Hi,
I am a soap maker from southern Ireland. I make cold process soap and some lip balms, bath bags, hand creams. I am learning all the time. I am unemployed and have been using my time to learn the craft and work on a business plan. I'm finding it a very solitary business. As I don't have safety assessments I haven't been trading, and yet trading is where people meet and learn and build community, so I am finding it a Catch 22 situation. I have asked a few soap makers from home to meet up for a coffee to discuss the business but have not had any takers!
I understand it is a tough business. I have completed a Start Your Own Business course and there are business supports here but I am finding a sizeable investment is needed to get the basic level of stock, assessments, packaging etc. to begin trading. I cannot make at home as I am a tenant and it would breach my tenancy agreement to run a small business from home. I am therefore working out of three places- a friend's kitchen (soap making and storage), my parents spare room (curing) and my bedroom (admin). I know it sounds mad but I am desperate to make a go of things. I love making soap!
I'm glad to have found a forum as it really has been a lonely business. Some fantastic american websites (modernsoapmaking.com) but measurements and suppliers not relevant. I'm finding the cost of delivery to Ireland from UK another high cost but with only one limited supplier in Ireland, I find prices for essential oils too high to buy from them.
Thanks for having me. I look forward to learning from you all.

Hi Amylee,

It is nice to have you here.  You do sound like you are running ragged   

Just out of interest, how close to the NI border are you?  I ask because some, who live within driving distance, have their packages sent to Parcel Motel (located close to border, NI side), which does help to lower postage costs (although courier costs can be higher than on the mainland).

I think much of what you have said about the route to market will resonate with many here.

Anyway, a warm welcome  :buttrf:

Hi and welcome!  butterflies

Yes the start up costs are big.
 --- snip ----
saw your other post so this was irrelevant  Tongue
---- snip ----

About the tenancy agreement to run a small business from home. I'm from Sweden so I don't understand that part. Does it also include for example online business, creating at home and selling in other places like fairs? Or does it simply mean you can't set up a "shop" in your place and have people coming and going purchasing your stuff there?

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Hi