A hodgepodge of buckets and bottles sit on a white table in Simon Vanderloo's small kitchen. While he heats a large container of coconut oil in a microwave, his older sister Caroline Short, carefully measures a mixture of freshly scented essential oils.
The siblings, who are from New Westminster, B.C., make handcrafted soap every Tuesday. It is something they have been doing together since the early days of the pandemic.
"We started making soap during COVID when Simon and I had a little bit of extra free time," said Short. "We learned how to make it together and quickly discovered that Simon is really good at it."
Vanderloo is 28 years old and lives with Down syndrome, which naturally occurs when an individual has a full or partial extra copy of chromosome 21.
Short has always believed in his potential and often wondered what it would be like to start a businesses with him.
"When I found that making soap was a good activity for both of us, I thought, 'Why don't we try to make something bigger with it?'" Short said.
With Vanderloo also keen to do more, the pair created a company called Simon's Soapbox.
The idea behind the name is that the business is a platform Vanderloo can use to highlight and share all of his abilities.
Simon Vanderloo and Caroline Short display their product, which they sell online and at community markets. (Source: Caroline Short)
"Right from the beginning I wanted to keep Simon at the centre of our businesses. It is almost like the business is Simon's voice, it is trying to be creative and show people a different way of hearing from Simon and showing everything we can do together," Short said.
Caroline Short and Simon Vanderloo are a brother-sister selling soap and duo breaking down barriers. (Source: Caroline Short)
Launching a start-up wasn't easy, but the brother-sister duo was determined to make it work. Not only did they start producing large batches of soap, they also designed their own packaging and secured a website for e-commerce.
While Vanderloo sometimes struggles with his speech, his enthusiasm for his company is undeniable. He particularly loves how they now produce five different varieties of body bars and one soap specifically made for kitchen cleaning.
Simon Vanderloo and Caroline Short are working together to not only make soap, but promote the benefits of meaningful employment for people with developmental disabilities. (Photo from Melanie Nagy / CTV News)
Short says the business has helped her brother gain a small income and a new sense of purpose. She also believes they are helping spark a conversation about the benefits of employing people with developmental disabilities.
"Many people think workplace accommodation is really challenging and takes a lot of work, but with a bit of curiosity, learning and listening work can easily be transformed and accessible."
(Photo from Melanie Nagy / CTV News)
(Photo from Melanie Nagy / CTV News)
According to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, more than 50 per cent of people with the condition struggle to find work despite having skills many employers are searching for.
The organization says people with Down syndrome are often wrongly seen as less capable and less valuable within the workforce.
"I do want to encourage people to think differently about disability and about how we can make our workplaces better because inclusion benefits everyone at the end of the day," Short said.
Simon Vanderloo and Caroline Short, the founders of Simon's Soapbox, selling their products at a Metro Vancouver community market. (Source: Caroline Short)
With his sister's help, Vanderloo often sells soap at farmer's markets and craft fairs in Metro Vancouver. In addition to promoting his product, he uses the opportunity to share his story in order to break down stereotypes.
Short says when customers talk to her brother, who is known to lighten the mood with a gentle prank or joke, she can "see them start to think differently as their assumptions about him start to change."
(Source: Caroline Short)
Shifting people's perceptions and celebrating the contributions of people with developmental disabilities is the foundation of Simon's Soapbox.
As for the company's focus going forward, both Short and Vanderloo hope to grow the business so they can hire others in need of meaningful employment.
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds will be performing a flyover across downtown Vancouver at the start of tonight's Stanley Cup playoff game between the Canucks and the Edmonton Oilers.
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
Where you live plays a big factor in what you pay at the grocery store. And while it's no secret the same item may have a different price depending on the store, city or province, we wanted to see just how big the differences are, and why.
