Today we’d like to introduce you to Suzan Hernandez.
Suzan, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
This is by far the #1 question I get. Everyone is interested in hearing the story of how it all started. I have to admit, it wasn’t overnight. Rather, it was a progression over time before I finally took the leap into the unknown and launched MamaP, a social good and sustainable business. That’s the thing with sustainable living, once you start, little by little, it changes your life.
In 2016, I was all about Marie Kondo. It helped me figure out that I wasted a lot of things I didn’t need. It also helped me reconnect with who I’ve always been – I’ve always cared about the planet, the people, and living things. I wanted to live a greener lifestyle but found it was really hard to do.
I have to admit, I have a little bit of OCD. When I get passionate about something, I get incredibly focused. I want to learn EVERYTHING possible. So I went to Amazon to find products – you know, bamboo toothbrushes, “sponges” that are biodegradable, trash bags that are biodegradable. But at the end of the day, they were just green marketing terms, because when I got the products, they’d come wrapped in plastic, with bubble wrap, in huge boxes. Bubble wrap for trash bags? It was going against everything I was trying to achieve. I was like: we can do better, people!
This was around the time of the election. It seemed everyone in my community felt lost and hopeless. I felt like I was sitting in the eye of a storm – everyone was soliciting donations to help fight for women’s rights, or LGBTQ+ equality, or the environment. I didn’t know what to do. I felt stuck.
That’s when I said: “I’m going to start a company.” A company that honors our health gives back to communities and helps to reverse climate change. I wanted to do something that could inspire people to make changes and impact the world and other cultures and people in a positive way. I knew I could make better products that actually looked good, that felt good, that didn’t hurt your body. And I wanted to give back from day one. You know what? The more I spoke to family and friends about this, the more people pushed me to dream bigger.
In 2017, I had caught up with my friend Jay Sueno, who was then based in Seattle. We met years back while backpacking in Europe and had stayed friends throughout the years. After talking about MamaP – he wanted in. He had been looking for a way to blend his passion for supporting a healthy environment and building community with his career. MamaP was just the thing he envisioned dedicating his focus to. Today he’s my business partner and Chief Community Officer. Together we own the minority & woman-owned business.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Entrepreneurship has peaks and valleys – sometimes in the same day! There are times where it feels like everything falls in your favor, while other times you start questioning your ability as a leader. It’s not easy – otherwise everyone would do it! The biggest piece of advice is to lean into your support system – family, friends, colleagues, fellow entrepreneurs. Remember that it’s ok to talk about what you’re going through. Don’t feel you have to always ‘keep it together’ because it will add more stress in your life. We’re all human and with that comes a range of emotions, stressors, and celebrations. As an entrepreneur and leader, you have to be mentally strong. And sometimes that means being ok, with not being ok when things get tough. Randy Pausch said it best, “The brick walls are there for a reason. … The brick walls are there to give us a chance to show how badly we want something. Because the brick walls are there to stop the people who don’t want it badly enough.”
Please tell us about MamaP.
By 2050 there will be more plastic in the oceans than fish. Today, consumers want goods that replace plastic. MamaP makes it simple to switch from plastic to natural.
MamaP is a purpose-led, health and wellness company. We empower people to live healthy and balanced lives, give back to communities, and honor the environment. Our mission is to transform the personal and home-care industry into environmentally and socially responsible experiences.
Our customers love us because our bamboo toothbrush is a simple solution (and cheaper than buying a Tesla). We provide eco-products that solve for people’s plastic problems of today. It’s also fun product that gives back – choose a color and support a cause. We proudly support the work of five non-profits that help to reverse climate change, protect human rights, and support people’s well-being.
What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
It’s a marathon, not a race. Take in the experience, get to know people, build your network, contribute to your 401K, and save as much money as you can. Have a goal, but be flexible with how it might evolve over time. Welcome curveballs and the unexpected. You never know what will come your way.
Pricing:
- Subscription bamboo toothbrushes delivered every 2-3 months – $6
- Single bamboo toothbrush – $7
- 3-pack kids bamboo toothbrushes – $18
- 5-pack adults bamboo toothbrushes – $30
- The Duet: Travel cotton linen bag and bamboo toothbrush – $12
- The Trio: Travel cotton linen bag, bamboo toothbrush, ceramic toothbrush holder – $16
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mamap.life/
- Email: hello@mamap.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamap.life/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MamaP.life/
Image Credit:
CANDI Studios
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