Finding my nitch

[hdicreations]

Finding my niche

Hi, I make coconut milk soaps. My base recipe includes: olive, coconut, lard, avocado, castor and coconut milk. I'm trying to decide what is my niche, target market, and selling pitch.

I also have a question regarding boasting healing terms. I spend a lot of time researching various skin conditions and assigning the oils I feel most effective in treating those conditions. My soaps are labeled with the primary characteristics of the bar are, such as Neem & Tea Tree or Jojoba Clove. How then can I promote that each bar is geared towards actually doing something for your skin other than cleansing or moisturizing it?

 

[hmlove1218]

Soap is only supposed to clean nothin more. If claims are made that it moisturizes, its now a cosmetic. If you make claims that it heals ______ condition, its now a drug and needs to be tested. Just thought I'd throw that out there..

 

[hdicreations]

Thanks. I've been following you, I'm from Clinton, MS and have a storefront in Pearl. I would love to talk with you more regarding soaping.

 

[hmlove1218]

Oh wow! A soaper nearby!! Im so excited lol. Godschild is also from MS but I don't remember where exactly.. I'd love to chat sometime

 

[SparksnFlash]

Hi HDI,

Your soap recipe seems luscious! Your niche though, does not have to be about your soap, ingredients, etc. It can and should be more about you, your story, your area, surroundings, why you use what you use, etc. Something about you, where you're from, why you started making soap, is unique - that's your niche. If you struggle thinking of something unique about you, ask people you know. It's also a bit of a journey in self discovery.

It reminds me of a story. (I always have a story) I was in some classes and we were doing a "get to know each other" exercise. The guy I was partnered with insisted there was nothing unique about him, where he was from, his family. I asked him where he lived and he said Silver City. "Oh my gosh", I exclaimed. "Your main post office used to be a whorehouse!" It was certainly unique, funny and interesting. All went well until the instructor told us we had to go in front of the class and 'act out' our responses, to emphasize non- verbal communication.

 

[Lion Of Judah]

Soap is only supposed to clean nothin more. If claims are made that it moisturizes, its now a cosmetic. If you make claims that it heals ______ condition, its now a drug and needs to be tested. Just thought I'd throw that out there..

well said

 

[Dorymae]

I don't see a problem with following cosmetic regulations. Do a bit of research and it's not to bad.

However what you are talking about crosses cosmetic regulations and goes into becoming a drug. If you claim to help heal anything, discourage any condition you have crossed the line of cosmetic and must go through testing and regulations to become a new "drug".

That is where you really need to be careful. Cosmetic, like making skin softer or smoother is fine. Drug like helps with acne or eczema is a whole 'nother ball of wax!

 

[The Efficacious Gentleman]

Gini has it spot on. A lot of people will be making soap very similar to yours.

Yes they will.

So think about the type of person that you picture buying your soap - why are they buying it? What makes them go "oooh, look at this.............."? As has been rightly pointed out, unless you want to get involved with the FDA on a rather large scale, this must have nothing to do with the healing effects of your soap.

Are you already selling? If so, who are your repeat customers? They would be a mine of information

 

[Susie]

Gosh guys, I used to live in Byram and Jackson. I was a home health nurse, so I have been all over the 50 mile radius of Jackson. Y'all sort of make me want to go back and visit.