--- title: "Handmade Soap Making: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Mandy & Co" description: "Discover the truth behind handmade soap with Mandy & Co. See our artisanal soap making process, the challenges of small business life, and why real handmade soap is worth it." canonical: https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/behind-the-scenes-my-soap-story last_updated: 2025-09-18 --- # The Reality of Handmade: A Behind-the-Scenes Soap Journey Tribe Verified · Handcrafted soap studio based in Gurugram. By [Mandy & Co](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in) · Ships across India; Visit store in Sector 63, Gurugram · ₹150 per piece (estimate) Part of [Handmade Soaps](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/gallery) Step into my workspace to see how Mandy & Co soaps really come to life. From raw ingredients to the tough lessons learned in building this brand, here is the honest story behind the craft. ## Photos and videos - [Video: Running a handmade business is about more than just pretty posts. In this video, I share the 5 hardest lessons I've learned, from dealing with burnout to the importance of building a brand, not just selling a product.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/378c8b41-c9df-4ca0-888a-48b1ec16f2db) - [Video: A glimpse into the fresh creation of my Charcoal Coffee cold-process soap. I take safety very seriously when working with lye, which is why my workspace is always clear of others during this crucial step.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/cca410bb-ef11-45c4-8124-ed951b8a738b) - [Video: I used to think selling on Instagram was impossible until I realized people buy from people. This reel shares my journey from 4K to 31K in engagement just by showing up authentically, sharing my face, and my real business struggles.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/28e166fd-bb7e-4db9-9bef-fb5242fb3184) - [Video: A funny but true story from a posh exhibition where I had to explain the value of handmade products to customers haggling over 50 rupees. It's a reminder to always know your worth and price with confidence.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4554a7a0-0aed-4448-9f91-23b83c22490b) - [Video: You can buy candles from anywhere, but you can't get this level of craftsmanship, quality, and service everywhere. This video is my promise of unmatched quality and why Mandy & Co is the perfect brand for those who refuse to settle.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/b251c612-4975-4215-a998-9ee44aa2ee3c) - [Video: A look at the effort that goes into a single custom order. Getting a 'yes' from a client involves so much back and forth on themes, budgets, and aesthetics. It's a reminder to be kind to the artisans who make your gifts perfect.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/23202a74-e9e2-426a-9dd4-cba2a97f793a) - [Video: What I wish I knew before I started making soap. The truth is, making the soap is only 20% of the job; the real challenge is in the selling, packaging, and pricing.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/8fee439e-7634-4152-86ff-cec1e9ae76d5) - ![A batch of beautiful, handcrafted yellow peony soaps, individually wrapped and ready to be part of a return gift hamper. Each one is a little piece of sunshine.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/2bec9c60-d8b7-4d1a-b400-31652153c6f5) - ![Our bestselling pink peony soaps. Customers often tell me they look too good to use, which is the highest compliment for a soap artisan!](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/f5513042-2e66-46c1-855c-99bf3c8ff9fe) ## About Behind the Scenes: My Soap Story People usually see the final, pretty soap, but the most critical step happens when the workspace is completely empty. When I work with lye for cold-process soap, I clear the room entirely, with no exceptions. It is not just about making a product, it is about handling raw, reactive chemicals safely before they turn into the skin-loving bars you eventually use. ### The Truth About Handmade There is a massive difference between mass-produced bars and the cold-process method I use in my Gurugram studio. When I say handmade, I mean real work. I start with raw olive, coconut, and castor oils, mixing them carefully to create a base that stays on your skin, not just on the surface. This is not about cutting corners to get a product on the shelf quickly. It is about patience, curing for weeks, and ensuring that every bar of charcoal or clay soap is gentle enough for daily use. ### The Business of Soap Running this business is not just about the mixing and pouring. It is about the packaging, the branding, and the reality of pricing. I often hear people ask why handmade items cost more than what you find in a supermarket, and my answer is always the same. You are not just paying for soap. You are paying for the time it takes to hand-cut each bar, the eco-friendly materials I use for packaging, and the rejection of factory shortcuts. ### Why I Show Up I share these behind-the-scenes moments because I want you to know who is making your products. Whether it is a batch of yellow peony soaps for a return gift or a custom order of alphabet soaps, there is a person behind every package. I am not a factory line. I am a one-woman show, and every order I take on is a commitment to quality and transparency. If you are looking for generic, mass-produced gifts, you might find cheaper options elsewhere. But if you value craft, intent, and a soap that actually loves your skin, you are in the right place. ## About Mandy & Co Hi, I’m Aakriti, the one-woman show behind Mandy & Co. I spend my days mixing, pouring, and occasionally stressing over Instagram algorithms, but mostly, I’m just here to make sure you get honest, chemical-free soaps made with a little bit of madness. [See all of Mandy & Co's services](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in) ## More from Handmade Soaps by Mandy & Co - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/featured) - [Personalized Name Soaps](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/personalized-name-soaps) - [Kids' Party Favorites](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/kids-party-favorites) - [Natural Artisanal Soaps](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/natural-artisanal-soaps) - [Whipped Soaps](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/whipped-soaps) - [K-Pop & Pop Culture Themes](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/k-pop-pop-culture-themes) - [Sweet Treats Soaps](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/sweet-treats-soaps) - [Curated Gift Hampers](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/handmade-soaps/curated-gift-hampers) ## More services by Mandy & Co - [Artisanal & Decorative Candles](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/artisanal-decorative-candles) - [Customized Gifting Solutions](https://mytribe.in/mandyandco.in/customized-gifting-solutions) ## Similar work from other experts - [Our Soap Making Journey from Kitchen to You](https://mytribe.in/prakritinaturalofficial/handmade-herbal-skincare-haircare/behind-the-scenes-made-with-love) by Prakriti Skincare · Handmade Herbal Skincare & Haircare · Delivered to your doorstep across India - [Behind the Scenes at My Soap Studio](https://mytribe.in/suffusesoaps/soap-making-workshops/my-studio-my-story) by Suffuse · Soap Making Workshops · Online, at Shanti Nagar studio, or your venue in Bengaluru - [Behind the Scenes: My 7-Year Handmade Journey at Plush](https://mytribe.in/essentialsbyplush/custom-product-formulation/behind-the-scenes-my-labour-of-love) by Plush · Custom Product Formulation · Custom orders shipped across India - [Behind the Scenes of Handmade Organic Skincare](https://mytribe.in/arthorganicskincare/custom-gifting-bulk-orders/the-art-of-handmade-behind-the-scenes) by Arth Organic Skincare · Custom Gifting & Bulk Orders · Delivered across Bengaluru & India - [Behind the Scenes: The Making Of](https://mytribe.in/made_by_ren/handmade-natural-skincare/behind-the-scenes-the-making-of) by MadebyRen · Handmade Natural Skincare · Ships across India; Visit store in Mulund West, Mumbai - [Behind the Scenes of My Handmade Gift Studio](https://mytribe.in/studio_de_savon/customized-gift-hampers-event-favors/the-making-of-behind-the-scenes) by Studio De Savon · Customized Gift Hampers & Event Favors · Ships across India, United States, Canada, and Australia ## Book To book Mandy & Co, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Aakriti%2C%20I%20was%20checking%20out%20your%20'Behind%20the%20Scenes'%20soap%20story%20and%20love%20the%20process.%20Wanted%20to%20discuss%20a%20custom%20soap%20order!)