Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in sustainability, but not sure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Sam Maitra, co-founder, and director of Green Straws, based in Sydney, Australia.
Tell us all about your business...
We sell natural drinking straws to reduce plastic waste and provide a better alternative to soggy paper straws! Our customers are hospitality venues, juice and drink companies.
What's your background and motivation to grow as a solopreneur?
I started working on this business because I wanted to make a positive difference - and this is a solvable problem. I am motivated by our supportive customers and partners but most importantly by my children, as they think that keeping plastic out of the ocean is fabulous!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Realizing how resilient I was, and needed to be, to be successful (or even survive) in business.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a solopreneur?
Things go wrong all the time. It is often out of your control and not your doing, but it is always your responsibility to make good on the situation and then learn and grow to be better than before.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
You need a great product. Only work with the right people. Execute like crazy.
Is there anything else you'd like to share?
Doing what you love with people you love and your life will be full of purpose.
Where can people find you?
https://www.ecogreenstraws.com/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
Feel inspired to start, run or grow your own subscription business? Check out subkit.com and learn how you can turn "one day" into day one.