Otterbottle [closed]

It has been a year since I got my first Otterbottle and it it STILL always with me. To the gym, on walks with my kids, in my purse… everywere! It never leaks on me, looks brand new and my toddler thinks it’s awsome to use.

Otterbottle Inc. believes in what they do, so much so that they are dedicated to donating a portion of the proceeds from every bottle sold to the David Suzuki Foundation, which focuses on finding ways for our society to live in balance with the natural world that sustains us. Otterbottle Inc. is also a proud member of REAP – Respect for the Earth and All People – which is a not-for-profit association of Calgary businesses that are concerned with issues of sustainability

The Background

Since a very young age, Shannon Andrukow has been a health enthusiast and environmentalist keen on preserving the planet for her family and future generations. Advocating the importance of small steps to saving the environment to friends and family (reducing consumerism, reusing products and avoiding perishable ones, driving less, recycling, turning out lights, reducing water use, seeking renewable energy sources, encouraging green products for the household, buying local, and so on), Andrukow has always prided herself on her dedication to helping Mother Earth.

After having kids, she became even more health-conscious and her inner-environmentalist emerged in full force. Andrukow had been researching Bisphenol A (BPA) for a number of years (long before Health Canada’s announcement to ban BPA) and after testing a couple of “sustainable” water bottles Shannon found that she was not satisfied with the look and performance of those bottles. Always a major proponent of reusable containers, the options for a safe and stylish bottle at the time were extremely limited.

Shannon’s eco-chic diva surfaced and she not only wanted to make a difference but she also wanted a bottle that spoke to her individual style. Not to mention that she also wanted to purchase from a Canadian company that supported our environment – something that was harder to do than she thought it would be! There was no such company out there, so she decided to make it her personal mission to create one.

The inspiration

I am an environmentalist and very health conscious and finally decided to create Otterbottle Inc. when I explored the idea with my husband and good friends. My close friend provided me with the final nudge that I needed by encouraging me to proceed with the thought of starting a company that addressed all her concerns.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom?

Best thing to ever happen to me. My kids are so fun and always bringing a smile to my face – never a boring moment.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a mom entrepreneur?

I get to be at home with them and enjoy every day watching them grown and learn. It also allows me the flexibility to be very involved in their lives.

What advice would you give to someone considering starting their own business?

Be ready for more work than you could ever imagine

What keeps you motivated in your business?

The business is fun. Fabulous learning experience.

What is your next big goal?

Continue to develop products that will help better the earth.

What is the most valuable lesson you have learned as a mom {so far}?

Patience. Be patient all the time.