I got into soaping as so many others did -- by purchasing a bar of handcrafted soap and thinking, "I could do that." With little knowledge but a great website like Bramble Berry to visit, I soon began to learn how to make soap and bath salts.

Soaping is my hobby -- it's aromatherapy, color therapy, and just plain fun. I decided from the very beginning that 100% of my profits would be donated to a worthwhile charity but hadn't decided which one to select. For some time now, I've sponsored two children via Children International in Guatemala and the Philippines. I'd been hoping to be able to support a girl in India. By doing a few craft fairs and consigning products through a craft shop, I've been able to make exactly enough the past two years to support Piyali in New Dehli. I take her framed photograph to the craft fairs and people feel good being able to support directly to a child in need.

I have a wonderful hobby and get to meet nice people, while Piyali receives health care and an education. It's a good feeling knowing that my soap products really are helping the world one bar of soap at a time.