip of the iceberg for starting your own bath and beauty company. Check out my classes and private consulting for further assistance with launching your business or taking your current bath and body business to the next level.

New York City Organic, Cold Process Soap & Creams/Lotions Classes!

2009-12-18T15:46:00.015-05:00

Join me in New York City in March 2010 for one or all four hands-on, educational bath and body classes:

March 24, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Scrubs, Bath Bombs, Balms & Body Butters

March 25, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Cold Process Soap Making

March 26, 6-9:30 p.m.
Organic Creams and Lotion Class

March 27, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
How To Run A Successful Bath & Body Business

Held on the Upper West Side at a great studio inside Little Shop of Crafts (711 Amsterdam Ave. at 94th Street).

Classes are filling up. Sign up today at my website. In January, students travelled from more than five states as well as NYC to attend.

These classes are intended for both individuals and entrepreneurs with current bath and body companies and for individuals wanting to start their own business. Come join these small, intimate classes to learn how to run a successful bath and body company.

You'll learn from me, Marla Bosworth, a 12-year bath and beauty expert and market research analyst, who launched Back Porch Soap Company with only a few hundred dollars. Now I supply more than 200 upscale boutiques, Whole Foods, resorts, gift stores and spas with my products. In this class you'll learn how you can do the same.

Coming from out-of-town and looking for accommodations? Email me for recommendations.

Note: All classes must be prepaid in full on www.backporchsoap.com prior to attending. You will receive a confirmation email. Register before March 10, 2010 for special, early-bird discount!

Can't make this class but want to stay in the loop with us? Sign up for our newsletter here and we'll email you to let you know the latest happenings for new classes and more!

In addition to group classes, Marla is available for one-on-one consulting for individuals interested in learning how to make bath and body products or for existing companies looking for market research and/or consulting.
*************************************************************************
Soap class, handmade soap market research, handmade soap trends, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Don't Miss the Next Cold Process Soap Class Set for January 23, 2010!

2009-12-08T21:01:00.012-05:00

Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!

Marla Bosworth, 12-year soap business owner, will teach you how to make your own healing soaps using oils of your choice at home. This class is perfect for beginners and those who've never made soap. Whether you're a hobbyist or thinking about starting your own soap business, this is a great place to begin!

We'll cover safety guidelines and ensure that you reach a level of comfort so that you can finally make soap by hand at home! We'll discuss how to properly use and store lye, mixing lye and water, oils for soap making, fragrance oils, essential oils, superfatting, additives and exfoliants, coloring, molding and curing. Students will receive soap recipes and a list of my favorite places to buy soap making supplies and equipment.

We will make two batches of soap as a class. Each student will take home 10 handmade bars of soap.

Saturday, January 23
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.

Consider taking "How To Run A Successful Bath & Body Business" on January 21. View other January 2010 classes.

Class is held in my Duxbury, Massachusetts studio. We are located just 30 minutes south of Boston.Can't make this class but want to stay in the loop with us? Sign up for our newsletter here and we'll email you (once a month) to let you know the latest happenings for new classes and more!

Click here for information on private, one-on-one classes and how to launch your own bath and body business. Email owner Marla Bosworth at marla@backporchsoap.com for more information.

*********************************************************************************

Soap class, soap making classes, soap consultant, how to start a soap business business, Soap making class, New York City, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.

Win $100 in Free Bath & Body Products...and I'm One of The Judges!

2009-11-06T11:18:00.005-05:00

From Nature With Love, founded by Kibby Mitra and her husband, Jay, is one of the nation’s largest suppliers of ingredients and raw materials to the micro-cosmetics industry. A few weeks ago, I was approached to judge a contest held by From Nature With Love and Indie Beauty Network which features the creativity of handmade bath and body product designers in an event showcasing how much fun it is to make your own health, beauty and lifestyle products.

