Malte Niebelschuetz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Malte, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
I recently have started taking Bachata lessons. It is super fun and enjoyable learning a new skill. Not only for the social aspect, but the actual technical learning of new steps and movements. I love that challenge.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Malte Niebelschuetz and I’m on a mission to bring sustainability into play. My journey began with Shore Buddies, the first plush 100% made from recycled bottles, and grew into keynotes at New York Toy Fair, ASTRA, and bio!Toy. Today, I’m a global social entrepreneur, rooted in San Diego and building Brands 4 Change, merging play, purpose, and circularity worldwide with my belief: “No profit, no purpose.”
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed I had to do things a certain way so everyone would like me. Over time, I realized not everyone does. But that’s ok. What matters is staying authentic. When you live your truth, the right people, the ones who truly care and align with your values, will be drawn to you. That shift has been liberating and has shaped how I lead, build, and connect today.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me what success never could: real growth comes from failure. Success is easy to celebrate and repeat, but the hardest obstacles are what shape you long term. In life and business, you must be brave enough to face setbacks, analyze them, and grow. If you want a business to succeed, fail faster and learn quicker than everyone else. That’s where resilience, clarity, and true progress are built.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the toy industry tells itself is that nobody cares about sustainability, or that it’s too expensive. The truth: parents and kids care deeply. But sustainability only works when it’s offered at a compatible price point. That means innovating in production and supply chains to deliver real value. And true sustainability isn’t a label. It’s building a circular economy where toys are designed to last, regenerate, and inspire.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, my customers would miss the hope and inspiration behind the products. They don’t just buy toys, they connect to a story of compassion, purpose, and play with impact. People have told me our work makes the world feel lighter, more joyful, and more meaningful. That’s what they would miss: not just the products, but the mission and heart behind them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shorebuddies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malte__2506
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malte-niebelschuetz/
