Make soap, soy candles, bath salts or balms at home and sell them to people nearby, at markets and through WhatsApp or Instagram.
- Who it suits
Careful, patient makers who like testing recipes, follow safety rules to the letter and enjoy making things look good.
- Who pays
Gift buyers, people who like natural or locally made products, corporate and wedding gift orders, guest houses.
- What they get
A gift or treat that feels personal and local, at a price below big-brand luxury.
- Is there demand?
Many small SA soap and candle makers sell online at published prices: handmade 100g soap bars at R50 to R65 (Hydro-Essence, Riverlea, 100 Degrees Fahrenheit) and hand-poured 200g soy candles at R220 to R240 (Senti, Custom Candles). Supplies are easy to buy locally. We found no reliable data on how many units a new maker sells.
- Real examples
- WhatsApp Business catalogue
- Weekend and craft markets
- Bob Shop
- AYA Africa
- Corporate gift orders
A good sign: ten paid orders from people who are not family.