Erie County Legislator John Mills recently honored 10-year-old entrepreneur Joe M. Hartman, Jr., with a proclamation.

Hartman, an Eden resident, spent a portion of his spare time researching the science of soap-making and made his first experimental batch for his family, friends and neighbors to enjoy and critique. After receiving positive reviews, Hartman created Lather Up Soap Shop (LUSS) complete with a marketing website, logos and packaging. With the success of his business, Hartman went on to create an LLC and became a vendor at the Eden Farmers Market.

Legislator Mills said, “What an extraordinary young man. I want to congratulate Joe on his drive and ambition to take a hobby and turn it into a successful business at just 10-years-old! I look forward to seeing what he does in the future.”

A link to Lather Up Soap Shop (LUSS) can be found here.