WORKSHOPS

Have you been contemplating starting your own soap business, but aren't sure where to begin? Come join this small, intimate class - which runs after the morning class session of Cold Process Soap Making - to learn how you can start your own business with very limited startup costs. (Please sign up separately for the Cold Process Soap Making class.) You'll learn from me, Marla Bosworth, a 12-year soap industry veteran, who started my business, Back Porch Soap Company, literally on my back porch with only a few dollars. Currently I supply more than 200 upscale boutiques, resorts, gift stores and spas with my products. In this class you'll learn how you can do the same! I'll share with you tips and secrets that I've learned in my business experience. You learn the mistakes I made in my early years (which cost me much more than the cost of this class!). We'll cover the following: 1. Legalities (Business License, Tax ID, Insurance, Taxes, Trademarks, Labelling, etc.) 2. Finding Your Niche (afterall, there is a lot of competition out there) 3. Developing Your Products, Packaging and Pricing 4. Sourcing Ingredients 5. Planning Your Business 6. Developing A Marketing Plan, Including Internet Marketing and Social Media 7. The Ins and Outs of Wholesaling 8. How To Effectively Retail, Including The Pros and Cons of Having a Retail Establishment (I ran my store for three years) 9. Questions and Answers 10. Tour of My Soap Making Studio. Saturday, October 3 2 - 5 p.m. $125 (includes class handout with valuable resources and information) Update 9/25/09: Only two spots left! Class is held in my Duxbury, Massachusetts studio located 30 minutes south of Boston and 40 minutes from Providence, RI. Address details and driving directions will be sent upon confirmation of registration.