Many years ago, I took a book out of the library and taught myself how to make soap. It became a unique hobby I enjoyed. The internet was not popular and I didn’t know anyone else who did this. I made soap for family and friends a few times a year. I would go months without making soap.
One day I received a catalog in the mail from The Open Center in NYC. I flipped through it and saw there was a soap making class by a woman named La Shonda Tyree. I couldn’t believe there was someone else who did this and decided to take her class. In fact, I had so much fun I took it twice. I realized I loved being around soap people and started looking around for more classes.
Around this time Marla Bosworth decided to give a class in NYC so I signed up. We hit it off and soon I was her teaching assistant. A few years later Marla hosted a soap intensive weekend with Amanda Griffin and Holly Port. We made felted soap, beer and champagne soap, cupcake soaps, landscape soaps and peacock swirled soap. Another weekend Michelle Rhodes came to teach. The Open Center offered a class with Sandy Maine and I signed up for that too. I decided that I also wanted to teach and soon started offering my own classes on Long Island, and in NYC.
I’ve attended the HSCG Annual Soap Conference a few times and watched many other soap makers demo their craft. Each time I listen and make soap with them, I learn something. I think learning keeps your mind healthy and keeps you young.
What do you enjoy learning?
Yours in Gratitude,
Angela
I always have so much fun with you! I’ve enjoyed knowing you over the years and am so grateful for your contributions to Soap Collaborative. You are an excellent soapmaker!
Thanks Amanda! Making soap with you has been upped my game. We learn so much when we work together.