Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.
— Herman Cain
Spreading Good Fortune Around the World
Before launching into Good Fortune Soap, let me introduce a 10-year old girl named Jennifer.
The Beginning
I was a clever and adventurous girl who passed the time inventing, crafting, and annoying my brother. My family was never certain if I would spring out of bed as a Disney character, comedian, or zoo keeper-whoever I was, each day was an exciting journey. I was dedicated to living life to the full. Fearlessly I took (still take) risks! On one day, I decided that our family’s pet, Snoopy, needed a snazzy new haircut. Our entire neighborhood laughed at my horrible grooming skills, but Snoopy didn’t laugh!
As I matured, so did my business skills, and by 12 I started my first business called "Jennifer Fantistics.” Not a great speller, I was a born entrepreneur. Jennifer Fantistics, a handcrafted bracelet corporation, was known for its customer service. Each order was carefully packaged with a handwritten note explaining the history of the company, a detailed invoice, a generous discount for new customers, and a lovely fortune (kind of ironic, huh?). Business ideas continued to flow, and I was excited to grow up, go to college, and someday have a real job (and maybe even own my own business).
Tough times were no stranger to me. I struggled to find my identity (as most teens do), made some bad choices, and often learned the hard way. While I always found an outlet in art, I still longed for deeper meaning to life.
Four years of college helped me learn intense focus and helped with goal setting, which led to an amazing job as a graphic designer. Within my first year, I was awarded the highest company honor and employee of the year. I continued to improve as a designer and photographer, and within only 4 years was promoted to Senior Graphic Designer. Still, I longed for deeper meaning in life.
The Turning Point
Through a series of failed relationships, I realized that fulfillment would not come from men, work, or myself. I felt lost, and through the advice of a co-worker was encouraged to pray for wisdom because it was the only thing God promised He would definitely give when we ask. Pray for it, and you WILL get it. A sucker for guarantees, I began to pray and ask God to show Himself, help find purpose in life, and to experience a love greater than I felt.
It didn’t take long for God to make good on his promise. He shared with me the secret to life and happiness. Wondering why it took so long to learn the truth, I joyfully moved forward and was ready to start living.
Armed with the truth that life flows from God, and that God is love, I was gifted a faith I’d never felt before. To know that Jesus Christ walked the earth teaching love and ultimately died for my sin, was heartbreaking, but comforting. I finally knew what unconditional love felt like and held on to His promises to never leave or hurt me. My once broken heart was rebuilt and began to overflow with love. I had a new purpose in life: to learn how to love others as Christ!
Getting Cleaned Up: The Soapmaking Starts
I worked in the corporate world for many years, but was ready for a change and longed for a different career, a lifestyle that fed my mind, body, and spirit while also providing a way to connect with and help others. While lying in bed, praying, and reading a book on soapmaking, the Lord spoke to a deep down place inside me. Through faith, I knew instantly that my love of design, photography, and handcrafted things was my calling. With 110% enthusiasm, I followed the plan that God had whispered.
In May 2006, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Good Fortune Soap was born. From day one I studied soap making, natural ingredients, and the natural products industry as a whole. The fearless mad scientist I knew as a child took over as I experimented by making hundreds of batches of soap, scent combinations, shapes, colors, and more. Self taught, I perfected the process night and day while working full-time as a graphic designer.
After 8 months in the lab, December 2006 marked Good Fortune’s first big open house. In just two days, I sold hundreds of bars of soap and gift sets. Further, two Chattanooga, TN-based gift shops placed orders, purchasing Good Fortune’s entire collection of scents and gift sets. This success prepared me for the next step-going full-time with soap.
Most people knew I was clever, but secretly thought I was crazy for "following a promise from God to make soap.” I knew that by traditional standards it was a risk to quit my job, and I’d have to give up most luxuries, but the promise was real. Life was just beginning. Without hesitation, I took the plunge: sold my house, quit my stable job, and took Good Fortune all the way.
A Rest Stop
But first I had to take a sabbatical. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. My love of people had grown and my love of stuff was gone. Having given away most of my possessions, having just moved into my new one-bedroom apartment, I left to go to South Africa for 10 days with a dear friend. Little did I know God planned to break my heart so I could love more deeply like Him while also giving me fuel for Good Fortune. I volunteered to minister and love children while in South Africa. Witnessing poverty, illness, and homeless children, my vibrant heart was crushed. Unconditional love, compassion, and generosity took on new meaning to me. The beautiful people of Mamelodi were the sweetest, happiest, and most loving people I’d ever met, yet had so little. It was obvious that God has a huge heart for Africa, despite their overwhelming needs. Their joy was not based on circumstance, but on perspective and a love for Christ.
