Your stress-free guide to getting back into the maker mindset
Maybe you started making during lockdown, fell in love with it, and then had to pause as life returned to normal… But that creative urge never really goes away, does it?
If you’re feeling that pull to start making again, take it as a sign. Here are our top tips on how to reignite your Soakie spark.
Understanding the Paperwork 📝
The admin side can feel scary, but it’s not as complicated as it seems.
Two main things you’ll need to get familiar with are PIFs (Product Information Files) and The Portal.
Your PIF is the safety documentation for your products: it’s basically proof that what you’re selling is safe and compliant. Jess Smith created a helpful information sheet inside the Soak Facebook group that walks you through building one step-by-step HERE.
The Portal is where you register your cosmetic products online. It’s worth having a little click around to see how it works. Don’t worry if it feels overwhelming at first; everyone feels that way in the beginning.
Labelling Made Simple 🏷️
Once your products are approved, it’s time to make sure your labels are correct. They should include your ingredients (in descending order), batch numbers, allergen info, and any necessary warnings.
We’ve covered this in more depth in our recent Labelling Lowdown blog, so if you’d like a refresher, head there for a full checklist before you print anything off.
Lean on the Community 💬
You don’t have to do everything alone. Soak’s community is full of experienced makers who’ve been exactly where you are, from starting back after a long break to tackling paperwork for the first time.
If you’d rather not upload your own PIFs, there are friendly professionals who can help. For example, Debbie Wright, long-term Soakie and trusted Facebook Group admin, offers upload services to make the process smoother. Check out her offers HERE.
Jay’s Top Tip 💡
“If you’re pressed for time, I’d start off by making items you enjoy, but are easy to scale up and less finicky.”
Keep It Fun and Stress-Free 🌈
The most important thing? Don’t let the paperwork and little stresses steal your joy.
Start small, learn as you go, and celebrate the little wins. Even making one batch again can reignite that creative spark and remind you why you fell in love with this hobby in the first place.
You’ve got this, Soakie. We’re all cheering you on!