Handwashing: since the global pandemic began it’s on our minds constantly and one sustainable soap-maker, EarthKind, is taking a science-led approach to ridding us of germs and making us squeaky clean. We chat with the brand’s founder, Tony Maleedy, about inspiring places, finding mindfulness in the midst of a busy day and why putting the planet first isn’t a passing passion.
What does creativity mean to you? How do you define it? What inspires you to be creative?
“It’s essential to have a highly creative imagination to invent products that don’t yet exist. But as a scientist, it’s also vital to immediately challenge any ideas you do think up. If the product idea is a ‘maybe’, carry on trying. If impossible, don’t waste time trying.”
Where do you live at the moment? What does your city offer to you as a maker? Are there other places in the world that inspire you, why?
“I live in the countryside outside Bath, a very inspiring city. I have only to walk around Bath for a short while to feel inspired. But I imagine like almost all places, it was quite depressing during most of the pandemic to see the streets so empty, but it’s certainly uplifting now to see life returning and the streets bustling. For inspiration, I don’t think you can beat Italian cities like Rome, Venice, or Florence. But for sheer exuberance and excitement, where I feel the adrenaline pumping through my body, there is only one place for me, New York City.”
How did you get into this industry? What was your first job?
“I started off training as a hairdresser, but it soon became apparent I was terrible at that but quite good on the more scientific aspects of the profession such as perming or colouring. My then boss, a great man named Pierre Alexandre, noticed this and suggested I study Trichology, the science of the hair and scalp. This I did under yet another great man, Philip Kingsley. I qualified after three years and worked for Philip in his London and New York clinics for a further five years before opening up my own clinic in Manchester.”
Why is it important for consumers to continue to seek out mindful and inclusive brands? Why is mindful and sustainable manufacturing important?
“Because we only have one planet – we ignore that fact at our peril. It doesn’t matter if it’s as small a thing as throwing rubbish out of a car window or as big as building new coal-fired power stations; we have to change our mindset and start putting our beautiful planet first. And that certainly is true when it comes to manufacturing products of any kind.”
What does yoga mean to you? What are your other favourite ways to move or create movement on your own or with family/friends?
“I can’t claim to be a yoga expert, but stretching is an important part of my daily routine. Sitting in front of my computer screen for several hours stiffens my back, so it’s important to stretch and release the taught muscles, giving me a new lease of life. The other thing I find working in a white, sterile lab several days a week, is the great need to be outside in greenery – either a walk in the countryside with my wife or just a walk to the wooded area at the bottom of our garden. This is a very quiet and peaceful place to sit and enjoy nature.”
What’s your work uniform? What do you wear when you’re not at work?
“At work in the lab, I wear a white coat. Because of the pandemic, I have not worn one of my suits for over 18 months which I miss. Smart casual is now my usual type of clothing.”
What gets you energised and keeps you recharged?
“A good product idea. Is it feasible, can we make it happen!”
Favourite movie, book, app, podcast, game at the moment?
“Favourite Movie: The Shawshank Redemption as I find it so uplifting towards the end. And who can resist the music of Mozart midway through? Books: Ken Follet’s Pillars of the Earth series for a bit of escapism and a lot of history.”
