Carlton Solle
Founder & CEO (G95, Inc. )
What inspired the conception of your business idea, and what factors influenced you to choose this particular type of business?
In 2015, during a trip to China, my husband fell ill, facing respiratory issues likely attributed to a plane journey or the air pollution in Shanghai. The doctor advised him to wear a conventional mask for protection, prompting my husband to express dissatisfaction with their appearance.
Upon hearing this, I couldn’t shake the notion that there had to be a more stylish and effective solution. Reflecting on my childhood in the Costa Rican countryside, where I used to create scarves for my dolls from fabric scraps, I had an epiphany. What if, instead of masks, we could integrate filters into regular clothing? Why not have a fashionable accessory that not only enhances an outfit but also provides protection?
Excitedly sharing this idea with my husband, we delved into research on filtration materials and promptly began crafting our prototype.
As initial phase of your business journey, what challenges did you face, and how were they successfully navigated?
Initiated in 2016, our journey faced a unique challenge – at that time, only Asian countries were employing particulate filtration for protection against air pollution. Over the subsequent four years, we dedicated ourselves to educating people in the U.S. about the significance of our gear. However, we encountered resistance as many failed to grasp the necessity or support our cause.
A pivotal obstacle was the need for a durable and washable filtration material suitable for apparel, unlike the single-use filters common at the time. Despite skepticism from filtration manufacturers, we remained resolute in our vision. After an extensive search, we identified a highly specialized manufacturing group willing to collaborate. Together, we successfully developed our groundbreaking G95 filtration material, overcoming the hurdles that once seemed insurmountable.
Please provide insights into your aspirations and principles.
We aim to establish ourselves as the eco-friendly alternative to N95. The “G” in G95 signifies “Green,” reflecting our overarching vision to set a new sustainable standard for particulate filtration material.
What sets your company apart from others in the industry?
In 2015, inspired by our firsthand experience of dealing with air pollution, we conceived an idea. The concept was to integrate particulate filtration into clothing. By 2016, we had created our initial Bioscarf prototype and submitted our first patent, encompassing the innovative approach of embedding washable and reusable filtration material into fabric. This groundbreaking design forms the basis for all G95 products.
How do you define success, and how much time did it take for you to achieve it?
Success involves pursuing one’s passion and developing sustainable products that empower individuals to make a positive impact.
If you could offer a single piece of advice to emerging professionals at the outset of their careers, what would it be?
If you have a belief and passion for an idea, thoroughly test and challenge it. Only proceed when it withstands rigorous examination. Often, even with a worthwhile concept, the majority won’t comprehend it until it materializes. Hence, take the initiative to bring it to life. Begin with a minimal version, sufficient for people to see and for initial sales. Ideally, undertake this journey independently, financing it with your own resources. Once you’ve established a tangible presence and achieved sales, the primary obstacle will be securing additional funding for expansion. This autonomy in reaching a self-sufficient stage is a pivotal milestone to aim for.
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