Lauren & John are co-founders of Mari & Clay. Mari & Clay create 100% sustainable eyewear crafted out of plant-based materials.
Responses by Co-Founder, John Chen.
Tell us about Mari & Clay.
Mari & Clay is a modern sustainable eyewear brand based in Melbourne, Australia. It was founded by me and my business partner, Lauren in April 2020. We got to know each other when we were both studying Optometry at the University of Melbourne. Back in July 2019, we recognized that there was a lack of fashionable, sustainable eyewear in Australia. With the increasing amount of waste from the optical industry, we want to do something different. This is why Mari & Clay exists, to provide that conscious alternative when people choose their eyewear!
What inspired you to start Mari & Clay?
The first time I thought about sustainability was during my scuba diving trip in Cairns. The underwater world I saw was so different from my previous trip to the same place five years prior. I was devasted to see the level of coral bleaching and the depletion of the fish population, and I started to think, “Will our next generation ever get to enjoy the natural wonders we are enjoying now?” The conversation on climate awareness also started to gain its momentum at around the same time, then came Greta Thunberg – it really struck me how a school-aged activist could have such a vision and courage to speak up! This made me realize that everyone is capable of making that conscious choice. I was really inspired and wanted to do something, and with a similar vision, Lauren and I started Mari & Clay.
Tell us about your career and background.
I am originally from Taiwan and I graduated from Optometry in 2012. My first job as an optometrist was in Albany, WA. The coastal town is still one of the most beautiful places I have ever been to. I was also very fortunate to visit many interesting places during my time in WA, like the Super Pit in Kalgoorlie, Lucky Bay in Esperance and Greens Pool in Denmark. In 2015, I drove back to Melbourne through the Nullarbor to marry the love of my life. Life has been wonderful since!
Describe a typical workday for you (if there is such a thing).
There is no such thing as a typical workday when you have a little one at home. I have been working 5 days a week since the end of the lockdown, and on my days off, I balance my time between my business and looking after the baby/
Has COVID-19 affected your business? How are you navigating that?
Our original launch date was postponed due to COVID, but being an online retailer means that we are more agile to navigate around some of the economic impacts and market jitters, compared to physicals stores.
What advice do you have for those wanting to start a business?
Be clear with what the brand is all about and having a well-thought WHY will set your brand direction clear. Don’t get discouraged, failures are often important lessons for success in the future! We also like to think about what are the possible and impossible scenarios – think outside of the box!
What’s next for you, and Mari & Clay?
We are constantly looking for ways to improve our products and service. Our current projects focus on the different sustainable materials for our eyewear, and new styles according to the latest fashion trend. 2021 will definitely be an exciting year for Mari & Clay.
