Gap Finders - Rachel Watkyn
How Rachel Watkyn, founder of The Tiny Box Company found a gap in the market, to create and sell sustainable gift packaging online.
Today's guest is Rachel Watkyn, founder of The Tiny Box Company - which offers only recycled packaging and eco-friendly packaging for gifts like jewellery boxes and gift bags made from recycled paper or recyclable / FSC.
Rachel set up the company in 2007, and following an appearance on Dragon's Den in 2008, received investment from Theo Paphitis and Peter Jones, and it has grown each year since the investment.
Rachel spent part of her formative years in care after a traumatic early childhood, and has had periods of ill health. She says trauma in her personal life prepared her for the struggles that come with running a business. Whilst working in Sierra Leone during the military coup, the extreme poverty she witnessed drove her vision for a Fairtrade business. This began as a jewellery company, but trying to find recycled and environmentally friendly packaging sparked the idea for Tiny Box Company, supplying businesses with attractive, ethical packaging.
Presenter: Shari Vahl
Producer: Miriam Williamson