My name is Coren and I’m the founder of SeaForYourselfco. Some would say world-traveller, entrepreneur and dreamer, but I would say I'm just one women on a mission to making the world a little bit better. 

I went into starting my sustainable business with lots of ambition and big goals and it worked out! It all started from my bedroom in my parents’ house, and it grew so much I took over the living room and now it’s been growing way beyond anyone's expectation. 

So, how, why and what did I do to start my online business? 

The truth is there is no secret, no fast fix, and no magic recipe other than working hard and having clear goals! 

There’s always a lightbulb moment before the beginning of a new venture. What was that moment for you?

Like most people I started this journey in 2018 living out of a smelly backpack travelling across Bali wearing the elephant hippy pants. After travelling the world in search of beautiful scenery and coastlines, I soon became aware of the extent plastic pollution was having on our planet.

Bali was the first place to open my eyes to this issue of plastic pollution. Before it felt like I was travelling blind, of course I recycled and disposed of my waste correctly but I didn't make any attempt to reduce my plastic consumption. When I returned home I looked at my own single use plastic consumption and I was shocked by the amount I had thrown away while travelling.

I thought… there has to be a better way!

How did you fund the launch of your business and what creative strategies did you use to execute a minimal cash flow?

Starting a business is scary and daunting, especially when you are investing your own money in starting your self-employed venture. I looked at my savings and thought a lot about a realistic concept that I wouldn’t mind losing money on if it didn’t work out. 

I’ve been lucky that cash flow hasn’t been a worry with my business. Every time I sell the products I’ve manufactured I can buy more quantity. I think it’s about forward thinking and making sure you always have a little saved for unexpected bills – as these can definitely crop up.  

I’ve been honest and open throughout my whole business journey and explained that I have never taken a wage from SeaForYourselfco and although we have a good cash flow, the money coming in is going back out the door to fund new products and investing in the future of the business. 

What plans do you have for SeaForYourselfco over the next two years?

As a small business, my biggest dream is to walk into a high street store and see my bamboo products on the shelf. 

I have previously been stocked in small independent shops but to see my products in a well-known high street shop would be a dream come true.

I would also like to move SeaForYourselfco out of my home and into somewhere bigger and continue growing my team. We have big things to come for SeaForYourselfco…so watch this space.

What social media channel would you say has worked the best for your business and why?

I’ve personally grown my business on Instagram, as this is where I started sharing my travel journey which then evolved into SeaForYourselfco. 

I enjoy building a community of like-minded people who not only interact with me but with each other. I feel with the use of Instagram Stories I am able to showcase my personality, share what’s going on behind the brand and share what I am passionate about. 

I think it’s good to use all aspects of social media to show the different sides of the business - as we aren’t just here to sell products. We are here because we have a passion for - for me that is the planet and my concerns for plastic pollution. 

What would be your top marketing tip, to grow a business that is niche? 

Find your niche isn’t a quick trend on social media, this is about being authentic and finding the market that works best for your business. 

My biggest tip is to tell your story (warts and all!). As a small business we won’t get it right all the time, but this makes us personable and relatable to people. We are only human and we are trying to do a little bit of good in the world.

You should also share your passion and be raw with it. What are your concerns and why should others listen? I’ve grown a large follower base of people who love to travel like me, but like me they didn’t give a second thought to the single use plastic they have been using. By educating my followers in this issue, I haven’t only gain customer I have gained friends and made meaningful, authentic relationships.

Does your company help the community that you’re located in?

Since launching my business I have always wanted to give back and support small organisations who fight for the reduction and clean up of plastic pollution.

I decided to give 20p from every purchase to a charity of our choice, these are often smaller organisation which rely heavily on the good will of other people.

We are currently supporting 100 tons of plastic whose goal is to remove plastic waste from our shores and seas, while raising awareness of the problem globally.

This is something we have been able to do because of our amazing customers who return to support our business.

What are your top tips for entrepreneurs wanting to get their business out there? 

Just start! 

Find your passion, do your research to find a solution to the problem you are facing. 

The biggest problem many entrepreneurs face is starting. Once you get over that hurdle, everything is that little bit easier. I wouldn’t say running a small business is plane sailing, but you never know until you start!

What’s the most important question entrepreneurs should be asking themselves? 

Why are you doing this? 

If you are only doing it for the money, it won’t work, because selling a product isn’t enough. You have to show your passion and personality behind the brand.  

Do you prioritise self-care as an entrepreneur?

Yes! It’s easy to work everyday of the week as business never stops, but by treating my business as a career and a 9-5 job means I have structure to my day. 

I always make sure I have my weekends to myself, but that doesn’t mean I do not post on social media and engage in posts… it’s all about balance. 

As a small business owner you have to look after yourself. You work on your own and there is no one to tell you you have done enough today. 

What would be your top three tips to fellow entrepreneurs to look after their mental health? 

Take a break. Taking time away from your small business and shutting shop for the week is so scary, but if you don’t take time away then you have no work-life balance 

Reflect on your journey and where you have been. It’s not always about focusing on the next new thing to build your business. I like to keep a diary of my achievements and then I use it the year after to see where I was this time last year and see how far I have come. 

Make friends in the industry. It can be lonely running a small business but I’ve got an amazing group of friends from my social media channels who all run small businesses too. We help each other out when times get hard, and it’s a great excuse for a coffee break, too!