Creating Innovative Solutions for Global Problems

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in business consulting and services but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Cynthia Hellen, Founder of RYLEN, located in New York, NY, USA.

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

RYLEN is a design lab creating sustainable products, services, and meaningful human experiences. We are a multi-disciplinary team from diverse backgrounds with experience in developing innovative strategies, creating sustainable businesses, and accelerating a product’s path to market. We use human-centered design strategy, fieldwork, storytelling, exploratory design, and prototyping - we deliver products and experiences that change not only the way we tackle local and global challenges but break the perception of poverty.

We work with visionary leaders, Corporations, Government Agencies, Nonprofit Organizations, Institutions, Social Enterprises, and Foundations worldwide because, in today’s globalized world, it is essential to know how to collaborate with people from different cultures across a broad spectrum of industries, including education, energy, healthcare, media, and technology to evaluate problems, spot opportunities, and create environmental and social change.

Tell us about yourself

In 2012, I returned to my native country, Lima, Peru, with one purpose, to challenge myself and live on less than $2 a day. For 3.5 months, I lived in rural, urban communities and villages, where I learned the value and simplicity of life from my neighbors. While living in Peru, I collaborated with nonprofits ODS, PCP Bank of Peru, ALAS Peruanas Engineering University, and a for-profit recycling venture in Pisco, Peru, a community that was affected by a 7.6 earthquake. This inspired me to pilot RYLEN (formerly SMPLCT Lab), which focuses on creating cross-cultural collaboration between communities, designing low-cost solutions for those living on less than $2 a day, and educating society on sustainability.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

Our mission at RYLEN

To create cross-cultural collaboration between communities between artists, designers, technologists, scholars, researchers, policy-makers, and citizens worldwide.
To design low-cost solutions for those living on less than $2 a day.
To better educate society on sustainable living.

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

Leading with impact -- as an impact entrepreneur, I am challenged to effectively and purposefully lead. By that, I mean being inclusive, inspiring, and a little bit iconoclastic. Learn the right tools to prepare, adapt, and manage complex challenges and inspire others to act.

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

Decide if you only want to make a profit or make a profit and an impact. It will help you establish your business goals/objectives faster while helping you learn more about yourself and the type of person you want to be for your team and clients.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://rylen.co/services
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cynthiahellen
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthiahellen/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cynthiahellen
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthiahellen/

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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