We were lucky to catch up with Noah Sorin recently and have shared our conversation below.
Noah, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose through a deep passion for sustainability and a desire to make a real impact on the world, particularly in the lives of young children. Growing up surrounded by nature, I developed a strong appreciation for the environment early on. I spent much of my childhood exploring the woods in my backyard, building animal shelters, climbing trees, and gardening with my parents. When I moved to college, I realized that most children don’t have the same opportunities that I did to engage with nature in such a meaningful way, and as a result so many people grow up not caring about the impact that they have on the planet.
As I learned more about the challenges of teaching young kids about complex environmental issues, like climate change and ocean conservation, I recognized a gap in resources designed specifically for this age group. This realization drove me to create Idori, a company dedicated to making sustainability education fun and engaging for children. I’ve always been passionate about creative writing, and this seemed like the perfect way to put that skill to use to create a positive impact in my community. The purpose of Idori, reflected in our name, “I dream of real impact,” is to foster sustainable habits in young minds through innovative, interactive, and story-driven resources.
Ultimately, my purpose is driven by the belief that educating the next generation is the key to building a sustainable future for all of us.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
At Idori, we create fun and interactive educational resources designed to help children, especially those aged 3-8, learn about the environment and develop sustainable habits. Our mission is to instill a deep understanding and appreciation for the natural world in young minds, making sustainability a natural part of their lives as they grow up. We do this through a unique blend of storytelling, interactive toys, and hands-on activities that make learning about important topics like deforestation, ocean conservation, and climate change both engaging and accessible for kids.
One of the most exciting aspects of what we do is our focus on creating characters that children can truly connect with. For example, our first product line features characters like Benjy the Treehopper, who teaches about the importance of trees and forests, and Flo the Ocean-Dweller, who helps kids understand ocean conservation. These characters aren’t just in books, they come to life through huggable plush toys and interactive learning roadmaps that guide children on their journey toward understanding and practicing sustainability.
What makes Idori special is our commitment to blending education with play. We believe that learning should be a joyful experience, and that’s why our resources are designed to be both educational and fun. We use an innovative approach rooted in early childhood education principles to ensure that our materials resonate with children and help them form lasting, positive habits.
As for what’s new, we’re currently in a very exciting phase of our journey. We are preparing for the launch of our first product line, which includes a beautifully illustrated three-book series, accompanying plush toys, and a set of hands-on activities that reinforce the lessons from the books. We plan on launching a kickstarter campaign this Fall to raise the funding that we need in order to purchase our first large batch of inventory!
In addition, we are actively collaborating with nature preschools and environmental education organizations to pilot our materials and gather valuable feedback. This helps us refine our products to better serve educators, parents, and of course, the children who will be using them.
Our goal is to reach as many children as possible, and we’re excited about the potential to make a real impact on the next generation’s relationship with the environment. Through creative marketing, partnerships with educational institutions, and direct-to-consumer sales, we aim to build a brand that’s recognized not just for its quality educational content, but also for making a tangible difference in the world.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, three key qualities that have been most impactful in my journey with Idori are gratitude, curiosity, and creativity. These qualities have not only shaped the way I approach challenges but also helped me stay motivated and innovative in pursuing my vision.
1. Gratitude
Impact: Gratitude has been foundational in keeping me grounded and focused on what truly matters. It has allowed me to appreciate the small wins, the support of others, and the opportunities that have come my way, even during tough times. This mindset has helped me build strong relationships and maintain a positive outlook, which is crucial when navigating the ups and downs of starting a business.
Advice: For those early in their journey, I recommend making gratitude a daily practice. Whether it’s through journaling, meditation, or simply taking a moment to reflect, regularly acknowledging what you’re thankful for can keep you motivated and resilient. It also fosters a sense of humility, which is important when working with others and seeking help along the way.
2. Curiosity
Impact: Curiosity has driven much of my success by pushing me to constantly learn, explore new ideas, and ask questions. It’s what led me to delve deeply into sustainability education, understand the needs of children and educators, and continuously innovate our products. Curiosity keeps the journey exciting and opens doors to unexpected opportunities.
Advice: Cultivate your curiosity by embracing a lifelong learning mindset. Don’t be afraid to dive into new areas of knowledge, even if they seem unrelated to your current focus. This could mean reading widely, attending workshops, or simply asking more questions. Curiosity often leads to new insights and can differentiate your work from others in your field.
3. Creativity
Impact: Creativity is at the heart of everything we do at Idori. From developing characters and stories that resonate with children to finding innovative ways to teach complex environmental concepts, creativity has allowed us to stand out and make a meaningful impact. It’s what turns a good idea into something truly special and memorable.
Advice: To nurture your creativity, give yourself the freedom to think outside the box and experiment with different approaches. Don’t be afraid of failure—see it as a part of the creative process. Surround yourself with diverse influences, whether through art, nature, or different cultures, as these can inspire new ideas. And importantly, make time for creative play, even as an adult, because creativity flourishes in a relaxed and open-minded state.
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was a combination of instilling strong values and giving me the freedom to explore, learn, make mistakes, and grow. This balance of guidance and autonomy shaped who I am today and played a crucial role in my journey.
From a young age, my parents emphasized the importance of values such as integrity, empathy, and responsibility. They taught me to care deeply about the world around me, to be kind to others, and to stand up for what I believe in. These values became the foundation of my character and have guided every decision I’ve made, both personally and professionally. They are what drive my commitment to sustainability and my desire to make a positive impact through Idori.
My parents also understood the importance of giving me the space to explore my interests and passions. They encouraged me to be curious and to pursue the things that excited me, even if that meant making mistakes along the way. This freedom allowed me to discover my love for the environment, creative writing, and education, all of which eventually led to the creation of Idori. By not limiting my potential or trying to fit me into a predetermined path, they empowered me to grow into a person who is not afraid to take risks and innovate.
Perhaps one of the greatest gifts my parents gave me was the understanding that mistakes are a natural and valuable part of life. They never punished me for failing but instead encouraged me to learn from my experiences and keep moving forward. This taught me resilience and the importance of perseverance, qualities that are essential in any entrepreneurial journey. It’s through these mistakes and the lessons they bring that true growth happens.
Together, these actions created a strong foundation that allowed me to navigate the challenges of life with confidence and purpose. They shaped my worldview, my approach to problem-solving, and my desire to contribute something meaningful to the world. Most importantly, they helped me develop into a person who values continuous learning and growth.
For those raising or mentoring others, consider how you can combine guidance with freedom. Instill strong values that will serve as a moral compass, but also give the space to explore and learn independently. Encourage curiosity, support resilience, and see mistakes not as failures but as opportunities for growth. This approach can empower others to reach their full potential and create a lasting impact in whatever path they choose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://idori.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idorians/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theidorians
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noahsorin/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Idorians
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.