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:

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• Website: https://mintcleaningproducts.com/
  
• Instagram: @mintcleaning_
  
• YouTube: Mint Cleaning Products
  
• TikTok: @mintcleaning_
  
• LinkedIn:
  
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  • Robyn Mair
    
  • Mint Cleaning Products
    
  
  
  
• Facebook: Mint Cleaning Products
  
• Resources:
  
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  • 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:
  
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  • Unit 3 #1950 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet B.C.
    
  • 1-250-726-6468
    
    
    
  
  
  

Connect with Tiana:

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• 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 
  

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!

Monika and Robyn emphasize the profound impact of community in their entrepreneurial journey. They believe that in today’s market, especially with the rise of social media, the story behind a brand is what truly resonates with people. As they point out, consumers can find eco-friendly cleaning products anywhere, but it’s the authentic connections and shared experiences that draw them in. They encourage new business owners to embrace social media as a powerful, free tool for marketing and community building, no matter how small their initial steps might be. Building genuine relationships with your community is essential; it’s the heart of any successful business!

Monika and Robyn dive into the crucial role of social media in growing their brand. They treat social media like a job, engaging with every comment and DM across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Monika notes that 90% of their sales come from Instagram, highlighting the effectiveness of organic reach and community-building over traditional advertising. They encourage new businesses to embrace social media, not just for promotion, but to connect authentically with their audience. Embrace social media as a powerful tool for connection and creativity – your community is waiting!

“Engaging our community with valuable content creates stronger connections.” ~ Monika Scott

Robyn and Monika passionately discuss the importance of education in their business model, emphasizing that everyone has something valuable to teach. They encourage small business owners to think creatively about how they can offer educational content instead of just pushing products or services. This approach not only provides value but also fosters a deeper connection with their audience. With resources like cleaning guides and DIY recipes, they stand out by equipping customers with knowledge that goes beyond their products. Their genuine desire to help others shines through, making their community feel supported and informed. Always offer value and share your knowledge; it builds trust and strengthens your community!

Robyn and Monika share their candid take on balancing the demands of motherhood with running a business, emphasizing that “balance” often feels like just another pressure we put on ourselves. They advocate for setting boundaries – like not checking emails after a certain time – and highlight the importance of having a supportive partner and team. Acknowledging that guilt is a common feeling, they encourage others to prioritize quality time with their children over quantity, reminding us that engaged moments create lasting memories. Their advice centers on creating systems, setting mini-goals, and practicing self-kindness, reinforcing that no one has it all figured out. Focus on quality time and set small goals; we’re all just trying our best!

Robyn and Monika discuss the keys to their successful partnership as co-founders, highlighting how their complementary strengths allow them to thrive in their respective roles. They emphasize the importance of open communication and trust, akin to nurturing a marriage, where understanding each other’s limits and addressing any tensions is crucial. The duo also shares how their friendship serves as a strong foundation, allowing them to navigate challenges together. By recognizing their differences and appreciating what each brings to the table, they’ve built a dynamic that not only supports their business but also deepens their bond. Strong partnerships thrive on trust, communication, and celebrating each other’s strengths!

Monika and Robyn share their deep commitment to giving back to the community, highlighting initiatives like supporting their local food bank and organizations such as Mamas for Mamas as well as the relief efforts for the Ukrainian humanitarian crisis through the Red Cross. They believe in the principle of karma, emphasizing that what goes around comes around, and view their philanthropic efforts as a natural extension of their values. They acknowledge the importance of balance in their giving but are united in their belief that generosity is essential to their mission. Giving back enriches both the community and the giver!

Robyn and Monika share their wisdom on navigating life and business with a light-hearted spirit. Robyn emphasizes the importance of finding joy and humor, even during tough times, reminding us that gratitude can help put things in perspective. Monika shares two key business philosophies: always take the meeting – because unexpected opportunities can arise – and don’t wait for perfection to launch your ideas. They encourage listeners to embrace imperfections and trust their instincts, urging that sometimes the best path forward is simply to start. Don’t wait for perfection; embrace the journey and take the leap!

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Today’s episode is produced by VOLT Productions, a full-service podcast production agency helping creators and entrepreneurs launch, grow and monetize their shows. You can learn more about the agency’s founder Simona, their work and their team by going to www.voltproductions.co.