Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Feeley and Giuliana Schwab.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Stacey and Giuliana. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
We started as two new moms who didn’t want to use plastic tableware for our kids anymore. Not only were the items back then unattractive, but we were hearing all the horrible news about the toxic chemicals found in plastic. We decided to make our own line using a safe, non-toxic material called Silicone. Silicone is amazing because it’s also extremely durable, resistant to extreme temperatures (so it doesn’t break down) microwave and dishwasher safe and simply put: cool.
Fast forward 10 years, we evolved the line for the whole family as our needs have expanded. Now it’s not just using silicone as a safe, healthy alternative, but also as an environmental necessity! Plastics don’t last and therefore need to be disposed of after not much use. The disposable plastic epidemic is harming our land and oceans.
Microplastics are being found in marine life. We must reduce the waste, and use things that are made to last so we can hopefully slow down this garbage crisis and ultimately eliminate it.
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?
The road has been long, windy, bumpy, unpaved, basically never smooth. Having enough cash flow is always difficult for most companies. Then trying to keep up with inventory and develop new products at the same time is challenging. But ultimately it takes a certain mindset to travel this road and enjoy its’ rewards.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about GoSili – what should we know?
Stacey is the CEO and co-founder. I, Giuliana am the CCO (Chief Creative) and also a co-founder. Our business has been a real marriage. We even joke that we are each other “second husbands.” It’s amazing that our friendship not only survived the birth of a business but has gotten stronger too. We really do compliment each other and respect so much what the other brings to the table.
We are truly “Silikids” (our kid’s line brand name) and will always bring new and innovative ideas to the market using silicone. Recently we were at the Chicago Housewares show and a buyer came by our booth to check out our new 16oz Straw Cup. She was so complimentary because she said in an “… endless sea of water bottles and hydration items, you guys figured out how to do something different.” That will always be our goal.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I wish I could say blinding confidence, but for us, I think it’s stubborn unwillingness. Unwilling to stop.
Unwilling to give up. When success is the main goal, you have to be unwilling to let anything get in the way.
Pricing:
- GoSili 16oz To Go Cup – $14.95
- GoSili 16oz Straw Cup – $14.95
- GoSili 12oz Straw Cup – $12.95
- Silikids 8oz To Go Cup – $9.95
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gosili.com
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/gosiliproducts
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/gosiliproducts
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/gosiliproducts
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