Meet Andie Sausser | Founder of Circle Supply Co.

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

Hi Andie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I went to college in Hawaii where microplastics/litter from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch washed up on the shoreline of my favorite beach constantly. We would do a beach cleanup and the next day it looked like we were never even there. It was crazy and impossible to ignore! I changed my major and got a job on campus as “Waste Reduction Fellow”. My passion for talking to people about trash/waste streams was lit and I never stopped. Fast forward to post-graduation I asked a mentor of mine if she thought working for a non-profit or starting my own business was more impactful and she encouraged me to start my own business. Circle Supply started as an instagram account to talk about sustainable living and has transformed to a pop-up shop and soon to be refill shop. It’s a wild ride but I know I will not regret following my passion for talking trash 😉

What should our readers know about your business?
Circle Supply Co. is the Central Coast’s first and only women and LGBTQ+ run Zero Waste shop! Circle Supply an eco and ethical pop-up shop now, but working on transitioning to a brick and mortar later this year. We share products and tips to help you reduce single use plastic use at home. We offer an array of ethically sourced home essentials that make living plastic-free easy and esthetically pleasing. Circle Supply is in the growth stage now but plan on offering refillable home and body essentials (shampoo, laundry detergent, cleaning supplies etc) and host workshops for those who are aware of the plastic crises and don’t know where to begin on reducing their waste at home.

Being in the “growth stage” is very challenging! Writing business/financial plans, talking to investors, looking for retail spaces, getting all the legal things ironed out feels like an uphill battle. However, our passion is unwavering and fueled by the conversations we have with locals who are so excited to shop at Circle Supply! We got this 🙂

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
For activities:
-driving on the beach at Pismo Dunes its only $5 for a car pass and it is unreal experience to drive on the beach (you can also rent ATVs or quads and romp around the dunes)
-Montaña De Oro nature preserve is a DREAM. Free to drive in and park. You can hike, beach, camp, and walk the tidepools. It is such a gorgeous experience (no dogs allowed though)
-Pismo Monarch Sanctuary: there are THOUSANDS of monarchs mating in the eucalyptus forrest. Its free and sooo amazing to see so many butterflies in one space. (only 1/2 the year they are there)
-Kayak or SUP in Morro Bay. There’s nothing like being out on the calm water not to mention you can hang with otters and seals!
-Off road in Lopez Canyon, if you have a high clearance car, this canyon is so fun to drive through and hike. Plus its an amazing gettaway from the crowds.
-vintage shopping in Arroyo Grande Village. There are 3 antique malls on one street! (E Branch St) Parking is free in the town and there are super cute shops, bakeries, and restaurants to mingle around in.

Eating:
Pismo Beach: Ember, Giuseppe’s Italian
SLO: Granada hotel, SLO hotel, Flour House, Mint and Craft, Highwater
Arroyo Grande: Tasty Thai, Mason Bar, Mule Bakery, Cafe Andrini

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would definitely have to shout out my sister, Brie, who started Circle Supply with me and has been a major source of inspiration and support. My partner, mom, and cousin have also worked above and beyond in helping me get to where we are today. Additionally, my mentor in college, Nicole (Director of Zero Waste Oahu), she pushed me to speak out, challenge myself, and she saw potential in me that I didn’t realize was there. She is a powerhouse of a women and inspires me so much. Lastly, the EARTH. My ultimate muse and source motivation. I am very much dedicated to making a positive impact in the time I have here.

Website: www.circlesupply.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/circle_supply/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/circlesupplyco/

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@circle_supply?lang=en

Image Credits
@houseofhoneyphotography