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
When Marvin Henschel spotted a strange and hairless creature wandering through a front lawn in B.C.'s Lower Mainland, he could barely believe his eyes.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump's youngest son, Barron Trump, has declined to serve as a delegate at this summer’s Republican National Convention, according to a senior Trump campaign adviser and a statement from Melania Trump's office.
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
The entire town of Fort Nelson, B.C., as well as the nearby Fort Nelson First Nation, has been ordered to evacuate due to an out-of-control wildfire.
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Karen Harrison made the same birthday wish every year from age six to age 50. When she had given up hope, it finally came true.
The northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, are expected to illuminate the sky in Canada tonight, including in Toronto, thanks to a rare and severe solar storm.
A 15-year-old boy is in critical condition after an apparent stabbing during a fight at a park in Brampton Friday afternoon.
Carlos Santana hit a tiebreaking home run in the fifth inning, Joe Ryan pitched seven innings and the Minnesota Twins won for the 16th time in 18 games by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Friday night.
The actions, including the decision to use non-lethal force, to disperse pro-Palestinian protesters from the University of Calgary campus were justified, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Friday.
A third-party examination of the City of Chestermere revealed “significant gaps” in the financial management, the province said Friday.
These are the final hours for Eau Claire Market, and the final days for residents of a nearby townhouse complex.
The City of Ottawa's new three-garbage item limit for household waste will take effect on Sept. 30, with a three-month phase-in period for the limit. As of December, collection staff will only collect three garbage items from households every two weeks.
In the midst of soaring living expenses and spiking interest rates, the dream of owning a traditional home seems to be slipping away for many residents in Ottawa.
Ottawa paramedics say a man in his 20s is in critical condition after a crash in Barrhaven Friday afternoon.
McGill University has filed a request for an injunction to have the pro-Palestinian encampment removed from its campus.
A 43-year-old man has been charged after a driver was struck and killed while changing a tire on the side of a Highway 15 near Montreal on Thursday.
Montreal graphic novelist Michel Rabagliati is among four artists Canada Post honoured with stamps that went on sale on Friday.
An evacuation alert was issued for two Wood Buffalo communities Friday night, as crews battled an out-of-control wildfire near Fort McMurray.
David Moss, the man who murdered seven-year-old Bella Rose Desrosiers, broke down in court Friday as the girl's family spoke about the toll her death has taken on them.
A man is in hospital in serious condition after he crashed into a street light on Anthony Henday Drive in southwest Edmonton Friday night.
RCMP say seven people have been arrested and charged in connection with a kidnapping and assault in Tobique First Nation, N.B.
Emergency Health Services (EHS) LifeFlight helicopters will soon be landing at Canadian Forces Base Windsor Park in the Halifax's west end.
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Businesses in the Clear Lake area are concerned about the future following a temporary ban on watercraft from entering the lake.
Approximately 250 residents of a St. James area apartment building will have to leave their homes immediately, as the City of Winnipeg issued a vacate order over unsafe conditions.
An unusually large solar storm could produce northern light shows that may be visible across most of Canada on Friday and Saturday.
Easier access to certain types of medical care has become more difficult for some residents in southwestern Saskatchewan, according to a Swift Current doctor.
Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.
Regina police say three people have been charged after they seized more than 1,100 grams of a substance believed to be cocaine along with suspected meth and ammunition following a “months long investigation.”
One driver wants the City of Kitchener to cover the thousands of dollars in damage to his car after he ran over a “faulty” manhole cover.
A motorcyclist was airlifted to hospital with critical injuries after a crash in Cambridge on Friday afternoon.
We’re one step closer to finding out the new location of Kitchener-Waterloo’s newest hospital.
Next week, teachers in Saskatchewan will vote on a renewed mandate that would implement sanctions beyond the current school year.
A dump truck was heavily damaged following a crash Friday afternoon on Circle Drive North.
Improved mine automation helped fertilizer giant Nutrien Ltd. increase potash production in the first quarter amid strong demand for its products, the company's chief executive said.
