Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Mars Kelly, partner, and CCO of Nobl Thirst, located in London, UK.

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

We are NOBL THIRST - our solution NOBL WATR is the most sustainable drinks brand on the UK market right now! NOBL WATR has made it easy for people to take the step and change their behavior when reaching for a plastic bottle of water. NOBL THIRST, is on a mission to become the lowest carbon footprint drinks brand in the UK. The brand has set out to meet the needs of people who demand convenience, value, and sustainability. At inception, the NOBL team identified the three biggest emitters of carbon in the drinks industry as production, distribution, and packaging. The drinks brand has since invested heavily in each of these areas to make NOBL as low carbon as possible.

From distribution to packaging, NOBL WATR offers a new solution to water in plastic bottles. Introducing water in unique cartons, the packaging is made from over 95% plant-based materials, including a lid made from plants. 100% of the materials used in the cartons are responsibly sourced, being made from FSC® certified paperboard and ASI certified aluminum (the first drinks company on the planet to do so). "When you hold a carton of NOBL WATR, you've chosen the most sustainable water-on-the-go option; it is the next best thing to drinking water out of the tap, which of course, is the most sustainable option. You can also be confident in knowing that we have offered you the lowest impact packaging possible on the market today.

As well as NOBL's advancements in green technology within distribution and packaging, the conscientious brand has also committed to only delivering NOBL WATR within a 1,000-mile radius of its source. Our spring water is from the Mendip Hills, Somerset, we package the water in Somerset to avoid any unnecessary transport, and we're going a step further – or less – and limiting the delivery radius of our water to limit the carbon footprint of the brand. The climate crisis is affecting our daily lives in one way or another, but it is a big topic to wrap our heads around, so we just wanted to give creatives, a scene we know that consumes and thrives off water, an easy way to incorporate a positive change in their daily lives.

Tell us about yourself

My passion for climate change crisis and love for our planet is what sparked my interest in investing and joining NOBL THIRST. As a woman from Bangladesh, my country is sinking because of sea levels rising, and I knew I had to be apart of a solution to help Bangladesh. What motivates me every day is knowing that I am doing my part in trying to help our plant. Our home has given so much to us selflessly.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

To align NOBL THIRST with the creative and Gen Z scene. It is very important for trendsetters and community leaders to lead by example and bring the message home to their friends, family, and network that the climate change crisis is a real issue and that there are solutions out there for everyday people to try and help it.

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

Trying to change someone's behaviour. Normally people are used to drinking water out of a clear container ( plastic bottles). To change their mindset that water can come in cartons and it can taste good is more challenging than it seems.

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

  1. Mental toughness - you must put your mental health first. Take care of your mind; feed it nutrients with food and experiences. Learn to identify when you are burning out, need to leave negative spaces, and to protect yourself.
  2. Be as organized as possible - as an entrepreneur, there are a million tasks you have to do in a day and mini-tasks inside of those million tasks, and storing your to-do list in your mind just won't cut it. You need to write things down and make yourself a daily schedule.
  3. Give yourself grace - remember there are only 24 hours in a day. Yes, I know the infamous quote, "You have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyonce" however, we are all in different circumstances, so don't beat yourself up when you don't get "everything done" during the day. Give yourself days to sleep in if your body needs it, take days off, and finish up work early, even if your to-do list is endless. Every day finish your day with gratitude that you tried your best, you did well, and tomorrow is another day to pick up right where you left off. It really is about enjoying the journey, not the endpoint.

Is there anything else you'd like to share?

As female entrepreneurs, we go through a lot. We have a lot of challenges and adversities that we must face and overcome; just know that you making the decision to start your own business and making your impact in the world is exactly what we are here to do. Don't be scared to carve out your own stage on this planet.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://noblthirst.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/noblthirst
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seriouslymars/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mahreenmirza/

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.