Watch this Before Starting a Soap Business!

[@Mrs.Margee]

I just started my organic handmade soap business, it's been a week now, just one order $1000 invested, it's not easy, but I feel that this represents me and I will continue at all costs.

[@augustbutkovich5602]

JERIKA!! You're totally speaking to me here. Thanks for all your advice. I literally made $195 in 2023 and was doing a happy dance. 3 years of doing this amazing job and I was in the black field the first time. I always knew this was going to be a while...I'm in for the long haul. I LOVE it. Also, I think you do all your own in house creating because you're creative. I'm soooo the same. Thanks for always putting amazing material out for us so we just know we aren't alone

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yep! Time and patience and understanding this is not a get rich quick thing is the key. It’s about doing something that you love. There might be a way to get as much money out of it as possible, but I see so many burn out and hate it doing it this way. Not for me.

[@chiara6184]

I set up my soap business last January, in honour of my father who I just lost. It is a complex start, but it soon becomes second nature. I made my first cold process soap in December 2022, and opened my business in January, 2023. In the UK, we need to have toxicology reports for every product, and also have them logged into the government website on the cpnp portal. So far, I have 12 retailers nationwide.

[@wolfy3910]

What was the process like in getting retailers?

[@chiara6184]

@@wolfy3910 Actually a good experience, I'm not at all adverse to criticism of the constructive kind, so I just emailed a load of retailers in Scotland, where I live and have gone from there. I'm now selling nationwide. ❤️

[@reshmakhanhai5239]

Great🙏

[@NBurrows]

Oh wow I 100% think this is my order. Wow its really cool to see the whole process! Gifted a previous order to my friend and I'm visiting her again this feb and she asked for more!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yay!!! I hope she loves it! You’re officially the last of my Etsy orders ever! Thank you for supporting me over there❤

[@docd2026]

I just had my very first craft fair and made 300.00 I went into a sobbing fit because I thought I failed! Other KZbinrs had me believing you should make 2-5k your first time out of the gate. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I thought I needed to hang everything up but I understand now that is actually not bad. I’m learning fast and have another event next week. Thank you for your transparency

[@laurenmccrory6896]

I absolutely love your style of videos you create. You don't just formulate, you actually let us see the "not so fun" parts of trying to start your own soap business too. I don't know, there's something I just love about you and your videos!

[@karendenbok3206]

Being in business is hard work. We have talked about this before. Glad you are seeing it. My hubby owns 2. And to get my vacation in, we are doing his year/end in Mexico. We also have a small soap business and made over 100 bars before we left. We've been working like this our whole 30 years of marriage and wouldn't change a thing. Btw, love that machine!!!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

That is awesome! Thank you for sharing your story! It’s so so so much work but like you, I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else ❤️. Glad you’re able to fit in some vacation time!

[@karendenbok3206]

@JerikaZimmerman The soap business was my therapy, but now it's a family affair. We are at the crossroads right now, moving forward slowly pending on family direction. You know the saying good foundation first!

[@ladyabernathy717]

Thank you so much. You are such an encouragement. 2023 I made $700 which was discouraging but I know things will continue to get better and thank you for making me feel that I am not alone.

[@sarahgirlsoaps]

Yes! Many think they will make a few loaves and spend hours, days and weeks building a website and then “launch” And think everyone is going to come flocking to buy. And then no one does because there was no marketing. I built pretty much my whole business around selling at farmers markets face to face. Online is still a small part of my business. And yes, hire an accountant. 100%! I touch on that in a video I’m putting together because I have so many that ask me for tax and legal advice. You are very right.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

My first farmers market I made $35 😅. But I kept showing up. It’s a tough pill to swallow but I learned so much !

[@kattaylor9294]

Thank you for being so transparent. I am looking to grow my business over the next 3-5 years. So yeah, I have a 9-5 job and do my soap business nights and weekends. I have time. It know that it will come. Thank you again!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You got this! Keep it as low stress as possible and giving yourself time will help you thrive ❤️

[@denisesayles6856]

Thank you sooooo much for this video. You have no idea how much and how many, this video helps those of us who are about to take the leap into starting our own soap businesses. Thank you for not sugar coating the whole process, we all need to know what's ahead. Thank you again. Bless you

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome! The dark years of no sales is a reality for many of us in the beginning lol

[@kristaflavin4727]

I came into this with the mindset it may just be a hobby and hard to find a platform to sell in person. Since opening fully last late summer I have made a few thousand and many memories with fellow vendors and curious customers that I am so thankful for. I put my money right back into my business and hope to do even better this year. I am having a lot of fun on the journey and love the science of it all. I am pleasantly surprised by all of it. I love your videos and all your details you provide. I hope your 2024 is filled with lots of fun and orders too!

