NORTH FOND DU LAC (NBC 26) — What started as a class project by Ayden Fowler and Lillian Goeckerman is now a smashing success that exceeds all expectations. Her Commah, a line of air fresheners, car diffusers and essential oils, is currently for sale online and at several local salons and businesses and will soon hit the shelves of Festival Foods.
The project was for a business class called IncubatorEDU, where students were inspired to create products that were solutions to common problems.
“I suffer from allergies and get very bad reactions from common air fresheners.” has no response.”
Our line of fragrances, car diffusers and essential oils are all made with plant-based ingredients.
Product Demonstration by Fowler and Goeckerman
The young entrepreneurs formed a partnership with Festival Foods by first expanding into local businesses and salons and eventually connecting with natural food managers.
Through classes, students first developed a product, then pitched it to organizations supporting IncubatorEDU, and eventually began pitching their ideas at UW-Oshkosh events and statewide competitions. This hard work paid off in the form of thousands of dollars to support their business.
But now Commah, with community support, is making a profit on its own for Fowler and Goeckerman, who plan to expand further.
“Our community as a whole is very strong,” says Fowler. “We’re in track and field, so people look at us during sporting events and are like, ‘Oh, what’s going on? What’s new? Any new scents?’ .”
However, the road to this success has not always been easy.
“From when we were 15 to 17, nobody takes you 100% seriously,” Goeckerman said.
And students still have to deal with the realities of high school.
“We were taking tests, and I was watching after the tests. [our pitch] Out of nowhere, ‘Lilly, what’s that smell?’ And I’m like, ‘Oh, no.’
Fowler and Goeckerman say their friends frequently mention the opening of their business pitches.
The name “Commah” describes the product’s relaxation properties.
“At 2 a.m. my sister came up with the name comm-ah because the traditional comma is a pause in a sentence,” Fowler said. ’ It’s like taking a moment to breathe.”
The students were helped to develop the scents by Fowler’s grandmother, who ran a business that made candles, soaps and scrubs. Fowler said she was part of a national handmade soap and cosmetics group of which the young entrepreneur is now a member.
Fowler said he plans to return the favor to Grandma once they start expanding further.
“I promised Grandma that she would be our first employee,” Fowler said.
In addition to grandma, Fowler and Goeckerman said they would like to hire high school students to work.
“High school students really want experience,” said Fowler. “So we can give them experience, where they will give us more opportunities. Of course, they will be rewarded.”
Kurt Wismer, a teacher and mentor, said Comma’s success inspires other students.
“I’m very excited to see them do these things and see them come to fruition,” said Wismer. And on top of that, they’re great human beings, so it’s kind of a proud dad moment.”
As for Team Commah’s next steps, Fowler and Goeckerman said they plan to continue the business after graduation. They hope to expand to all Festival Foods locations in the Midwest by March, eventually selling their products at Kroeger.
“The fact that we are young will show that young entrepreneurs can do this.
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