What was the most difficult task to overcome during that process?
Raising capital to properly execute this vision from brands we believed in. In general raising funds is a challenge, but to create a zero waste concept where you dont want money from brands that dont align with the vision and make it a women’s only event- you have really slimmed down your opportunities for funding. It takes a lot to create a sporting event with prize money, film production and an eco festival with concerts. We went big and it really over extended us and our resources, but we are proud we were able to pull it off. We now see opportunities where we could have made it even easier, but that comes with all projects, you get better each time, more fine tuned.
What’s the biggest aspiration you have for your business?
I have 3 businesses, Simply Straws, Community Cup, and PRSNT. All of them are caused based businesses.
What’s the most rewarding thing about Simply Straws?
Knowing that each straw represents a lifetime product that will replace an exponential amount of waste. In addition, each straw represents a ripple of education through our Non-Profit partners and the strangers inspired by your Simply Straw. It is such a beautiful product, anywhere I go in the world, it is always a conversation starter, it always draws attention.
How much of your inventory is purchased through wholesale? What are some businesses that sell your product?
We focus our energy on online sales, we love to have a direct connection with our buyers. We were honored to be recruited by a whole region of Whole Foods the first day we soft launched our business at green festival in LA. We have now expanded modestly into retailers that find us. At some point we plan to take this impact more national, but right now we are taking our time.
What seems to be the most effective way to get the Simply Straws name and message out there?
Whenever people get to touch, feel or see our product- they usually take one home with them. They are stunning handmade products that resonate excellence. The colors are fun and nothing tastes better than glass. We have the highest quality glass and it is incredibly durable and can handle temperatures much better than stainless steel.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am proud of the women I continue to evolve into. I am constantly urning to grow and that growth is reflected in my projects, brands and alignments. I seek happiness daily and build relationships that are meaningful to me. I always aim to create business deals where both parties win.
What has been the most difficult thing with Simply Straws? Would you do anything differently?
Absolutely! It is incredibly challenging to run a product business, especially when you are manufacturing, packaging, shipping, marketing, etc. I would have reached out for a mentor that could guide us on how to streamline our backend, we are continuing to fine tune this, but it is crucial to be as organized and efficient as you can. There are so many moving parts, just to generally understand the ins and outs before you dive in, saves you from learning the “hard way”. Ultimately, it has brought my family together even more and I feel like I am slowly earning a masters in business haha. Especially with the digital landscape we sell our products in now, you can only know so much, everything is changing constantly- so hold on tight and pay attention.
What advice would you give to new environmentally friendly start-up companies?
Get a mentor, create an inspiring board of advisors, be organized, make sure the brand has a purpose so you can always show up smiling.
