Us and The Earth

Name: Elizabeth Morris
Position: Founder
Website: www.usandtheearth.com
Location: Sydney, NSW, Australia

Elizabeth helps people save money, reduce waste and help the planet by reducing or eradicating their use of single use plastics through the use of my sustainable, reusable  solutions.

What products/services do you offer?

My ‘hero’ product is my ‘Plastic Free Kitchen Starter Kit’ which is a 20 piece, beautifully designed recycled cardboard box which contains everything you need to create a plastic free kitchen

This eco friendly box contains

  • 3 silicon ziplock food pouches -S,M,L
  • A set of 7 reusable silicon stretch food cover lids
  • A strong, stretchy cotton market shopping bag
  • 5 cotton produce bags in various sizes
  • A stainless steel straw set with travel pouch &cleaner
  • FREE GIFT – A crystal roller bottle for essential oils

Why did you start your business and how long have you been running it?

I was made redundant in my corporate job which is hindsight was a blessing in disguise. I have become much more aware of our influence of our actions on the environment. Being a mother I am also so sensitive to the quality of life and future security for my daughter. My website went live in November 2019 so it is brand new though I spent most of 2019 defining my ideas, product development and design, creating my website and putting in place processes.

What struggles do you think most businesses face in your industry and what would you say they need to do to overcome them?

Not sure about ‘ my industry’ but I can comment on small / start up ecommerce businesses in general.  So much self learning, if you haven’t been involved in an online business. From click analysis to photography, branding, pricing, sizing photos, SEO, blog writing and creating a channel strategy, on your own whilst still trying to keep money coming in…. it’s a challenge and NOT for the faint hearted!

What has been your greatest accomplishment?

Getting the site live and my first round of sales before Christmas was a wonderful validation for me. Being able to immerse myself into the ‘eco world’ is fantastic as I mix with like minded people who are on the same mission. To move away from the superficial and become more purpose driven is very satisfying.

What has been your biggest ‘fail’ so far?

Throwing money at Facebook ads when I had no idea what I was doing.  Thinking I could do more than was physically possible and giving myself unrealistic timelines to complete things.

What do you love most about your business?

The possibilities of being something that is self sustaining and scalable, the fact that I can see the fruits of my labour

What do you find most challenging?

Prioritising and focusing on what’s the most important tasks, not what are the easiest.

How do you promote your business (please include as many details as you can)?

Occasional Markets, Social media, FB ads. I will be creating a sales channel through Amazon FBA also in the next month & am trying to get Instagram shopping approved.

What business skills do you have (eg. graphic design, customer service)?

Sales, business development, VA management, some strategy skills. I have had my own online business before though it was in slightly different times, when all websites were coded, there were limited plug and play apps. A lot more costly to set up and manage.

What software did you/your designer use to create your website (eg. WordPress, Wix)?

Shopify

What are some of your favourite business tools and apps?

Canva

Gempages

What do you like about your website and what’s not working for you?

I am happy with my site though need to use Gempages to improve the design, taking into consideration the reports from ‘Hot Jar’ which shows consumer webpage interaction.  I need to be better at doing my blog articles.

What lessons have you learnt during your time as an entrepreneur?

Prioritise, don’t chase the shiny object, don’t create a ‘To Do’ list a mile long, pick two top priority things & JUST DO THOSE . Then of course you can continue.  Makes sales tasks the first. ALWAYS lead with sales and the tasks that will facilitate that coming. Network and use a good solid referral system. Start with a process and automate it as much as you can. You cant scale without systems.

What key tips for success in business would you like to share with others?

Support each other. So many handy tips have come just from conversations at networking events or from reading FB posts. You are NOT the first to have encountered this particular problem, reach out, utilise your networks ( or create virtual ones through FB groups) . Often you can get the answer within 30 mins and avoid the delays and pain.

What is the one thing that you want everyone to take away from this post?

You are not alone, there is a big wide community of women who are walking the walk and talking the talk, feeling the pain, having doubts, enjoying the wins.

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