Empowering Green Minds & Innovative Futures.
On June 20, 2024, Hello Lendy had the honour of participating in the first-ever Self Events Co x Sunshine Coast Young Chamber event at the picturesque Pier 33 in Mooloolaba. It was an evening dedicated to spotlighting local founders and entrepreneurs who are driving meaningful change through their visionary businesses. The theme, Empowering Green Minds & Innovative Futures, truly captured the essence of the conversations shared on stage.
A Panel of Purpose-Driven Innovators
The night’s panel featured an inspiring lineup of entrepreneurs, each leading the charge in creating socially and environmentally impactful ventures. Our own co-founder, Kalena Stano, spoke passionately about Hello Lendy’s mission to revolutionise the way we think about ownership and sustainability. By fostering a culture of resourcefulness and environmental responsibility, Lendy is helping communities embrace the power of lending and borrowing, reducing overconsumption and promoting a more circular economy.
Kalena was joined by some truly incredible changemakers:
- Steph Gabriel, founder of OceanZen, who shared her journey of creating eco-friendly swimwear from recycled plastic bottles and abandoned fishing nets.
- Dean Jackson, founder of SCF Australia, who redefined the sport of fishing with his ‘new aged’ way of thinking.
- Renee Chagoury, founder of Thrifter, who is leading a movement towards sustainable consumerism by promoting pre-loved and upcycled goods.
A Community of Like-Minded Change-Makers
The event wasn’t just about listening—it was about connecting. Attendees had the chance to network and exchange ideas over drinks and nibbles after the panel discussion. The energy in the room was palpable, as entrepreneurs and industry professionals came together to embrace the “think global, act local” philosophy. The conversations continued long after the formalities ended, with everyone buzzing about the power of small, purposeful steps toward a sustainable future.
A Personal Reflection from Our CEO
Reflecting on the event, Kalena shared, “Speaking about sustainability, something I am so passionate about, was one of the best experiences. There is something so inspiring about connecting with other entrepreneurs who are doing things bigger than themselves. Profit-for-purpose business is the way of the future—I truly believe that.”
She continued, “I am so excited to watch this conversation turn into action amongst our community and beyond. I could feel the shifts last night—let’s make change happen, one small step at a time.”
Looking Ahead
The event was a powerful reminder of the collective impact we can make when we come together to drive positive change. We’re grateful to Sunshine Coast Young Chamber and Self Events Co for creating this platform and are excited to continue pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation at Hello Lendy.
Stay tuned as we build on the momentum from this inspiring evening and take meaningful steps toward a greener, more resourceful future. 🌱