We recently connected with Paula Loos and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Paula thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea fort your business?
“I was born in a small town in the Netherlands, a place with just 1200 people. Since childhood, I’ve had a burnineg desire to meet people, embark on adventures, explore the world and work with people and create the best environments. It’s no surprise that I eventually found my calling as a Production Designer in Film. I made my way from that little village to Amsterdam and, ultimately, to Los Angeles, where I became immersed in the film industry. and create environments for the charters in the commercials and movies I designed. I had the privilege of working on the Oscar-nominated film “The Passenger,” directed by Morten Tyldum, and got a nomination myself for the movie “Pleasure,” directed by Ninja Thyberg.
The idea behind this project, Toiless Paper, originated in 2018 as a mission to transform the world’s perspective on toilet paper and reduce its environmental impact. This mission was born when I moved from the Netherlands to Los Angeles and began working in the film industry. I couldn’t help but notice the wider toilet paper rolls in the United States compared to Europe, sparking my curiosity.
My journey of discovery began in 2016, and it soon became clear that toilet paper had a rich history, from its origins of leaves and sea sponges to the communal toilets of the past. I was fascinated by how the width of toilet paper had been influenced by the size of a male hand.
However, what truly shocked me was the environmental toll of this everyday product. It made me question whether we should reconsider its use for the sake of our planet. With this realization, my mission took shape, and Toiless Paper was born.
Toiless Paper aims to change the way we think about toilet paper and reduce its environmental impact. It’s a journey that I’m deeply passionate about, and I believe it has the potential to make a positive difference for both our lives and the planet.
Paula , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
While working in the film industry in Los Angeles, I couldn’t help but notice the stark differences in toilet paper between Europe and the United States. This intriguing subject continued to occupy my thoughts during my film projects. In 2018, I initiated a mission to transform the way we think about toilet paper and reduce its environmental impact.
I started by developing a website and conducting mindfulness demonstrations at a music festival. It was a success, although, after a certain point, the festival-goers’ enthusiasm waned as they indulged in libations. Undeterred, we persevered. The real breakthrough happened during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collaborated with a local toilet paper company in Los Angeles to bring 3″ toilet paper to the market and educate people about mindful toilet paper usage. We even designed packaging made from eco-friendly materials.
While we faced challenges, including an investor who couldn’t fully commit, and manufacturing hurdles, I temporarily shelved the project to focus on my film career. However, a personal loss made me reevaluate my priorities and realize that I was avoiding pursuing my true passion due to self-imposed limitations.
To bridge the knowledge gap, I sought mentorship from Chris Kitrz, who generously sponsored my attendance at the Conference for Global Transformation. This event shifted my mindset and inspired me to invest in further education. I enrolled in Tony Robbins’ Business Mastery training.
Now, with a newfound understanding of business and a renewed sense of purpose, I’ve resurrected the Toiless Paper project. We’ve ordered our first container of product, albeit from China due to size constraints with other manufacturers. After this product showcase, I believe factories will adapt to our specifications.
We’ve also patented our idea to encourage collaboration rather than competition. Our goal is to transform the habits of 6 billion people and address the staggering issue of more than 83 million rolls of toilet paper being flushed down the drain daily. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the environment, and we’re excited about the journey ahead.”
Has your business ever had a near-death moment? Would you mind sharing the story?
One of our supporters at Toiless Paper is Mariska, who had her 4-year-old son with her during our business meetings. One day, he proudly approached us, exclaiming, ‘I did it, Mommy! I used just one sheet!’ His mother, equally proud, reached out to hug him, but he took a step back, revealing his hand, still adorned with an unexpected souvenir. We burst into laughter. His commitment to conserving resources for the environment, even in his own way, was heartwarming. It taught us a valuable lesson about the importance of preserving our planet for the future and the creatures that call it home, from the birds and butterflies to the mysterious and undiscovered species deep in the woods.”
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
During my 2-year management and leadership training program with Landmark Education, I, along with a group of dedicated individuals, formed a group we call the ‘Rich Nerds.’ It’s not solely about money, although it does play a role. It’s primarily about self-development and what it means to lead a rich life. We convened weekly on Zoom to share how we’re doing, what’s working for us, and if we’re progressing toward our goals. For instance, I share my mission to transform the mindset of 6 billion people regarding toilet paper and change their actions for a better future.
Additionally, we read a book every quarter, with each member reading a chapter weekly and sharing our insights. Everyone can glean something meaningful from these books. We’ve delved into titles like “Rich Dad Poor Dad,” “Money: Master the Game,” “A Happy Pocket Full of Money,” and “The 10X Rule.” We also analyze shows like “Shark Tank” and “Undercover Billionaire” to understand the actions that lead people to success.
I’ve learned a lot from these books, but a key lesson is that success is a journey. I have a saying that aligns with this: follow the inner voice and acquire knowledge to succeed. Do ten times more, give more, and take more actions; understand the game you’re in and the one you’re not.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.toilesspaper.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toiless_paper/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toilesspaper/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/68739234/admin/feed/posts/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/345554038
Image Credits
Packaging design: Kim Kamperman, De Ontwerpschuur All people gave permission to be in the picture and you find them as well on our instagram page. We would like to thank them all for their support. The person who took the pictures gets the credit.