Arguably, soap production is one of the most lucrative business with low level of business risk involved. This line of business is easy and simple to start. A good entrepreneur can start this business with as low as $200-$300 and still make a lifetime earning from it.

Whether an entrepreneur or not, all you need to know is that this business is easy for everybody to start. What matters here is whether you have the desire to run the business because desire/zeal is what every businessman needs to be successful in his business.

Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom. Prv 18:1
ADVICE: If you know you do not like the business please don’t ever try doing it.

One thing I like about this business is its portability. As a small starter you do not need to rent apartments and no much inventories for it. What you need is a little space in your home.

All you need is a little capital to get the necessary ingredients like oil, Sodium Hydroxide popularly known as lye or caustic soda, glove, face mask etc.

Materials/ Ingredients needed

Oil (coconut oil, soya bean oil, virgin palm oil, olive oil, orange oil, avacado etc)
Lye (Caustic Soda)
Distilled water
Stick Mixer (optional)
Fragrance (optional)
Reactor (e.g- bucket, bowl, basin etc)
Mould
Colour (optional)


Measurements

24.4 ounce oil : 6.8 ounce water : 3.4 ounce lye (remember 1 ounce ~ 30ml)



Procedure

Pour the lye to your distilled water and stir/mix very well until it mixes completely with the water. Allow the solution to cool down.
Note: do not pour water to lye! Only pour lye to water. Adding water to lye is deadly. It can splash and damage any part of your body that comes in contact with it. Do not forget to wear your hand glove and face mask.
Pour the solution to your preferred oil and mix it together with your mixer.
Continue mixing until it forms trace.
Add your fragrance to the mixture and mix thoroughly.
Add your colour if there is any and stir/mix with the mixer.
Now pour the mixture into your mould.
Allow it to settle in the mould for 24hrs
After 24hrs you can then imprint your brand name on the soap.
Your soap is now ready for use!
But since this is for commercial purpose, you need to dry the soap or you can allow it to dry in the sun for about 3-4 weeks before it becomes ready and fit for the market.



Summary of the process that actually took place

If you can remember our high school chemistry where we were taught about acid-base reaction then you will know that this is one of suchreaction which particularly is known saponification process. Here, the oil provides the acid in the form of triglycerides and the caustic soda serves as the base. When these two compounds react together they form salt and water. The salt is the soap that is being produced while the water is taken away through evaporation.



Things to know about this business

To be successful in this business you must produce quality. If the market gets to know your product due to its quality, then the sky will be your limit.

Since you are starting small you need to be prudent, diligent and patient.



Marketing Strategy

Before you start marketing your product you must make sure that it is of high quality because first impression matters in the market place. Make your buyers to come back for you after they must have used your product. To achieve this you need to give people (family and friends) your product to test and give feedback. With this you can make improvements if the need be.

Package your product very well. Good packaging is very vital in market because it brings first attraction.

Now you can go to churches(even your own church), schools,hotels etc to market your product.

As a starter, you can also go to your local markets, eatery, supermarkets etc to sell your products at a cheaper rate in order to get customers/buyers/fans.