Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lael Barry. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Lael , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

It all started in early 2019, right after Governor Jerry Brown signed California’s Assembly Bill 1884, which banned the use of plastic straws. I was sitting in a high-end restaurant in San Diego, enjoying a beautiful cocktail, only to find myself sipping from a soggy, disintegrating paper straw. I thought, this can’t be it—there has to be a better solution.

That moment sparked an idea. I began brainstorming sustainable alternatives to paper and plastic straws that people would actually want to carry around and use—something practical yet elegant. It needed to be durable, capable of staying in a bag without collecting germs, and still align with the luxury experience I wanted to offer. My mind went back to my school days, recalling that gold and silver are naturally anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, and hypoallergenic. These materials were perfect, especially considering that over 17% of women globally (myself included) are allergic to certain metals. The 22k gold dipped straw was born!

Having launched a few ventures before, I knew I wanted this business to be more than just a product—it had to have purpose and impact. I wanted to weave sustainability and philanthropy into the very foundation of the company. That’s how Ecolux Goods came to life in the summer of 2022. I teamed up with a jeweler who had global manufacturing connections, and together we began research and development.

One of the most important aspects for me was ensuring that our manufacturing partner, Grandeur Jewelry of Jaipur, India, shared the same ethical values. Our straws are made with 70% recycled silver, and a portion of our profits goes towards feeding, housing, and educating the miners and their families. We also have reserved 10% of our profits to contribute to ocean conservation efforts and support survivors of abuse by funding business education to further their ventures.

The heart of Ecolux is about offering a luxurious, sustainable product that also makes a positive impact in the world. That’s what drives me, and it’s what makes this endeavor so worthwhile.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My journey into this industry is deeply personal, shaped by a desire to merge luxury with sustainability, rooted in a history of overcoming adversity. Growing up near Yosemite, I was close to nature, but my childhood was overshadowed by trauma. My solace came from the ocean—a place that offered peace and healing. This connection to the natural world eventually inspired me to create a brand that reflects that same sense of healing and preservation.

After over 20 years of being a hairdresser and salon owner… I found myself at a crossroads during the pandemic. It became clear that I wanted to focus on something more impactful, both socially and environmentally. That’s how Ecolux Goods was born. Our mission is to deliver high-end products that are not only beautifully crafted but also contribute to a healthier planet and empower communities.

Our products aren’t just about luxury; they’re about creating lasting change. Whether it’s a personalized gift, a branded keepsake, or an everyday personal item, our straws are a statement of conscious consumerism. I am proud that we offer an intersection of elegance, sustainability, and social responsibility.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Being in the beauty industry, I quickly learned that social media is about more than just showcasing work—it’s about building relationships and trust with a powerful tool. As an early adopter, I focused on being authentic and consistent, sharing not only my services but also my personal journey. This approach helped me grow a global community of beauty professionals.

When I launched Ecolux Goods, I applied the same principles: authentic storytelling, consistency, and community-building. Social media became a key platform for connecting with a purpose-driven audience.

For those just starting, my advice is simple: be authentic, consistent, and engage meaningfully. Provide value through education, inspiration, and real conversations. Growth takes time, but by focusing on community and purpose, you’ll build a loyal following that believes in your mission​​.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey has been one of resilience and adaptability, especially during the uncertain times brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Before launching Ecolux Goods, I owned a thriving salon business. When the pandemic hit, I was faced with a challenge shared by countless other small business owners—the sudden shutdown of in-person services. With bills still due, I had to think quickly and creatively to keep the business afloat.
One of the most effective strategies I implemented was pivoting to house calls. Not only did this allow me to maintain client relationships and keep revenue coming in, but it also ensured I could continue to work safely while adhering to health guidelines. That personal connection, coupled with a focus on hygiene and safety, became a lifeline during those trying times.
As the pandemic continued, I found myself inspired by the need to diversify. The experience of pivoting gave me a new perspective on business resilience, leading me to explore another passion—design and manufacturing. This shift became the foundation of Ecolux Goods. I channeled my creativity into producing sustainable luxury products, leveraging my network and commitment to ethical practices. The pivot wasn’t just a survival tactic; it became an opportunity to build something lasting and meaningful, blending my values of sustainability and philanthropy into a new venture that has grown into a company that creates beautiful, responsibly made products for conscious consumers.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ecoluxgoods.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecoluxgoods
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/lael-barry

Image Credits

Photos by Oso Digital