Kohlab CARES - Impactful websites that don’t cost the EARTH
It’s in the name really; Kohlab is all about community. Kohlab Creative is more than a design studio; it’s a koh-munity of independent business owners who care deeply about crafting good things, for good people. Together, we’re making the world (and the internet) a brighter place 💛
Your kinder business is my kind of business
We both know there’s no shortage of shoddy workmanship, cheap junk and things made to be thrown away out there. Clearly, it’s not our thing. Honestly, I can’t stand quietly on the shoreline, instead of wading right in, while big corporations put bloated profits over the wellbeing of people and planet. I believe in business for good.
I believe we can turn the tide back towards quality, connection and community, together.
My clients are lovely people, bringing about positive change by improving the wellbeing of people and planet.
From B Corp consultants and food photographers to nutritionists, therapists, counsellors and yoga teachers, kinder businesses are my kind of business.
If you’re interested in conscious business stories, check out this blog series.
Caring about customers, the planet we call home, and doing things really well
Celebrating and supporting do-gooders, like you, who care deeply and wholeheartedly about doing what they do really well is an undercurrent that ripples through everything that happens around here. And, of course, this community has a home that plays a massive role in the bigger picture; our beautiful earth.
Honouring that home and making sure this community is built on solid foundations - that will stand the test of time - is what matters most.
“I can’t pretend that your branding and website will save the earth, that’d be a bit much, but I can promise that it will be crafted with intention, integrity and an appreciation for treading lightly as we go - whilst delivering maximum business impact.”
LEAVING FOOTPRINTS IN THE (DIGITAL) SAND
You and I, we care deeply about making things that last. That may even outlast us. And every business decision we make is rooted in this. Like me, you’ve probably spent more than a sleepless night or two tossing and turning over whether your banking is ethical enough, your website is green enough, you’ve put everything in the right recycling bins, and what to eat for dinner that’ll leave the least impact.
How Kohlab is giving back
SAVE OUR SEAS
DONATING 1% OF ‘STARLIGHT’ BRAND AND WEB DESIGN SERVICE FEES TO THE WONDERFUL FOLKS AT OCEAN CONSERVATION TRUST.
Yes, by working with me, your website will not only help your business to thrive, but it will support our oceans too. By donating a percentage of my fees, the impact I’m able to have increases as my business grows.
Check out this brilliant video from them. And feel free to keep the goodness flowing by visiting my JustGiving page and making a one-off donation 💙
Find out more about the incredible work of oceanconservationtrust.org
Green Skills
In 2023 I completed the Green Skills for Small Business Programme by Small Business Britain in partnership with Oxford Brookes Business School.
Sustainable Pathways
I have joined Sustainable Pathways in my commitment to continue my learning and to keep taking action towards my sustainability goals, and completed CPD Certified training ‘Sustainability with Ease’.
Sustainability CPD
In 2024 I completed the CPD certified BT Sustainability for Small Business Programme to continue my learning and awareness.
Business insurance
My Professional Liability Insurance is with a company that has a Sustainability Policy in place.
Sustainable Packaging
In 2023 I switched to fully sustainable and recyclable packaging, sourced from B Corp business Priory Direct.
Pre-loved Tech
I now buy pre-loved and refurbished tech when I need something new, most recently from Back Market.
Supporting Small Businesses
Supporting other small businesses is part of my business DNA so I love sourcing client gifts from them (I won’t say any more than that as I don’t want to spoil the surprise 😉)
THE TRUTH IS, IT’LL PROBABLY NEVER FEEL ENOUGH.
BUT IT’S A START.
But what we need to remember is that we are all on a journey
This is my mini DIY impact assessment that I completed during the ‘Sustainability with Ease’ workshop with Sustainable Pathways in December 2023 - as you can see there’s not much green on there. This is a great imperfect snapshot of where my business was at and highlighted where all the wonderful opportunities lie to make progress.
Take a listen to me talking more about this, and my sustainability journey so far on The Small Business Hive podcast.
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Next on the list is:
Signing up to a 100% renewable energy provider (once Project Worthing is complete and I’m finally settled a stone’s throw from the sea).
Lowering the carbon footprint of my web designs and my own website - this is a wider platform issue but I am committed to doing what is within my control to limit the impact of my websites. There is no perfect solution, so one of my goals for 2024 is to educate myself on this topic, starting by signing the Sustainable Web Design Manifesto (you can find my signature currently on or around page 13!)
Let’s do good together
Having a business that is aligned with my values is non-negotiable - it's why I started my own business in the first place. I’m walking the walk and holding myself accountable. Hopefully you’ll also feel inspired by what’s possible for your business as you continue on your own sustainability journey.
Please remember, no one is perfect and doing everything at once isn't feasible or sustainable. Honestly, it’s frustrating, energy sapping and sometimes lonely being a do-gooder business owner. Even if you have a team. Being at the helm and doing-all-the-things to get things off the ground is exhausting. You need a fresh burst of energy, ideas and perspective to recapture your zest for your business and get all fired up for the next phase of your journey. You need a business bestie to energise and inspire you.