First have a great product line, and at least 3 or 4 standard long cured soaps. And then of course, a business license or whatever your location requires, insurance, etc, just like any other business would need. You can decide to do storefront, farmer's markets, online, etc, and head that way once you're ready to sell. In most cases, this can all be started in about 3 years or so.
Thank you for your reply. It gives me a direction now. I have currently 2 standard soaps that I give away as gifts and looking at your reply, I have much to do.