Crafty, if your friends are buying your soap don't you want to provide them with the best possible product you can? Honestly curing soap is essential. I know it sounds like it is just to make it safe, and that all it does is to evaporate water but it really does matter to the quality of the soap.
I have made soaps that when they are first made seem fine, they lather good, look good, and are not too drying. However if you use them at that point they are gone in a week, they are soft enough that you could squeeze them into another shape. After 6 weeks they are hard as rocks and even using a bar daily in the shower will last a month. The lather increases incredibly and the soap feels like silk as you wash.
I know you feel under the gun but don't sell an inferior product - especially to your friends!! If you really must make them a soap for right now get creative with some melt and pour. You can make some beautiful swirls and scents relatively easily and quickly.
Good luck to you.