More About Episode 22 - The Inventor And Business Owner

Have you ever had a problem with something and thought….. “I wish someone would invent a solution to this!”

Well, this week’s guest didn’t just THINK it, she and her friend MADE IT HAPPEN!

Caroline Farrer, a former film and TV marketer, and her friend Kelly Riley, a project manager, embarked on a journey to create a solution to the problem of excessive plastic waste from sunscreen containers. They invented Solmates, a refillable sunscreen applicator made from recycled ocean plastic. Caroline and Kelly wanted to live a more sustainable life and eliminate plastic from their daily routines. They realised that sunscreen was a challenge because buying in bulk meant carrying around large containers. Thus, Solmates was born.

But having an idea is one thing, designing and making that solution, finding a manufacturer, marketing and advertising and distributing the product, well….that’s a whole OTHER thing.

That’s why Caroline and Kelly split the work between them.

Caroline's day-to-day work involves managing the brand and marketing strategy for Solmates. She spends a significant amount of time on her computer, editing photos, and attending meetings. As a business owner, she has the flexibility to work from home, but she also has to manage the challenges of running a business remotely. Caroline acknowledges that being a boss requires organisation, kindness, and fair compensation for employees.

So do you have to be a ‘tinkerer’ or engineer to get a product off the ground? According to Caroline - not at all!

Caroline's career journey started with a passion for writing and reading, which led her to pursue journalism. However, she ended up working in marketing for the BBC and other companies. Her interest in sustainability and her upbringing in a nature-loving family influenced her decision to start Solmates. Caroline's father worked in the conservation department, and she grew up appreciating the importance of nature and wildlife. It’s why sustainability is so important to her.

Caroline thinks anyone can start a business, but certainly acknowledges the privilege that she and Kelly had with partners who supported them both emotionally and financially as they got their business off the ground.

She advises aspiring entrepreneurs to take small steps and be prepared to pivot if necessary. Starting a business requires learning on the job and seeking help from experts in various fields. Caroline and Kelly had to navigate the challenges of manufacturing, sourcing materials, and marketing their product. However, their determination and willingness to learn allowed them to overcome these obstacles.

It’s this kind of ‘go get em’ attitude that I suspect is rubbing off on Caroline's son Felix, who, inspired by his mum's entrepreneurial spirit, dreams of starting his own pet daycare business. He loves animals and wants to create a safe and fun environment for pets. Felix's idea includes separate rooms for different types of animals to ensure their well-being. He envisions half-day and full-day options for pet owners and even sleepovers for pets whose owners are away. While Felix's idea may seem ambitious, his enthusiasm and determination are evident.

Solmates has gained traction in Australia, with independent retailers and even the Cancer Council stocking the product. Caroline and Kelly have received positive feedback and have participated in consumer markets to promote their brand. The product's inclusion in the Powerhouse Museum's Australian Design exhibition further increased its visibility. Solmates not only reduces plastic waste but also makes sun protection more convenient for families.

Caroline Farrer's journey from film and TV marketing to entrepreneurship showcases the power of identifying a problem and creating a solution. Her and Kelly’s invention, Solmates, has not only reduced plastic waste but also inspired her son Felix to dream of starting his own business. Starting a business requires determination, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. Caroline's story serves as a reminder that anyone can make a difference and create something meaningful - you just need to take that first step.