I Built a Company That Makes a Difference - Sustainable Small Business Podcast

When you think about gardening, plastic pollution probably isn't the first thing that springs to mind. In this episode, Heather Higinbotham, CEO and co-founder of Back Porch Pots, unpacks just how big a problem those little black plastic pots are for the world, and what her company is doing to eliminate them. Heather is an accidental entrepreneur, having founded Back Porch Pots while trying to...

Jenn Harper, founder and CEO of Cheekbone Beauty, literally dreamt about how her future company would impact her community, specifically young indigenous girls. Fast forward +8 years and she sat down with our host Amber Skinner-Jozefson to unpack the highs and lows, the real and the fake of starting a cosmetics brand. The very first indigenous owned and founded cosmetics company, Cheekbone Beauty...

In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly Waldropt, the visionary founder, CEO, and creative director of Terra-Tory, a sustainable wellness brand redefining skincare. Delving into Terra-Tory's ethos, Kimberly shares how the brand is not just about offering an alternative, but about reconnecting with ancient skincare wisdom reengineered for the modern age. By eschewing synthetic ingredients an...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the entrepreneurial journey of Ali Kamenetsky, founder of Modern Picnic. We unpack her path from idea to category definer. Explore Ali's strategic maneuvers and resilient spirit as she navigates the intricacies of manufacturing, partnership building, and brand launch. Discover the ethos driving Modern Picnic's corporate journey, where calculated ris...

In this episode, we sit down with Rebecca Morter, Founder and CEO of Lone Design Club, to explore her journey from designer to entrepreneur and her dedication to revolutionizing the retail industry and creating a space for sustainable businesses. We delve into the unique omnichannel approach of Lone Design Club, which challenges traditional retail models and equips brands and landlords with essent...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Becky Beloin, the founder of Boshi Botanicals, the first zero-waste refill store in Memphis, Tennessee. Becky's journey began in 2021 when she turned to natural soap making as a form of art therapy after her battle with breast cancer. What started as a personal passion soon transformed into a mission to create eco-conscious soaps and bath products us...

Join us for this episode where we chat with Natasha Tonic, the founder of NATASHA TONIĆ Hemp Swimwear. After her son's birth, Natasha set out to create healthier swimwear inspired by hemp fibers used by traditional fishermen. Natasha is leading the charge against microfiber pollution in fashion, advocating for sustainability and raising awareness about the impact of polyester. Don't miss t...

Join us as we speak with SaVonne Anderson, the founder of Aya Paper Co., a sustainable stationery brand that celebrates special moments while prioritizing the well-being of the Earth. As an advocate for environmental justice, SaVonne ensures that Aya Paper Co. doesn't perpetuate issues like climate change and pollution that disproportionately impact communities of color. Learn how creativity,...

In this episode, we sit down with Desiree Gaitan-Buchanan, the founder of Poplinen, a brand dedicated to bringing comfort and timeless style to women's wardrobes through earth-friendly, everyday essentials. She discusses the challenges she faced in finding sustainable, inclusive, and comfortable clothing without compromising on style, which ultimately led her to launch Poplinen in 2020 as a di...

Welcome to our special edition episode where we embark on an exploration of conscious shopping and the values that drive consumer choices. Join us as we sit down with Jamie Vares, a dedicated mother of two from the vibrant island of O'ahu in Hawai'i. Jamie's strong Native Hawaiian roots have instilled in her a profound respect for mālama 'aina, the philosophy of caring for the land...

Welcome to a special episode of our podcast where we have the privilege of sitting down with Tammie, a passionate environmental activist and conscious shopper. In this special mini-series, we embark on a deep exploration of the mindset of conscious consumers, and in this episode focus specifically on Gen Z shoppers. Our goal in this episode is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the shopping...

We have the pleasure of diving deep into the world of personal style with Alex, an esteemed and award-winning Personal Stylist with an impressive 19-year career in the fashion industry. Alex's journey is a testament to her passion for sustainability, dopamine dressing, and the undeniable power of style to create positive impact. We explore her transition from a corporate fashion buyer to an ec...

