There’s something truly special about watching a new skill come to life in someone’s hands — especially when those hands belong to the next generation of makers. This month, two young ladies joined me for Sage’s inaugural Mini Makers: Soap Edition workshop, a hands-on introduction to the world of cold-process soapmaking.
From the moment they walked in, curious and ready to create, the room felt bright with possibility. We mixed oils, measured lye, talked safety, and explored the science behind turning simple ingredients into something nourishing and beautiful. By the end of the workshop, they had crafted their very first bars of handmade soap — and the pride on their faces said everything.
🌿 Why Teaching Handmade Soapmaking Matters
Handmade soap is more than a craft — it’s a way to reconnect with simple, intentional living.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
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Natural, skin-loving ingredients that cleanse without stripping away moisture
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Aromas and botanicals that turn everyday routines into small rituals
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Less waste and fewer harsh chemicals than many store-bought options
When young makers learn how to create these products from scratch, they’re learning chemistry, sustainability, creativity, and self-sufficiency all at once. It’s a hands-on lesson with real-world value — and a confidence boost that stays with them long after the soap cures.
🧼 Supporting Small, Staying Connected
Workshops like Mini Makers aren’t just about learning a new skill — they’re about supporting small businesses, keeping traditional crafts alive, and giving families experiences that are grounded, meaningful, and memorable.
Every participant, every parent, and every shared moment helps strengthen a community that values:
✨ creativity
✨ sustainability
✨ handmade quality
✨ slowing down and making something with your own two hands
By choosing small businesses, you’re choosing craftsmanship over mass production, connection over convenience, and experiences that truly matter.
🌱 Passing Skills to the Next Generation
Watching these two young ladies stir, blend, and pour their soaps reminded me that teaching skills like soapmaking creates space for creativity, curiosity, and confidence — and ensures these traditions continue to grow with each new set of hands that learns them. And if their excitement is any indication, the future of handmade is looking very bright.
✨ Final Thoughts
Our first Mini Makers: Soap Edition workshop was a beautiful reminder that making is meant to be shared — across ages, backgrounds, and generations. I’m honored to have guided these young creators through their first steps in cold-process soapmaking, and I can’t wait to see what future workshops bring.
Here’s to more creativity, more community, and more opportunities for our young makers to shine.