A rare and severe solar storm is expected to bring spectacular displays of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, across much of Canada and parts of the United States on Friday night.
There were some scary moments for several people on a northern Ontario highway caught on video Thursday after a chain reaction following a truck fire.
A large group of Canadian and U.S. defendants have been fined $178,400 plus $44,525 in surcharges for a variety of moose hunting violations in northwestern Ontario.
OPP in Lambton County are investigating what is being described as a, “sudden death.” Police responded to the call at a farm on Churchill Line in Watford around 9:30 a.m.
A suspicious fire in London is under investigation by police and fire officials. According to London fire, crews knocked down the scene in an “offensive strategy.”
The Sarnia Police Service has issued a warrant for a 30-year-old female in connection to a stabbing incident.
Two Barrie men have been charged with fraud in connection with a lengthy OPP investigation after several customers seeking pool installations were allegedly scammed out of thousands of dollars.
The charge against a Wasaga Beach man has been upgraded to second-degree murder after police say the victim died more than two months after an alleged assault.
A recent change in curbside collection has left some green-thumbed enthusiasts scratching their heads as bags of yard waste linger by the curb, awaiting pickup.
On Friday, the union announced that James Stewart will fill the role of president, following the May 8-9 election.
Jerry Marentette has broken well over 400 records through 11 different weight classes.
The Windsor police have arrested two suspects in connection with a carjacking.
The head of British Columbia’s civil service has revealed that a “state or state-sponsored actor” is behind multiple cyber-security incidents against provincial government networks.
Karen Harrison made the same birthday wish every year from age six to age 50. When she had given up hope, it finally came true.
Police in Saanich, B.C., say an assault investigation is underway following two alleged incidents at a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the grounds of the University of Victoria.
A suspect is at large after robbing a convenience store at gunpoint in Merritt, B.C., Friday, according to local police.
After four targeted shootings in four days, Mounties in Kamloops are taking the unusual step of warning the public about two men they believe are likely to be targeted in future violent incidents.
Images of steelhead and trout flicker over long sheets of paper, brought to life in blue and green crayon rubbings by the thousands.
Thousands of messages were sent between a teenage girl in the U.S. and an Alberta man posing as a young boy, a police investigation has revealed.
After a dry winter, southern Alberta farmers were expecting it to be another tough growing season.
Rural crime is on the decline, the RCMP said in a media statement released by the Southern Alberta District (SAD) late Wednesday afternoon.
A campaign designed to encourage Indigenous and non-Indigenous men and boys to stand up against violence against women and children in their lives is getting underway.
The Sault Ste. Marie YMCA is no longer heading for closure, but it’s going to take a community effort to ensure the facility stays operational.
Residents of a home on McNabb Street in the Sault received a scary wake-up call this week when a vehicle crashed into their residence.
Police in Newfoundland say patrol officers were assaulted Thursday by a "very irate male" wielding a block of cheese.
Health officials say there is an outbreak of whooping cough in eastern Newfoundland.
Ontario Provincial Police are facing tough questions about their search for a missing Newfoundland trucker whose rig was found two weeks ago in Ontario, then sent back to Newfoundland, where his body was found Monday in the trailer.
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
A Listowel, Ont. man, drafted by the Hamilton Tigercats last week, is also getting looks from the NFL, despite only playing 27 games of football in his life.
A small Ajax dessert shop that recently received a glowing review from celebrity food critic Keith Lee is being forced to move after a zoning complaint was made following the social media influencer’s visit last month.
The Canada Science and Technology Museum is inviting visitors to explore their poop. A new exhibition opens at the Ottawa museum on Friday called, 'Oh Crap! Rethinking human waste.'
The Regina Police Service says it is the first in Saskatchewan and possibly Canada to implement new technology in its detention facility that will offer real-time monitoring of detainees’ vital health metrics.