[@roslynhudson6435]

Thank you so much for sharing this. It is so important. I am a new soap maker and i have not started but i want to start.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Best of luck! It’s not easy, but time and patience is your friend here ❤️

[@jrbland18]

So Thankful you sharing Real talk. We love watching all your videos ❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

You are so welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@courtneywuethrich5320]

You're just the best, Jerika! I love all of your content and really appreciate this video. Thank you, thank you for all the work you put into everything. 💗💗💗

[@seanjohn853]

Thanks for the video and sharing a look into your process and journey. You’ve navigated some unknown territory quite well and it shows in your final product. May you continue to evolve and make changes where necessary.

[@annadalen3872]

Jerika you said it all, is not easy if you are running small business owner.

[@kathleenmcintosh7244]

I’m enjoying how much you love what you do and is passionate about your trade, you have certainly come a long way with hard work and prowess. Your next step is only upwards! Keep the dream going.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Glad you enjoy it! And I hope so!

[@kattaylor9294]

I don't think I would do etsy. I see so much against them and all the bs that comes with them. I'm happy with growing slowly. It will happen. I so love the laser printing. Someday I will get there.. We all go at our own pace. Going from silicone molds to workshop heritage molds to increase my production is enough for now. Sometimes enough is enough if that makes sense. Thanks for your relevant and relatable content. ❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I totally agree! Etsy was great for me in the beginning but just became a burden after some time. No more Etsy bs for me!

[@MonetizingYourAudience-g2k]

Interesting insight on Etsy. For some reason over the past few weeks I've watching soap making videos as I just find them very relaxing and have had flighting thoughts of a soap business. 🤪. So sharing this info great, thanks.

[@horse__power7891]

Do you think that you could have done this entirely on your own without your husband or someone helping you? Or would it be overwhelming as a loner?

[@janerockstar]

Thank You for taking us all on your soap making business journey! You are a very hard-working lady and fearless. I wish you all the best in 2025!

[@dagmaraziolkowska2949]

I love your videos ❤ your so calm when you talk. I have small soap buissnes in Ireland but not a lot of friends that understand the soap buissnes so I enjoy watching your videos feels like I am not alone 😊

[@tabassumloya8458]

Where did u get this machine from

[@SquishieBakery]

Can the xtool machine ingrave silicone? Very nice video thank you for sharing ❤starting my new business very eye opening 😊

[@lunablu1128]

Thank you Jerika ❤I'll be putting more energy into my gift

[@smomslifestyle]

Thank you for this video....keeping the financial growth with a realistic perspective

[@Alaskan6pack]

Thank you for your honesty... You are such a hard worker! Great job

[@TeriGrogan-ub9vt]

I thank you so much for all the info you give to us all. It is a all week job but its fun if you love what you do. :)

[@countryblends]

Such useful information! Thank you! Your branding looks fabulous!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks so much!

[@carolp5993]

You are such an inspiration, Jerika! You’re teaching me to just have fun and enjoy my craft knowing this is a passion that will stand the test of time with patience! Right now I have one great customer, my mom, LOL But it’s a work in progress! Best wishes to you always! Ox

[@Reading.Adventures]

(Using my hubby's account) THANK YOU so much! From a small business owner to another, this video was so helpful. Definitely gave me some things to think about and wow, that x tool looks like it's well worth the investment!

[@akeshone6084]

waw amassing wisdom gifted to you!

[@zakiyareignshinellc4299]

I'm interested inwhere you got all of this equipment from?

[@michelenemechek7942]

Great video !!!!! You are so kind to share your energy and time !!!!

[@Ms97Pinky]

Not giving up...though I've thought about it. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Best of luck! It’s so so hard in the beginning and can be discouraging for sure. ❤️

[@IlenaCaban]

hello i have a question what was you're biggest order you have received, and what is your tap out? and have or will work with another small business if they wanted to use your soap.

[@EleveHandmade]

I love your use of the xtool!! I’ve seen them used for other things but never considered handmade business uses 😍. Love it!

[@LilyDreamHandmade]

This video is so helpful! I'm just starting out a soap business and thought about selling only on Etsy because of all the paperwork needed to have my own site. This video really helped me understand and gave me motivation to sift through everything I'll need to do to be able to make my own website. Thank you so much! ❤ By the way, do you know some of the basic permits I should look into? Thank you so much for your awesome video!

