The Resilient Entrepreneur Show |Ep 18| ft. Elaine Birks-Mitchell

Описание: Episode 18 | The Resilient Entrepreneur Show
Guest: Elaine Birks-Mitchell, Founder of Bra Recyclers

In this powerful episode, host Kate Lewis interviews Elaine Birks-Mitchell, founder of Bra Recyclers, a social enterprise dedicated to reducing landfill waste while supporting underserved women and girls. Since 2008, Elaine has partnered with more than 140 organizations to provide bras and underwear to women in shelters, survivors of domestic violence, and girls in need.

Elaine shares her entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Bra Recyclers, and the profound impact the organization has had on communities worldwide. She also opens up about the challenges of running a mission-driven business, how COVID-19 forced her to rethink operations, and the creative ways she continues to serve partners and shelters.

💡 Topics covered in this episode:

The founding of Bra Recyclers and its community impact

How sustainable recycling supports women’s self-sufficiency

The role of technology and automation in nonprofit growth

Feedback loops and partner relationships as drivers for improvement

Lessons learned from COVID-19 pivots and operational challenges

The importance of community among women business owners

Future plans for expansion and continued impact

🔥 Key takeaways:

“It’s okay to tell my story.”

“It costs money to do good.”

“We had to pivot.”

📌 Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction to Elaine and Bra Recyclers
02:59 – The Impact of Bra Recyclers on Communities
06:00 – The Role of Technology in Business
08:55 – Celebrating Achievements and Overcoming Challenges
11:57 – Adapting to Change: Lessons from COVID-19
15:06 – Future Plans and Growth Strategies

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