How mentoring helped sustainable cleaning products business Clevelli Bay to get started
An eco-friendly household cleaning brand, Clevelli Bay, has been launched by a neurodivergent entrepreneur, inspired by Richard Branson’s stories about dyslexia and success, with the help of a £25,000 Start Up Loan from the British Business Bank.
Charlie Sefton’s company is making waves with its luxurious, ocean-inspired products designed to limit single-use plastic and reduce carbon emissions.
Clevelli Bay was inspired by Charlie’s life in Australia and her keen desire to create a sustainable alternative in household cleaning. The company’s mission is to protect the oceans and the planet with innovative cleaning solutions. These products, made and sold in the UK, feature multiuse bottles crafted from 100% Prevented Ocean Plastic, carbon-friendly letterbox refills, and environmentally conscious packaging.
Charlie made the bold decision to leave a stable corporate job to pursue her entrepreneurial dream, with no savings to cushion the transition. She faced numerous rejections from banks due to her business being pre-revenue, making the path to launching a product-based venture with substantial upfront costs appear daunting.
Everything changed when she discovered Start Up Loans during her research. The approval of a £25k loan via Start Up Loans programme partner, Virgin StartUp, was a pivotal moment, sparking both shock and excitement – as well as a prompt call to Dad to share the good news!
But the financial boost was just the beginning. Clevelli Bay was paired with mentor Sophie Taylor, whose guidance proved indispensable. Sophie, with her extensive business experience and network, offered insights and connections that were crucial to overcoming initial hurdles and navigating the complexities of starting a product business.
Charlie said: “Starting a product business with incredibly large upfront costs seemed impossible pre-revenue before I came across Start Up Loans. Not only did the loan provide the capital to get up and running, but my mentor’s support has been second to none. I am overwhelmed by the knowledge, expertise, and network that my mentor Sophie has supported me with. Aside from this, Sophie has also given me the mental confidence to push through the difficult times in setting up a business, particularly as a female founder.”
The combination of Charlie’s approach and the mentorship received through SUL has seen Clevelli Bay achieve several key milestones beyond the successful launch of its eco-friendly products. These include securing an additional £20k low-interest business loan and exploring grant options through Innovate UK.
Charlie went on to say: “Without the support of Start Up Loans I would not be where I am today with Clevelli Bay. They have not only provided the financial capital to get the business up and running, but the mentor support and network. This guidance has been invaluable”.
As Clevelli Bay looks to the future, its success story serves as an inspiration to other aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with the right resources and guidance, even the most ambitious visions can become reality.
The National Post Loan Support offered to business owners who successfully apply for a Start Up Loan is delivered by Newable and UMi. The service offers free mentoring, online support services and resources, as well as webinars.