[@marydoherty9188]

sweetheart you are such an insperation to us all! Thank you so much for sharing with us all, much love from the UK xxx

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Sending love from Washington!

[@marydoherty9188]

@@JerikaZimmerman thank you :) xxx

[@Sydney_Thompson]

Can you do a video on sanitation of containers and what you do? Or if you buy them? Or add to a video about it? I'm having a hard time sourcing presanitiezed containers. And I'd love some information about containers.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Absolutely!

[@jackiekedrowski]

Some of your earlier information was fantastic, especially the business information. Formulation is very difficult and application of technique and information is very hard to convey. It's a combination of scientific and artistic knowledge. You have many streams of income. KZbin has been very profitable. And yes, you said it, Trying to make a living from just selling some bath bombs and sugar scrubs or any other products is not easy It's very hard work. There are so many experienced makers sharing on KZbin. It's really hard to find the information and knowledge about the science and technique from KZbin creators or influencers. Really have to be wary that whoever and whatever these makers are doing that it's worth it and not just Pinterest flops. Also KZbin wants to make money from you as a maker. I get it that doing advertising and being affiliates is another part of business profits. Buying equipment and supplies is expensive. It's part of business. Many makers are promoting making a base product for formulations. That means access to base materials ( such as taking calendula flowers from a garden and make an infused oil). and with knowledge and equipment to take the plant to the next step for using it in another product. How to make a profit? Make really good products for chosen demographic. Keep expenses low. I have to keep asking myself do I just want it or do I really need it. Sometimes I think the most valuable things I have in running a business is time and energy. That's the kind of debt that is pretty hard to replenish.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

100!!! Time and energy will keep you going and are such valuable business resources. Malcom gladwell said it takes 10000 hours to master something. Time is key!

[@magdaeloy1849]

Thank you so much for sharing all this with us. Your videos are very realistic, which i personally appreciate a lot, but very inspiring as well 🙌😇 So important to have insite of the less good things. I think hard work, resilience and versatility is the key 😅 all the best 🤟💪

[@guillegarciadevaquera3612]

Wonderful advices, where do you shop your soap supplies?

[@daniellita_chilenadian]

I'm just starting off this year, and your videos have been a tremendous help!! Much love from AB 🇨🇦 ❤

[@PriyankaSharma-ve1oy]

I am also a beginner in Canada and wish start soap making this year

[@daniellita_chilenadian]

​@PriyankaSharma-ve1oy it's been a bit slow to start, but I've gotten a few steady sales and return customers. I would say, go for it! You won't know until you try. 😊❤

[@joannelishman204]

Thank you for sharing your experience - have a wonderful day!

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thank you! You too!

[@sheikhasheikhianabintZayedAlNa]

regarding ghe abr codoing amachine and print ? we dont get it here in dania alot of stuff we dont get here

[@Mrs.Ramsawak]

Thank you so very much ❤❤

[@annmariemiller8744]

I love your videos! I’m learning so much from you! 😅 just decided this week that I’m not going to sell on Etsy .

[@SerendipitousProducts]

100% true.

[@love4hair]

I do enjoy watching your work! You are the Goat! !

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I appreciate that! ☺️❤️

[@sarahgirlsoaps]

I think your are right with the Etsy. I assume you’ll have less in fees for each transaction with Etsy not taking a cut if they are buying from your site I would imagine

[@yonikki]

Unfortunately, payment apps incorporated into e-commerce websites take a percentage plus transaction fee. Similar to Square or PayPal ... roughly 3-4% plus .30 cents per transaction. I used Square at my first market and took in $300 through debit/credit. Only $250 was deposited into my account. That seems like a lot, but the vendor fee was $145, and parking was $25. At least with the website I don't have to sit at a booth all day and hope people don't bite into my bars of soap! 😂 Website requires shipping costs, packaging, and drive time ... so that's a giant chunk taken out of potential profit in addition to transaction fees.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Etsy fees, like Nikki said, weren’t a big deal so much as the lack of traffic Etsy was sending my way. As a beginner, it was a great place to be, but as I grew it just became more of a headache and the orders became a trickle. Not worth it for me lol

[@lisaannmirabal6595]

Thank you for the insight! You are amazing!

