Hand in Hand was founded by Bill and Courtney Glaab in order to help solve the problems of hygiene and lack-of-cleanliness in 3rd world countries. It began with a high-tough idea of helping the poor, and was solved by the high-concept idea of a luxury type of soap bar without toxic chemicals, animal-based ingredients, and parabens. In 2012, Bill and Courtney had their first trip down to Haiti where they distributed 5,000 soap bars to children in poor villages. Today, they distribute about 60,000 bars of soap in each visit.
Their business plan is designed to distribute one bar of soap for every bar that they sell. In addition, they have also gotten onto a mission of drilling wells for clean water, saving 50 feet of rainforest for every bar purchased, funding micro loans, and leading a global effort for hygiene awareness overseas. Their efforts stem from a desire to see lives enriched by health and cleanliness, as well as fighting to make an impact in the environment and economies of these places. In all, Hand in Hand is an excellent example of a high-concept and high-touch company that seeks to improve the lives of those, both here in their own country as well as overseas. You can take a look at their products here.
Another great example of someone focusing their efforts on a mission of helping people in need. Companies like this help to defeat the stigma of greedy business owners- it seems it is becoming more and more common for people to create businesses with a mission of helping people overseas
Fantastic social entrepreneurship model. It’s a very fulfilling place to be when you start up or lead a business such as this one. Something as essential as soap, in our world, is a luxury in a country such as Haiti. Bravo.
I love finding out about companies like this one! I’ve never heard of a venture helping people through soap. It’s fantastic though; they’re saving lives. Their business model(sell 1, give 1) is starting to become more commonplace and I love it! Thanks for sharing!