Meet Our Student Interns

Alex Korn

Sales Intern 2019

Alex is a senior at Indiana University studying Informatics in the School of Informatics Computing and Engineering with a minor in Business through the Kelley School of Business.

Alex hopes to gain experience in sales, business management, and information technology. Alex focuses on leading and organizing the corporate gifts sales division, including project strategizing and research, finding new clients, and creating personalized gift packages. In his free time he enjoys golfing, watching movies, reading, and exercising. After college he plans on becoming a consultant in the technology industry.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company Co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Alex focuses on finding new corporate clients and creating personalized business gift packages.

Brittany Hevey

Accounting Intern 2019

Brittany studies Accounting at Ivy Tech Community College and plans on transferring to Indiana University in the Fall of 2020.

Brittany currently is aspiring to learn as much practical accounting as possible, including day-to-day business bookkeeping, creation of balance sheet and profit and loss reports, business tax preparation, and investor reporting. In her free time, she loves spending time with her two-year old son, playing in the park, and loves to learn.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company Co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Brittany is experiencing accounting and business manufacturing bookkeeping.

Ibrahim Shafei

Chemistry Intern 2016-2017

Andrew Ryfa

Publications Intern 2016

Andrew is an Indiana University Junior studying Secondary English Education through the School of Education.

A writer at heart, Andrew devotes his time here at Soapy Soapy Company to writing content for our website, flyers, posters, and social media posts. When he isn’t typing away, he can usually be found reading novels, going on hikes, cooking delicious meals, or spending time with his two cats. After he finishes his educational career here in Bloomington, Andrew hopes to teach High School English in the Chicagoland area and one day pursue a P.h.D in English.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company Co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Andrew will write new online descriptions for our products, along with writing other advertising content in hopes to increase domestic and international sales.

Stephanie Marchuk

Marketing Intern 2016

Stephanie is an Indiana University senior studying Marketing and Management through the Kelley School of Business.

Stephanie plans to apply her marketing knowledge and skills while completing her core project at Soapy Soap Company. She hopes to learn more about how marketing works in a professional environment outside of the classroom. A member of the varsity swim team, Stephanie loves to swim when she isn’t at the warehouse, and she also loves to cook and experiment with making new recipes, especially when it comes to Italian or breakfast foods. After her internship, Stephanie plans to finish her senior year of college and then hopefully attain a marketing position in Chicago.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Develop a fundraising program between Soapy Soap Company and organizations concerned with helping members of their community.

Kayla Grotrian

Packaging R&D/Marketing Intern 2016

Kayla is an Indiana University Senior studying Biology through the College of Arts and Sciences.

A natural science lover, Kayla came to Soapy Soap company to design the packaging for our bath salts and other products. When she is away from the warehouse, Kayla can usually be found reading, watching movies, or listening listening to music. She also loves Johnny Cash, which is why Walk the Line is her favorite movie!

Soapy Soap Company Core project: Research and design unique packaging of upcoming Soapy Soap Company products.

Eryu Long

Accounting Intern 2016

Eryu is a recent Indiana University graduate of the class of 2016 who studied Accounting and Finance through the Kelley School of Business.

Originally from China, Eryu spends her time here at soapy soap company working in our accounting department and organizing some of our finances. When she isn’t crunching numbers here at the production warehouse, Eryu likes to spend her free time swimming and watching movies (Shutter Island is her favorite!) After her tenure here at Soapy Soap Company, Eryu plans to move out west to California and obtain a position in accounting.

Soapy Soap Company Core project: With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owner, Anthony Duncan, Eryu will be work on enhancing and simplifying an already existing sales accounting system to make it more efficient.

David Reiner

Packaging Research & Development Intern 2015

David is a 2015 Indiana University graduate who majored in Chemistry with a minor in Biology.

David’s primary goal at Soapy Soap Company is to take on various business related projects and learn the ins-and-outs of running a business. When David is not at the warehouse learning, he inhales the world by participating in a variety of outdoor activities. He channels his active personality by kayaking, boating, working out, and more. He also happens to be a certified EMT in the state of New Jersey.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Redesigning the format of our Candles to appeal to different demographics.

Ashton Anderson

Marketing Intern 2015

Ashton is an Indiana University senior studying sport communication, sport marketing and management, and journalism.

Ashton hopes to gain experience in social media, marketing, sales, and business management. When away from the warehouse, he slings donuts at Jack’s Donuts in Carmel, watches sports, and exercises. After his tenure at Soapy Soap Company, he will go on to work a guest relations position with the Indianapolis Colts for the 2015-16 season.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Created a survey to research Soapy Soap Company’s main demographic.

Samantha Lisy

Research & Development, Creative Marketing Strategist/Social Media Intern 2015

Samantha is a sophomore at Indiana University pursuing a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry with a double minor in Biology and Spanish.

