Cosmetic Course Quickie: Making Body Scrubs

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:

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

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

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!
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Summer Soap Class Students Create Beautiful Calendula and Cocoa Butter Soaps

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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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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.

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

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.
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Top Five Tips for Starting A Successful Bath & Beauty Business

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.

Soap Making Class Produces 60 Lbs. of Organic Soap!

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!

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Want to Know How To Start Your Own Soap Business? They Did Too!

It's a hot question these days: "How do I start my own soap business?" There's no quick or easy answer, that's for sure. It requires market research, planning, determining your niche, developing your products, launching, and successful marketing...just to name a few.

Recently, George (NJ), Fifi (Venezuela) and her daughter Ale (also Venezuela) joined me for a private three-day consultation and classes on how to start a business. We made products including soaps (glycerin and cold process), artisanal bath bombs, creams, lotions, balms, sugar scrubs and sea salt soaks.

Here George is taking time to custom scent the creams he made from scratch with a blend from several essential oils.

Working as a team, George, Fifi and Ale created a batch of soothing aloe body lotion.

Ale and George put the finishing touches on the final product!

Ale and Fifi flew back to Caracas, Venezuela and began gearing up for a busy holiday season. They plan to start with home parties this year to get their business off the ground.

What are your questions for starting or running a successful bath and body business? Post your questions here or at my discussion group on Indie Beauty. And check out my classes at my website.

In the meantime, here are some of the classes I teach:

Natural and Organic Products:
Cold Process Soap Making

Organic Oils Glycerin Soap Making

Liquid Soaps

Creams, Lotions, Balms, Scrubs and Sea Soaks

Artisinal Bath Bombs

Skincare for Babies/Children

Facial Spa Treatments

Men's Facial and Body Products

Petcare Products

Soy Candles, Diffusers and Other Home Fragrances

Organic Body Oils, Bars and Body Butters

Personalization and Monogramming

Business Classes:

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

Looking for private classes or soap business consulting? Or send me an email and I'll reply with more information.

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