This is the episode you've been waiting for! Join our host, Zakia Ringgold, as she sits down with Derek Hodges of Essential Depot for a discussion on one blog turned into a lye empire and so much more. With over 15 years as a supplier in the soap and skincare industry, Derek shares the incredible journey of Essential Depot - from a one-product startup in his garage to a cornerstone of the soap-making community known for its quality products, unbeatable prices, and excellent customer service.

If you're serious about taking your soap-making or skincare business to the next level, this is an episode you don't want to miss!

Get your tickets now for Handcrafted Live 2024 at https://2024.handcraftedlive.com —spaces are limited, and they’re going fast!

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Subscribe to A Soapmaker’s Tale Podcast and never miss an episode!** ️

Host: Zakia Ringgold

Guest and Handcrafted Live Sponsor: Derek Hodges, Essential Depot

If creating the perfect soap recipe feels like cracking an impossible code, you're not alone. Listen to this episode to learn how to balance oils and butters to make that flawless bar of soap and finally gain the confidence to formulate your own handmade recipes.

In this episode of Makers Tale, Zakia Ringgold demystifies the world of soap making by exploring the crucial role of fatty acids and how soap calculators can make formulating your recipes easier. She shares her own experiences and offers practical advice for makers, whether they are beginners or seasoned pros. By the end of this episode, you'll have a clearer understanding of the key components that contribute to making a balanced and effective bar of soap.

5 Key Lessons

1. Learn how fatty acids impact your soap recipe. 

2. Using Soap Calculators

3. Soap Recipe Formulation

4. How to Interpret Soapcalc Outputs

5. Practical Tips for Soap Makers

Stay Connected

Register for Handcrafted Live Virtual Soap Summit - https://2024.handcraftedlive.com

Read the blog and get the free ebook - https://livesoapschool.com/create-your-best-soap-recipe-using-soapcalc/

Join me for a wild ride at Philly's Christmas Village as I sell soap amidst the holiday cheer. It wasn't easy, but I picked up some valuable lessons that could help you, whether you're a creator or just love holiday markets. Sit tight and hear how I turned chaos into useful tips for anyone hustling in a marketplace.

Join Zakia Ringgold in this episode of A Maker's Tale as she delves into her rollercoaster experience at Philadelphia's Christmas Village. As a soap maker navigating the bustling holiday market, Zakia shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs faced during this festive stint. From struggling with limited product offerings and basic packaging to uncovering pivotal strategies for booth appeal and proactive promotion, Zakia unveils a treasure trove of lessons learned. Dive into this episode to glean practical takeaways and discover how setbacks became stepping stones for success in the holiday market hustle.

Download our free Craft Show checklist at: https://livesoapschool.com/craft-show-soap-booth-setup/

Key Takeaways:

• Overcoming challenges in showcasing products effectively
• Diversifying product offerings for market appeal
• Enhancing booth decorations and signage for increased attraction
• Proactive promotion strategies and engaging with customers
• Turning setbacks into learning opportunities for marketplace success

Tune in and learn from Zakia's firsthand experience at Philly's Christmas Village, gaining actionable insights for thriving in holiday markets and craft shows.

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Hill owner of Third Day Soap, Garden and Wellness, a 20-year-old business that has its roots in grief therapy. Hear how she turned her passion for traditional soap making methods into a successful business and how she used the power of mindset to overcome the challenges along the way. From unlocking her hidden skills to creating a line of all-natural, handmade soaps and herbal skincare, this maker's story is sure to inspire and motivate. Join us as we delve into the journey of turning trials into triumph and discover the secrets to building a successful business that stands the test of time.

Visit https://livesoapschool.com/podcasts to access the show notes. 

Nabila Brabez of Lancolia joins us for this weeks episode of A Makers Tale and shares how planning and continuous learning help her to grow in business. She also shares her insights on whether or not you should quit your job to chase your passion. Show notes are available at https://livesoapschool.com/podcast

You have a great idea for a business but are you really ready to execute on that idea? Listen in to learn the five W's you should consider when starting your business.

While we all get ideas for starting a business, have we really considered what it takes to be successful? In this podcast episode I discuss the 5 W's to consider when planning a business. Listen in to learn what you should consider to successfully execute your business idea. 

Access the show notes and the Free Business Workbook at https://livesoapschool.com