We were lucky to catch up with Lael Barry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Lael, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?
Life as an entrepreneur is constantly busy and full of new challenges. In the midst of growing two businesses, I’ve learned that self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. It’s easy to lose yourself in the hustle, but I’ve made it a non-negotiable priority to care for my well-being.
I’ve found balance through the practice of yoga and meditation. These practices have become my daily anchors, helping me maintain mental clarity, reduce stress, and stay centered in the whirlwind of life. Both are essential parts of my routine that enable me to sustain my energy and stay aligned with my purpose.
By prioritizing my mental and physical well-being, I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my ability to make clear, focused decisions. The practices have helped me become more resilient in the face of challenges, allowing me to approach problems with a calm, solution-oriented mindset rather than reacting out of stress.
This balance has also enhanced my creativity and strategic thinking, especially when managing both Ecolux Goods and my salon business. I’ve learned that stepping away for self-care doesn’t mean losing time; it means gaining perspective. I’m able to show up more present, engaged, and effective in every aspect of my work. It has truly become a foundation for sustainable success.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
It all started in early 2019, right after Governor Jerry Brown signed California’s Assembly Bill 1884, which banned the use of plastic straws. I was sitting in a high-end restaurant in San Diego, enjoying a beautiful cocktail, only to find myself sipping from a soggy, disintegrating paper straw. I thought, this can’t be it—there has to be a better solution.
That moment sparked an idea. I began brainstorming sustainable alternatives that people would actually want to carry around and use—something practical yet elegant. It needed to be durable, capable of staying in a bag without collecting germs, and still align with the luxury experience I wanted to offer. My mind went back to my school days, recalling that gold and silver are naturally anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and hypoallergenic. These materials were perfect, especially considering that over 17% of women globally (myself included) are allergic to certain metals.
Having launched a few ventures before, I knew I wanted this business to be more than just a product—it had to have purpose and impact. I wanted to weave sustainability and philanthropy into the very foundation of the company. That’s how Ecolux Goods came to life in the summer of 2022. I connected with a jeweler who had global manufacturing relationships, and together we began research and development.
One of the most important aspects for me was ensuring that our manufacturing partner, Grandeur Jewelry of Jaipur, India, shared the same ethical values. EcoLux straws are made with 70% recycled silver, and a portion of our profits goes towards feeding, housing, and educating the miners and their families. We also have reserved 10% of our profits to contribute to ocean conservation efforts and support survivors of abuse by funding business education to further their ventures.
The heart of Ecolux is about offering a luxurious, sustainable product that also makes a positive impact in the world. That’s what drives me, and it’s what makes this endeavor so worthwhile.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, the three qualities that had the greatest impact were adaptability, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. These qualities not only shaped how I approached business challenges but also allowed me to pivot and grow during times of uncertainty, like the COVID-19 pandemic. Each one has been essential in building both Ecolux Goods and my salon business.
Adaptability was critical when I had to pivot to house calls for the salon during the pandemic, and later when I transitioned into design and manufacturing with Ecolux Goods. Being flexible and open to change helped me find new opportunities where others saw obstacles. For those early in their journey, I would advise embracing uncertainty and staying open to learning new things. Business will rarely follow a straight path, so the ability to pivot with confidence is key.
Resilience is another skill that has been invaluable. There are always setbacks, whether it’s logistical hurdles, unexpected challenges, or even personal doubts. What kept me moving forward was the understanding that setbacks are temporary, and growth often comes from how you handle those moments. My advice is to cultivate resilience by practicing patience and persistence, and by surrounding yourself with a supportive network that can help you stay grounded.
Lastly, having a sense of purpose has been the driving force behind both of my businesses. For me, Ecolux Goods isn’t just about creating luxury products; it’s about sustainability, philanthropy, and making an impact. When you have a clear sense of why you’re doing what you’re doing, it becomes much easier to navigate the ups and downs. For anyone starting their journey, I would encourage them to define their “why” early on. Purpose not only fuels passion but also guides decision-making in a way that aligns with your values.
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
Absolutely! At Ecolux Goods, we’re always looking for exciting partnerships and collaborations with individuals and brands who share our passion for sustainability, ethical production, and luxury with a purpose. We’re particularly interested in working with designers, artisans, and businesses committed to eco-friendly materials and ethical sourcing, as well as those who support philanthropic causes. Whether you’re in the fashion, home goods, or lifestyle space, if you’re aligned with our values, we’d love to connect.
We’re also eager to explore collaborations with event organizers, luxury hotels, and restaurants for high-end corporate and event gifting. Our 22k gold-dipped silver straws and other sustainable luxury products make the perfect statement in curated gift bags for VIP guests or as a sophisticated touch in eco-conscious hospitality settings. If you’re planning an event, looking to elevate your hotel’s sustainability practices, or interested in offering luxury items that align with environmental responsibility, we’re excited to partner with you.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in, let’s connect! Reach out to us via our website or directly through our social media or email. We’re always open to discussing how we can collaborate to bring beautiful, sustainable luxury to more people and places.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ecoluxgoods.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoluxgoods
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/lael-barry
Image Credits
Oso Digital
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