Joanna Power, a Product Design Engineering alumna, has made a significant impact with an innovative approach to sustainable living.
During her time at Brunel, she developed a groundbreaking laundry solution that uses less water by recycling shower water. Her journey from a reserved student to a trailblazer in eco-friendly technology highlights her impressive growth and commitment to creating a more sustainable future.
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Tell us about your company - what does it specialise in and what makes it unique?
Lylo promotes water efficiency by offering products that find new and innovative ways to reuse water. We have designed a product which helps students wash their laundry using less water than a normal washing machine. Water is collected in the removable water tank, which can be placed on the shower floor like a mat. Once you have finished showering, you can reattach the tank to the base. The machine filters the water and uses it to wash your clothes.
What ignited your passion to start your own business? Was there a defining moment or event?
During my placement year, Hubbub posted a water problem contest that I entered the idea into - it ended up winning the innovation category. From there we entered the developing idea for the Mayor of London Entrepreneur contest and reached the finals. So we applied the idea to Red Bull Basement and won for the UK and went on to win the global finals. This run of wins really helped give us the confidence to start a business and apply for the Central Research Centre.
What achievements are you most proud of since starting your business?
One of the highlights was flying to Austria to give a TEDx talk as part of an Eco-event.
Also seeing the prototype showcased at the national archives and discovery museums was a proud moment.
I also was incredibly honoured to hang a Purple Plaque Awarded as part of the Women in Innovation award at Brunel to inspire future women innovators.
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In what ways did your time at Brunel prepare you for the challenges of starting and running a business? Were there any particular experiences, courses, or mentors at Brunel that made a significant impact on you?
My course tutor Professor Eujin Pei was great at advising us early on and putting us in contact with the relevant support at Brunel.
The Brunel Entrepreneur Hub was a constant support! They offered workshops to learn the business part as we were both engineers with little knowledge which was critical for our success. They regularly posted contests and coached you through applications. They went above and beyond to support your personal situation. For me, this was additional support to find a part-time job that allowed me to continue Lylo after graduating. This was important as we weren't yet generating income.
Can you describe the early days of your business? What were some of the biggest hurdles you had to overcome?
The biggest hurdle for Lylo was Covid, the idea was generated during lockdown which at first gave us a lot of time but as we started prototyping it became hard to find workshops and facilities that were open.
What was your first big success, and how did it shape the direction of your business? Is there a memorable moment from your journey that stands out to you?
Winning the Globals of Red Bull Basement was our first big success. It really shaped our "story-heavy" and "purpose-driven" branding and business approach.
The most memorable moment for me was carrying in the full-size model we spent the last 4 weeks sweating over for the finals into the London office and seeing our Red Bull coach's face light up.
How has being an entrepreneur influenced your personal and professional growth?
My confidence grew so much. I was rather quiet at university, scared to ask questions, really bad imposter syndrome. While that hasn't flipped overnight the growth has been amazing.
What qualities or skills do you think are essential for someone to be a successful entrepreneur?
Resilience - there will be some highs but with that are some really low lows. You have to learn not to take feedback personally and bounce back.
I also think adaptability is critical - your company will develop and with it your role so you have to continue to adapt and build the necessary new skillsets.
What advice would you give to current students or recent graduates who are thinking about starting their own businesses?
Enter contests! Even if you don't win you get to know the other people in the ecosystem and learn from them. Also, attend Brunel Entrepreneur Hub workshops they are incredibly useful.
What were some of the toughest challenges you faced so far, and how did you overcome them? Can you share a time when you had to be particularly bold or take a significant risk?
Our toughest challenge was right at the start - Getting into the Central Research Labs Hardware Accelerator!
The selection process ran at the same time as our dissertation hand-ins and our courses' final year exhibition (Made in Brunel) which we were both heavily involved in. We both knew this accelerator would be the difference between starting the company and leaving it as an idea so we gave it everything. I had to manage deadlines and work beyond capacity for quite a few months.
We both felt uncomfortable risking what felt like 4 years of work towards our degree grade on a side project but we had to be bold and prioritise the potential idea and career step.
Looking back, is there anything you would do differently in your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish I had spoken more to students from other degrees! It has been so hard for us to learn business, accounting and marketing and the university would have been the ideal time to find like-minded students with the skills we needed.
What are your future plans for your business and career?
We would love to get our innovation into the hands of thousands and get saving water!
How does your business contribute to the community, either locally or globally? Are there any community or philanthropic initiatives that your company is involved in?
We love connecting with passionate students at the start of their careers and offering support and roles to build their CVs.
I personally take part in talks and events around inspiring the younger generation of girls into STEM and Innovation and support up-and-coming innovators through grant applications.
Follow Lylo for more
Website: lyloproducts.co.uk | Instagram: @lyloproducts | LinkedIn: @lyloproducts
Images: Lylo Products, Made In Brunel