I just want to introduce myself and tell you a little about my background.
My name is Shambhavi and I’m 26. I am not married yet (hmm i thank god at times) . I spend most of my time at Saponi-5( my company) making soaps , researching , learning new things and completing the soap orders.
Let me tell you how I started making soaps – After completing my B.E in computers from Mumbai University, I was planning for MBA ( half heartedly) never managed to get good scores in any tests , i was beginning to get bored and I decided to take a break and read some book. I happened to come across a book on making natural handmade soaps and being a BodyShop & Lush products lover I jumped at the thought of making my own soaps and cosmetics.
After 2 unsuccessful attempts I managed to get the 3rd batch right and that’ s how I started soap making in 2008 and it has not stopped to date . (I don’t need to mention I didn’t pursue MBA after that). It was like soap fever had struck me , My home kitchen turned into a mini laboratory and soon I had so many soaps that I decided to sell them. Friends and Neighbours and later people at exhibitions soon became my customers. Good feedback about my soaps and encouragement from family and friends kept motivating me to keep learning and exploring the field of handmade cosmetics.
After few months my products extended from transparent and cold process organic soaps to shower gels, liquid soaps, shampoos , body butters, lip balms, bath fizzies , bath salts, - I wanted to try making everything that I read about Handmade Soaps and Cosmetic making.
In 2009 I named my brand Saponi-5 ( it is named after a process in soap making called Saponification). I continued displaying my products at exhibitions in Mumbai ,Goa, Thane etc and that’s when I met people who liked my work and I even bagged some bulk orders which resulted in my hobby being transformed to a home based full time business.
In 2010 I decided to shift from a home based set up to a more professional one with necessary infrastructure and license for manufacturing. Saponi-5 is now proudly located in an industrial area in Nasik called Ambad. Its a rented place and I have managed to get FDA license for manufacturing and distribution in Nov 2011.
With some equipments and a small staff of 4-5 workers I look forward to and enjoy each and every day of work at Saponi-5 and want to keep learning each day.
If you’re still reading ..Thanks a lot .
That’s pretty much my story.
I’ll keep posting about my soaps and products.
