Soapmaking wasn’t something I ever set out to master, yet it became one of the most transformative and therapeutic practices of my life. It all started in a small, unexpected moment. One day, I found myself in a cozy pop-up shop, meeting a soapmaker who was crafting bars that felt like little pieces of magic—smooth, fragrant, and full of care. It wasn’t just the soap that intrigued me; it was the process, the artistry, the way everything came together to create something both functional and beautiful. Little did I know, this moment would spark a journey I never expected to take.
The Beginning: A Spark of Curiosity
I first began making soap in 2013, a time when I was living in Dubai, surrounded by the constant hum of a busy city. I was drawn to soapmaking almost by accident. One conversation with a local artisan about her soapmaking techniques led me to experiment with oils, lye, and fragrances in my kitchen. At first, it was clumsy, a hobby I tried on for size. I didn’t know it then, but that simple curiosity would grow into something I would rely on for years to come.
I never imagined soapmaking would become my form of therapy. With every batch, I learned more—not just about the ingredients, but about myself. The quiet rhythm of mixing oils, adding lye, and watching the soap transform was almost meditative. It became a way to pause, breathe, and create something with my hands. No distractions, no deadlines, just me and the soap.
From Hobby to Craft: The Alchemy Begins
As I moved to new places—India, Malaysia, and eventually the U.S.—I took soapmaking with me. It became more than a hobby; it became an anchor. Each location gave me new ingredients to experiment with, new techniques to refine, and new stories to tell through my soaps. There was something magical about transforming raw, humble materials into a bar of soap that could nourish the skin and soothe the soul.
Over time, soapmaking stopped being just about following a recipe. It became a craft—a careful balance of ingredients and patience, an exploration of different oils, scents, and textures. And I realized it wasn’t just about making soap; it was about creating alchemy. The transformation of basic elements into something rich, useful, and beautiful felt almost like a small miracle each time.
The Turning Point: Turning Passion Into Purpose
In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, something shifted. Soapmaking had always been a personal passion, but that year, it became my purpose. The world was a strange place, full of uncertainty, and like many others, I was trying to find my footing. But instead of feeling lost, I found myself turning to the craft I had cultivated over the years. Soap became my comfort, my outlet, and the way I could continue creating even when everything else felt out of control.
It wasn’t long before I decided to turn my soapmaking into something bigger. I wanted to share the magic of this craft with others, to show them how it could be more than just a product. Handmade soap was a way to reconnect—to the earth, to creativity, and to the slow, thoughtful process of making something by hand. So, I began teaching.
Teaching soapmaking didn’t just feel like passing on a skill; it felt like passing on a little piece of alchemy. Watching someone else experience the transformation of simple ingredients into soap, seeing the joy and pride in their eyes as they took home their creations, reminded me of why I started in the first place. It wasn’t just about soap. It was about the process, the connection, and the journey.
Alchemy in Every Bar
Now, years into this journey, I’ve learned that soapmaking is more than just a craft—it’s an alchemy of sorts. It’s a process of turning something simple into something extraordinary. It’s about slowing down, savouring the moment, and watching transformation unfold, bit by bit.
Each batch is a new adventure. Sometimes, the soap is exactly what I hoped for; other times, it surprises me in unexpected ways. But each bar carries a story—my story, the story of the ingredients, and the stories of those who experience it.
Soapmaking, to me, has become a form of personal alchemy. It’s about finding magic in the mundane, about turning raw materials into something beautiful. It’s not just about creating soap; it’s about creating meaning and connection. The process is as valuable as the end product, and every bar I make is a reminder of the alchemy that happens when passion, patience, and a little bit of science come together.
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