Student Spotlight: Alyssa Wise Taylor of Blue Hoot Soap Company

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?

I took 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

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

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.

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

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

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!

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

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!
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