How To Become A... Sustainability Entrepreneur

What does a sustainability entrepreneur actually do?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace talks to James, co-founder of waste design studio Are You Mad, about turning waste into paychecks, pop-ups and products. James shares how he moved from the fashion/music world into building a studio that makes acoustic panels, shop fittings and funky shoe-risers out of local waste, runs community workshops, and gets brands to pay for creative reuse.James shares:How he went from warehouse kid to founder of a waste design studioWhy creativity (not guilt) is the key to changing behaviourHow to prototype: shredders, small presses, molds and quick pop-upsThe real business model: brands pay for narrative, not just impactPractical ways to start: waste audits, local partners, and pilot projectsHiring makers & paying London Living Wage for collection/sorting rolesThe tricky bits: factory risk, contamination, and scaling real productsHe also opens up about:Starting Are You Mad during / after COVID and why timing matteredUsing industry relationships to get pilots and partnersWhy “selling rubbish” can actually pay the bills (if you package it right)The limits of scaling and why local loops matterIf you want to launch an impact business that actually pays, this episode gives you design-led tactics, fundraising realities, and the messy creativity you’ll need to survive.Resources:Are You Mad website: https://www.areyoumad.co/🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.