Tees Valley entrepreneur steps up with soap giveaway

Tees Valley entrepreneur, Kassi Emadi, has given away more than 15,000 free bars of soap to those in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Kassi’s business, nuddy, normally supplies products to high street retailers such as Topshop and Urban Outfitters but when panic buying wiped out soaps and handwashes from supermarket shelves, the 26-year old decided to do something to help.

nuddy specialises in shea butter soaps and has now sent more than 15,000 free bars since launching the giveaway in mid-March.

Kassi explained: “When the outbreak first hit and I saw the empty shelves, I just knew I had to do something.

“I’ve been absolutely blown away by the response – from an initial post on Instagram we’ve now shipped thousands. The feedback has been incredible too.

“After being told to wash their hands a lot, people had found they were suffering painful, dry skin. My soaps contain shea butter which is great for the skin and I’ve had hundreds of messages from customers saying just how much better their skin feels.”

Since the outbreak, nuddy has seen its direct sales to customers increase by 800 per cent.

The company has received support from Tees Valley Business, which helps start-ups access advice and finance for growth across the region.

Zara Ford, growth consultant at Tees Valley Business, said: “Kassi is an inspiring entrepreneur and it’s absolutely no surprise to see her making waves with a community-minded offer like this.

“Tees Valley Business works with businesses of all sizes, including start-ups like nuddy, and Kassi is one of the most passionate business owners we’ve come across. We’ll continue to work with her as the business evolves.

“If this latest success is anything to go by, she’s going to be one of the Tees Valley’s ones to watch.”