In this episode of the Sparkbuddies Podcast, host Esther interviews Lila, the 17-year-old founder of Maji Soap — a purpose-driven soap company helping kids build healthy hygiene habits while funding clean water wells around the world.
At just 14, Lila joined the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, turned a childhood idea into a real business, and went on to win national entrepreneurship awards, including Top Young Entrepreneur (YEA) and Blue Ocean Pitch Competition.
In this inspiring conversation, Lila shares:
How a simple idea — putting collectible toys inside soap bars — became a mission-led company
What she learned about product design, storytelling, and social impact marketing
How she built Maji from home using the cold press method and scaled through flea markets and Instagram
The importance of having a purpose-driven brand and partnering with nonprofits like The Thirst Project
Her tips on pricing, pitching, finding mentors, cold emailing, and overcoming fear as a young founder
Why confidence, iteration, and consistency are the keys to entrepreneurial success
I was so inspired by meeting Lila! I hope you will too 🧑🏫 !
Watch the interview below:
💧 About Maji Soap:
Each soap is handmade with organic ingredients and contains a collectible toy inside — making handwashing fun for kids while supporting clean water initiatives.
Links and resources mentioned:
Sparkbuddies: sparkbuddies.ai
Blue Ocean competition: https://blueoceancompetition.org/
Maji’s pitch for Blue Ocean competition: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CNt46ArTe8o
Thirst Project: https://thirstproject.org/water-crisis/
Young entrepreneurs academy: https://yeausa.org/
Wix: https://www.wix.com/
Square: https://squareup.com/