Notes from Chris

Episode 1219

Living in Tasmania, Australia, Ngaire [Ny-ree] Burgess has always believed that the world has enough of everything already in it. So when this insurance manager and mom of three went out on a weekend with the kids, she would bring along a few forks and spoons in the car.

See, the family hated using plastic takeaway cutlery. Not only was it unsustainable, it was also not comfortable to use. Metal utensils were just better, and as she would say, “If you've paid good money for a gourmet plate of food at a food festival why not enjoy it as much as possible with quality cutlery?”

Cutlery wraps weren’t a new idea. Making them didn’t take advanced sewing skills but it did require patience and time. Looking up basic patterns on a website, she modified and tweaked them to various sizes in order to cater to every need. Over time, she even came up with her own designs.

The first place Ngaire decided to sell her products was at a school fair. It was a small and risk-free step that would give her the courage to continue on her business which eventually became known as Pocket Picnic. Sitting at her stall, she dreaded someone walking past and laughing at what she had to offer.

Worse, she didn’t invest in a tent and had to sit under an umbrella out in the open, cold and miserable. But weather and imposter syndrome aside, Ngaire ended the day with $350 in revenue and was more than satisfied. It gave her the confidence to keep going.

But Ngaire also had some luck on her side. She managed to secure a stall at the popular Salamanca market, which is frequented by thousands of tourists, most of whom were looking to buy something local. This was a step up from the usual stall permits she secured since it required a regular commitment over two years, but Ngaire decided to bet on herself. Thankfully, things worked out for her as she now generates over $2,000/month from her business selling cutlery holders.

Looking back, the best part of starting Pocket Picnic has been setting an example to her three kids. They are proud of her for starting a business and also proud that it is eco-friendly. In fact, Ngaire hopes that their first job can be at the market working with her.

By the way, I saved another best part for last: Ngaire’s startup costs were just $5. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel to launch her business. Because ideas, like utensils, are reusable.

 

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  MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

• Check out Ngaire's business at her website, PocketPinic.au.

SEE ALSO:

• Multiple-Use Plastics Take Big Bite for the Environment: A designer reinvents her life and work, starting an eco-friendly line of multiple-use plastics. It’s good for the environment, AND it’s highly profitable.
• Accidental Side Hustle Becomes Decorative Family Business: Tired of seeing others get credit for her designs, a Georgia graphic designer turns her talents into a business that now employs her whole family.
• Environmental Marketer Creates Eco-Friendly “Energy Bites”: In search of an eco-friendly, no-added-sugar energy bar, this Colorado transplant and EPA employee invents his own “energy bites.” The product is now stocked in 175 stores spread across nine states.

Inspiration is good; inspiration combined with action is better. Now get back to work!

Yours in the revolution,

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