It began as a lockdown project for two young Waihi Beach brothers wanting to wash their dirty doggo and is now a fully-fledged pocket-money making business.

'It's a bit of a happy accident,” says mum, Roxy Whiteman.

'We couldn't go out to buy dog shampoo for our rottweiler Lily. John and Nathan watched endless YouTube videos to learn how to make soap. It's been a real journey.”

The boys embarked on a series of science lessons; learning about natural ingredients, PH levels and what was good for different dogs' skins.

'And then the soap got tested on their baby sister."

Now, their 100 per cent natural handmade dog soap is sold on their website as well as in several local stores.

"The main ingredients are coconut and olive oils, then the natural antiparasitic, neem, is added to kill fleas, and other ingredients like sweet almond and geranium essential oils soften skin."

'We found out that some dogs' skins are more sensitive so they can't have tea tree oil as an antiseptic and so we made a puppy soap with lavender instead,” says eleven-year-old John Graham.

'We had to research what is in soap that makes it clean things, like citric acid. We don't handle the caustic soda. Mum helps us with that part.”

Graham Brothers Co has even made a new product: dad soap, that's made with coffee grinds.

The boys have learned about running a business and having enough supply at the right time.

'It takes about half an hour to mix up all the ingredients,” says nine-year-old Nathan Graham. 'But then the soap bars need to cure for about four weeks.”

Roxy says she's proud of her sons' efforts to raise their own pocket money.

John recently took an order and drafted up an invoice on the way to school. He's currently saving up for a new Playstation.

'John is remarkable, and he keeps his little brother enthused. They work together well.

'Their dog soap business has created a vessel for them to be independent. If they want something, they figure out how much soap they need to make to get it.”