Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Murphy.
Hi Liz, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I have a background in the hospitality industry and in 2018 I started my business, Santosha Nutrition which focuses on combining sustainability and plant based food through events and education. Over the last few years it became clear that I wanted to be involved in many more local sustainability movements and projects outside of just those focusing on food waste and agriculture. The idea behind Sustainability is Sexy was born when Reyanne (Soul Much) and I attended a small food-waste summit in Encinitas and realized that we were probably the youngest attendees, being in our mid-twenties at the time. This was slightly discouraging so we decided to brainstorm ways to get community, sustainability education and resources in front of our own demographic: young, fast-paced individuals who are interested in making a difference for our planet, but don’t know where to begin.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a completely smooth road thus far, and there are surely many obstacles and triumphs ahead, but endeavors of importance are rarely easy. The first big roadblock we encountered was when we began to plan a large festival event that was supposed to take place in the spring or summer of 2020, which clearly became impossible with the pandemic. But this allowed for a lot reflection and brainstorming which is how the non-profit organization was born; obstacles can spark incredible creativity. Working with five other local, female, sustainable business owners, we spent most of 2020 brainstorming and developing plans for Sustainability is Sexy.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sustainability is Sexy?
Sustainability is Sexy (SIS) is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, CA. Our mission is to inspire and drive innovation within the San Diego business community through connection and provide tangible education and solutions to issues facing our city like food waste, single use plastic, regenerative agriculture and many more. SIS is a networking, non-profit creating a space for brands, organizations and individuals working for a better planet. Starting SIS in the middle of a pandemic, we are currently focusing on virtual events and information. In addition to the free resources, we have annual memberships for businesses in order to provide in depth education, networking and sustainability support. It is our goal to bring different minds and industries together to create community changing ideas we can put into action.
Our current team is made up of six incredible, local SD, female, sustainable entrepreneurs.
Marissa Figueora, Sonora Refillery.
Fiorella Rossel Borket, The Bountiful Bag
Romina Rossel, Misadventure Vodka & The Bountiful Bag
Maria Yuen, Reclaimed Goodness
Stephanie Olshanski, Upperhandmedown
Liz Murphy, Santosha Nutrition
If you are a business or individual interested in being a part of Sustainability is Sexy, please visit our website for more information about how you can be involved.
What were you like growing up?
I’ve always been an extrovert. I think that’s why I chose hospitality as my career; it’s an easy way to constantly interact with people and bring them joy. Growing up, I loved performing and new experiences. Both of these traits have stayed with me to adulthood and are definitely driving factors in my life. I found an immense passion for cooking at a fairly young age and cultivated culinary skills on my own and through time in the industry. My parents have always been my largest source of inspiration in life. Their consistent support and examples have provided me with so many tools for success.
Contact Info:
- Email: liz@sustainabilityissexy.org
- Website: www.sustainabilityissexy.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sis_sandiego
- Facebook: web.facebook.com/Sustainability-is-Sexy-101439588249122/
Image Credits
Studio Luniste
