Hi all! I didn't realize there was this introduction column until just now! My name is Akiko. I am originally from Japan but live in southern California now. I started soaping this past May and have made 12 batches by now. I joined SoapMakingForum about a month ago. I am so excited to have found this forum because it seems like there are a lot of knowledgeable soapers as well as newbies like me who are very kind and helpful to one another here. Thank you all so much for sharing your experiences and knowlege. This forum is a gem!!