Joining the Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) in 2016 as a mother of 3, program alumna Lauren Hesterman ’17, had a dream she wanted to start a sustainable product company.
“I come from an entrepreneurial family, it’s in our DNA. My undergraduate degree is in environmental studies, so there was a seed planted many years ago, which has always been our North Star. Being in the SI-MBA program helped me formalize that idea and put definition around it,” says Hesterman.
“I used my practicum–the SI-MBA capstone project–to hone and refine the idea. Back then, I didn’t have the vocabulary, the know-how, the resources to define what it is and take it further. Now it’s guiding our business.”
After graduating, Hesterman initially concentrated on her consulting company; helping other brands design, produce and market their products. That experience helped her build out a knowledge base, develop and strengthen relationships and sourcing connections until the time was right to launch her own product line.
“Originally our company started in the technology accessories space, but it has morphed into what we always wanted it to be; family adventure gear,” Hesterman explains.
“The idea with the brand, other than having a strong sustainability focus, was the idea of lifestyle design and creating the life that fits you. I have 3 kids and creating an adventure-based experience life has always been a pillar of our family. We want to experience everything as a family.”
Hesterman continues “Our kids travel everywhere with us and the motivation for our first product was born when my oldest, who is now 13, was young. I was looking for a backpack with outdoor features that could also fit a school folder, and I couldn’t find one; and it’s still difficult, if not impossible to find. Our product is sized for school, but it’s packed with all the outdoor features you typically want; like a sternum strap whistle, a water bladder pocket, compression straps, or a breathable back panel. A backpack that works for hiking and school.
Our pack also comes with modular accessories that also make it a great travel bag. My kids are travelling with them right now; they use them on the plane, then take off the satchel and walk around town with just that part.
Right now, our products are focused only on kid’s products, but the idea is to round out the collection for the entire family. The pandemic has caused a lot of families to reassess their priorities in life. To value experiences over things and design a life that makes them feel the happiest and fulfilled.”
Hesterman notes the sustainability path to 100% recycled or upcycled materials is a journey and not perfect. She credits the SI-MBA program with emphasizing the need to be conscientious and cognizant of every little detail; but also, be grounded in the concept of progress before perfection.
“We are making as much as we can from recycled polyester. It’s all traceable, all ocean-bound plastic and while it’s not perfect–some smaller trim pieces and zipper tape are not yet made from recyclables–it’s an ever-evolving process and where we are now feels like a good starting point.
Making it as sustainable as possible includes how the supplier is packaging it. Trying to eliminate plastic like polybags from the manufacturing process. Trying to figure out the most sustainable packaging and the best way to fulfill the product. There are so many other small details to contend with including understanding how the supplier uses the fabric most efficiently to ensure that there isn't any waste in the manufacturing process, to partnering with a supplier that has robust environmental standards when it comes to water and factory working conditions for example.”
Hesterman says in parting “It certainly is a journey. Our company name Piric is derived from empirical, which can be defined as knowledge gained through experience. Creating a happy and fulfilling life full of real meaningful experiences is our mantra and our products reflect those values.”
You can find more information at https://gopiric.com.
This interview was edited for clarity and length.
Original source can be found here
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