Dutchtown High School Student Wins Henry County Chamber Education Foundation FLEX Competition

HENRY COUNTY, GA – Dutchtown High School (DHS) sophomore Lola Symone Stanley was recently named winner of the Henry County 2026 Foundational Leadership and Entrepreneurship X-Perience (FLEX) competition.

The Henry County Chamber of Commerce offers the business development program to students in partnership with Creekside Christian Academy and Henry County Schools through the Henry County Chamber Education Foundation Program.

Applications for the 2026 competition opened in September, inviting student entrepreneurs in grades 9-12 from both the private school and public school district to showcase their innovative business ideas.

In November, a panel of judges consisting of local industry leaders reviewed students’ business plans and selected 10 companies to advance. In the second round, the companies received a small business loan and delivered a pitch to the panel, inspired by the reality television series “Shark Tank.” In the final round, the top-three companies presented a final pitch to judges in front of friends, family, their peers, and other community members.

“I truly enjoyed being among other young entrepreneurs and seeing how teams brought their ideas to life,” Stanley said. “I gained valuable insight and encouragement from the meetings, mentorship, and other opportunities, and through the incredible support of the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, community leaders, the program’s coordinator and organizers, board members, and local industry experts.”

After three exciting rounds, Stanley took top honors in the local competition last month, earning the $5,000 grand prize, also becoming eligible for two additional installments of $2,500 each.

“I am passionate about creating opportunities for others and building something that makes people feel confident and included,” Stanley said. “This experience has motivated me to continue growing as both a student and an entrepreneur.”

Over the course of the competition, students participated in workshops on marketing, finance, customer service, and career readiness, developed business plans, and honed their presentation, teamwork, and leadership skills.

The Making of An Entrepreneur

In Henry County Schools, education transcends academic instruction. From kindergarten through high school, students have access to impactful and immersive experiences that prepare them for college, career, and life. The district’s robust Career, Technical, and Agricultural Education (CTAE) program is a powerful platform that has equipped students like Stanley to succeed and benefit from their talents and training before they graduate high school.

“I’ve been developing the concept for this iteration of Dough Beauty for about a year now. The idea was born during my CTAE entrepreneurship classes, when I was asked to participate in a school business pop-up,” Stanley said. “After selling out and accepting pre-orders for my product Duo, I knew there was something more to my brand.”

Stanley conceptualized the restorative hair and body oil solution in response to her experiences and needs she identified among her peers. Realizing the product’s potential, she pursued opportunities to further develop and market Duo, one of the product lines under Dough Beauty. These opportunities included applying to the local FLEX program to explore entrepreneurship and seek guidance in transforming her ideas into a viable business.

“I wanted to develop my business skills, connect with mentors, and learn how to take a product from concept to market,” Stanley said. “The program gave me the opportunity to turn my passion into something impactful.”

While Stanley believed in her product, her success also resulted from a tenacious spirit and an extraordinary work ethic. The ambitious sophomore researched the competitive landscape and target market, tested ideas, gathered feedback from mentors and peers, and tirelessly rehearsed her pitch, refining her message to deliver a winning presentation.

Stanley also credits her mother, a beauty industry consultant, and the school district for equipping her with the resources and tools to succeed.

“Henry County Schools has made a lasting impact and provided an environment that was both inspiring and motivating, pushing me to think bigger and take my ideas seriously,” she said. “Matriculating through the Dutchtown cluster from elementary to middle to high school helped me build confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. Through classes, extracurricular activities, and the support of great teachers and administrators who believed in and championed me, I learned how to communicate effectively, think critically, and present my ideas clearly.”

Creating Dough Beauty

Duo is the inaugural product that launched Dough Beauty, which Stanley describes as a “first-generation built beauty brand that empowers and promotes confidence from the inside out.” She developed the skin and hair solution with guidance from mentors and teachers, and after extensive research and significant trial and error.

Stanley’s goal was to create a safe, affordable skincare product for teens and young adults that is effective for all skin types, tones, and hair textures, encourages healthy self-care habits, and instills confidence.

“Dough makes luxury beauty accessible by combining premium, high-performing ingredients and sustainable, premium packaging at an affordable price,” she said. “As a beauty brand movement, we target a generation that is fearless, forward-thinking, and exudes a vibe of their own.”

Stanley emphasizes the use of ethically sourced botanical and non-toxic ingredients, which inspired the tagline, “botanical blends backed by science.”

“Dough Beauty is a brand that offers simple, clean, age-appropriate skincare and haircare solutions,” Stanley said. “The name came from my love for playdough, as it is soft and there’s an irresistible urge to knead and play with it. Who wouldn’t want their skin and hair to feel as soft as playdough?”

Stanley hopes to appeal to parents seeking safe, reliable, and inclusive products, positioning it as a brand that “users do not grow out of but grow with.”

“Dough is a lifelong habit. It focuses on community, culture, and sustainability,” she stated. “We are not about perfection. We are about real life—no unrealistic standards, no filters. We are a brand that empowers people to embrace their individuality and celebrate themselves, built on one simple idea: luxury beauty should not be hard to reach.”

Stanley intends to expand the product line, envisioning Dough as “a fashion house of beauty” that goes beyond skincare and haircare to encompass complete self-care. Focusing on inclusivity and accessibility, Stanley plans to elevate the brand’s online presence and eventually make the product available in stores.

A Commitment to Excellence

Stanley’s tenacity extends to all pursuits. She participates in multiple sports in and out of school, such as cross-country, tennis and golf, and is a member of several clubs, including Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, DECA, and Family Career and Community Leaders of America.

Describing service as a core value, Stanley actively supports community initiatives, including Habitat for Humanity, food banks, youth development programs, senior citizen services, and nonprofit fundraising.

She is the teen vice president of a local Jack and Jill of America Inc. chapter, a member of Youth Leadership Henry, and a champion of mentoring programs that develop future leaders.

Her growing list of accolades includes being a finalist in the Governor’s Honors Program, a DHS Student of the Month, consistently being named to the principal’s Honor Roll as an Advanced Placement honors student, and winning the 2025 Jack and Jill of America Teen Mogul award.

Citing English Language Arts as her favorite subject, Stanley is also an avid reader, which aligns with her desire to be a lifelong learner. She attributes her 4.12 GPA and ability to manage a full calendar to being organized, carefully managing her time, and prioritizing her responsibilities.

“With the support of a great village both inside and outside of school, I use a structured schedule to balance academics, extracurriculars, community service, and personal commitments,” she said. “This approach helps me stay focused, meet deadlines, and maintain productivity, allowing me to tackle multiple projects efficiently while dedicating attention to the activities and causes that matter most.”

A Bright Future

Stanley hopes to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills by attending Hampton University, Howard University, or Spelman College and pursue graduate studies at Harvard University, New York University School of Law, the University of Georgia, or Yale University. She is enthusiastic about a career as an entertainment and real estate lawyer, while nurturing Dough Beauty’s growth into a nationally recognized brand.

“Henry County Schools’ mission is to empower all students with exceptional opportunities and access that lead to success in a global society,” said Superintendent Dr. John Pace III. “Lola’s success is the embodiment of our mission coupled with our theme ‘Bright Futures Begin in Henry County Schools.’ We are excited to see what lies ahead for this exceptional student.”

Stanley will represent Henry County at the Georgia FLEX State Finals in Tifton in April.

Visit Dough Beauty’s website and social media pages (Instagram and TikTok) to learn more about Stanley, her award-winning product, and plans for the future of Dough Beauty.