Simon's Soapbox looks after both the naughty and the nice this holiday season
Those folks on Santa's naughty list this year may have a little less to worry about thanks to Simon's Soapbox.
While the company offers many elegant and beautifully-packaged soap-related products, they also are offering a not-so-classic lump of coal, so that even those on the naughty list will enjoy finding a nugget in their Christmas stockings.
Simon's Soapbox began during the pandemic as the brainwave of Caroline Short and her brother Simon Vanderloo.
"I've dreamed of being part of a social enterprise or business that includes people with developmental disabilities, like my brother, for many years," says Short.
She says that in her experience, able-bodied people don't always know or see those living with disabilities, and as a result adults with developmental challenges can live very segregated lives.
She and her brother began making soap together during the pandemic because of the extra time they had on their hands, but Short has found that Simon's Soapbox has become a new avenue for community engagement.
"Simon and I pack up the soaps we make together and go out into the world and meet people. We demonstrate the value of people with and without disabilities working together. I like to think that when people meet us or learn about our business mission, they start to think differently about meaningful work opportunities."
Short would like to see other companies garner the benefits of employing developmentally disabled adults. She points to provincial service agencies like the Burnaby Association for Community Inclusion (BACI) and posAbilities that help find employment opportunities and work support.
But she also challenges employers to imagine a way for their workplaces to hire people living with a disability. "Think about what skills you are looking for and reach out to an employment specialist in one of these organizations. These specialists often are connected to several people with disabilities and can help connect someone with the right skills."
Another similar resource is offered by the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, called Inployable.
Since they've started their company, this New Westminster team has found the market for their products has grown. Their soap can be found in the stores of independent retailers and craft fairs as well as online, where they offer local pick up and shipping across Canada and the US. Short says that in the past year they've expanded their business into offering mini soaps for conference swag, airbnb hosts, party favours and more.
Short says that Vanderloo's favourite part of the process is making the swirl design in the soaps. He is also a big fan of showing their wares in public markets, enjoying everything from setting up the company table to processing orders through the point-of-sale system.
Short says that working together with her brother keeps the siblings connected and communicating. "Sometimes the commitment to work together means we aren't working quickly or efficiently as we need to give each other time to learn and solve problems, but that's okay with us."
Have thoughts to share ?
Leave your comments below, or email us at editor@lionsbaywatershed.ca
Like what you're reading? For as little as $5/month, you can support local independent journalism by subscribing to The Watershed HERE.
Caroline and Simon are delightful people.
I have known them for a couple of years and strongly endorse the quality of their products. The goals of their enterprise certainly merit support.
I highly recommend keeping them in mind when planning your holiday shopping. (Every time their simulated “lump of coal” soap comes to mind, I invariably smile!)