A Chat with the Founders: Emma and Scott of Miniml

We sat down for a chat with the minds behind Miniml, Emma and Scott. Join us as we delve into their story, dreams, and the quirky journey that led to the creation of Miniml. 🌿💬

1. How did you and Scott meet?

Emma: Scott and I crossed paths at Liverpool University while we were both immersed in marketing and business studies. Fate played its role when we were teamed up for a group project. It's funny to look back – our first venture together was a children's vitamin drink idea! But here's the twist – we're not just business partners; we're also a couple, and there's a wedding on the horizon next year! Some people have even mistaken us for siblings, but let's set the record straight – we're not related!

2. Why did you decide to start a business together?

Scott: Both Emma and I come from hardworking, entrepreneurial families. We had a hunch from a young age that we wanted to create our own paths. Emma's parents, in particular, ran a successful business together, and her childhood was filled with conversations about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. It must have been infectious because even her older brothers ventured into self-employment. One runs an organic and vegan supermarket in Leeds, and the other owns a brewery!

3. Why did you decide to start Miniml? 

 

Emma: Our journey towards Miniml began during our university days. Like many, we developed a growing interest in environmental sustainability. We started by using reusable water bottles and coffee cups, trying to reduce single-use items, and supporting our local refill shop (which, by the way, was our very first Miniml stockist!). But we felt that there was room for improvement in the zero-waste household product market. So, on a complete whim, we decided to take a chance on it!

4. So, how was Miniml actually started?

 

Scott: It might sound cliché, but Miniml had very humble beginnings right in our garage at home. We purchased a 200-litre drum and a paint mixer to whip up our first batch of washing up liquid. We started reaching out to local refill shops in the area and quickly sold out. After a few months, we secured our very first small industrial warehouse and bought a second-hand blending vessel as our list of stockists grew. We rapidly expanded our product range to meet customer demand, and the rest, as they say, is history. Fast forward to today, nearly four years later, and we proudly blend an astonishing 500,000 tonnes of liquid each month from our bustling warehouse, thanks to our fantastic team of 35 dedicated employees who make Miniml what it is today. 🏭🌟

 

5. Any difficulties you've faced while starting the business?

 

Emma: Running a business comes with its daily challenges, and it's been a steep learning curve for both Scott and me. Balancing a growing business isn't a walk in the park, from keeping our customers happy to ensuring our team gets the right support, all while being hands-on in every aspect of the business. It's easy to lose sight of why we started, but we remind ourselves of our vision. We're fortunate to have a loyal team that not only understands but passionately supports our vision, which keeps us going during tough times.

6. How do you find working together?

Scott: Ah, the million-dollar question! Running a business with your partner is not for the faint-hearted, but it's a perfect fit for us. You can bet that Miniml is the topic of conversation over dinner every night. Even on our time off, we find ourselves discussing future plans, current challenges, and checking our emails regularly. While it might not be everyone's cup of tea, I absolutely love sharing the same goal with Emma and experiencing the highs and lows together. We both have different strengths and weaknesses, and we use them to our advantage.

7. What are you the most proud of so far, in regards to Miniml?

Emma: I'm really proud of the community we've created. I still can't believe people come back to use Miniml products time and time again around their homes. It's truly baffling and heartwarming. I'm proud that we supply so many independent stockists – they've been instrumental in making Miniml what it is today.

8. What your favourite part about building and working with Miniml?

 

Scott: Being a purpose-driven business, there's a feel-good factor in what we do. When we sit down and think about the amount of plastic Miniml has saved, it's mind-boggling! It gives both of us a tremendous sense of satisfaction and keeps us motivated to grow the brand.

9. What are your future plans/dreams for Miniml?

Emma: Scott is the visionary of the two of us. He's always brainstorming the next big idea (some crazier than others!) and eagerly sharing his creations with the team. Aside from his wild inventions, adding more scents for our laundry range is on the horizon for next year – so keep your eyes peeled for that! In terms of our dreams, we always say we want Miniml to be the go-to zero-waste cleaning brand in the UK. 🌍🍃

Stay tuned for more exciting developments as we continue our mission to create a cleaner, greener world. Together, we're making a difference! 🌏💚🌟