Meet Alexey Savin | Founder HAY! Straws

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexey Savin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexey, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
We help communities significantly, even if indirectly, by reducing plastic waste and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle. Starting with something small, like HAY! Straws, can lead to bigger changes. We also support several foundations and organizations, such as Oceanic and Surf Rider Foundation, and sponsor turtle conservation efforts worldwide. By eliminating plastic and educating people, we make a positive impact on the environment and communities.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At HAY! Straws, we’re all about offering a practical and eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastic straws. Our straws are made from natural wheat stems, making them biodegradable and sustainable, while adding a unique touch to any drink. What really sets us apart is our commitment to sustainability and quality, all wrapped up in the simplicity of wheat stems.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made and the partnerships we’ve built. Seeing our straws used at high-profile events and receiving positive feedback from customers has been amazing. It’s great to know our efforts to promote sustainability are really making a difference.

Getting here wasn’t easy. There were plenty of challenges, from raising awareness and educating consumers to ensuring a steady supply of high-quality wheat stems. One of the biggest hurdles was convincing people to switch from the familiar plastic straws to our eco-friendly alternative. To tackle this, we focused on creating engaging content, leveraging social media, and partnering with influencers who share our passion for sustainability.

What I’ve learned along the way is that persistence and dedication are key. Starting a business means taking risks and pushing through obstacles, but staying true to our mission has been crucial. Building strong relationships with suppliers and partners has also been essential for maintaining our quality and consistency.

I want the world to know that HAY! Straws isn’t just a product—it’s part of a movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. We aim to inspire and educate people on the small steps they can take to make a big difference. Our story is one of passion, innovation, and a relentless drive to protect our planet. I’m excited about the future and the potential to expand our product line with even more eco-friendly solutions, furthering our positive impact on the environment and the community.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting, I’d definitely take them to all the foodie places I love. Honestly, I live for food! There’s nothing better than discovering and sharing great spots to eat. For example, Noshi Sushi is a legendary spot in LA that I’d definitely take them to. Another favorite of mine is Neptune’s Net on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), which offers great food with beautiful coastal views.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Yes, Gleb. Super talented music producer who is new to LA but will take it over soon!
@glebsonmusic

Website: https://www.haystraws.com

Instagram: @asavin15