Stories hold power. They enable us to both understand others and share our identity with the world. Although we often struggle to see beyond our own stories, meaningful change often occurs when we open our eyes to the stories and experiences of others.
The creation of Smile Squared began with the intersection of incredibly disparate stories. In the summer of 2010, Smile Squared Founder, Eric Cope, went on a mission trip to Guatemala with his wife. Hosting dental clinics for impoverished communities, they encountered children living in desperate conditions. Simple necessities like a toothbrush and clean water were sparse. This experience served as a catalyst for change.
The stories of these Guatemalan children opened Eric’s eyes to the needs of children around the world. Upon return, he took action. Inspired by the buy-one,give-one model used by companies like TOMS Shoes, he strove to provide needy children with access to better dental hygiene.
In adopting a giving business model, Smile Squared donates a toothbrush to a child in need with each purchase. Our impact, however, does not end with your purchase. We donate our toothbrushes to nonprofits both in the United States and abroad. These organizations then distribute them and educate communities on proper dental care.
By doing what we do best, manufacturing and donating our toothbrushes, we allow other organizations to fulfill their functions in education and distribution around the world. Although our company may have its headquarters in St. Louis, our toothbrushes reach children around the globe.
At Smile Squared, our story shapes our vision. We want you, the consumer, to both understand and join us in our story. Why toothbrushes? you may ask. In a world where many face hunger, water shortages and a lack of shelter, a toothbrush donation may seem trivial. For children facing poverty, however, the lack of a toothbrush can lead to severe oral health problems. Ashamed of their smiles, these children struggle with confidence.
In purchasing a Smile Squared toothbrush, you have the power to shape the stories of children around the world. Your support not only allows our business to flourish, it also enables us to support nonprofits serving the underprivileged.
Driven by the desire to transform communities and assist our nonprofit partners, our story intersects with various individuals and organizations around the world. Join the movement and buy a Smile Squared toothbrush today. Our story grows when you join us in sharing smiles with children in need.