How Hope’s Vision Turned a Soap Startup into a Force for Good

Great businesses don’t just sell products—they solve problems, spark joy, and serve a greater purpose. That’s exactly what Hope Hill and Ellie Overholt set out to do when they founded Joy Soap Co. as students in the RISE Entrepreneurship Program. Launched in 2022 and refined through hands-on experience, their brand quickly became more than just a high school project. With a deep love for craftsmanship and community, Hope led the charge, ensuring that every product was not only nourishing for the skin but also a means of giving back. By the time they graduated in 2024, Joy Soap Co. had become a mission-driven business supporting Gospel Village, a Christ-centered community providing housing and work opportunities for the formerly homeless.

Hope’s leadership was instrumental in transforming Joy Soap Co. from an idea into a thriving business. Under her guidance, the company expanded far beyond its signature goat’s milk soaps, introducing a full line of self-care essentials—including bath salts, body butter, liquid soaps, perfume rollers, and sugar scrubs. With her entrepreneurial instincts and unwavering dedication, she ensured that each product wasn’t just about scent or luxury, but about impact. Every sale contributed to a greater mission, reinforcing the idea that business and social good can go hand in hand.

But Hope’s influence didn’t stop at product innovation. She cultivated a brand identity that resonated with customers, designing a collection that was as meaningful as it was beautiful. With six signature scents—Abundance, Clarity, Playful, Refresh, Restore, and Warmth—she created an experience that went beyond skincare, inviting customers into a story of renewal and purpose. Her ability to balance creativity with business strategy turned Joy Soap Co. into a standout example of student entrepreneurship done right.

By the time she and Ellie walked across the graduation stage in 2024, Joy Soap Co. had already made a lasting mark. Hope’s leadership set the foundation for a company that continues to grow, proving that young entrepreneurs can create businesses that don’t just succeed, but serve.