Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lene Elisabeth Eide, Founder of CleanCup, located in Oslo, Norway.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

We are CleanCup, a Norwegian start-up company. CleanCup is a menstrual cup revolutionising periods with its innovative design. We're a small team of women who set out to create the most comfortable menstrual cup. It features a thin stem for flexibility, a bubbly shape for a secure fit, an angled shape to conform to the female anatomy, and double surface processing to minimise bacterial growth and make it easy to clean.

Our goal is to make sure all women have access to menstrual health products that are safe, affordable, and sustainable while ensuring they have access to the resources they need to make informed decisions. We are committed to providing quality menstrual health products that are free of harmful chemicals. We are also dedicated to educating our customers and spreading awareness about menstrual health and sustainability while striving to make an impact in our community.

Our customers are people who menstruate and are looking for a more environmentally conscious, cost-effective, and comfortable alternative to traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons. You can find us on Kickstarter at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/cleancup/cleancup. We are currently almost two weeks into our campaign!

Tell us about yourself

I have always been passionate about women's health and environmental sustainability. My motivation to start this business began when I realized that the menstrual cup, a product with so much potential, could be significantly improved to better serve the needs of women worldwide. I recognized the potential to make a positive impact on both the environment and the lives of millions of people who menstruate. This realization motivated me to start CleanCup, with the goal of developing an innovative and comfortable menstrual cup that can encourage more people to make the switch to this sustainable alternative.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My most significant achievement as a business owner is creating a product that truly changes our customers' lives while making a positive impact on the environment. By offering a comfortable and sustainable menstrual care solution through CleanCup, we've empowered individuals to embrace an eco-friendly alternative that has improved their overall well-being. This, along with our commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, has allowed us to contribute to both women's health and environmental causes, making a tangible difference in the lives of our customers and beyond.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

Being a business owner comes with numerous challenges, but the hardest thing for me has been finding the right balance between my personal life and the demands of running a business. It's essential to be constantly learning, evolving, and adapting to new situations, which can be both exciting and overwhelming.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

  1. Find your passion: Identify a cause or problem that you're genuinely passionate about solving. This passion will serve as the driving force for your business and help you stay motivated even during challenging times.
  2. Be prepared for hard work: Starting and running a business requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to face and overcome obstacles. Be prepared to put in the time and effort needed to see your business succeed.
  3. Seek advice and build a support network: No one can build a successful business alone. Reach out to mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and industry experts for guidance and advice. Surround yourself with a team of people who share your vision and can support you throughout your entrepreneurial journey.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://getcleancup.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cleancup.no/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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