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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Soap making class, soap making classes, how to start a soap making business in 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.

Four-Day Bath and Body University - Learn to Make Soaps, Creams, Candles and Much More!

how to make soaps and start a business

You've been asking for it, so here it is! 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.

These classes are also available for individual signup. I'm offering a price break and lunches on all four days for those of you interested in the entire program to offset some of your travel expenses.

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!

Day 1 - October 1
9 a.m.- Noon Making Artisanal Bath Bombs ($65 + $20 materials fee)
Noon -1 p.m. Complimentary Lunch
1-3 p.m. Differentiating Yourself in the Competitive Bath & Body Industry ($125)
(This is an enhanced and updated version of the presentation I gave at this year's Handcrafted Soap Makers Guild convention in Palm Springs, CA.)
6-9 p.m. Glycerin Soap Making Class ($65 + $20 materials fee)

Day 2 - October 2

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Soy Candles, Diffusers and Other Home Fragrances ($90 + $35 materials fee)
1-2 p.m. Complimentary Lunch
2-5 p.m. Choose from: Natural Skincare for Babies & Children; or Natural Spa Facial Products ($90 + $35 materials fee)

Day 3 - October 3

9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cold Process Soap Making ($65 + $20 materials fee)
1-2 p.m. Complimentary Lunch
2-5 p.m. How To Start Your Own Soap Making Business ($125)

Day Four - October 4
9:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Creams, Lotions, Balms, Scrubs & Sea Salts ($250 + $75 materials fee)

(Original Course Cost: $875 + $205 materials fee = $1080)
Package Savings = $125 plus complimentary lunches
Total Cost = $750 + 205 materials fee

Class is held in my Duxbury, Massachusetts studio. We are located just 30 minutes south of Boston. (Note: Traveling from NYC? One of my registered students is willing to drive/carpool back and forth from NYC and Boston. Contact me for more info.)

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!View our website for more information and to register for this class here.

Most of my students come from outside of New England, and many travel from overseas just to attend my classes. This summer 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

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.

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

What some of my students have said about taking my classes:

July 29, 2009

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

___________________________

August 10, 2009

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. (Note: She just took it!)

Thanks again,

Carolyn
Fitchburg, MA

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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.

Soap Making Class Hosts Students From Nigeria, Venezuela and U.S.

Back Porch Soap Company's recent cold process soap making class hosted students from several countries. Ale and Fifi (pictured far left) flew in from Venezuela for three days of classes, Emilia (far right) is from Nigeria along with Cindy (from Montana) are both taking more classes this month, and other students came from New York, New Jersey and New England. Rick (pictured third from left) is a hair stylist from north of Boston who makes his own hair products. Sandy, Julie and Kiernan came from Massachusetts.

We made two batches of soap, and students selected their choice of additives for the top. Here, Ale is sprinkling lavender buds on top of her loaf of soap.

We made two batches of soap ~ and everyone takes home a loaf of each batch. Here students are spooning out and spreading the freshly made peppermint soap. We use natural plant oils - olive oil, palm oil and coconut oil.

George (New Jersey) is evening out his soap loaf. Behind him, Cindy (Montanta/New York) is choosing calendula petals as an additive to the top of her soap. Kiernan (Longmeadow, MA) finishes her loaves.

Cindy and George adding the lye/water mixture and stirring. (Note: I recommend that students wear closed toe shoes when making soap!)

Cindy and George working simultaneously to blend the lye/water and oils together before moving on to the stick blender.

Check out all my classes. I teach in NYC, Boston and am taking classes on the road in 2012! Looking for private classes or soap business consulting? Send me an email and I'll reply with more information.
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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.

Students Get Creative in Soap Making Class at Newton Community Education

Recently I taught a glycerin soap making class at Newton Community Education Center. A few of the students were interested in starting a soap business. Others wanted to try out swirling, embedding toys and layering just for the fun of it. (Above, check out the "overfed" goldfish soap!)

Here, calendula petals make a nice addition to the top of the bar.