Sam’s ideal career is one where she designs all-natural soaps and cosmetic products. Interning at The Soapy Soap Company suits her perfectly as she is able to learn first-hand the chemical, production, and business-oriented processes that couple with that path. Her primary project is researching and developing a bath-salt product, but she has also taken charge of Twitter and Facebook and helps out with various other marketing tasks as needed. She loves that she is able to offer a voice for the typical “college aged girl”. In her non-soapy life, Sam is a member of the Varsity Swim Team and has a passion for cooking delicious healthful meals.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Researching and developing a bath salt product.

Secondary Projects: Managing Twitter and Facebook, taking on various creative marketing projects.

Morgan Burris

Media Production Intern 2015

Morgan is entering her senior year at Indiana University and will be earning her bachelor’s degree in journalism.

Morgan is creating video and YouTube content for Soapy Soap Company’s website and YouTube channel. She enjoys the freedom and loose structure at Soapy Soap Company and loves how she is able to gain more hands-on experience. When she is not mixing and mashing video content, Morgan takes her skills to pen and paper as she enjoys writing, acting and performing improv comedy.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Creating videos to be put on the company website and YouTube Channel.

Jake Carson

Media Production Intern 2015

Jake Carson is a senior at Indiana University majoring in Journalism with a double minor in Chinese and Informatics.

While Jake is undecided on what exact path he wants to pursue in life, he is very interested in utilizing his skills for PR or mission work. Here at the Soapy Soap Company, Jake is putting his skills to work as a Media Production Intern, where he is making both presentational and promotional videos. He loves that he is able to gain real-world skills for his workforce while simultaneously bonding with all of his engaging compadres. In his time away from mastering media content, Jake enjoys the outdoors by running and biking. He has even completed two marathons and plans to do many more. You can also always catch him passionately supporting Indiana University sports, specifically IU Basketball.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Creating presentational and promotional videos on the different Sabun soap bases.

Ying Qing

Process Management Intern 2015

Ying is a senior at Indiana University majoring in Management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs while pursuing a minor in Psychology.

A native of China, Ying decided that she wanted to pursue an enriching cultural experience by studying overseas. Bloomington was the perfect fit for her as she pursued a small college town feel with a beautiful setting. In preparation for a job dealing with quality control or human resources, Ying is working at Soapy Soap Company to help with processing a training manual for training purposes. When out of the soapy atmosphere, Ying passionately cares for and entertains her Pomeranian dog and newborn puppies.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Ying is working on documenting a training manual for process training purposes.

Tanmoy Datta

Resale Goods Sales Analysts Intern 2015

Tanmoy, a sophomore studying at the Indiana University Kelley School of Business, is currently undecided on exactly what he wants to study.

Here at Soapy Soap Company Tanmoy found his niche while learning about all aspects of business. His specific project was producing sales on excess inventory through our website and social media while analyzing sale trends. He loved coming into the relaxed atmosphere to brainstorm and bounce ideas off of the other interns. When Tanmoy is not channeling his business sense, he passionately follows the Chicago Bulls and enjoys playing some basketball himself. He also volunteers for awareness of mental illness.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Researching and analyzing sale trends and data and producing sales on excess inventory via our website and social media campaigns.

Jesse Mysak

Production Intern 2015

Jesse, a senior in highschool, is a technical guru who studies mathematics, physics, and english.

Jesse examined inventory and manufacturing processes/management. He was quick to offer tips on bettering the manufacturing processes and the construction of various items, specifically the Gravity-Fed Lip Balm Dispenser. In his spare time, he enjoys building technological marvels such as robots and studying topics such as engineering and aquaponics. Jesse’s inspiration in his pursuit of engineering and technology stems from Tony Stark ,also known as Iron Man, from the 2008 Marvel film.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Worked on perfecting a Gravity-Fed Lip Balm Dispensing Machine

Erica Coulter

Website Design Intern 2015

Erica majored in Journalism in the Indiana University Media School.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Erica led the development of our website, soapysoapcompany.com. Using her knowledge of webdesign, she is developing a new platform to enhance the company's eCommerce/online sales division.

James Feng-Ming Chang

Chemist Intern 2015

James graduated with a doctorate in Chemistry from Indiana University's College of Arts and Sciences in 2014.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the support of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, James works in the company lab researching and developing new products.

Ruchi Patel

Management, Production, and Marketing Intern 2014

Ruchi is a graduate of Indiana University with a Management Degree from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs.

Five years ago, Ruchi came to the United States seeking a quality higher education, eventually leading her to Indiana University. After acquiring her management degree through the School of Public and Environmental affairs, she continued her tenure at Soapy Soap Company to work on sales, promotions, marketing, manufacturing and...basically everything! When Ruchi is not channeling her inner Super-Woman here at Soapy Soap Company, she loves to cook. Her specialties are desserts, specifically cupcakes- yum!

