HERD makes hardworking reusable bags from waste plastic bottles.  The bags come in a range of sizes in joyful and vibrant designs.  Each HERD bag is wipe clean, has a zipped internal pocket and a double cotton handle for easy carrying.  HERD was launched in 2019 by Nancy Powell.  After working with a range of well known brands on sustainability Nancy took all that she learnt about bags, packaging and brands to launch HERD.   She has three young children and is Chief Herder in her house.

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Today I’m talking to Nancy Powell the entrepreneur and founder of HERD Bags, a globally stocked brand of bright, joyful, reusable bags made from recycled plastic bottles. 

We talk about what drove Nancy to set up her business, working with recycled materials, and ways that Nancy plans to further reduce the impact of manufactured products and close the loop.

Listen in to hear Nancy share:

• An introduction to herself and her business (1:14)
• The inspiration behind creating a sustainable product (4:27)
• The importance of flexible working hours in setting up her own business (7:00)
• The appeal of bags as a product (9:31)
• Why sustainability was a key part of the business vision (11:53)
• Whether working with recycled materials presents more challenges (13:47)
• The importance of working with other women balancing professional and home life (16:24)
• Finding the right suppliers to work with, as a small business (19:08)
• Managing a global team (27:39)
• Using Instagram and local networks to build her team (30:51)
• The environmental impact of HERD and future plans for closing the loop (41:10)
• Working with wholesalers (50:42)
• Her number one piece of advice for other product creators (1:05:02)

USEFUL RESOURCES:

HERD Bags Website

HERD Bags on Facebook

HERD Bags on Instagram

Nancy Powell on LinkedIn

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