Weeks 1–2 · Safety and setup
PPE, workspace, spills and what to do if something goes wrong.
The programs, in detail
Four programs of 6 to 12 weeks, from first safe batch to a tested product line.
Program 01 · Safely, from the first batch
Cold process soap
Sodium hydroxide causes serious chemical burns, so we start with goggles, gloves, ventilation and a workspace with no children or pets in it. Then formulation through a soap calculator every single time, oil choices, superfat, trace, and reading a failed batch from photographs.
Weeks 3–4 · Formulation
Oils, superfat and running every recipe through a calculator.
Weeks 5–6 · First batches
Trace, pouring and patience during cure.
Weeks 7–8 · Troubleshooting
Seizing, separation, soda ash and partial gel.
Weeks 1–2 · Wax and vessels
Soy, paraffin, coconut blends and what each demands.
Weeks 3–4 · Wicks
Sizing by diameter, and why the chart is only a start.
Weeks 5–6 · Burn testing
A log, several wicks, honest results.
Weeks 7–8 · Fixing faults
Tunneling, soot, wet spots and frosting.
Program 02 · Wick, wax, testing
Candles that burn right
Tunneling, sooting and drowned wicks are wick-and-vessel problems, and they are solved by testing rather than opinion. We work through wax types, wick sizing for each container, pour and cure temperatures, and a structured burn test log for every combination you intend to make.
Program 03 · It has to survive the process
Scent & design
Fragrance behaves differently in hot wax and in raw soap batter, and plenty of oils accelerate, discolor or disappear. We cover usage rates within supplier and IFRA guidance, which scents hold, colorants that don't bleed, and swirls and tops that photograph well.
Weeks 1–2 · Fragrance behavior
Acceleration, discoloration and fade.
Weeks 3–4 · Loads and limits
Usage rates and staying within guidance.
Weeks 5–6 · Color and finish
Swirls, tops and consistency across batches.
Weeks 1–2 · Labels
What must appear on soap and candle labels.
Weeks 3–4 · Records and testing
Batch logs, burn tests and traceability.
Weeks 5–6 · Costing
Pricing that covers ingredients, time and losses.
Program 04 · Rules, costs, markets
Before you sell
Selling changes the obligations. Soap sold with cosmetic claims falls under cosmetic rules, candles need proper warning labels, and both need consistent testing and records. We walk through what applies and where to read it — and we're clear that we are coaches, not lawyers, and that insurance and legal advice come from professionals.
Got a batch that went wrong?
Twenty minutes on your recipe, your setup and what happened. Free.