Ruchi was highligted in Indiana INTERNnet, check it out- https://indianaintern.net/articles/iu-student-suds-up-resume-with-well-rounded-internship

Claire Repsholdt

Communications Intern 2014

Logan Eppley

Production Intern, Market Manager 2014

Logan is majoring in management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. He is also working on obtaining a Business Foundations Certificate through the Kelley School of Business.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Production Scheduling- With the supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Logan received hands-on experience in production flow and management. Logan streamlined the production process and learned about new ways to help increase productivity. He gained real-world experience with the production, packaging, marketing, sales, and sales analysis of our line of essential oils.

Jinhee Choi

Accounting Intern 2014

JinHee used his impeccable attention to detail to aid in various accounting tasks while also assisting with marketing and sales projects.

Emily Hoover

Human Resources Intern, Market Manager 2014
Emily is majoring in management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. She is also working on obtaining a business minor through the Kelley School of Business.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: With the supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Emily gained hands-on experience in management by having the opportunity to oversee and operate a market from start to finish. Emily also learned management skills through HR-related duties.

Jake Oeding

Entrepreneurship Intern 2014

Jake is double majoring in accounting and entrepreneurship through the Kelley School of Business at IU.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Spray Development Project- With the supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Jake gained hands-on experience in creating new products from start to finish. He worked on developing a new line of sprays that have a variety of uses.

Yoojin Pi

Production Intern 2013
Yoojin is majoring in management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. She is also acquiring a Business Foundations Certificate through the Kelley School of Business.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Candle Developement Project- With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Yoojin recieved hands-on experience in creating a new line of products from start to finish. She spearheaded the project to design a line of all-natural candles, while also overseeing the production, packaging, marketing, sales, and sales analysis of these products.

Jesse Wilkerson

Wholesale Distribution Management Intern 2013

Jesse is majoring in management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. He is also obtaining an Information Systems minor through SPEA.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Wholesale Distribution and Sales- With the supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Jesse gained hands-on experience in creating and maintaining wholesale vendor accounts. He was responsible for maintaining relationships with current vendors, as well as contacting, visiting, and sending samples of our products to prospective vendors. Jesse was also involved with sales at local farmers' market locations.

Shelby Dolores Peters

Human Resources Intern 2013

Shelby Peters is majoring in management through the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU. She is also acquiring a human resources minor.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Intern Biographies and Raw Materials Inventory Management -With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Shelby created a survey for each intern to take and used the information to put together every interns' personal biography to be published on the Soapy Soap Company's website. Shelby also worked on inventory management of raw materials by keeping records of all the materials used in the production process.

Bader Al Muhana

Production Intern, Market Manager, Accounting 2013

Bader Al Muhana is majoring in financial management through the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is also working on acquiring a human resources minor through SPEA and a psychology minor through the College of Arts and Sciences.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project:Market Management- With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Bader recieved hands-on experience in management by getting to run a market from start to finish.

Weisi "Bruce" Du

Entrepreneurship Intern 2013

Bruce is an energetic student double majoring in accounting and finance from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is also working on acquiring a minor in economics and a minor in mathematics.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project:Accounting System- With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Bruce worked on enhancing and simplifying an already existing accounting system to make it more efficient.

Helmut Falk

Data Management Intern 2013

Helmut is majoring in informatics at the IU School of Informatics.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Website Maintenance- With the supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Helmut received hands-on experience in creating and maintaining the Soapy Soap Company website. He was responsible for keeping the site up-to-date with new product lines as well as posting updates on Facebook.

Blair Fanslow

Marketing Intern 2013

Blair is working on obtaining a degree in Marketing through the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He is also acquiring a music studies minor.

Kirsten Brown

Production Intern 2014

Katie Cowan

Creative Design Intern 2014

Katie majored in health administration and graduated with a B.S. in Public Health in May 2014 from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU.

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Point of Sale Display- With the direct supervision of Soapy Soap Company co-owners, Mohammed M. Mahdi and Anthony Duncan, Katie created a POS market display at the Production Warehouse, allowing customers the opportunity to purchase Soapy Soap Company products right at the warehouse. Katie also worked on furthering the development of a customer loyalty program at Soapy Soap Company.

Heena Patwari

Marketing Intern 2013

Haley Clements

Management Intern 2014

Kylee Miller

Research & Development, Accounting Intern 2013

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Poison Ivy Soap

Hayden Koplow

Intern 2013

Lance Hall

Management Intern 2013

Soapy Soap Company Core Project: Market Manager

Cory Woolard

Production Intern 2013

Vincent Ballou

Management Intern 2013

Wei Ye (Robert)

Sales Intern 2013

Pengyu Cheng

Sales Analyst, Production Intern 2013