Ghana - Business creation project

Describe your project or startup in a few words

Skin Marshal is a startup that produces charcoal-based skin care products, with charcoal soap as its signature product. Our goal is to serve our consumers with natural and captivating skin care solutions while promoting environmental sustainability.

01.01 Describe your project in more detail

Skin Marshal is a startup that makes charcoal-based skin care products. We will adhere to sustainable measures such as eco-friendly packaging, responsible ingredient procurement. We will participate in community projects and promote ethical vendors. Skin Marshal will be based in Kumasi, a favorable location for quick access to raw materials. We will begin as a small-scale manufacturing enterprise and expand as we grow. Our products will be free of parabens, artificial perfumes, and harsh chemicals, catering to customers seeking for mild and effective skin care solutions. We shall take a comprehensive marketing approach. Our internet store will be the major sales channel, with physical distribution handled by a few select retailers. To stay afloat in the face of market competition and economic fluctuations we will implement risk mitigation strategies such as diversifying product offerings and building a loyal customer base through excellent customer service and product quality.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

Increase in greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere by human activities like deforestation and environmental degradation has led to climate change which is adversely affecting human health. While we cannot stop the pollution caused by others, we can control the effects these pollutants have on our bodies. Skin Marshal aims to provide charcoal based skin care products which will not only remove gems and bacteria from the skin but also help treat the body. We seek to use charcoal powder from coconut shells and fallen leaves from specific trees and other natural ingredients to prepare soap and other skin care products which will serve as an antidotal treatment for the body. Activated charcoal, the base ingredient, creates a sanitary environment for healing wounds from the body by first absorbing the bacteria, oil and dirt that clog pores from wounds. With our eco-friendly products, we are taking rigorous actions to protect the human body from harms caused by these pollutants.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your project intends to provide (at least 3).

1. Deep Cleansing: Our activated charcoal-infused soaps effectively remove dirt and pollutants, clear pores, and control oil production. This thorough cleansing prevents acne, lowers inflammation, and promotes cleaner, healthier skin. 2. Exfoliation: Our charcoal soap has excellent exfoliating effects. It gently removes dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, brighter complexion beneath. Regular exfoliation improves skin texture, reduce the appearance of pores, and improve the absorption of skincare products. 3. Detoxification: It draws toxins and pollutants from the skin, making it ideal for people who live in mining communities, urban areas, or are frequently exposed to environmental aggressors. 4. Odor control: Charcoal soap helps to eliminate body odor by absorbing sweat and bacteria from the skin. It eliminates undesirable smells by removing the impurities and toxins that generate them, leaving you feeling refreshed and confident throughout the day.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your project is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

Our products are suitable for people of all ages and genders, particularly those listed below 1. Health-conscious individuals 2. People living in mining communities, urban areas or are frequently exposed to environmental contaminants. 3. Those with sensitive skin. 4. People who have oily skin 5. People who desire glowing skin. 6. People who have persistent acne and blackheads.

01.05 When did you start working on your project?

2024-03-01

01.06 How many other partners are associated with your business venture?

4

01.07 Among the other partners, how many are female?

3

01.08 Please describe the profile of each of the other partners (skills, experience, etc.)

Hannah Venunye Dzefe A fourth year Herbal Medicine student at KNUST. An entrepreneur and founder of Thywill cosmetics. Committed to producing quality and safe herbal products. Possesses skills in scientific research, data analysis and teamwork. Esther Ahagar A first year Computer Science student at Ashesi University. Runner up in the climate change competition from Open Society University Network. Possesses skills in ethnographic research, teaching and building customer relationships. Anita Owusu A fourth year Business Administration student at KNUST specializing in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Possesses expertise in inventory management, CRM, risk management and accounting. Hitler Adopreh An entrepreneur and co-founder of HITGED Construction. A building technologist serving in the capacity as the Strategic Assistant for Daniel plumbing and Construction works. Possesses charisma, people skills and the foresight every leader needs to lead a team to success.

01.09 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link here:

01.10 Which industry best describes your project?

d) Primary commodities (food, drink, household and personal products)

02.01.01 My project contributes to the No poverty goal

6

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification

1. Job Opportunities: Our business seeks to create jobs in our community. This will help alleviate poverty by providing people with steady jobs and financial stability. 2. Supporting Local Economies: We will source our raw materials locally whenever possible to help local farmers and suppliers. This will enhance economic activity in our region, thus reducing poverty. 3. Access to Affordable Skincare: We will offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. This guarantees that people of all income levels have access to effective skincare treatments, supporting self-care and well-being even for those with little financial standings.

