Any Handmade Soapmakers?

[anewmama]

I have an idea for making handmade soap. It would be a unique mold but I know nothing about making soap and don't know where to begin and if there is any money in it these days with the economy. The soap I am thinking of would have a very unique market but it would still be a novelty item. But people pay alot of money for like images in other forms (Ie, pillows, etc) so I think it would do well if priced and packaged right.

[winnie]

I make handmade soap, but don't sell anymore (except a little at Christmas).

Are you thinking of the melt & pour / "glycerin" soap, or handmade from scratch, with lye?

If you're thinking of making the latter, then you would have a lot of research and trials ahead of you before you can think of selling! I made soap for about a year and perfected recipes before selling a bar. You can google soapmaking instructions, and there are some good forums for discussion.

IMO, getting into selling soap would be similar to starting up a cloth-diapering shop. There are TONS of them out there - but if you find your niche, and have a really great product, you could do well.

Good luck!
Erin