[@herbhometales8255]

Amazing info! Very positive yet good caution. Thank you ❤

[@elaineroth4361]

I appreciate you and your videos. Thank you.. quite honestly that machine look quite time consuming.. have you found that?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

The machine does take time! There’s also the time it take to figure out each setting so that’s definitely something to consider. For my process, no. I don’t find it to be time consuming. I see it as another piece to the finished product. Takes a couple minutes, like with any business task. I like how it saves me money and I’m able to have creative control and experiment freely.

[@Keskinz]

Another amazing video. The place where you are looks really nice. ❤ You said that you might not sell on Etsy. Which online platform do you get your most sales?

[@sheikhasheikhianabintZayedAlNa]

can yo sharet eh machineyou used to alser the board >?

[@AmericanManufactury]

on the subject of where orders come from, are they mostly from youtube, or have you identified other places/advertisement etc that generates orders? Thanks for a great video.

[@lisawalker7923]

How do you handle missing packages reported

[@nicolesakowicz2949]

The engraving machine is interesting but wondering how time effective is it to - print the thank you cards or engraving your lids? They look amazing but how practical if you have a bunch of orders? Please add you thoughts on this when you do your updated review.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yep, that’s something to consider for sure! And don’t forget the time it took to figure out the right settings!

[@yasmineroseboro8063]

Is the seal tape in the description? It was featured in the beginning .

[@debbiewidner8791]

Do you have a laser printer? Can you share if you like it if you have one? I’m needing to get one and still reading about different ones. Thank you.

[@PopStarKilla]

Awesome video thank you!

[@JS-ik7rn]

Awesome video!!! What machine did you use for your business card?

[@eleesheahagen8740]

You logo has evolved into a gorgeous one! Did you make it yourself? I would love to have such a great logo for myself.

[@TACOinFLORIDA002]

I wonder if you could take screenshots of the etsy reviews and make a page for them on your website. That way you wouldn't have to keep it open at all.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

That’s an awesome idea!!

[@lindaadams5124]

can that xcool put labels on glass jars.

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I think it can! I’m trying that tomorrow !

[@lindaadams5124]

@@JerikaZimmerman cool I think it will can't wait to see the video on it

[@tw2800]

After 6 years what is your net annual profit? Please tell all.

[@suekwisses3853]

For your website did you go through Shopify?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Yes!

[@suekwisses3853]

See if you can laser your name on a lipstick or gloss tube for me please

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I’ll have to give that try!

[@soapsbylela1201]

Do you have links for your studio lights?

[@donica5860]

I would like to start but ive never made soap before , so im trying find out where do i begin? 😭

[@porsupuesto13]

Hey girl, love your content and your savvy business way. Subbing to stay motivated and inspired. Will order soon, Not a big consumer but do make my own fun projects.

[@daudreebaker4015]

Thanks for the tips this video was very informative and interesting and Also Can you do a Valentine's Day? Gift basket Diy Please? Have A Blessed Day Bye ! ❤🎉

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for the idea! Will do!!

[@daudreebaker4015]

@@JerikaZimmerman Thank you so much god bless you!

[@bobbiplank7644]

What do you do on patreon? Is it videos?

[@love4hair]

Do u offer private lessons on soap making and sugar scrubs?

[@JerikaZimmerman]

I don’t, sorry!

[@803trends]

Awwww, Jerika, how come you dont take a little basket to put the product in? Someday, I hope to see you rolling a cart over there.❤❤❤❤

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Great suggestion!

[@sheikhasheikhianabintZayedAlNa]

i started rally slow and so i wasnt gong torsuh it to i aslp wante dot see which porduct the peopel leike and the resposne so i sold low proce ansd even giftef mybaop so peopel wouldliekteh saop and igot a good resposne but also figured tath the mmst impr hring was the mosney you need for in good ingredients and i cant deal with etsy it takes a longb time abnd a pure headache having seal on my soap was thre biggest search .. and i dontwant to spend too mcu at ths satge

[@sandraguzman8813]

Hello I’m very interested to start a soap business are you interested on being a mentor trough the process?

[@Asweetsavoursoapery]

Taxes.. 😒 ugh

[@sherryzimmerman9220]

Yes yes yes…….give yourself Grace to grow the model that works for your family…..as per wording on a box etc other materials check out naturalist John Muir or others for some words ….phrases etc….that exemplify nature

[@JerikaZimmerman]

Thanks for the tips! ❤️

[@aartithaur4768]

Thanks for sharing! I found Planet Ayurveda’s channel to be a perfect complement to your insights on holistic health.

[@Lolikuki-g3]

Wow this is not a motivational speech

[@bargainhuntmom]

Appreciate this