We recently connected with Emily Russo and have shared our conversation below.

Emily, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name No Trace Essentials came out of the core idea behind the product: I wanted something that would leave no trace—on the Earth, on our bodies, or on our clothes. The phrase “leave no trace” is often used in outdoor ethics, and it really resonated with me as a guiding principle. I wanted the name to reflect the simplicity and integrity of what I’m making—something essential, but not wasteful.

I also deliberately avoided words like “eco,” “green,” or “sustainable” in the name. While those are important ideas, they’ve become a little overused and can feel more like marketing buzzwords than real commitments. I wanted something more grounded—something that speaks for itself and invites people to rethink the everyday products they rely on.

Emily, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Emily Russo, and I’ve spent the last ten years working in the film and television industry in Cincinnati, Ohio—mostly in the camera department as a camera assistant. Like a lot of people in film, my path hasn’t been a straight one. I started out in locations, then moved into the production office, then transportation, before finding my home in camera. That range of experience gave me a real appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking and how much creative problem-solving happens behind the scenes.

One of the most meaningful projects I worked on was Dark Waters, a film based on the true story of Cincinnati lawyer Rob Bilott’s case against chemical giant DuPont. While working as a production office secretary, I learned about the devastating effects of forever chemicals and how deeply they’ve infiltrated not just the environment, but our everyday lives. That experience was a major shift for me—it made me rethink everything from what I buy to what I put on my skin and clothes. It also sparked a personal deep dive into toxic-free living and low-waste alternatives.

That curiosity eventually turned into No Trace Essentials, a small-batch household goods business I’m currently in the process of launching, with plans to release my first product, No Trace Laundry Powder, in the very near future. No Trace Laundry Powder is a non-toxic, biodegradable powder made with mineral-based alkaline ingredients that break down oils and dirt, soften water, and leave no harmful chemicals or buildup on your clothes. It comes in home-compostable pouches and includes a reusable, compostable scoop. I started making the powder for myself at first, as a way to cut down on plastic and avoid synthetic fragrances and chemical residue. When friends and family started asking for it, I realized there was a broader need for simple, transparent, effective products that don’t compromise health or the planet.

Even though No Trace may seem like a shift from filmmaking, it actually feels like a continuation of the same creative thread: making something from scratch, telling a story, solving problems with limited resources, and trying to do work that feels meaningful. I think a lot of creative entrepreneurs can relate to that feeling of needing multiple outlets to express different parts of who they are. For me, starting No Trace is a way to channel my values into something tangible when the film work slows down.

At the same time, I haven’t stepped away from filmmaking. I’m still working on set, and I’m also writing my own screenplay—a narrative project set in Cincinnati that explores memory, loss, and how we stay connected to place. It’s deeply connected to my hometown and Midwestern childhood, which have shaped me in so many ways. I want to see Cincinnati grow as a creative and sustainable hub—so I’ll keep finding ways to push for more long-term film opportunities here, all while offering products that help people reduce harm in their daily lives.

At the core of all my work is a belief in intentionality. Whether it’s how we tell stories, what we surround ourselves with, or how we care for our environment—small, thoughtful choices matter. And if I can help people make one of those choices a little easier, that feels like a success to me.

To follow along or be the first to know when No Trace launches, I share updates on Instagram at @notraceessentials or on my website, www.notraceessentials.com.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

One of the biggest pivots I’ve experienced came during the 2023 film industry strikes. Like many people in production, I suddenly found myself without work and without a clear sense of when—or even if—things would return to normal. I’d spent nearly a decade building my career in the camera department, working steadily on projects in and around Cincinnati, and the sudden halt forced me to confront just how unstable the industry could be.

During that pause, I realized I needed to start exploring other options outside of film—not because I was ready to leave it behind, but because I wanted to build something that could coexist with my creative work and align with my values. Around that time, I began working with a business consultant, Myra Spence, who helped me start thinking more seriously about what I could create that was both meaningful and sustainable.

That’s where the idea for No Trace Essentials began to take shape. It started with something simple: a homemade laundry powder I’d been making for myself as part of my low-waste, non-toxic lifestyle. The downtime gave me space to research ingredients and packaging, test formulas, and build out business model and branding. While I haven’t launched No Trace yet, I’m very close and plan to bring it to life in the near future.

That pivot—from full-time crew work to also investing in something of my own—helped me reframe what stability and creative fulfillment can look like. It reminded me that even when one path is paused, there’s always room to grow in new directions.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

My biggest resource by far has been my business consultant, Myra Spence. As someone working in a creative field, I’ve always had plenty of ideas—but my background is in filmmaking, not business. I know how to direct or produce a short film or music video, but when it came to starting something like No Trace Essentials, I felt completely out of my element.

Working with Myra has been indispensable. She pushed me to go beyond the idea phase and actually build a solid foundation. That meant doing the homework—literally. She gave me assignments that helped me develop a clearer understanding of what I was trying to create. She challenged my assumptions, asked tough questions, and made me back up my instincts with research and hard facts.

But what’s been equally valuable is the way she’s supported me emotionally through the ups and downs of building something from scratch. Whether you’re launching a business or making a film, doing creative work on your own can bring up a lot of self-doubt. Myra has been the voice of reason and encouragement when I needed it most—someone who validates the hard moments while also helping me move forward.

Her guidance hasn’t just made me a more thoughtful entrepreneur—it’s made me more confident in every part of my creative life. I’d recommend anyone trying to start a business for the first time work with a consultant – specifically Myra! Here’s her website for anyone looking – www.myraspence.com

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.notraceessentials.com
• Instagram: notraceessentials
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyellicott/
• Other: Personal/ Creative Site: www.emilyellicott.com

  IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm8414941/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits

All of the photos and graphics were made and designed by me – Emily Russo.