How The Beauti-Fall Bath & Body Recipe Contest Works
The objective is to reward people for their creativity, and to enjoy a fun way to share interesting and inspirational ideas for seasonal gifts made with ingredients that are reminiscent of the lovely fall season. This is not a contest for food recipes! Bath, bodycare, skincare and home fragrance only.

All you have to do to enter is publish your recipe with a photo of the finished product and/or a video showing how you made it to your blog or website, and to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum, between now and November 20, and our judges will announce the winners the following week!

Beauti-Fall Contest Rules
Eligibility. No purchase of From Nature With Love products is necessary to win. Membership in IBN is not necessary to win. You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the United States or its territories in order to be eligible. One entry per person please, multiple entries will be disregarded. From Nature With Love or IBN employees are not eligible to enter.

Entry
To enter the contest, post your original recipe to your blog or website and then also post it (word-for-word) to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum.

Disclosure
To enter the contest, post your original recipe to your blog or website and then also post it (word-for-word) to IBN’s social networking site in our Recipe Contest Forum.
To be eligible to win, the entry posted at your site and at our Forum must contain this disclosure: This recipe and post is submitted as part of the Beauti-Fall Recipe Contest. The contest is sponsored by the Indie Beauty Network and From Nature With Love, a supplier of raw materials and supplies to the cosmetics industry. Contest judges are Marla Bosworth, Lori Nova and LaShonda Tyree.

Important note to entrants: The judges names, Indie Beauty Network’s name and From Nature With Love’s name must be linked to their websites just like they are here!

Disclaimer
Neither IBN nor From Nature With Love nor the contest judges and organizers are responsible for recipes that are lost or which, for any reason, are not entered because of some fault of technology.

Entry Period
The entry period will be from 12:00 a.m. Eastern Time, November 6, 2009 to November 20, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. All entries must be posted to your blog or website and to IBN’s Forum by the deadline to be eligible to win.

Prizes
First Prize: A $100 gift certificate from From Nature With Love. Second Prize: A $50 gift certificate from From Nature With Love. Third Prize: A $25 gift certificate from From Nature With Love.

Judging
Judges will be asked to agree on a first, second and third prize as indicated above. Prizes will be awarded to the winners via gift certificate. Contest entries will be judged on originality, interpretation of the “Beauti-Fall” theme and presentation of recipe via photograph or video.

Originality
Your recipe and all accompanying graphics, videos, photos, etc., must be your original work original works of authorship on your part and have not been copied, in whole or in part, from any other work and do not violate, misappropriate or infringe any copyright, trademark or other proprietary right of any other person or entity.

Soap Making Class Produces 60 Lbs. of Organic Soap!

2009-10-29T10:46:00.000-04:00

Back Porch Soap Company headed to Newton Community Education Center in Newton, Massachusetts to teach a cold process soap class to 18 students. The students made three, 20 lb. batches for a total of 60 lbs. of soap!

Above, students have poured one of the two loaves they took home and are leveling off the top and adding calendula petals and/or rosebud petals. Essential oil blends used in this class might give you some ideas to try. Batch One (peppermint, eucalyptus, patchouli and clary sage), Batch Two (lemon, lime, litsea, vetiver and a hint of black pepper), and Batch Three (tea tree, sweet orange, clary sage, lavender, and patchouli).

Rachel (above) choosing chamomile buds to add to the top of her soap loaf. Students like personalizing their own take-home loaves.

Interested in learning how to make cold process soaps or other natural and organic bath and body products? Or are you interested in launching your own bath and body business? We have lots of upcoming classes and also offer individual consulting via phone or in our studio located near Boston, Massachusetts.

Find out more about our monthly classes. Or contact owner Marla Bosworth for more information. Our soap making classes are unique for birthday parties and group outings!

********************************************************************

Soap making courses, how to make soaps and start a business, Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in New York city, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, California, Oregon, Washington, Texas, Wyoming, Montanta, Idaho, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Alaska, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, North Dakota, South Dakota, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New York City, Boston.