Awards

2023

Shark Tank

Watch us swim with the Sharks on ABC.com and Hulu.

2023

Techstars New Orleans

“Techstars New Orleans powered by J.P. Morgan is excited to announce its inaugural class of eleven category-leading startups. Our team spent months speaking to thousands of startups from all over the world who are building the future of commerce technology, consumer brands and platforms, creator economy technology, and climate tech. ”

2023

So Ambitious HBCU Tour: Atlanta

”Black Ambition, Techstars, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund are collaborating to gather undergraduate, graduate, and alumni affiliated across disciplines at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to experience the highs, lows, fun, and pressure that make up life at a startup.”

2023

Startup Runway

”All finalists did an exceptional job, but we were especially impressed by the showcase winner, Kristen Dunning.”

2023

The University of Georgia Next Top Entreprenuer

“UGA’s Next Top Entrepreneur is open to student startup teams from all over the country. Kristen Dunning from the University of Georgia took home 3rd place of $2,500 with her business Gently Soap, a sensitive skincare line.”

2022

Collegiate Great Brands by Consensus

“Gently Soap wins again, this time at Collegiate Great Brands Competition. Kristen Dunning takes home $25,000, becoming first UGA student to win nationwide contest.”

2022

The University of Georgia Venture Prize

“From making soap in her kitchen to contracting with a third-party manufacturer, Dunning will start selling her wares on Amazon and in a major department store later this year. Her persistence and record of pounding the pavement to make sales impressed judges during the pitch competition at Studio 225 on Feb. 24.”

2022

WBENC Collegiate Accelerator

“The WBENC Collegiate Accelerator, is a premier startup program for collegiate female founders and recent graduates. Being selected for the WBENC Collegiate Accelerator is an honor and unlocks benefits and opportunities within the WBENC network and beyond.”

2022 TiE Atlanta - First Place Winner

2022 Terry College of Business Student Startup Award

2021 UGA Spring Quick Pitch - Winner 

2020 UGA Idea Accelerator - Winner

The University of Georgia Kickstart Fund - Starter and Follow On Grant Recipient

Other Entrepreneurial Accelerators

Zane Venture Fund Access Cohort 3

New Voices Fund Madam CJ Walker PACE Bootcamp

Press

Essence

“Treat your skin or your loved ones’ skin to the perfect Valentine’s Day indulgence with this rose and chamomile infusion and rich cocoa butter base. The herbal-infused bar soap, Breathe, from Gently Soap uses all-natural, organic ingredients – making it the perfect match for all sensitive skin types.”

Shoutout Atlanta

"I decided to start Gently Herbal Skincare out of a love for locally grown agriculture and a lifetime struggle with sensitive skin and eczema."

EcoParent

"Ideal for problem and eczema-prone skin, this 4 oz soap treasure trove is infused with anti-inflammatory calendula, chamomile, and turmeric."

The Red & Black

“Kristen Dunning spoke proudly as she walked down the rows of herbs she’d grown at UGArden, a community farm supported by University of Georgia students and faculty.”

Hypepotamus

Professional Plant Girl and UGA student Kristen Dunning said she became an “entrepreneur by accident” after handing out soap at different horticulture research seminars.”