From Seeds to Soaps: Growing a Business Rooted in Community and Purpose

I started my journey with a drive to spend less and create something meaningful. It was May 2022, and a friend of mine mentioned that she had started collecting Christmas gifts for the holiday season. As anxiety rolled down my spine and my low bank account crept into my mind, I stopped and said, "Why the heck are you starting this early?!"

After a few days, I began to think, Maybe I should start early and grow something instead of buying it. It would be much cheaper. I had been working in the landscaping industry for almost three years at that point, sharing my love for the natural world and my wealth of knowledge about the outdoors. So, I went online, did some research on hydroponic growing, found a hydroponics supply store near me, and got to work.

At first, I looked on Amazon for hydroponic growing kits. Most of what I found was for "herbs"—if you catch my drift—not to mention it was outrageously priced. Forced to think of alternatives, I used logical thinking to build an ebb-and-flow hydroponic system. I used a bucket on stakes, some volcanic rock wool to start the seeds, a pump for the water, and a large container. It took me a few tries with the drill to get the holes big enough, but I made it work...ish.

Believe it or not, I didn’t take any complete photos of the system, as I didn’t think anyone would care about this part of my journey. Starting a business from it wasn’t even in my mind. I did, however, take a photo of the sewer drain behind our house during a flash flood, which accidentally captured a piece of the system. It’s not a great photo, but it serves as a good memory of starting from nothing—literally nothing.

As the season progressed, the luffa plant grew larger and larger, producing so many vines and leaves that we couldn’t see through it anymore. Once I started mixing bloom formula into the water, insects began to flock to it. Bumblebees, honeybees, wasps, caterpillars, ladybugs—you name it, they were there.

Over time, I noticed some of the leaves extending out with what appeared to be tiny luffas forming at the base. I was so excited! I checked on their progress daily. Before long, I saw five more, then ten, then twenty forming. Not all made it, as my timer plug overheated a few times, causing the pump to stop, but most survived the season.

Once I had a sizable crop of luffas—almost 16 inches long and 4 inches thick—I knew I was on the right track. I processed the luffas in the kitchen using instructions from YouTube and ended up with almost 40 luffas to use for soap making.

The first batch of soap I made used a goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap base from Hobby Lobby and a silicone mold. It was relatively good soap, and with my homegrown luffas, it looked perfect. The essential oils I used for the batch weren’t the best quality, but everyone loved the result.

   

I made so much soap that I had enough for all my family, co-workers, and even some left over for myself. After the holiday season passed, I was driving to work and saw a homeless man on the side of the road with a sign that read, “Anything helps.” I remembered the leftover soap in my truck and thought, I can’t give him money, but I can give him soap. It’s handmade, homegrown, and biodegradable since the luffa is a plant.

I handed the soap to him and explained a little about it. He was so grateful and thought it smelled fantastic.

This encounter made me realize that homeless individuals must be showering somewhere—be it a creek or a pond. I started researching homeless shelters and saw they often provide generic care packages with soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and bandages. But where was the exfoliation? Homeless people face dirt, mud, and other elements on their skin daily.

I’ve always said, “Service is the foundation of community,” and that remains my motto. My goal is to provide luxury soap that is healthy and accessible for the less fortunate, so they can start their day with the same positivity and dignity as anyone else.

This was the moment I realized my purpose: to help the community in a way that is special and unique to me. Shortly after, my best friend said she loved the soap, and my co-workers encouraged me to start a business and sell them online. I doubted myself at first, unsure if I could succeed, but I pushed through the fear. In March 2022, I created Gourdgeous Soaps LLC, a play on the luffa gourd name.

My brother-in-law, who has been here from the start and a constant source of inspiration, surprised me with a logo for my birthday. He incorporated a luffa into the design, which was perfect, and it sparked my motivation. Beyond the logo, he has been guiding me through smart business moves and keeping me focused when doubt crept in. His encouragement has been my lifeline during the most uncertain times, and I credit much of my success to his unwavering belief in me.

Fast forward almost two years: I now live in Northwest Arkansas with my best friend, and my brother-in-law remains an integral part of the business as my marketing and design creator. If you like the logo, stickers, or creative photos, he is the mastermind behind them. His talent, dedication, and faith in me have been nothing short of extraordinary.

So, what’s next? I plan to expand my growing space and keep you updated. Thank you for being a part of my journey. If you or anyone you know works with the needy or less fortunate, please send them my way. Together, we can better the lives of others as a community.

- Sean Sultan Lakhani