I have the most amazing customers and I’m so grateful for them. They are always willing to help me when I have ideas for new products. So when I decided to make African Black soap, I quickly realized I needed testers. I asked for help in my newsletter and in my Facebook group and within a few days I had plenty of volunteers.
African Black Soap
I’ve become obsessed with African Black soap. The soap is crumbly and earthy. It’s made from dried plants like plantain skins and cocoa pod ash. There isn’t one recipe, each tribe has their own. They utilize the plants that are native to the area. Each tribe’s recipe is guarded carefully. I wanted to make this soap, but I felt it would be difficult to reproduce. Besides having no recipe, I don’t have access to plantain skins and cocoa pods. In addition, since the soap is soft, it’s difficult to package. One of my suppliers imports African Black soap so I decided to purchase some and use it in my own soap recipe to make a hard bar of soap.
My First Attempt
Here is the result of my first attempt at making African Black soap. So far about 10 of my wonderful customers have tried it, and about 20 will be coming this week to pick up their sample. I appreciate the critique from my customers. All comments, good and bad, help me. I’m especially grateful for the negative comments. I want to know what they don’t like about the soap so I can make it better. Of course, I know what I think about my first attempt and I’m happy I’ll be getting more feedback.
Unfortunately I don’t have any more samples of this batch to give out, they are all accounted for. If you’re interested in trying my second attempt at African Black soap, post in the comments below and I’ll let you know when it will be ready.
What are you grateful for this week?
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela
I very much liked your first batch although not knowing what it was supposed to be like It lathered nicely and made my skin very soft and silky. Can’t wait to try the second take
Thank you Diane, I appreciate your input. Second batch will be ready in a few weeks.
Looks interesting. Good luck.
Thanks Donna
I am happy you are trying different recipes. I never thought about how it was made, interesting that it is made from dried plants like plantain skins and cocoa pod ash.
Sharon I was reading that some tribes use palm leave ash also. I’ve always found it amazing how any kind of soap was made long ago. How did they figure it out? I’ve heard the story about how women noticed the clothes that were washed in the lake downstream from the campfires seemed to get cleaner, but I’m not sure I believe it. I might have to do a blog post on it soon. 🙂
I received a nice surprise in the mail…. 🙂 Looking forward to trying your new soap Angela !!!
Thanks Jan!
I only use black African soap Ang, been using it for past 3 years. Can’t wait to try yours.
It’ll be ready for the Mother’s Day Open House Diane. Since you’re a connoisseur I’m looking forward to hearing your feedback. Thanks!