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HBN Members In The News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FORMER RESIDENT RETURNS FOR LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
TO TEACH THE ART OF HANDCRAFTED SOAPMAKING

Contact: Charlon Bobo, (805) 373-1076

June 14, 2000-Thousand Oaks, CA-Founder and owner of the Utopian Garden Soap Company, Charlon Bobo today announced plans to return to Oahu in October for a limited engagement to instruct local residents in the art of cold-process handcrafted soapmaking.

Bobo, a Southern California handmade toiletries manufacturer and former Hawaii resident, started her business 4 years ago with an emphasis on consumer education. "With the explosion of interest in natural bath-and-body products, it is important that consumers know that they can create these products themselves. It is easy once you learn the basics and I can teach the basics of handcrafted soapmaking in two hours" says Bobo.

Although there are several soapmaking companies on the island of Oahu, their emphasis is on retail business. "This presents a perfect opportunity for me to fill the need for soapmaking instruction. It has been a long-time goal to return to the Islands and give back some of the essence I experienced when I lived there; aloha and ohana. I have been gone 7 years and there is always the longing to return. This time I will return with knowledge that enhances the lives of the local people."

Demonstrations will be held October 12, 14, and 17 at the Aloha Activity Center in Honolulu. The price is $30 per person. Registrations must be pre-paid and post-marked by September 23. There is no on-site registration.

During this engagement, Bobo will also be available on a limited basis to teach privately. Demonstrations and hands-on workshops are provided for groups of friends, family, or co-workers in the privacy and convenience of a home or business. Contact Bobo directly to schedule private instruction.

In addition to teaching and managing the soapmaking business, Bobo owns a retail mail-order packaging supplies business. She is a seed member of the Handmade Toiletries Network (the trade organization representing the handmade toiletries industry) and has been involved in The Handcrafted Soapmaker's Guild since its inception in 1997. She also organizes and hosts the annual spring Southern California Handcrafted Soapmakers Gathering; a mainstay within the local soapmaking community.