Liberia: Scented Candle Shop for Monrovia University Humanists
Liberia: Scented Candle Shop for Monrovia University Humanists
SCENTED CANDLE SHOP UNIVERSITY OF MONROVIA LIBERIA
Group Name: University of Monrovia Humanist Alliance
Group Members:
Female Members
●Julliet Boakai
○Gender: Female
○Age: 22
○Phone: +231-770-123-456
●Angela Kollie
○Gender: Female
○Age: 21
○Phone: +231-880-234-567
●Beatrice Doe
○Gender: Female
○Age: 23
○Phone: +231-770-345-678
●Sarah Nimene
○Gender: Female
○Age: 20
○Phone: +231-880-456-789
●Linda Morris
○Gender: Female
○Age: 22
○Phone: +231-770-567-890
●Grace Kamara
○Gender: Female
○Age: 24
○Phone: +231-880-678-901
Male Members
●James Doe
○Gender: Male
○Age: 23
○Phone: +231-770-111-222
●Samuel Kollie
○Gender: Male
○Age: 22
○Phone: +231-880-222-333
●Emmanuel Flomo
○Gender: Male
○Age: 25
○Phone: +231-770-333-444
●Jacob Massaquoi
○Gender: Male
○Age: 21
○Phone: +231-880-444-555
●Peter Jallah
○Gender: Male
○Age: 24
○Phone: +231-770-555-666
●Stephen Barlee
○Gender: Male
○Age: 22
○Phone: +231-880-666-777
●Andrew Wesseh
○Gender: Male
○Age: 23
○Phone: +231-770-777-888
●Daniel Kromah
○Gender: Male
○Age: 25
○Phone: +231-880-888-999
Group Email: jullietboakai@gmail.com
Group Phone: +231-770-123-456
Group Website or Facebook page? No
Does your group agree to our mission and agree to follow our values, policies, and principles? Read https://thehuman.team/values and acknowledge that your group understands and agrees.
Yes
Why did your group become humanist and what does humanism mean to your group?
We, the founding members of the Humanist Club at the University of Monrovia, stand united in our shared commitment to Humanism a worldview grounded in reason, compassion, and a belief in the dignity and potential of every human being.
We are Humanists because we believe:
That human lives have value, not because of supernatural beliefs, but because of our shared humanity.
That critical thinking, evidence-based understanding, and scientific inquiry are the best tools for solving real-world problems.
That morality is a human responsibility rooted in empathy, fairness, and justice, rather than divine command.
That all people, regardless of belief, background, gender, or identity, deserve equal rights, freedom of thought, and respect.
That we are responsible for the future, and it is through education, compassion, and solidarity that we will build a better Liberia and a better world.
Each of us has chosen Humanism because it empowers us to ask questions, to seek truth, to care deeply for others, and to act with purpose. We reject fear-based ideologies and embrace the courage it takes to think freely, love widely, and live meaningfully.
Together, as students and citizens, we dedicate ourselves to fostering a community that values reason, celebrates diversity, and works toward human flourishing or ourselves, for our nation, and for generations to come.
Project Description
The project will be a student-led social enterprise initiative launched by the Humanist Club at the University of Monrovia. The primary aim of this project is to establish a scented candle shop that will be fully managed and operated by student members of the club. This venture is not only intended to generate sustainable income for the club’s educational, social, and outreach activities, but also to serve as a practical learning experience for students. Through active involvement in every stage of the business from production to marketing and sales club members will develop valuable skills in entrepreneurship, teamwork, ethical leadership, and financial management. In alignment with Humanist values, the shop will promote self-reliance, creative thinking, and a commitment to community service.
With funding from HuMAN, the club will begin with a one-month preparation phase that includes training sessions in candle-making, business planning, budgeting, branding, and customer service. The grant will cover the purchase of key materials such as soy or beeswax, essential oils, fragrance blends, candle jars, safety equipment, and labeling supplies. It will also support the acquisition of basic tools like melting pots, thermometers, and pouring pitchers. A small production and retail space will be secured on or near the university campus, either through institutional support or rental.
The candle shop will be built around a Humanist-themed brand, where each candle scent symbolizes a Humanist principle such as “Empathy,” “Reason,” “Compassion,” or “Courage.” Students will be organized into teams with specific responsibilities: a Production Team to handle crafting and quality control, a Sales and Marketing Team to manage social media and campus outreach, a Finance and Inventory Team to ensure effective use of funds and materials, and an Outreach Team to connect the shop’s mission to the club’s broader Humanist programs. The candles will initially be marketed to the university community and local craft buyers, with plans to expand to wider markets during festive seasons or through pop-up stalls and online platforms.
Proceeds from the candle shop will be reinvested into Humanist Club projects such as critical thinking workshops, public lectures, community service events, and a small scholarship or stipend fund for active student members. Beyond the financial goals, the shop will serve as a physical and symbolic expression of the Humanist values the club upholds reason, creativity, dignity, and ethical action. Through this initiative, students will gain not only economic empowerment but also a stronger sense of identity and purpose as change-makers and rational thinkers.
In conclusion, the Light for Reason project is more than a business venture; it is a mission-driven platform for student growth, leadership, and Humanist advocacy. With the support of HuMAN, this project will illuminate more than rooms; it will illuminate minds, strengthen community ties, and demonstrate that young people inspired by reason and compassion can build a brighter, more inclusive Liberia.
Budget - (the amount you are allowed to request is listed HERE) Please include links to verifty the costs that you list.
🔹 Space Rental (1year ) -$100
🔹 Soy Wax (10 kg bulk pack) – $110
🔹 Fragrance Oils (starter variety pack – 6 scents) – $30
🔹 Candle Jars (50 small glass jars with lids) – $45
🔹 Wicks (cotton wicks, 50-pack with stickers) – $30
🔹 Dye/Color Blocks (basic set for variety) – $15
🔹 Thermometers (2 digital thermometers) – $12
🔹 Melting Pitchers (2 aluminum pour pitchers) – $18
🔹 Double Boiler Setup (small electric hot plate + pot) – $25
🔹 Stirring Sticks and Measuring Spoons – $10
🔹 Labels and Packaging (stickers, tags, wrap) – $25
🔹 Safety Gear (gloves, aprons, masks) – $15
🔹 Startup Branding & Marketing Materials (flyers, posters, simple signage) – $15
Total $450
Expected Income from Project, with Timeline
The scented candle shop is expected to generate modest but meaningful income within its first three months of operation. With an initial production capacity of 50 scented candles, each candle will be priced at an average of $5, offering an initial projected revenue of $250 per batch. We expect to produce and sell at least two batches in the first quarter, generating an estimated $500 in gross income. After subtracting recurring material costs, this should leave a net profit of approximately $200, which will be reinvested into production, promotional activities, and Humanist Club programs. As awareness and demand grow particularly through campus marketing and seasonal sales monthly income is projected to increase steadily, with the potential for holiday bundles and gift sets boosting earnings even further.
Benefits to Community
Youth Empowerment: Provides university students, especially those from low-income backgrounds, with hands-on entrepreneurial experience and leadership development.
Economic Opportunity: Generates income for students and the Humanist Club, which can be reinvested into other student-led community initiatives.
Skill Building: Equips participants with practical skills in candle-making, small business management, marketing, and financial literacy.
Mental Health & Wellness: Offers products (scented candles) that contribute to emotional well-being, stress relief, and a more calming environment for students and the broader community.