From the Fall 2019 issue of Focus

Jenna Voegeli, a Senior in Troop 2697 launched her soap business through Badgerland’s BossGIRL patch program and is making cash while doing what she loves.

So, Jenna…

Tell us about your Business

My business is called SoapsAndStuff. I sell homemade soaps, scrubs, chapsticks, and scrub bags on Etsy under JennasSoapsAndStuff. I also sell my products to family, friends, and have worked a few trade fairs in the past.

“I’m constantly trying to give my business the upper hand with new and interesting products”

Where did you find your inspiration?

Ever since I was little I have loved soap. I recall one time taking a family trip to Colonial Williamsburg, VA and I found this pineapple soap ball and fell absolutely in love with it. This started my passion and wherever I went I would collect homemade artisan soap. This is what inspired me to make soap myself.

What is the best part of owning your own business?

When I started my business it was a hard realization that nothing happens instantly. It all takes time and patience. However, it is very much worth the wait and hard work. Now I get to play around with oils, fragrances, and colors to come up with new products, that has to be my favorite part!

Did you run into anything unexpected?

The biggest challenge I faced when working on this was the amount of amazing soap makers there are. I’m constantly trying to give my business the upper hand with new and interesting products.

What advice do you have for a girl who’s thinking about starting her own business?

Just go for it! The worst someone can say is ‘no’. That won’t do you any harm as long as you persevere. My troop has always focused on patches that helped to prepare you for adult life such as financial literacy, automotive repair, and first aid. These patches helped encourage my business and taught me how to successfully run a business with a thought-out plan.

All in all, you should always chase your passions, you never know what you can achieve until you try.

A recent study shows that 80% of women business owners were once Girl Scouts. Awesome, right?

Last fall, Badgerland announced BossGIRL, a patch program opportunity exclusive to our Girl Scouts. Participants got access to tons of tools to help them build their own business around their interests and skills. They attended a ‘Pitch Party’ to get feedback from real-life entrepreneurs, and got started on their business plans.

In June, these entrepreneurs got to sell their products (and keep the cash!) at a Youth Business Fair help at West Towne Mall in Madison. Not many girls can say they’ve successfully designed a business plan, outlined finances, marketed a product, and sold their items in a public space for a profit… but BossGIRLs can! BossGIRL is returning in 2020!

Check out Jenna’s Etsy shop here or follow her shop on Instagram here

Learn more about our BossGIRL patch program here