Way back Wednesday: This Woman in Business is Cleaning UP!

WE Mag interview w/ Swipes CFO--This Woman in Business is Cleaning UP!

• Tell us about your business?
• Swipes inc is the minority/women owned company that produces Swipes Lovin Wipes ®, are an all natural, biodegradable, compostable, dispersible, and flushable personal hygiene wipes that are, free of alcohol, chlorine, and dyes, made of 98% renewable resources and are intended for adults to freshen up before and after intimate moments. Because it is enhanced with only aloe and vitamin E and are also hypo-allergenic, they are safe and soft for even the most sensitive places.
• Please tell us what being a business owner means to you and why you became an entrepreneur in the first place?
• Before I started Swipes Inc, with my partner, Vera, I had the intention of starting medical school. Although, I was excited about continuing my education, I felt as though there was something more that I wanted to do. Now that Swipes Inc is running on all cylinders, I have the freedom to work with people I want, get involved in events and charities I care about, and take pride in knowing that I am offering an eco friendly product that is priced reasonably and therefore accessible to more people.
• What or who has been your greatest influence in business and why?
• My inspiration was my mother, who after working 17 years for someone else, decided to open her own Physical Therapy office, she has never been happier because she finally gets to treat patients with personal care and attention. The greatest influence was my sister, she is an environmentalist and guided me in all aspects Green.
• What would you say is your greatest professional accomplishment to date?
• From a business stand point it has definitely been: overcoming the hurdles placed in front of us by large companies, but slowly and surely they have seen the value and opened their doors.
• What’s the best advice you have received in business that you wish to pass on to our readers?
• Get advice from as many different channels, don’t accept the word of one person as the final answer. Everyone you meet has words of wisdom, but ultimately your gut instinct will make the best decision.
• What has been the most effective marketing initiatives or programs you have used to promote your business?
• Apart from the social media, the most effective initiatives we have taken have been to get involved in local and non-profit organizations. By providing product samples to people at these types of events, we get the product directly in the hands of the consumer and we get to support a cause. Great for branding and all around feel good experience.
• What one thing have you learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years?
• Ask questions. No matter how good you are at your business, there is no possible way you can be the expert in all aspects of your business. Nobody is going to know or love your business more than you. But don’t be afraid to know your limitations, people are always willing to help, especially in their area of expertise. It gives them a chance to shine, helps your business, and facilitates in better decision making
• Are there any resources or tools you’d like to share with other small business owners that have helped you run your business?
• I believe this depends on the area of your business. If, for example you are an eco company, get involved in eco groups, communities, events, etc. If you are a baby product, get involved with mommies. And ask them what they want. If you have a great idea, but don’t know how to get it out there, nobody will know you exist.
• Do you have any new projects coming up (or have you just completed a big project ~ reached a milestone, etc.)?
• We just celebrated out official Grand Opening Party, as members of certain communities, we reached many people and by hosting the event at our location, giving away samples, we made sales, new customers, and were even interviewed by the local media. In addition, after months of chasing, piles of paperwork, and endless emails we have just been welcomed into a large distribution company. Very exciting.
• What do you do for fun/relaxation?
• Living in Florida, I definitely take advantage of the things around me. I love to go for a run outside with my Jack Russell, “Ocean.” To cool off in the heat I am an avid scuba diver, and I love to go fishing and cook what I catch. To relax (and so much more) I enjoy Hot Vinyasa Yoga.
• What is Number One Business Goal you plan to accomplish over the next year?
• To make Swipes a household name.
• You want to write a book on: Cooking what you catch-recipes for the kitchen and for life, learning how to take advantage of your resources, whether it be food ingredients or life experiences
• Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
• I just published a Children’s book, but it was just for fun.
• It is called the Adventures of the Chinchilla and the Gorilla:
• What’s the best way for our readers to connect with you?
• http: //www.swipes.com
• http: //www.facebook.com/swipesfans
• https: //twitter.com/#!/sexyandgreen
• https: //www.youtube.com/user/SwipesLovinWipes?feature=mhum
• http: //sexyandgreen.tumblr.com/

Tip of the day---Bicycle: $0/Gallon

We should really work on biking more...not just for the environment but for our health! It's a win win!

Let's start with just once a day...shall we? Baby steps people...baby steps.

 

Peace, Lovin, Swipes!

Summertime and "Green" living is easy!

It's summertime folks, longer days, backyard BBQ's, swimming pools, and of course warmer weather! So what can we do this summer to stay Sexy,Green,and Cool (literally and figuratively)? Well for starters you want to put on those green sunglasses and do your part to save the earth and even your wallet!

Here are a few easy tips that will keep you cool and calm:

• Don't touch the thermostat! 78 to 76 will keep your place nice and cool! Or you can use a fan. And if it's still too warm just wear less clothes! ;-)
• Find local activities to keep you entertained! By going local, you can walk, bike, or take public transportation. It will reduce your carbon footprint, keep you in shape, and save you some green! Gas is ridiculous!
• Summer threads: Choose Organic Cotton, hemp, and bamboo..they are light fabrics that will keep your temperature low! But even better than buying new clothes would be to buy reused clothes at your local thrift stores or even Plato's Closet! There is no better way being sustainable that reusing what's already here! Plus you won't pay those retail prices!!!
• BBQing? Well think about how chemically toxic that could be...if you're using a charcoal grill think natural charcoal and wood briquettes like Cowboy Charcoal or Green Hearts Natural Charcoal. Also when it's time to clean the grill use natural cleaning products such as SoyClean organic grill cleaner. We're working on a chemical-free summer!
• Use Compostable or bioplastic plates, cups, and utensils! Trellis Earth has a wide selection of bioplastics derived from renewable raw resources making their products 100% biodegradable. Even better..they can be used more than once and they're microwavable!
• Buy produce and meat from local farmers markets, this helps your local economy flourish and cuts down on the amount of fossil fuels it takes to do large supermarket deliveries. Not to harp on this too many times..but you'll save money! Are you noticing a trend???
• And one thing about summer that can never be avoided are the BUGS! Mosquitoes eat you alive (I have 10 bites to prove it!)..so what can we do as savvy eco consumers, think of a natural way to repel these bugs without harming ourself with DEET (which is in OFF!). Find mosquitoe repellent plants like lemon balm, basil, citronella, and marigolds. Also invest in a natural DEET-free repellent like All Terrain Insect Repellent.
• Drink plenty of fluids this summer! But don't use plastic bottles(come on we are so passed that phase!)...use your reusable bottles. You take them everywhere and use them over and over and over again!
• Last but never least...always remember to use your Swipes Lovin Wipes! They will keep cool and fresh in life's hottest situations ;-)

Of course there are plenty of more tips to help you "Go Green" this summer. Follow us and we'll help you make a Sexy and Green transition!

Until next time...Peace, Lovin, Swipes!

Wendy Williams loves her Swipes Lovin Wipes! So much so, she thanked us with this post card! :) It's a great Friday in Swipes World.