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Welcome to the Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! Today’s guest is Andy De Silva, a Sri Lankan-born entrepreneur and co-founder of Hotel Emporium Inc. With a strong background in hospitality and international trade, Andy's journey started in Colombo and led him to the U.S., where he served as a Guest Services Manager at Crowne Plaza and Wyndham Hotels. He later founded Hotel Emporium, providing innovative, eco-friendly, and elegant amenities to over 20,000 hotels and resorts worldwide. With over 20 years in supply chain management and sustainable packaging, Andy is dedicated to transforming the hospitality industry and enhancing guest experiences.

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it often carries hidden costs beyond just our plane tickets. With single-use plastics prevalent in hotels worldwide, Hotel Emporium is stepping up to offer more eco-conscious alternatives. Join Andy and me as we explore how Hotel Emporium is transforming the hotel industry with innovative, sustainable products. Let’s dive in!

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:16 - Andy’s journey from working for his dad, to moving to the United States and starting a business in his garage.
• 2.50 - From starting as a mattress company, to the 2008 market crash; how Hotel Emporium got where it is today.  
• 8.25 - Behind Hotel Emporium’s eco-conscious shift and trying to reduce plastic through innovation like powdered shampoo and conditioner.
• 17.20- Thoughts on collective responsibility in protecting the environment and the importance of doing research.
• 19.30- Current challenges in financing and production, and advice for people looking to innovate.

It’s always encouraging to hear about businesses making eco-conscious decisions. I hope this episode has inspired you with stories of positive change in the business world. If you enjoyed the conversation, please like, share it with your friends, and let me know your thoughts!

Episode Specific Links:
Andy’s LinkedIn: Andy De Silva | LinkedIn
Hotel Emporium: Hotel Emporium

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram