046: Eco-Friendly Cleaning and Community Spirit with Monika Scott and Robyn Mair of Mint Cleaning Products

In this episode of The People Teaching People Podcast, I am joined by Monika Scott and Robyn Mair, co-founders of Mint Cleaning Products.  I first learned about Mint Cleaning Products when I was at a local coffee shop and community hub - called Social Grounds - in the community of Oakridge in Calgary, Alberta. Social Grounds also sells snacks and ice cream, hosts art classes and fitness classes, and sells products made by local and Canadian small businesses.  Long story short - one of the friends that I was attending the fitness class with was raving about these Mint Cleaning Products - how awesome they were and how good they smelled! I got curious and looked into the brand and the story behind it and low and behold I learned about Monika and Robyn and their incredible (and inspiring) story.  Monika and Robyn, the founders of Mint Cleaning Products, met in 2016 through a local mom group. The pair bonded immediately and even decided to start a cleaning business together the next day. What began as a small cleaning service in Ucluelet, BC, quickly grew into an overnight success. However, after suffering the side effects of using harsh chemical cleaners every day, they began to experiment and create their own eco-friendly, plant-based, non-toxic products. Today, Mint Cleaning Products is known across Canada for its innovative and effective solutions, available in over 200 retail stores and refilleries. With a commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and a personal touch, Monika and Robyn have turned Mint into a trusted brand that brings green cleaning to every home. Listen in as we talk about: 03:07 The birth of a friendship and business 04:24 Business challenges and innovation 07:23 Entrepreneurial backgrounds 10:20 Key lessons in growing a business 15:30 Exciting experiences and accolades - The Jilly Box, Dragon’s Den and more! 16:58 The importance of community 19:30 Behind the scenes of Dragon’s Den 25:35 Harnessing the opportunity of social media 28:40 Building a community through education 32:29 The juggle of business and motherhood 35:47 Nurturing a strong partnership 38:30 Giving back to the community 40:35 What’s next for Mint Cleaning Products! 43:00 Robyn and Monika’s favorite teachers 44:35 What Robyn and Monika are most proud of  45:59 Robyn and Monika’s words of wisdom   Learn more about Monika and Robyn and Mint Cleaning Products: Website: https://mintcleaningproducts.com/ Instagram: @mintcleaning_ YouTube: Mint Cleaning Products TikTok: @mintcleaning_ LinkedIn: Robyn Mair Mint Cleaning Products Facebook: Mint Cleaning Products Resources: Free Cleaning Checklists and Guides Book: Swap It for Mint - An Eco-Friendly Guide to a Clean Home Guide: Guest Turnover Cleaning Guide Mint Retail Store: Unit 3 #1950 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet B.C. 1-250-726-6468 Connect with Tiana: Website: https://tianafech.com LinkedIn: Tiana Fech Instagram: @tianafech  Facebook: @tianafech  Book: Online Course Creation 101: A step-by-step guide to creating your first online course    KEY LESSONS IN GROWING A BUSINESS Monika and Robyn share invaluable insights from their entrepreneurial journey, highlighting the power of adaptability. They discuss the necessity of pivoting in response to unexpected challenges, like the pandemic, and how learning through trial and error has shaped their business. The duo emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive work culture and engaging authentically with their community, even transforming setbacks - like the wrong sized packaging - into opportunities - like giving back to a local charity. Their story illustrates that mistakes can foster growth and connection, making the business journey both rewarding and enjoyable. Embrace your missteps as stepping stones to success, and always keep a sense of humor along the way!   THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY Monika and Robyn emphasize the profound impact of community in their entrepreneurial journey.