Readers Respond: How Did You Get Started Making Candles and/or Soap?

Responses: 33

By David Fisher, About.com Guide

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Tell us how you got started making candles and soap! Tell Us How it Happened

Since I was a child I have had allergies which caused rashes, hives etc. My dermatologist never did suggest I use all natural soaps, but I figured it out on my own. I have been a frequent business traveller since 1993 and when I travel I like to shop at local markets. I discovered Lush in Vancouver, then began finding beautiful artisan soaps in many cities during my travels. Then, a few years ago I began to work for a Natural Health beverage company and attended a trade show for Natural products (you may be familiar with Expo West in SoCal). There, I discovered other companies who made all natural soaps and I began thinking, i'm paying $6-$7 bucks for a bar of soap what if I could make my own? That was it. I found David Fisher's blogs on line and taught myself. I'm not selling any yet, but all my friends think I need to start. I next want to find a way to source all my ingredients in Texas. Thanks David!
—faithwhite

My science teachers were always the coolest teachers in the school, and made it fun, so it was a natural choice to choose a science major in college. After discussing soap in organic chem, I felt compelled to try making some, and was impressed that it actually worked! A few years later, I was in need of a creative outlet, and decided to revive my soap making, but this time using better ingredients, and making them aesthetically pleasing as well. And so, the soap making addiction continues... I now have a webstore, sell at craft fairs and art shows, and blog about my daily soaping adventures. http://barsoapnatural.com http://barsoapnatural.com/blog/
—BarSoapNatural.com

I always had a love of science- but it was a college chemistry professor's comment about understanding acid/base reactions that led me to first try making soap using grocery store oils. Crude, but good, nonetheless. My creative side took over, and I began focusing on using natural ingredients to create color and texture. The challenge of finding natural ingredients that give me the results I'm looking for is a fun adventure, and one that I hope to be on forever.
—BubbleFairy

I've always liked the idea of natural soap. By natural I mostly mean being able to pronounce what is on the label and being familiar with the listed ingredients. So when I discovered my sister had been taught how to make her own soap, I signed up! I love that it is something I can make myself, that it is good for the skin and safe for the whole family to use. It's an awesome way to channel my creativity too. I LOVE homemade soap. I have been a total addict since my first batch!
—Jesuschic

This has to be the most unusual way to become interested in making soap...but for me this is how it began! As I learned more about my body and how what I put in it affected it so much, I quickly realized that what went ON my body also went IN my body. With a desire to have a all natural product, I learned from a master soap maker how to make soap, lotion,my own cleaning products etc. Before long, Renee's Naturals was born and I began making them to sell to other like minded people. My passion to create and my desire for quality natural products collided!!
—iheartsoap

I tried several times to order soap, perfume and sugar scrubs from a woman selling them over the internet. Just as each payment was reaching the 45 day mark, I had to cancel so that I would get reimbursed through Paypal. This happened 3 times. I'm so glad it did!
—Guest LaBellaPink

“I officially started the Asparagus Soap Company in 2007. Like most, I began making soap at home, and for personal use; many family members and friends benefited from my hobby. I only produced unscented soaps; later I started using essential oils. After a friend insisted she pay me for the bars I was giving her, I realized that there was a market for my products. Over time I expanded my knowledge, made my own oval molds, cutting table and devised my present rustic packaging. Like all things natural, there are no preservatives, I produce them in small batches and they are unique. Today I make high quality premium homemade natural soaps for bath and body, kitchen and the gardener and mechanic. Each is formulated for the task at hand, with distinct additives to give you that indulgence with peace of mind”. www.asparagus-soap.com
—Guest Charles Ronen

I suffered from itchy skin till I found handmade soaps in a flea market in North Carolina where we have a little place by a lake. I used to buy 10 to 15 bars everytime I saw her because we didn't go all the time. One time she was not there and I asked around, I found out she moved! So I started thinking that I should learn to make soap instead of buying it. Through a classmate I found Norma Coney's book and tried making it and I got hooked!! I have been making soap for 5 years, I now sell it and use a table to make my own recipes and superfat my soap. I love this industry more and more as time goes by.
—Guest Marthica McDermott

My start in making my own bath & body products was born out of frustration in trying to help my daughter. My daughter suffered from eczema from the time she was 3 months old. Doctor saw us after doctor, and she was on all kinds of steroids. I can tell you I used anything and everything new or otherwise that came out. Growing up my grandmother, believed and taught that when we were created that we were given all the ingredients we needed to heal our own bodies. Calling on her old teaching, I figured I could do better for my daughter. I begin doing research, and came up with a balm formula that contained ingredients that were known to help heal the skin.
—geanineb

I started with melt and pour and got bored. I found learning and creating with the cold process is so much fun. I sell my soap online now and love thinking "out of the box". Now, if I could just find someone to answer my questions on soap bases.
—nornwyrd

I want to have a guesthouse that features my handmade soap as part of the atmosphere. I remember my grandmother's soap fondly, the plain, clean smell that went with the air-dried smell from the clothesline. And, I want to know what's in the soap I use. Now I do. I also quit using commercial shampoos and my head no longer itches constantly.
—Guest rocker@theshadyporch

I caught some alergies last year and doctors told me to stop using industry products. Since there were no one but Lush producing homemade soaps in Belgrade, I started by myself. And voila, no more itches, dry skin, allergies....
—Guest Startoucher

One year I decided to sell veggies at the farmers' market but I knew I wouldn't have a lot of produce early in the season. I thought to fill up my table I'd try my hand at making and selling soap. Well, the soap was a hit with customers and I found I really enjoyed making it. Now I just sell soap :-)
—Guest Barb Miller

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David Fisher
Candle & Soap Making Guide