Smart Cookie: Kelly Hartley, Founder Of Hand & Hart

1) Could you tell us a little about yourself and what’s your business about?

I’m Kelly and originally from the UK, myself and my family (husband & daughter) moved to Melbourne in 2012 and have not looked back. I have a background in interior design, sourcing & product development as well as having ran my own bricks & mortar store back in the UK. My mission is to bring simple sustainable swaps for you and your home, whilst still being stylish and reducing the impact we have on the earth.

2) Do you have a morning routine? If so, what is it you do to set yourself up for the day ahead?

I would like to say yes!! And when I do it does involve, movement either gentle yoga and stretches or a walk whilst listening to an audiobook or podcast. I do like to meditate in the morning and always have a tea (I am British after all!), it is decaf though. I also like to journal, this can sometimes just be what I need to get done or setting goals etc, I find it helps clear my head getting it on paper. But I am also not the best at routines, so it can be sporadic and no matter what it also usually ends up with me on Social Media or emails!!

Our Naturally Whitening, Vegan Friendly & Mint Fresh Tooth Tablets are packed with natural ingredients to polish and remineralise your teeth keeping them healthy and our oceans clean too. No more mess and best of all plastic free!

3) Why did you choose to go sustainable and eco-friendly?

I realised that plastic had slowly become a cheap alternative and we are such a throw away society due to convenience that we hadn’t realised just how much plastic we use. I wanted to be able to source products and educate that these sustainable swaps are not really as hard to make the change as we are led to believe and for those items we change, they can still be stylish and ‘Insta’ worthy, if not more beautiful than the plastic alternatives.

4) What was the hardest part of starting your own business?

Time. For me, doing this on my own whilst working full time has been challenging. Also, learning about running a business here is Australia with different regulations etc to the UK, has been interesting and challenging, but I’m a lifelong learner, but not something I had thought about before starting the journey.

Beautiful sustainable products for you and your home.

5) One book and/or documentary everyone should read/watch? Why?

Kiss the ground (Netflix) documentary. EVERYONE NEEDS TO SEE THIS!! It actually gave me hope that things can change and is not all doom and gloom like a lot of the climate change documentaries. Books, I couldn’t say really, too many. I use audible more than read as I have quite a lot of time in my car with work. There are some great self-development and mindset books. I’ve just finished listening to Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, which was great. He has a fantastic outlook on life. I’m now listening to Think like a Monk by Jay Shetty, who again I find very inspiring.

6) Best piece of advice you have ever received?

To just start and be flexible, but to keep going and remember your Why! You have to be passionate about what you are doing and see the end game otherwise you will want to give up, believe me I have done this a number of times. Especially doing it on your own. There will be days you don’t want to come home from a full days work and then start again. You will just want to have dinner, flop down and watch Netflix, so you need the reason to be motivated and remember why you started this journey in the first place.

You’ll also like this:

Smart Cookie: Olivia Lacuone, Founder Of Eco Asana

Smart Cookie: Anna Chatburn, Founder Of Azur Pure

Smart Cookie: Mitch White, Founder Of Kind Earth Coffee

To learn more about Hand & Hart CLICK HERE!