Local Chapters

Starting in 2016, after approval by the Membership, the HSCG started a local chapters program in order to make it easier for HSCG members and others to network, stay connected, and engage in local and regional events and activities. While the establishment and management of a local chapter is restricted to HSCG members, all makers of handcrafted soap and cosmetics are welcome to participate in chapter activities.

The Local Approach

Every local chapter is different! The Board and the members of the local chapter have the option to determine what activities and events they want to create in their area. Some of the possibilities include:

  • Networking get-togethers (such as luncheons or evening meetings)
  • Gatherings with speakers and classes
  • Group or co-op buys of products to get reduced prices for the participants
  • Community service activites, such as gathering donations of handcrafted products for a local charity
  • Putting on demonstrations or educational events for the general public

Really, the possibilities are endless, limited only by the imagination of the chapter board and members!

Click on any of the chapter buttons below to see what that chapter is up to.

The Legal Details

The Handcrafted Soap and Cosmetic Guild is registered with and approved by the IRS as a not-for-profit trade association. All local chapters will be likewise registered under the non-profit umbrella of the HSCG national office.

Any Professional or Retired Handcrafter member of the HSCG may apply to start a local chapter. Only a Professional or Retired Handcrafted member may serve as an incorporator, Board Member, Officer or President of a local chapter. A current member of the HSCG Board of Directors may start a chapter, but must replaced by a member-at-large at the Local Chapter's first Annual Meeting.

Local chapters are funded in part by a portion (not to exceed 10%) of the national membership dues of the members who choose to join that chapter. Additionally, local chapters may solicit donations or charge fees to cover expenses for local activities, but they may not set or require local chapter members to pay additional membership dues. Of course, any member may contribute additional funds to their local chapter if they so choose.

HSCG members may join a local chapter of thier choice, but are not required to do so.

The HSCG national office will send a starter kit to each new chapter at no charge and will provide assistance and expertise, as well as legal and professional support, to the local chapter as needed.

Finally, in the event the chapter must be disbanded for any reason, legal provisions are in place to ensure that any and all property or assets shall inure to the HSCG national office.

Join or Start a Local Chapter

As noted above, local chapter participation is open to all; starting or becoming a member of a local chapter is limited to current HSCG members.

Non-Members

If you are interested in becoming involved with a local chapter in your area, click the button above to get contact information and information on upcoming events.

If there isn't a chapter in your area, consider joining the HSCG and starting one!

HSCG Members

To join a local chapter, go to your Member Profile and locate the card for "Local Chapter". It will tell you if you are signed up and, if not, will give you a link to join a local chapter. You will need to be logged in in order to access your Member Profile.

If there is no local chapter in your area, consider starting one! Contact the Local Chapter director at and let her know.