Samuel Barber is the founder and inspiration behind Ochien, the UK’s first ocean conservation pet products brand producing high-quality, sustainable pet products made from over 95% recycled ocean plastics.
Samuel, a sustainability consultant and entrepreneur with a background in scaling sustainable start-ups and advising businesses from a variety of sectors on sustainable solutions launched Ochien in 2022. Working alongside a range of innovative recycling and environmental organisations across Europe, all of the Ochien product range is produced in Cornwall. As the company grows it aims to become the leading sustainable pet products brand in Europe.
SMEToday had the opportunity to ask Samuel some questions on his business, his plans and the future.
- How did you start the business?
I started Ochien to make a difference in fighting ocean plastic pollution and to build a sustainable, long-term solution to reducing the plastics in our oceans. I had extensive experience in the sector and I love dogs so it seemed like the perfect business to create.
- How do you evaluate the past ups/downs of your business?
It has been a long road of product development, testing and refining the bowls to get to this point. My goal was being able to make the first dog bowl from ocean plastic in the UK and I’m proud to see it come to fruition.
- What is a typical day like for you?
Honestly, no day is the same – I love the variety of creating products, talking to retailers, designing and managing production at the factory in Cornwall to working with other brands in the sustainable pet sector.
- What are the biggest challenges to being an entrepreneur?
Starting any business has its challenges, most notably being a solopreneur means it can be important to keep on track when making key decisions but I love the challenge.
- How do you handle the stress that comes with responsibility?
I take each step as it comes – I’m confident in the sector and I genuinely believe if you create a great product then people will appreciate that and support you.
- How do you take care of your own and the mental health of your workforce?
I find keeping to a routine is really important. Work-life balance is crucial because you can always work more hours, especially on something you’re so passionate about. I always schedule a clear plan each day and ensure I hit timelines and goals.
- What’s your definition of success?
Having a positive impact on the environment while creating products people love.
- How did you win over your first customers? First investors? First business partners?
Our first customers shared our mission of wanting to make a difference in the fight against ocean plastics. It has taken over a year to evolve the concept, and over this time (the first product), our recycled ocean plastic dog bowl, has undergone a lot of development to get to a point where I feel we have an amazing product that embodies our amazing mission.
- What’s your most satisfying entrepreneur moment so far?
Realising I had created the first recycled ocean plastic bowl was a really special moment for me. Seeing the design come together was also surreal – I can’t wait for dogs to start using their bowls. The bowls are not only eco-friendly but they look great in homes and that’s exciting for me too as I love design and innovation equally!
- Have you ever felt unsure of a decision you made?
Not really – I work on gut instinct and I believe in what I do for the good of the environment and the good of the customer. Everything I do is motivated by a passion for the environment and the product.
- What are your daily habits for connecting with your team?
I’ve worked with the team for many years so it’s an easy shorthand we have. I’ve worked with some new collaborators who have been fantastic and it’s always great to grab a coffee or in the real world catch up on Zoom.
- How do you build trust with your employees?
My employees are all friends to me – it’s important that I connect with them and build them up to be the best they can be. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such inspiring teams and it’s what I love about being an entrepreneur.
- How do you keep your team motivated?
The mission of what we do motivates the team but we also have so much fun I don’t have to do too much, to be honest! Clearing tonnes of plastic from the ocean is an amazing feeling and I couldn’t be prouder of what we can achieve together.
- What is and how do you encourage company culture?
Everyone involved with the business shares the mission and ethos behind why we are doing what we are doing, they all want to help make a difference and this unites us in working towards a collective goal. We also all come from different backgrounds and with varying expertise so it’s great to learn from others.
- How do you plan on growing your business?
We are now just launching on Amazon UK and Europe to start with. We then plan to expand to the US and North America online while connecting to stores across the UK where their brands align with ours here at Ochien.
Thank you Samuel, and good luck of the future.
