Life Instyle sat down with ANGELA MICHEL, founder of Worthy to talk about her mission to reduce waste one bottle at a time and what drives her to do so.
Tell us a bit about the story behind Worthy.
After working for over a decade as a Radiographer, I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and was frustrated at the many drink bottles I was going through- the glass ones kept breaking, the paint would chip off the stainless steel ones and plastic was never an option, so one night when I was up with my baby daughter I had the idea of creating a reusable drink bottle and after doing some research, decided to create the most sustainable bottle possible.
What were your inspiration and your brand mission?
Our tagline- ‘reducing waste and making change, one bottle at a time highlights what we want to achieve- to reduce the amount of single-use plastic bottles (currently 1 million are sold every minute worldwide!) and to make a difference in the lives of those in poverty. My husband and I spent time volunteering in Nepal and India in 2009 and we saw firsthand the negative effects of excessive plastic pollution and the daily reality of those living in poverty we knew we wanted to do something significant to help the individuals and communities we met, who changed our lives forever. We donate 10% of every bottle to Vision Rescue (who we volunteered) to help these communities.
What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?
We are pioneering the Australian bioplastic industry by being one of the first brands in Australia to be manufacturing reusable drink bottles made from 100% bioplastic resin. Our bottles are carbon negative and have zero waste at the manufacture of the resin. We use the stem of the sugarcane plant for the bottles and the waste (bagasse) is used to power the factory. We make sure every part of production is ethical and sustainable.
What is your favourite product and why?
Our bottles! There isn't another bottle on the Australian market like ours, even the colours and patterns are unique and we are spreading the message of Worth. I designed my dream bottle and it's everything I wanted and more. It still makes me smile to see them.
What were the first steps you took to launch? And what would you say was the scariest part/your biggest fear?
After I had the idea to create a drink bottle, I saw an opportunity to be in a business competition, The Lion’s Den (like shark tank) so I applied and was accepted as one of the 5 finalists, so in 6 short weeks, I had to come up with a bottle prototype, brand, logo the lot! I pitched my dream to an audience of over 800 people and a panel of CEO and business leaders in Auckland. It was one of the most nerve-racking things I’ve ever done. I didn't win as we were so fresh on the journey but I was so ignited and set to make the dream a reality, it then took 4 years to get the product to market but nothing hindered me. I get a kick out of taking risks!
What do your customers love about your products?
The biggest response we get is how light our bottles are! It's like holding air! Other feedback we get is that they are easy to clean, they look good and our customers love that they give to charity while saving the planet.
What path led you to Life Instyle and what about the show makes it a great fit for you?
I was recommended Life in Style by a friend who has a beautiful sleepwear business we were part of LIS Melbourne 2022 and it was the best thing for us! I loved the neighbors I had for ‘first in style’ and the incredible friends made- we still message each other regularly. Our wholesale orders increased dramatically, I got a business mentor, and distributer and it just gave us great momentum.
Can you share your proudest moments in business so far?
Oh wow, um… It would be a recent one of getting stocked in my favourite local supermarket La Manna Essendon Fields, VIC. It was on my business bucket list and took a few years to happen. I cried like a baby driving home after seeing them on the shelves for the first time. I couldn't believe it.
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Work from a place of rest. This was given to me by a CEO of a large organisation whose business is expanding in a big way and lives this out well. (I think he has 5 kids too) and I’ve found it to be true. The best creativity comes from being rested and soul-filled.
Who are some of the other brands in the industry that you love/admire?
I've always admired Thank you- their heart to end global poverty and how creative they are at pushing the envelope, taking risks, and doing things differently (like creating a book written sideways and having a business model that is NFP) They have quality, well-priced products that benefit people and the planet and they are making a significant impact to those in need.
1. Where do you see Worthy in 5 years’ time?
International- hopefully in Wholefoods or similar. Creating new and innovative products and giving back (to people and the planet) in a greater way. Being an industry leader.
2. Tell us a fact about yourself that will surprise our readers!
I am obsessed with home design and architecture and spend my downtime planning house design/renovation projects. I recently binged ‘designing Miami’ on Netflix.
3. Your Favourite meal
Authentic Italian Pizza for sure! margarita- simple but so good.
