The scent of bath soaps and lotions fills the air as busy “Who’s the boss? GIRLS!” campers fill the show window with a beautiful display as part of the second annual Bath Junkie camp, run by owner Katie Cantor as well as Kris Silvestry from Peace of Mind Counseling & Wellness Center.
Last year campers each created their own unique business plans; but this year, Cantor stated that things were done a little bit differently.
“[The girls] didn’t create businesses, per say. It was more about finding out what it’s like to create a business plan… it was more hands-on and there were more store visits,” she explained.
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According to the camp flyer, “Camp at Bath Junkie is dedicated to inspiring and leading teen girls to discover their REAL and TRUE genuine selves with an emphasis on entrepreneurship.”
During the course of the 6-day camp, 8 girls ranging in age from 10-15 years learned how to make products that are already sold in the store and also created their own products including a brush that releases conditioner while it is in use; Fizzle Me Soap which sizzles upon placement in water; Bubbly Ducks, rubber ducks filled with bubble bath; bathing tea, a teabag filled with citrus peels and other scents; and cinnamon coffee sugar hand scrub.
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Campers Julia and Jessica designed Fizzle Me Soap. “We tested it a lot to make sure if we had to add a little more,” they explained. “It was kind of hard, but after it was done and we tested it and it worked, it felt good because you know you worked hard on your product.”
Camper Dorri, who invented bathing tea, agreed: “It took forever to get it right… I really needed to toy with it.” She added that in the process the entire store was pervaded with the smell.
The girls also had the opportunity to meet various female entrepreneurs from around Westfield, including Heather Robinson from the Westfield Chamber of Commerce, the owner of Do Ewe Knit?, the owners of The Guillotine, the owners of New Jersey Moms Guide and Sherry Cronin from the Downtown Westfield Corporation.
They described their camp experiences as: “Interesting to learn about being an entrepreneur,” “A lot of fun because I learned a lot more about having a business,” “Awesome,” “A great way to learn about a different occupation,” “Hands-on,” and “Very unique because we got to learn about business in a fun way… and because the very first day we got to do lots of fun and cool activities.”
Cantor’s sister Sarah, whose hair ties are sold in the store, helped out for the week. Said Sarah: “I liked seeing how young everyone is and how excited [they] all are to see what it’s like to be a business owner. I’ve been seeing how Katie runs her business, but it’s interested to see how [the campers] love it so much.”
The camp will hold a second session this summer from August 5th through the 10th, and is still accepting sign-ups. Campers can sign up for two, four, or six of the days.
For more information visit Bath Junkie or contact Katie Cantor: (908)-264-8633; westfieldnj@bathjunkie.com, or Kris Silvestry: (908)-363-5535; kris@pomnj.com.
