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How did you come up with the idea for your business?
In high school, I worked for my family business, MAGI Foods, an oatmeal manufacturing company, and during this time I noticed how much of a hassle it was to dispose of the super sacks that carried the oats. It was costly to dispose of the plastic since it required baling and these sacks took up a lot of space on the manufacturing floor. I brought this problem to my business incubator class where we were working on creating a startup to pitch at the end of the year. As my team was brainstorming how we could utilize this plastic, we found out how much waste these super sacks produce yearly. For context, on a monthly basis, the typical manufacturer generates 1,000 to 2,000 super sacks, amounting to approximately 2,400 pounds of waste. This equates to an annual waste production of 28,800 pounds for a single manufacturer. We knew we wanted to find an outlet for this waste, but were torn on what that outlet should be. During one of our meetings, my teammate was showing us her new 3D printer pen, and she also noticed that the super sacks are made of polypropylene plastic, a plastic which is compatible with her 3D printer pen. The idea for FYDER was born.
What are some of the top things you have learned so far?
Some of the top things I have learned so far is to ask questions and to be curious. Usually these questions lead to more questions and eventually we start asking the right questions to the right people and answers start to emerge. Through this experience, I have learned that there is not a linear path when it comes to forming a business and I have to surround myself with the right people who can fill in the gaps of my knowledge.
Who or what inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Both of my parents are entrepreneurs, and have taught me not only to seek opportunities but to create them. They have instilled in me the entrepreneurial spirit and have fostered in me curiosity and hard work.
What have been 1-2 of your proudest moments in creating your business?
A proud moment in creating FYDER was when we were able to visit the HEB recycling facility in San Antonio Texas. It was here we learned about recycling and the challenges that go along with it. The facility was filled with very joyful people who were passionate about their work, and I was proud to be in the recycling community that shared similar values and passions.
What’s the best advice you have received along your journey?
The best advice I have received is to seek knowledge in others. I was completely naive to the 3D printing and the recycling industries when I started, and it wasn’t until we reached out to local industry specialists that we were able to get a grasp on the problem we were trying to solve. Reaching out to people can be intimidating, especially established business professionals, but more likely than not the specialists were more than willing to help us grow our venture.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I love to cook and to craft in my free time.
About The Author:
Founder of FYDER LLC
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