Soap Making: From Fundamentals to Business

Are you considering the idea of creating your own soap from scratch? Perhaps you're new to this hobby or simply eager to enhance your abilities, acquire fresh recipes, and expand your creativity. Look no further! Welcome to 'Artisan Soap Crafting: From Fundamentals to Business,' a comprehensive 6-week course designed to unleash your inner soap artist and empower you to turn your passion for soap making into a thriving business.

In this course, we will start with the soap-making fundamentals, covering various methods such as cold process, hot process, and liquid soap making. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this foundation will strengthen your skills and understanding of the craft.

We will delve into the art of coloring soap using natural ingredients and micas, exploring captivating techniques to create mesmerizing patterns and effects. Discover the secrets behind incorporating alternative liquids like milk and alcohol into your soap recipes, unlocking new dimensions of fragrance and texture.

Get ready to dive into the world of decorative soap making, where you'll master swirl designs, craft soap cupcakes with delightful toppings, and add personalized decorative elements to your creations. Unleash your inner soap chemist as we unlock the mysteries of soap chemistry, empowering you to customize your soap recipes based on desired characteristics.

In addition to expanding your soap-making skills, we'll equip you with the knowledge and tools to start your own soap business. Learn how to identify target markets, develop a branding strategy, design eye-catching packaging, set competitive pricing, and explore effective marketing techniques.

But that's not all! As a special bonus, you'll have the opportunity to participate in a 6-hour virtual coaching session tailored to your specific needs. Our experienced instructor will guide you through personalized discussions, addressing your questions, and concerns, and providing valuable advice to help you succeed in your soap-making journey or business aspirations.

But that's not all! As a special bonus, we offer flexible payment options to make the course accessible to all. You can now utilize Shop Pay Installments at checkout, allowing you to pay for the course over time. We want to ensure that nothing stands in the way of pursuing your passion and dreams.

Join 'Artisan Soap Crafting: From Fundamentals to Business' and embark on an exciting adventure where you'll not only master the art of soap making but also unlock the potential to transform your passion into a flourishing business. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your abilities, acquire fresh recipes, and expand your creativity. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a skilled soap artist!"

Course Schedule: Starting September 12 - October 17; Weekly; Tuesday, 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm 

Week 1: Soap-making Fundamentals 2.5 hours

• Introduction to soap making
• Understanding different soap-making methods (cold process, hot process, liquid soap)
• Essential soap-making ingredients and equipment
• Safety precautions and best practices
• Hands-on activity: The instructor guided basic cold process soap-making session using provided materials. Participants take home the soap they make.

Week 2: Hot process and liquid soap 2.5 hours

• Exploring the hot process soap-making method
• Techniques for making liquid soap from scratch
• Understanding the differences between the cold process and the hot process methods
• Formulating and customizing hot process and liquid soap recipes
• Hands-on activity: Making hot process soap and liquid soap from scratch under the instructor's guidance. Participants take home the hot process soap and liquid soap they make.

Week 3: Coloring soap with natural ingredients and micas 2 hours

• Introduction to natural colorants for soap making (herbs, spices, clays, etc.)
• Techniques for incorporating natural colorants into soap
• Working with micas and mineral pigments for vibrant colors
• Creating various color patterns and effects in soap
• Hands-on activity: Creating custom-colored soaps using natural ingredients and micas. Participants take home the soaps they make.

Week 4: Using alternative liquids: milk and alcohol 2 hours

• Exploring the benefits and challenges of using milk in soap making
• Techniques for incorporating milk into soap recipes
• Understanding the properties of alcohol in soap making
• Creating unique soap formulations using alcohol-based liquids
• Hands-on activity: Making milk-based and alcohol-based soaps guided by the instructor. Participants take home the soaps they make.

Week 5: Decorative soap making: swirls and soap cupcakes 2.5 hours

• Introduction to decorative soap making techniques
• Creating beautiful swirl designs using different colors and techniques
• Making soap cupcakes with frosting and toppings
• Adding embeds, layers, and other decorative elements to soap
• Hands-on activity: Designing and creating decorative swirl soaps and soap cupcakes guided by the instructor. Participants take home the decorative soaps and cupcakes they make.

Week 6: Inner Soap Chemist: Virtual class. Understand soap chemistry so you can formulate your own recipes 1.5 hours

• Understanding the chemistry behind soap making
• Balancing oil and lye ratios for desired properties
• Customizing soap recipes based on desired characteristics
• Troubleshooting common soap-making issues
• Hands-on activity: Formulating and customizing soap recipes based on different desired properties with guidance from the instructor. Participants take home the customized soaps they make.

Bonus Session: The Accelerator - Starting a soap business foundation for growth (6-hour virtual class) Class held on Saturday, October 21, 2023, from 10 am - 5 pm

• Introduction to starting a soap business
• Identifying target markets and niche markets
• Branding, packaging, and labeling considerations
• Pricing, marketing, and selling strategies for soap products
• Hands-on activity: Designing a soap business plan and creating sample marketing materials with instructor guidance.

Additional Bonus: 30-minute Virtual Coaching Session

• Participants will have a dedicated virtual 30-minute coaching session with the instructor to address specific questions, and concerns, and receive tailored advice for their soap-making journey or soap business plans. The coaching session will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for both the participant and the instructor.