- Suds&Co Founder Rishada Fausz on the art of making soap
Soap is so readily available on the market that looking at a bar of soap in the bathroom or kitchen, we never realise how much work goes into crafting that single bar. While soap-making can range in difficulty, depending on the type of soap you are making and the techniques you are using, when it is being made at home, it’s rarely a straightforward process. Some types of soap, such as melt-and-pour soap, are relatively easy to make and require minimal effort. Other types of soap, such as cold process soap, require more effort and are incredibly challenging.
As for creativity, soap-making can be a creative hobby; it allows you to experiment with different fragrances, colours, and designs. Soapmakers can also create their own recipes or modify existing ones to create unique soaps. That was exactly what Rishada Fausz did when she founded her soap making business Suds&Co. Her creativity is endless; even when it came to naming the brand, Rishada told us that bubbles and lather are the best thing about soap, hence the name.
However, when making soap, it is important to keep in mind that it is also a science; following proper guidelines and techniques is a must, especially for a small business, to ensure that the soap is safe and effective. Rishada certainly takes the safety of her customers very seriously. Talking us through her process, she explained that her handmade soaps are made using the age-old cold process method. These soaps are created purely with her love and hard work – each bar is cut, poured, and packaged by hand.
“I haven’t experimented much with other processes because I love the room I have for creativity with this technique, and also the challenges that come along with it.”
Rishada also favours this method as it leaves no waste, and does not require the use of machinery. Her need to maintain zero waste is what prompted the business in the first place – she eventually realised that most plastic waste comes from hygiene products and took it upon herself to begin making them at home. After gifting a few to family and friends, and garnering a positive reaction, she decided to take it commercial.
In terms of time, she told us it is not too time-consuming – the process of making the soap itself is relatively simple and quick, and for a seasoned pro like herself, a couple hours is all she needs. However, the entire process of production is what takes the most time.
“Soaps, once made, need to cure a minimum of three – though ideally six – weeks, in order to make a bar that is that hard and long-lasting,” she informed us.
Over the last couple of years, Suds&Co has grown from specialising in soap to expanding to other types of skincare, like natural deodorants, body scrubs, foot soaks, and lip balms. The reception to her soap was so overwhelming that customers were constantly asking for more variation.
“I thought ‘why not’, did my research, and slowly started putting out more products,” she said. Another factor in this decision was when she tried to read the ingredients on commercial skincare products, and realised the average consumer would not be able to understand them.
“This is why I’m very transparent with my ingredients and only use natural resources like goat’s milk, cinnamon, and other local ingredients that have a whole host of benefits,” she added.
The December rush aside, Rishada tells us business has been going well, and more people are growing increasingly conscious of what they are putting on their body – the sustainable movement has helped her cause and is growing her business larger by the day. In 2023, she plans on putting out more ranges of soap as well as a few other skincare products – there may even be a physical store in the cards.