As Angela Carillo, of Bethpage, set up her table of handmade soaps made of plant-based oils and butters at this year’s Women’s Expo at the Middle Country Public Library, she seized the moment to reconnect with fellow women entrepreneurs.

Carillo, the owner of Alegna Soap, has built a network of women in her field since she first attended the expo about 15 years ago. On Oct. 9, she and another soapmaker she met at a past event caught up on their respective businesses. Carillo, who started her business as a hobby, said she now has a digital storefront and her products are featured in hotels and specialty shops.

She and her fellow soapmaker collaborate on orders, which helps cut shipping fees for both, Carillo said.

“The female camaraderie is very uplifting,” she said. “It’s one of the r

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