Duck soaps and layered bar. All classes are completely hands-on and students choose to create whatever they like - after all, soapmaking is a creative process!

Everyone decided to show off their favorite bars at the end. So many interesting people in this class!

My next upcoming glycerin soap making class is on Thursday, July 20 from 6-9 p.m. in my Duxbury studio. Check out all my classes.

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

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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.

Soap Making Classes and How To Start Your Own Soap Business Class

Have you always wanted to learn how to make soap? Or are you considering starting your own business? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company.

All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island. Come and learn from a 12-year soap business owner with more than 200 wholesale accounts and a retail website. I've hosted students from Venezuela, Ireland, Nigeria, Chile, Peru as well as from all over the U.S. Or if you would like to book private lessons that is also an option. There is a lot to see and do in this beautiful area. I can assist you with your travel plans.

Glycerin Soap Making, August 20
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, August 22
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!You will learn safety guidelines and 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.9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, August 23
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

How To Start Your Own Soap Making Business

Everything you need to know to start your own soap business. Learn from me, a 12-year soap business owner.

2-5 p.m.

Course; $125

Private Consulting
Whether you have an existing bath and body company and you need assistance increasing sales or if you are a start-up, Marla is available for private consulting. Areas of expertise include establishing business focus and assisting with business plans, differentiating your business and finding your niche, marketing and sales, internet marketing, product development, as well as sourcing ingredients and exporting.

Please email for further information.

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. Since 1989 she has been providing market research and marketing for businesses of all sizes across the U.S.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.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information. Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!*****************************************************************************
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

More Summer Soap Classes and Workshops Added To Our Schedule!

What are you doing new and fun this summer? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company. All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island.

Glycerin Soap Making, July 23
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, July 25
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!You will learn safety guidelines and 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.
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, July 26
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

Private Consulting

Whether you have an existing bath and body company and you need assistance increasing sales or if you are a start-up, Marla is available for private consulting. Areas of expertise include establishing business focus and assisting with business plans, differentiating your business and finding your niche, marketing and sales, internet marketing, product development, as well as sourcing ingredients and exporting. Please email for further information.

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. Since 1989 she has been providing market research and marketing for businesses of all sizes across the U.S.

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.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information. Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!*****************************************************************************
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

Summer Soap Making Classes and All-Day Creams and Lotions Class

What are you doing new and fun this summer? Whether you're in New York or Maine and looking to take a road trip, or if you're planning to visit Cape Cod this summer, take time for yourself to join a class at Back Porch Soap Company. All classes are held in our Duxbury, Massachusetts studio, located just 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, Rhode Island.

Glycerin Soap Making, June 25
Come join in the fun as we make an array of beautiful glycerin soaps! This small, personalized soap making class covers the essentials of glycerin soap making. Lots of hands-on learning. Each student will learn how to make four personalized batches, which yield at least 16 bars of soap! Your creations will make wonderful gifts!
6:00 - 9 p.m.
Course: $65 & Materials Fee: $20

Cold Process Soap Making Class, June 27
Want to learn how to make soap from scratch? Curious about the cold process process? Then this is the perfect class for you!
You will learn safety guidelines and 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.
9 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Course: $65 + $20 materials fee

Natural Lotions, Creams, Balms, Soaks & Scrubs, June 28
You're going to fall in love with making your own creams, lotions, balms, soaks and scrubs! In this class you'll spend the day making batch after batch of our tried and true recipes. In addition to taking home a box of products from what you make in class, you'll leave feeling confident about making these luxurious treatments at home for business or personal use.
Come learn about sanitary precautions and practices, bottling and packaging ideas and options, how to price your products, the truth about preservatives, sourcing ingredients, labelling requirements and much more.
9:30 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Course: $250 + $75 materials fee

All soap making classes are taught by Marla Bosworth, owner of Back Porch Soap Company and 12-year expert in the handmade bath and body industry. 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.

Do you or your group want to learn how to make soap, bath and body products and how to launch your own bath and body business? Email marla@backporchsoap.com for more information.

Sign up for our newsletter here to to be the first to know about our newest classes and announcements!
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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