May 24, 2018
The East Texas Baptist University Enactus Team has partnered with the Intellectual and Developmental Disability (IDD) clients at Marshall's Community Healthcore (CHC) center to create a soap-making company, Heavenly Scents Soap Co. Students developed a marketing plan, obtained initial funding, created the website, and trained IDD clients to make artisanal glycerin and goats milk-based soap lines to sell to the public through craft shows, boutiques, and an online store.
"As the ETBU Enactus Project Manager, I realized how difficult it can be to start a business, but also how rewarding it is to have a part in giving these adults with IDD a job and a way to be a contributing factor to our community," Katelyn Cooper ('18) shared. "I look forward to the continuing partnership with Marshall CHC and building relationships with stores in the community to sell the soap products."
Enactus is a network of global business, academic, and student leaders committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to transform lives and shape a better, more sustainable world. The organization is the world's largest experiential learning platform dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders and social innovators. One of more than 1,730 Enactus campuses, the collegiate chapter at ETBU was initiated by the Dean of the Fred Hale School of Business Barry Evans in 2017.
"I am very excited about the new mutually beneficial partnership between our ETBU Enactus team and Community Healthcore," Dr. Evans said. "Our students experience the process of starting a business and learn marketing and website design, inventory management, and logistics. The IDD clients, who are making the soap are learning excellent practical workplace skills and the pride that comes with producing a high quality product."
Marshall CHC has been providing mental and behavior health services to North East Texas residents for more than 30 years. The center focuses on providing programs to help people lead free lives, assisting people with intellectual disabilities, and enabling families to holistically heal. The partnership will allow IDD clients to learn workplace skills, build confidence in daily living tasks, earn wages, and find pride in meaningful work accomplished with their own hands.
"Community Healthcore is so excited to partner with the East Texas Baptist University Enactus Team on the new Heavenly Scents Soap Company," IDD Program Supervisor Tanya Wallace commented. "Big things often have small beginnings. One of our employees stated, 'People think we can't work, but we can if you would just give us a chance!'"
The company currently offers Lavender Goat's Milk Soap Bars, Strawberry Vanilla Soap Bars, and Vanilla Goat's Milk Soap Bars for $7.00 each. All profits go back into Heavenly Scents Soap Co., benefiting IDD clients at CHC. To purchase or learn more about the product, visit www.heavenlyscentsoap.com.