Turning Skills into Success: The Story of Patience's Soap-Making Business

By: Vanessa Boateng-Okrah, Project Officer - Reading Improvement and Skills Enhancement

What began as a volunteer role in an after-school reading club has blossomed into a thriving small business for Patience, a mother of three from Bosuso in Ghana’s Eastern Region. Her journey from literacy facilitator to soap entrepreneur was sparked by a vocational training initiative organised by World Vision Ghana’s Fanteakwa Area Programme, aimed at equipping women and youth with income-generating skills.

Patience initially joined the reading club to help children improve their literacy. However, her path took an unexpected turn when she participated in a skills development workshop for facilitators, which included training in soap making. Though she had never considered herself entrepreneurial, Patience embraced the opportunity with cautious optimism, hoping it might help support her family.

After completing the training, she began producing small batches of soap using natural ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil. 

Her products quickly gained popularity among friends and neighbours, and demand steadily grew. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Patience launched her brand, MaGills, which is now recognised for its handcrafted, eco-friendly soaps.

“I’ve asked my daughter to create a social media account to help market my products online. The soap business has brought significant changes to my life. I now earn income that supports my children’s education and contributes to household expenses,” Patience shared. 

What started as a modest kitchen venture has evolved into a full-fledged business. Patience now plans to expand MaGills by introducing new products such as lotions and scrubs, all made with locally sourced ingredients. She also hopes to mentor other young girls in her community, passing on the skills that transformed her life.

“The soap-making skills I acquired have given me financial independence and a sense of purpose,” she said. “I no longer feel helpless when my children need something. I can take care of my family, and it’s a wonderful feeling.”

Patience expressed deep gratitude to World Vision Ghana and the Fanteakwa Cluster for the opportunity, crediting the programme for opening doors she never imagined.

Her story is a powerful example of how targeted skills training can empower women, foster entrepreneurship, and uplift entire communities.