Join us for an insightful podcast episode where we delve into the world of sustainable skincare and the importance of transparency in the industry. Our guest, Tiffany Buzzatto, founder of DEW MIGHTY, shares her expertise on toxic ingredients commonly found in skincare products, the significance of being transparent with customers regarding ingredient sourcing, and the rationale behind ingredient s...

In this episode, we had the privilege of chatting with Yasemin, the founder of Daisy Lane, a NYC-based sustainable fashion brand specializing in handmade knitwear. Yasemin shared her inspiring journey of starting Daisy Lane, a brand that not only produces unique garments in small quantities using locally sourced yarns but also empowers victims of domestic violence through employment opportunities....

In this episode, we sat down with David Friedrichs, the co-founder of Cerqular, an e-commerce platform revolutionizing the way we buy and sell sustainable products. Together, they aim to be the driving force behind massive positive change. 💪 Discover how Cerqular aims to cater to everyone's needs and preferences. As David explains, sustainability means different things to different people, ro...

Tune in to our latest podcast episode featuring Nora Schaper, an eco-preneur and the co-founder of HiBAR. Nora's deep love for nature fuels her passion for reducing plastic waste and inspiring others to make simple swaps for a more beautiful planet. In this episode, we dive into the world of HiBAR, the world's first salon-quality, plastic-free hair care products. With no soap, sulfates, pa...

In this episode of "I built a company that makes a difference", we sit down with Stine Smith & Kristy Hunter, the visionary co-founders behind The Good Change, a company that is revolutionizing the home cleaning industry with its plastic-free products. Discover the inspiration behind the creation of Good Change and how they are dedicated to empowering individuals and families to tran...

In this episode, we sat down with Deanna and Stewart, the co-founders of FiVO, a furniture company on a mission to make sustainable furniture accessible for everyone. Deanna and Stewart started Fivo with the goal of transforming the furniture industry. They developed an innovative hook and slot joinery system that allows their furniture to assemble without any tools, hardware or creating any waste...

In this episode, we had a conversation with Maria, the founder and environmental visionary at Terraseed, a sustainable vegan supplement company. Our discussion centered around the effects of the Supplement Industry on animals and the environment, as well as the difficulties of establishing a mission-driven business. Maria is a serial entrepreneur and Forbes 1000 honoree, with 14 years of expertise...

Cayla O'Connell Davis is the Co-Founder and CEO of Subset, an essential innerwear brand focusing on making sustainable organic cotton the daily default. She has dedicated her career to creating earth-friendly products and changing the apparel industry for the better. Subset's goal is to make sustainability part of everyday life by creating high-frequency basics that impact people every sin...

Listen to this week's episode of Ladybird Essentials! Ladybird Soaps is a family-owned small business nestled in the heart of Arizona. The two founders--mom and daughter--believe that what you put on your body should be as safe and pure as what you put inside. Tune in to learn how Ladybird soap was created, the challenges faced in their first year of being in business, thoughts on old-school s...

The Canvas NYC is a retail innovation platform that helps emerging brands find their way onto the high street. We discussed how important a physical space is for small businesses and how reinventing the retail models can offer a space for sustainable brands. Jumping on new opportunities while staying true to who you are and understanding the core business. The Canvas NYC The Canvas is a global net...

Tune in to hear Tanya Fletcher-Scott talk about her journey from corporate engineering to starting a reusable period underwear company, Femdacity. During her MBA in 2018, she stumbled upon the critical issues of period poverty and the environmental impact of disposable period products. It touched her heart and she knew she had to be part of the solution by designing comfortable underwear for heavy...

Listen to our episode with Hadley Pollet, creator of the contemporary American clothing brand Hadley Pollet. We talked about how businesses can stay fluid to pivot when necessary, and how to pick manufacturers who are sustainable and responsible. We also discussed intuition and its importance for entrepreneurs. About Hadley Pollet Hadley Pollet is a contemporary American designer from the New York...

In this engaging episode, we sit down with Madlen Gubernick, the visionary force behind 'The Butterfly Club,' a sustainable fashion marketplace. Join us as we unravel Madlen's remarkable journey of creating a marketplace from scratch, filled with determination, passion, and the grit that every entrepreneur can relate to. From humble beginnings to navigating the challenges of building a...