Comments for Handmade Soap Coach

Comment on Soapmaking Supplies by Tahitia Lewis

Tahitia Lewis — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 05:40:50 +0000

Hello! I just wanted to let you know that ever sence i have taken your class in may,i have made many soaps ,bathsalts,milk bathes and bath fizzies with confidence.I started my bissness called BREATHE and from the middle of june through july i earned 800.00. I want to say thank you so much for teaching me .Now i’m on my way to making my own sented lotions and i really do enjoy it!THANK YOU SO MUCH!

Comment on A Case of Soap Fever by Liz

Liz — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 16:17:13 +0000

I definitely have soap fever! The only cure? Make more soap!
I had such a great time passing on the knowledge and sharing my soaps with family & friends.
Thank you, La Shonda, for sharing your secrets to soap making!

Comment on A Case of Soap Fever by Rose Carbajal

Rose Carbajal — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 00:51:30 +0000

Yes – making soap is definitely infectious! The beautiful colors and scents that one can create are amazing. It is so good that you are teaching everyone La Shonda the Love of Soap

Comment on Like Minded by Benita Russell

Benita Russell — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 17:59:38 +0000

Hi La Shonda,

I have been in a situation where I needed some support and collaboration with another business owner. I lived in Florida recently and wanted so desparately to open a handmade cosmetics business out of my home. Florida law does not permit individuals to make their products in their home. You must rent a commercial space and have it inspected which of course means fees and a host of regulations that you must follow in order to pass that inspection. I was long on ideas, inspiration, and creativity but very short on cold hard cash. I tried to get a loan from a family member but that didn’t happen. I began to research to see what the rent was like for commercial spaces and I couldn’t afford it or think of a way to open the business. I started thinking and I knew that there were other soap and cosmetics makers in my area. I used the directories on the HMSG and IBN to locate those people and gave them all a call. I was nervous but I had to give it a shot. I did make contact with two women that were interested in sharing a commmercial space with me and we met and started to research and plan. I have since moved back to the NJ/NY Metro area so things didn’t really get off the ground but I built some good business relationships. Your story reminded me of my own. Way to go and I wish you much continued success.

Benita Russell, Owner & President
Toasted Coconut Bath and Body, LLC

Comment on What Will Your Legacy Be? by La Shonda Tyree

La Shonda Tyree — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 06:00:15 +0000

You are right Rosie. What would America be like if more of “Corporate America” operated business like that.

Comment on What Will Your Legacy Be? by Rose Carbajal

Rose Carbajal — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:27:18 +0000

Great article you wrote! He was truly a great leader in his day

Comment on The Beauty of Attending Soap Gatherings by La Shonda Tyree

La Shonda Tyree — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 14:06:47 +0000

Thanks Beth for sharing. It is awesome how soapmakers come from all types of backgrounds and despite our differences we share one common thing that ties us all together – SOAP! The internet has played such an important role in the growth and development of soapmakers.

Comment on The Beauty of Attending Soap Gatherings by Beth

Beth — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 01:25:27 +0000

I attend the CNY Soapmakers Gatherings whenever possible, even scheduling other activities around it. Why? Well, this year, I was in charge, LOL. Even before that, though, I found the gatherings to be enjoyable and valuable.

I’ve loved the interaction that the internet provides, and have learned so much of what I know by using it. Nevertheless, there’s nothing like getting together in person with like-minded individuals to talk shop. The kinship that soapers share is amazing. We trade methods, suppliers, hints, and help, just because we so love our craft. We may come from diverse backgrounds, but in soaping, we’re on common ground. Even getting to know each other as friends is fun.

The demos, prizes, goody bags, and garage sales are all wonderful perks of attending–learn something new, leave with some samples to try or coupons, even information, getting things you want or need at garage sale prices, it’s all good!

If you see an opportunity to attend a gathering, go! You’ll be glad you did.

Comment on 9 Reasons to be a Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Member by Delores Harris

Delores Harris — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 19:56:52 +0000

My #10 Reason – The friendships I’ve developed with other soapmakers. When I first started making soap in 1997 there were not that many people around to talk with about making soap. A year later I found out about The HSMG while doing online research on soapmaking. As a matter of fact, I was looking for product liability insurance, which was hard to find at the time and wasn’t yet available thru The HSMG. I’m so very proud of the way we’ve grown as an organization and as a family.

Comment on 9 Reasons to be a Handcrafted Soapmakers Guild Member by La Shonda Tyree

La Shonda Tyree — Sat, 20 Jun 2009 02:56:19 +0000

You are so right Leigh! Those “Why Handcrafted Soap” Brochures are a nice professional piece to help spread the word about the benefits of handcrafted soap. Thanks for sharing.