Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ruth Singer-Strunck. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Ruth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

We believe that artists are creative, and if you were to ask Hannah- she would consider herself as both. As an artisan soap maker, we believe she would consider herself as both an artist as well as a creative. Being impacted with a spectrum disorder, individuals like Hannah struggle to obtain and maintain a regular job. Better than 90% of individuals living with spectrum disorders are unemployed and grossly under-employed. Factors such as interviews and resumes create barriers for individuals on the spectrum as well as the difficulties in communicating issues with social reciprocity and the stigma that is attached when interacting in the work environment.

Ruth, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

For her birthday, Hannah received a gift full of bath bombs. One bath was all it took- Hannah was hooked. With how expensive the products were to keep buying, we thought “How about we try to make them ourselves?” Hannah and her family began researching how to’s in order to make bath bombs and stumbled upon soap making as well.

Then began her journey to Hannah’s Happy Hands. We saw that she enjoyed creating and making something of her own. Soon we were offered the opportunity to sell Hannah’s bath bombs and then soap at Zabs Place in Matthews NC, a wonderful retail store that trains employs, and nurtures individuals with different talents.

We began receiving orders privately for soap and bath bombs and the rest is history. Hannah lives with Autism and takes pride in creating unique artisan soap and bath bombs. Hannah’s Happy Hands is a multi-dimensional brand that cultivates a community dedicated to awareness, advocacy, and entrepreneurship. As her business expands, we aim to expand on the mission to build a community where all individuals can dream of boundless possibilities. Currently we are working in collaboration with the local systems to help train and instill that same sense of pride in creating marketable products. Nurturing a sense of pride for Hannah and those who are volunteering to assist us is what we are most proud of. Hannah’s Happy Hands creates products that anyone would love and proud to own not just because these products are created by someone with Autism.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Through Hannah’s creative journey, we have seen the impact that having a purpose creates for individuals with disabilities. Hannah has graduated from high school and this is her full time career- even though we stumbled upon this avenue of creation, it has been truly remarkable to see Hannah blossom. Since we started just making bath bombs, soaps have became the sole focus for her business which has increased the opportunity for entrepreneurship, networking, and promoting independence. The mission for Hannah’s Happy Hands is to encourage employment opportunities for a meaningful future, sustainability, education, advocacy, foster friendships, and increase self reliance rather than to rely on government or state funds.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For Hannah, the reward is seeing her creations come to life and being used by all . You can see it in her eyes just how much she enjoys the work that she does on a daily basis. If anyone sees her walking down the street, they will see her wearing her Happy Hands shirt proudly. The reward is more than building financial growth and stability but fostering and sharing kindness in her community through creative products made with love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.happysoaphappyhands.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannahshappyhands/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Hannahshappyhands/
• Other: https://zabsplace.org/product/hannahs-happy-hands/