The stakes have been set for a bet between Vancouver and Edmonton's mayors on who will win Round 2 of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
A grieving mother is hosting a helmet drive in the hopes of protecting children on Manitoba First Nations from a similar tragedy that killed her daughter.
A chicken farmer near Mattawa made an 'eggstraordinary' find Friday morning when she discovered one of her hens laid an egg close to three times the size of an average large chicken egg.
A P.E.I. lighthouse and a New Brunswick river are being honoured in a Canada Post series.
Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
Canada is putting $76 million towards a German-led effort to help Ukraine defend itself from Russian missiles and aircraft, Defence Minister Bill Blair announced Friday.
Canada's longstanding blood donation policy that prohibited sexually active men who have sex with men, as well as some trans people, from donating blood and plasma was harmful and discriminatory, Canadian Blood Services acknowledged on Friday, in issuing an apology to the LGBTQ2S+ community.
A provincial coroner will be investigating the death of 68-year-old David Lippert, who suffered a cardiac arrest while waiting in a crowded emergency room in Kitchener, Ont.
Oprah Winfrey said on Thursday evening that she has long played a role in promoting unhealthy and unrealistic diets.
Italy's Health Ministry has updated its guidelines on medically assisted reproduction, allowing access for women who requested the procedure with their male partner but who have since become separated or widowed.
Justin Trudeau says Meta is making billions off people, but taking no responsibility for the well-being of communities they profit from.
A swarm of roughly 20,000 bees gathered around a woman’s car in the parking lot of Burlington Centre.
A man who was bitten by two sharks in the Bahamas said Thursday he's 'thankful that I'm here' while sharing his story of survival.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs on Friday asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit alleging that he and two co-defendants raped a 17-year-old girl in a New York recording studio in 2003, saying it was a 'false and hideous claim' that was filed too late under the law.
Toronto police say a man who allegedly attempted to access Drake’s Bridle Path property was taken to hospital on Thursday after an altercation with security guards.
Europe’s top pop stars are out and about for the 68th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, taking place in Malmo, Sweden.
The union representing WestJet Encore pilots says its members rejected the tentative deal reached last month, with just over half voting the agreement down.
The Ontario government says it will be supporting Ontario Power Generation's plan to refurbish the R. H. Saunders Generating Station on the St. Lawrence River.
Average hourly wages among Canadian employees rose to $34.95 on a year-over-year basis in April, a 4.7 per cent increase, according to a Statistics Canada report released Friday morning.
Spain's Balearic Islands are further cracking down on public drinking and party boats as part of modifications to a 2020 decree that addressed 'excess tourism.'
Lorraine Peters from New Brunswick looks forward to sharing her message on a national stage for women to have the confidence, and courage to pursue whatever they choose no matter their age
If you’ve ever had a tough time figuring out an espresso machine, a Guelph, Ont. man has you covered.
Jesse Compher scored the go-ahead goal with 1:25 left in the third period to give Toronto a 2-0 win and 2-0 lead in its best-of-five semifinal series against Minnesota in Professional Women's Hockey League playoff action on Friday.
Carlos Santana hit a tiebreaking home run in the fifth inning, Joe Ryan pitched seven innings and the Minnesota Twins won for the 16th time in 18 games by beating the Toronto Blue Jays 3-2 on Friday night.
Tickets are still available for 'Messi Mania' in Montreal -- if you're willing to pay up. Montreal hosts Lionel Messi's Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer action Saturday at Stade Saputo as the global icon makes his first professional trip to Canada.
Tesla will spend more than US$500 million to expand its fast-charging network, CEO Elon Musk said on Friday, days after abruptly laying off employees who were running the business.
Just as she had feared, a restaurant owner from eastern Quebec who visited Montreal had her SUV stolen, but says it was all thanks to the kindness of strangers on the internet — not the police — that she got it back.
If you're cruising down a highway and realize you have a flat tire, you may want to think twice before stopping to fix it on the side of the road.
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