After a few days of singing, hugging, and playing with the children, my creative business side began to surface. Why did God bring me here and what did He really want me to do? Was it to play with children or did God want more? Deciding to spend more quality spiritual time with the children, I grabbed a crayon and made a "free prayer” sign while my friend grabbed a desk and 3 chairs. We were amazed at what happened next.
The free prayer booth grew longer than all of the games, painting, and activity lines. Without a plan, each child sat down one by one, with their backs turned from the crowd, waiting to be prayed over.
Amazingly, I never cried in front of the children, though had no idea what huge problems burdened such tiny hearts. Their precious tears and stone cold expressions still linger: as they shook there heads "yes” and told us to pray for their mommy and daddy. When asked why, some would reply their parents were sick or dead.
The children longed so deeply to be held, touched, heard, and reassured that it was going to be okay. Who really knew if they would be okay, safe, fed, or healthy? They were reassured that Jesus is their love, provider, and Father. Even through their pain and confusion, God was alive in their hearts and no one could take that away.
My problems paled in comparison to looking into the face of a suffering child. After all, I asked God to show me how to love like Jesus, and He’d just shown me. Joyfully, I wanted to know how to continue to love and inspire others to do the same.
Making it Real
Coming home, I needed to create a business plan that configured how Good Fortune was going to change the world. I didn’t just want an amazing product that I could bank. I wanted products that embodied positive thinking and touched people’s lives physically and spiritually. The healing ingredients, recyclable packaging, and charitable donations were marketed to spread the word about the spirit of the company.
Giving back is a concept that was built into the foundation of Good Fortune, in fact, that is where we got our name. From the moment God whispered His plan, He also asked me to bless others. Good Fortune supported several charities for the hungry, impoverished children, and hurting women, but nothing felt like a perfect fit. Unsettled by this, I again asked for wisdom, and again God spoke.
Building a business, creating products, empowering women, and loving others was God’s plan all along. Good Fortune Soap sprang from this fertile soil.
Making The Move…
The soap idea originated in my heart, started in my kitchen, and grew to my family's dairy in the Appalachian foothills of Tennessee. My mother and I worked side-by-side renovating my grandfather's dairy barn, where I grew the company for several years. Married in 2012, I brought on Mr. Good Fortune (aka: Howell - the VP of Awesome). The business plan changed a bit, and we decided that after growing by leaps and bounds we'd settle down in Chattanooga, Tennessee and open a store front.
And Now…
I am still passionate about giving back to the city and offering new all-natural skincare products. You may have noticed our tagline "Shop. Spa. Stay. Make." We are not just a store anymore; we have tried to take all things relaxing and turn it into a fun experience for our customers.
Now, you can Shop. online or come in to our store on Broad Street. I still enjoy educating customers about essential oils along with providing locally made gifts and body products while desiring to make an impact in Chattanooga. In fact, now with every purchase from the Food for Face Organic Skincare line, we donate a meal to the Chattanooga Food Bank.
Now, you can relax with a Spa. experience. I still desire for your time at Good Fortune to be as relaxing as possible, and with offers as amazing as our facials and massages, it is nearly accomplished. We use organic, hand-made products and essential oils for every spa experience. Plus, you can even schedule spa parties!
Now, you can Stay. with us. In 2019 we opened a luxury retreat hotel above the store, called RelaxChatt. We love hosting bridal parties and bachelorette groups because we have a large space to entertain with a convenient scent experience right downstairs.
Now, you can Make. your own product. You are welcome to join us to make your own scent and create your own body product. Our Make-n-Take studio is a unique experience you'll never forget.
What Does the Future Hold for Good Fortune?
In the coming year you’ll notice a lot of new updates to packaging design and scents. We are working to bring you products that make you completely happy and relaxed. We are also excited about the possibility of franchising and opening Good Fortune Soap & Spas in cities all over the United States. Are you interested in opening your own franchise? If so, email Jennifer here.
We are so grateful for your commitment to Good Fortune Soap and Spa over the years and are looking forward to what is to come in the future. Thank you for giving and growing with us.