Last year, we were thrilled to receive a generous donation from Hairstory, a company selling unique, sustainable hair care products in New York. Curious why a New York business would donate to us, we gave their co-founder and CEO, Eli Halliwell, a call. Here’s an excerpt from our conversation.

Watershed Watch:

Tell us a bit about your business. What is Hairstory?

Eli Halliwell:

I co-founded Hairstory with my partner and my wife and we run it as a family business. Hairstory was inspired by the idea of cleaning your hair with products that are better for your hair and for the environment. Instead of detergent, our products use natural fatty-based oils that are good for your hair and scalp and when poured down the drain, don’t wreak havoc on the ecosystem.

Watershed Watch:

So what made you choose Watershed Watch Salmon Society to donate to? Do you have connections to B.C.?

Eli Halliwell:

We certainly love B.C. My wife and her family are Canadian and we have spent some time up in Tofino on Vancouver Island. But we chose Watershed Watch Salmon Society because your organization aligns with our values.  

Sustainability is really at the heart of Hairstory’s business model. We manage our growth sustainably. We try to be self-sustaining as a business. We treat our employees sustainably. And sustainability is important in terms of our product and our packaging. Part of that sustainability model is belonging to 1% for the Planet.

Watershed Watch:

How does 1% for the Planet work?

Eli Halliwell:

Basically, 1% for the Planet businesses commit to giving 1% of gross sales each year to approved nonprofit organizations. We joined 1% for the Planet as soon as we could afford it.

For me, water issues are first and foremost. We asked 1% for the Planet to help us find organizations all over the world who work on water issues. That’s how we found Watershed Watch Salmon Society.

Watershed Watch:

You incorporated a social media contest into your donation. What was the idea there?

Eli Halliwell:

The donation was held as a contest between a select group of water-focused organizations and asked them to get their supporters, and ours, to vote on who should win the largest donation. 

We did this to try to engage our customers in the process of giving more money to an organization, while spreading awareness for organizations we support.

Watershed Watch:

Why is charitable giving a part of your business model?

Eli Halliwell:

I feel like all business is inherently waste-creating, so writing the cheques keeps us grounded. It definitely hurts every time we write that cheque. I always say that if it does not hurt a little bit you are not giving enough. It is a kind of tithing. The pain helps remind you what the right thing to do is.

Watershed Watch:

What inspires you?

Eli Halliwell:

Yvon Chouinard is one of my personal heroes. He is a strong advocate for giving back as a company. To me that seems like an important model.

 

Find out more about Hairstory and about the organizations they support through 1% for the Planet.

 

Does your business strive for sustainability? Do you want to connect with British Columbians who value wild salmon and their habitats? Find out more about partnering with Watershed Watch Salmon Society. For more information, contact Shayla Walker.