TRANSPARENCY IS EVERYTHING

Could you introduce yourself and tell us what Tide Watches is all about?

I'm the founder of Tide Watches, a company that was created with the goal of helping to clean our oceans. We work closely with non-profit organizations that collect plastic waste from coastal areas and waterways, and we transform that waste into high-quality products. We initially focused on smaller items like watches, bracelets, and earrings, but we're now expanding into larger products as well. For me, it's about proving that waste can have value and showing that sustainability and good design can go hand in hand.

Was entrepreneurship always something you wanted to pursue, or did it happen unexpectedly?

It actually happened quite unexpectedly. While I was working on my thesis, I asked my university if I could build a real company as part of my graduation project instead of writing a traditional thesis. They agreed, which gave me the opportunity to turn an idea into something tangible. That experience sparked my entrepreneurial journey, and from that moment on, I never really looked back.

What was the moment that made you think, "I'm actually going to do this"?

The turning point came when I started speaking with companies about what happened to the plastic waste they collected. I was surprised by how many of them simply told me they burned it because they didn't know what else to do with it. I realized there had to be a better solution, and I wanted to be part of creating it.

Looking back, what was the hardest part of starting Tide Watches that nobody warned you about?

One of the biggest challenges has been working with so many different stakeholders. From suppliers and manufacturers to non-profit organizations and customers, everyone has their own priorities and expectations. Balancing all of those interests while staying true to the company's mission is much harder than I ever imagined. It's something you only really learn once you're in the middle of building a business.

Sustainability has become a popular buzzword. How do you make sure your company creates real impact instead of just good marketing?

For me, transparency is everything. I want people to know exactly where our materials come from, how our products are made, and what impact they're creating. We openly share our production process, donate part of our profits to organizations that support ocean conservation. I believe real sustainability isn't about making bold claims - it's about consistently backing them up with action.

Is there a piece of advice you received that completely changed how you approach business?

The best advice I ever received was simply: "Just go for it." It's easy to spend months, or even years, perfecting an idea, but you'll never know if it works unless you actually try. I've learned that entrepreneurship is all about trial and error. You make mistakes, you learn from them, and you keep improving. Waiting for the perfect moment usually means you'll never start at all.

Which skills have been the most valuable as a founder that you didn't learn in university?

Honestly, almost everything. I studied Water Management, so I didn't have a background in business, marketing, finance, or product development. Starting Tide Watches meant learning all of those things from scratch. As a founder, you become a jack of all trades because, especially in the beginning, you're responsible for nearly everything yourself. Learning how to prioritize, solve problems quickly, and balance multiple roles at once has probably been the most valuable lesson of all.

If someone wanted to start their own business today, what's the first thing you'd tell them to do?

I'd tell them to just start. Don't let the fear of failure stop you from trying. Your first idea probably won't be perfect, and that's completely okay. The most important thing is to take that first step because you'll learn far more by doing than by endlessly planning. Even if it doesn't work out the way you expected, you'll gain valuable experience that you can use in whatever comes next.

What excites you most about the future of circular products and sustainable design?

What excites me most is seeing circular products become more mainstream. More people are beginning to appreciate products made from recycled materials, and there's much less of a stigma around wearing or using something that once was considered waste. In an ideal world, sustainable products become so common that companies like mine are no longer unique. Ironically, that could eventually put us out of business, but I would actually see that as a success. If the entire industry embraces circular design, then we've achieved the kind of impact I always hoped for.