Smart Cookie: Ro Mitri, Founder Of Sili Planet

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

I’m Rawad, better known as Ro! I’m a 26 year old living in Melbourne, Victoria. I work in the property industry by day and like to think I’m living an eco-warrior’s life by night.

I founded Sili Planet in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The pandemic stopped me in my everyday tracks and shifted my gears to thinking about issues experienced globally that often go unnoticed.

At Sili Planet, we want to make the planet greener by reducing plastic waste to lessen our harmful impact on Earth. Our mission is to completely replace all single-use plastic items in every Australian home with safer alternatives.

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

The first thing I do in the morning is, without a question, a shower – ending it with a 30 second cold water run (crazy amount of benefits to this – my main reason being that it shocks me and prepares me for the day).

Then I’ll say good morning to my two beautiful cats, Zora & Sox – while I prepare their brekky and plan out the day ahead!

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

Initially I was shocked about the number of single-use face masks I was seeing on the street during the COVID-19 pandemic. Then I thought to myself – there’s no way I can watch our environment be impacted by daily actions and not do anything.

There’s a strange stigma associated with living an eco-friendly lifestyle and being a guy. Growing up, I never saw any of my male high school friends take much of an interest to any environmental issues. My aim is to bridge that gap, so that we have more game-changers on board to living a sustainable lifestyle.

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

One of the biggest roadblocks to starting your own business is in the question itself – starting. In the beginning, I had this excessive need for everything to be perfect before I launched. My attention to detail had me working day and night on things that should have taken me a lot less time.

Luckily, my partner is the exact opposite of me and encourages me to see perfection as the enemy of success. With this balance in mind, I was able to launch Sili Planet, even though there’s still a lot of room to grow!

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

This took longer than expected to answer (way too many!).

The book I always recommend to anyone, regardless of if they’re starting a business, is the book 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. It might take a bit of time to get into at the beginning, these 7 habits have changed the way I live.

The key habit I resonated with and try to implement in my everyday life is seek first to understand, then to be understood. I try to practice this habit in all areas of my life, whether it be business, friendship or with my love ones.

6)       Best piece of advice you have ever received?

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