Life Stories

I’m (Katie Miniel/Mom) with Texas Made Soap my Boss Sophia Marie. She is 15 years old and whoa it’s been a long road. Years of weekly doctors and behavioral appointments. She has had seizures since a tiny baby along with autism and developmental delays. Going into teenage years has been very rocky. Her behavior spiked and her school gave up on her.

 So, I started homeschool in 2015. At that point, I had an 11 year old the same height as me at home with no respite! Her mind was everywhere, her focus was gone. It’s was like going through the terrible 2’s again but way worse. She began attacking me daily and throwing fits on the floor. I couldn’t drive with her any longer because she would kick scream and pull my hair out! I had to constantly watch her for her safety. Going anywhere out of the house became impossible for me. Between her fits and so many rude comments, I felt defeated and depressed…She had no fear of running out in a parking lot. I don’t even think her conscious said that’s not a good idea! I remember someone telling me; “you really need to think about your future and what you’re going to do with her” that hit me hard because no matter how bad it hurt getting my hair pulled out or all the hits I took, I’d never give up on my baby girl. I figured if this is what I have to endure, then I’m going to go through it. God doesn’t give you nothing you can’t handle.

So, in 2017, we moved and found Gulf Coast Center & The Arc of the Gulf Coast. I get teary-eyed just thinking of this. Immediately it felt like Angels finally came to save us and wrapped their wings around my exhausted soul. I could finally be a little more at ease knowing someone cared and we were on the right track. They sent me to their behavioral doctors and put her on low dose medication. So with their help and assistance, I put her back into school. That was the hardest decision trusting others to deal with her behavioral issues. Not knowing if their reactions would be as understanding and caring as myself. Now that was the best decision I ever made. The whole school faculty was awesome! Her teacher and teacher’s aid were amazing! She never gave up on her. By the end of the school year, she was going on field trips to the grocery store and to the movies.

In 2018, my Sophia wanted to make her own soap so we helped her with ideas and supplies. I should have known because of her LOVE for coffee, we made our first batch of Texas Made Coffee Scrub… And it was an eye-opener! From there, my husband (Albert) and I thought it would be a great idea to take it further and teach Sophia so that this can be her own business. Something to think about that we can do with her for her future! Within a couple of months, her samples soaps were in the break room at school and our local flower shop. We got on social media and advertised. We were getting so much positive reviews and supporters! We were getting orders in left and right. Yay, we did it! We did our first event in April 2019.

It was so great to see her using all her skills she had been learning so she can exceed beyond what everyone thought! Albert aka Daddybear to Sophia is our biggest supporter of Texas Made Soap. He has been our strong backbone throughout this whole journey.

  We represent all the hard-working parents. The families that struggle and survive and never give up when it gets tough. It has a way bigger meaning than just another Soap company! It represents that dreams can come true if you never give up and fight for the change you want to see!

 Everyday still comes with many challenges and the effects of severe ASD are debilitating at times, that is why this is so important to us. One day our soap classes will be offered at different locations to provide the same skills that has helped with daily life for Sophia.

 This is for anyone struggling just know that life is going to be hard and there will be many obstacles. But when you give it your all and don’t let nothing knock you down, the reward will be greater.  And if you need guidance, we are here for you!

This is the story of a young girl , life stories , Alvin ,Pearland , Houston