Handcrafted soap proves a winner for enterprising County Sligo students

Pictured back row are Liam Kiely (Sligo LEO), Cllr Tom Fox (Leas Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council), Stephen Walsh (Sligo LEO) and Siobhan O’Donnell (teacher).Front: Ruadhán Sheerin, Luke Ryan, Joshua McGill and Seán Sweeney,

© Sligo Champion

The journey of four budding TY entrepreneurs from Colaiste Muire, Ballymote, Luke Ryan, Joshua McGill, Ruadhán Sheerin, and Seán Sweeney, has been remarkable since their triumph as Senior category winners and best Business Report winners at the county final of the Student Enterprise Awards.

Their venture, initially known as MakeScentsTY, has undergone a significant transformation, now proudly rebranded as Glan, meaning ‘clean’ in Irish.

The students’ product is Glan organic soap. Each bar is handcrafted with meticulous care. At the heart of Glan soap lies a blend of natural ingredients, which the boys have sourced with integrity and consideration for the environment.

The sensory experience of Glan soap is wonderful, whether it’s the refreshing burst of citrus, the calming scent of lavender, or the invigorating notes of peppermint.

But Glan soap is more than just a treat for the senses—it’s a symbol of sustainability and conscious living. Committed to reducing their environmental footprint, our four soap superstars use eco-friendly packaging materials and prioritize cruelty-free practices, ensuring that every bar is as kind to the planet as it is to the skin. In essence, Glan soap is a reflection of values, and a celebration of nature.

The quartet’s dedication and entrepreneurial spirit has culminated in representing County Sligo at the national final of the Student Enterprise Awards, scheduled to take place on the 9th of May at the Mullingar Park Hotel. One of the most notable achievements of Luke, Joshua, Ruadhán, and Seán has been their savvy marketing initiatives. Through a strategic campaign, they have effectively raised awareness of their product. As a result, their handmade soap line is now proudly stocked in prominent establishments such as Shells Café in Strandhill, The National Surf Centre in Strandhill, Lavin’s Ballymote, and Marese’s Hair Salon.

The boys have established a vibrant social media presence. Their Instagram account, glan_t.y, and TikTok handle, @glan1, serve as platforms for showcasing their products, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their entrepreneurial journey.