02.02.01 My project contributes to the Zero hunger goal

4

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification

02.03.01 My project contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

6

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification

1. Excellent Skincare Solutions: Our charcoal soap offers excellent skincare solutions that help people attain clearer, healthier skin. This directly adds to improved well-being by addressing common skin problems such as oiliness, dullness and acne. 2. Natural ingredients: We will prioritize the use of organic ingredients in our products to reduce the risk of adverse reactions or skin irritation. This boosts skin health and overall well-being. 3. Environmental Concerns: Our eco-friendly procedures and sustainable packaging help to protect the environment, making the world a healthier place. This indirect effect on environmental health eventually benefits human well-being

02.04.01 My project contributes to the Quality education goal

3

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification

02.05.01 My project contributes to the Gender equality goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification

1. Equal job Opportunities: We prioritize providing everyone with equal job opportunities, regardless of gender. Our hiring methods prioritize skills, qualifications, and merit, ensuring a fair and inclusive environment. 2. Gender-Inclusive Policies: We will have policies in place to encourage gender equality, such as equal pay for equal work, anti-discrimination measures, and work-life balance. 3. Empowering Women: We will aggressively empower women in our company and community by offering leadership opportunities, training programs, and mentorship programs. This helps women achieve economic empowerment and professional advancement. Our business is dedicated to positively contribute to this vital goal.

02.06.01 My project contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

3

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification

02.07.01 My project contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification

02.08.01 My project contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

6

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification

1. Fair Labor Policies: We will follow fair labor practices, which ensure that our employees receive fair salaries, benefits, and a safe working environment. 2. Skill Development: We will invest in training and development programs for our employees to help them improve their skills and knowledge in areas like customer service, production and sustainable practices thereby promoting personal growth, professional development and 3. Health and safety regulations: We will ensure strict adherence to health and safety regulations in the work environment. This will help employees take responsible measures to ensure their own safety and the safety of their work colleagues.

02.09.01 My project contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

3

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification

02.10.01 My project contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

4

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification

02.11.01 My project contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

3

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification

02.12.01 My project contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

6

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification

1. Sustainable Sourcing: Using materials sourced sustainably, such as activated charcoal, natural oils, and organic ingredients, can help lessen environmental effect. We ensure that materials are harvested in a sustainable manner and purchased through fair trade methods. 2. Eco-Friendly Packaging: We choose our packaging materials with sustainability in mind, using recyclable or biodegradable materials and reducing packaging waste. 3. Waste Reduction: To reduce trash generation and promote responsible consumption, we use waste reduction measures such as recycling programs and efficient manufacturing processes.

02.13.01 My project contributes to the Climate action goal

4

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification

02.14.01 My project contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification

02.15.01 My project contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification

02.16.01 My project contributes to the Peace justice and strong institutions goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.16.02 Peace justice and strong institutions - Justification

02.17.01 My project contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

4

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification

05.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

4

05.02 The product/service we envision creating represents an entirely new type of product/service.

2

05.03 The product/service we envision creating could be described as a new technology.

2

05.04 The product/service we envision creating is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.05 The product/service we envision creating could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.06 The product/service we envision creating responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.07 The product/service we envision creating is a new version of an old product/service.

7 - Strongly Agree

05.08 Justification

There are many brands known for producing bathing soap, local black soap (Alata samina) and other beauty and skin care products. However, there is none in the market known for producing charcoal based skin care products. Our business builds upon the idea of our Alata Samina and antidotal black powders used for body treatment. We are modifying these traditional ideas into producing more sustainable and effective products that will suit the needs of both traditional and contemporary biased individuals.

05.09 Who are your main potential competitors and what makes you stand out from them?

1. Producers of the local alata samina (black soap) 2. Major commercial brands with wide distribution networks and large marketing budgets, such as Geisure, Lux, and Rexona. 3. Small enterprises and local producers of handmade, small-batch soaps with a personal touch. 4. Skin care brands that target specific skin conditions, like acne or sensitive skin, with specialist ingredients. This is what distinguishes us. 1. We use high-quality products sourced locally, such as shea butter and essential oils. 2. We ensure exceptional product quality by implementing constant quality control techniques. 3. We offer competitive pricing to attract consumers. 4. We use sustainable packaging and advocate ethical sourcing. 5. We will strengthen community relations through events and local partnership

10.06 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

No