Girl Crush Co.
Girl Crush Company’s profits are used to mentor, educate, and employ Lancaster County, at-risk single mothers in a program called Second Grace.
1. WHAT’S YOUR BUSINESS AND THE MISSION OF YOUR BRAND?
Girl Crush Co is our retail business and it focused on natural and fun small batch bath and body products. Girl Crush is now an initiative of our new non-program called Second Grace which works with local young mothers (for 2 years) involved in the Child Welfare System by providing them with a mentor, educational and counseling opportunities, and during the 2nd year, a work experience at Girl Crush.
Girl Crush’s Mission: “Our mission is to make nutrient-rich, artisan bath and body products which support the employment, education and empowerment of Lancaster County at-risk, single mothers for a lasting transformation.”
Second Grace’s Mission: “Second Grace works to empower and transform the lives of at-risk, single mothers in central Pennsylvania through mentorship, education and employment.
2. WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO START THIS BUSINESS?
I formed Girl Crush in 2018 after making soap and lotions on a hobby level for 10 years. I thought that a soap business would be a fun retirement gig along with my volunteer work at CASA of Lancaster. I am an adoptive mother (of 14) and a background in medical social work. After being a CASA mentor to a young child I realized that if my child’s mother had a mentor perhaps they would not be involved with the Children and Youth Program. After talking with many caseworkers and the Executive Director of CYA (Crystal Natan), I made the move to create the non-profit and hire more people to grow the bath business so it could be its social enterprise arm.
3. WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE THAT HAS PROPELLED YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?
I literally have no business experience so my advice would be to always be as passionate as you can be about your goals and you will attract the right people to help guide and grow your business. If YOU believe then other people will believe.
4. WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISHED YOU HAD KNOWN WHEN YOU FIRST STARTED?
Absolutely nothing. Learning along the way is the best part of the journey. Learning is how we stay engaged in life, especially at my age!
5. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC QUOTE OR VERSE THAT PROPELS YOU IN HARDER TIMES?
I always loved Mary Poppins’ quote, “Everything is possible, even the impossible.” Sometimes I will have a bad day, but I try to remember that the sun will rise tomorrow and things will look different.
6. HOW DO YOU INCORPORATE YOUR FAITH INTO YOUR BUSINESS?
I think that so much of what we do is faith-driven here. We have so many God-moments along the way. Doors open unexpectedly when we hit an obstacle and we are able to move forward. The right person walks in our door and solves a problem or fills a need. I am grateful each and every day.