At a recent lunch meeting with a friend in Southern California who was taking her success to a new level by building a new house in Lake Tahoe, expressed to me that she was making soap. I had to stop and ask if I had heard her correctly. Yep, she said, "soap." I guess making soap isn't as challenging as one might assume.
You can turn this simple process of soap creation into a full time business. Because you can add your own combination of fragrances or essential oils, you have a lot of flexibility in making something unique. You also will be able to focus on a specific niche with this strategy.
Another great thing with soap and it is the same with making candles (another great opportunity) is that you can create your own unique molds. I am sure you have seen the variety of soaps available. Just making generic soap is going to be tough if you want to make a lot of money in the soap business. The key to commanding a premium price is by having a unique product that focuses on selling to a unique niche or audience.
For example, you could sell soap that is designed for outdoor adventure enthusiasts - soaps that have multiple purposes and are biodegradable for example. Take some time to think about what type of soaps you would like to make and who you would like to sell your soaps to. Simply get out a sheet of paper and write down: What, Who, When, Where and Why. Then write whatever comes to mind when you ask, "What type of soap?" When you are done you are ready for the HOW, which is your plan of action. So there you have it - self made cash and you make money keeping the world clean.
by Richard Essex