Aspen Apple Cider, Vail Vanilla and Palmer Lake Pine are just a few of the fun and Colorado-inspired scents of the bath and body products named by Hunter Abeyta—the creative mastermind behind local small business Hunter’s Hope Soaps.
Hunter's Creative Touch
In December of 2017, Hunter’s sister-in-law, Amber Rea-Detwiler, and mother, Dawn Detwiler-Abeyta, sat down to make homemade soaps and sugar scrubs as Christmas gifts for family and friends. Fascinated and intrigued by the process, Hunter joined in. He picked out the scents and colors, measured ingredients, and poured mixtures into molds. Amber, who is a speech-language pathologist, realized that day that Hunter may have just discovered a future business opportunity.
With his creative touch and help from his friends at his significant support needs classroom, Hunter’s new favorite hobby has since grown and evolved into a successful small business complete with a website and Etsy shop. You can even find Hunter’s candles at our local Scheels.
Providing Opportunities for Disabled Young Adults
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and a developmental disability, Hunter is a recent high school graduate who spends his days juggling speech therapy, occupational therapy, social skills therapy, hippotherapy with horses, and of course, “Soap-making Saturdays” with his friends.
Hunter has friends with a range of disabilities who come from around Colorado Springs to spend their Saturdays in Hunter’s workshop pouring candles and soaps and fulfilling orders.
“The model of Hunter’s Hope Soaps creates such a wonderful opportunity for Hunter and his friends who are also developmentally disabled young adults,” Amber explains. “Our mission is to continue providing them with a way to grow their daily living skills, foster friendships, and become financially independent entrepreneurs.”
Made with Meaning
The attention to detail, creativity, and the love and joy these young adults pour into these products is nothing short of inspiring.
“Made with meaning” is our motto,” Amber explains, “and we want our customers to know how grateful we are for each purchase because their support of Hunter’s business provides an empowering opportunity for these young adults.”
The success of Hunter’s Hope Soaps has been a beacon of hope for Hunter and his community and as his business continues to grow, that beacon only shines brighter.
“It’s our dream and hope to continue providing creative and meaningful employment for people with challenges. They have been such an inspiration to us, and we believe it is so important to highlight the astounding things they are capable of.”
This holiday season, warm your home with the fragrance of a Monument Mistletoe candle or give a gift “made with meaning” by sending your loved ones a Parker Peppermint Soap and Scrub gift set, all handmade with joy and love by Hunter and his friends.
Website: https://www.huntershopesoaps.com/
Facebook + Instagram: @HuntersHopeSoaps