How I Built This with Guy Raz S'well: Sarah Kauss
Apr 6, 2020
In this engaging discussion, Sarah Kauss, founder of S'well, shares her journey from real estate to creating stylish, sustainable water bottles. Inspired by a memorable hike, she highlights the importance of design in reducing plastic waste. Kauss reflects on overcoming skepticism and numerous rejections in her early days, emphasizing the power of persistence. She also discusses pivotal partnerships, including a collaboration with Starbucks, that elevated her brand. With a mission to promote environmental responsibility, her story is a testament to innovation and resilience.
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S'well's Origin Story
- Sarah Kauss's idea for S'well bottles came during a celebratory hike with her mother after her mother's recovery from breast cancer.
- The idea was sparked by Sarah's hot metal water bottle and recent exposure to information about the water crisis.
Market Gap: Stylish & Functional
- Sarah's market research revealed a gap in the water bottle market: stylish bottles were missing.
- Existing bottles were functional but lacked aesthetic appeal, inspiring S'well's focus on design.
Initial Doubts and Support
- When Sarah shared her business idea, friends doubted its potential due to the saturated water bottle market.
- At a wedding, a friend even felt compelled to point out Sarah's previous "good job" to a stranger.