In a recent interview on the “Women in Motion” podcast, Melia Foster shared the inspiring story of Meli Wraps, an innovative and eco-friendly alternative to plastic wrap.
Melia Foster, a mother of two boys, often found herself frustrated with traditional plastic wrap while preparing lunches and snacks. This everyday inconvenience sparked a revolutionary idea. During a trip to Australia in 2015, she and a friend stumbled upon a coffee shop using wax cloth to cover a bowl of fruit. Intrigued by this sustainable solution, Melia thought, “Why don’t we have these in America or Hawaii? These are amazing.”
Turning an Idea into Reality
Upon returning to Hawaii, Melia and her friend decided to create their own version of the wax cloth wraps, but with a twist—fun and colorful prints that would appeal to a broad audience. What started as a side project quickly gained momentum. They initially made the wraps as Christmas gifts, which were met with enthusiasm from friends and family. Encouraged by this positive feedback, they began selling at local farmers’ markets and soon expanded to wholesale.
Expanding the Market
As demand grew, so did the scope of their business. Melia’s business partner moved to Bend, Oregon, which provided an opportunity to expand their market to the mainland United States. They attended Expo West, a significant natural foods expo, which helped them secure deals with major retailers like Whole Foods and PCC markets.
Expo West proved to be beneficial for Meli Wraps. The exposure and connections they made at the event opened doors to larger retail opportunities. Whole Foods, known for its commitment to natural and organic products, was a perfect match for Meli Wraps. This partnership not only increased their visibility but also validated the quality and appeal of their product.
The Manufacturing Process
Creating the perfect beeswax wrap was no small feat. After extensive research, Melia discovered that the Egyptians had invented beeswax wraps centuries ago, using wax as a natural preservative. Through trial and error, Melia and her team developed a recipe combining beeswax, natural tree resin, organic coconut oil, organic jojoba oil, and certified organic cotton. This combination ensured the wraps were sticky enough to be functional but not too firm or soft.
The process involves infusing a bolt of organic cotton material with the melted wax blend, letting it cool, and then cutting and packing the wraps. The balance of ingredients is crucial to achieving the right consistency and performance. The result is a durable, reusable wrap that keeps food fresh while being kind to the planet.
Unique Features and Uses
Meli Wraps are known for their durability, lasting up to two years or 150 washes. They come in various sizes to accommodate different needs, from small pieces for half a lemon to large wraps for a loaf of bread. They even offer a customizable roll that customers can cut to their preferred sizes. The vibrant prints not only make them visually appealing but also serve as a conversation starter about sustainability.
Interestingly, Meli Wraps have found uses beyond just food storage. Melia shared anecdotes of using them as makeshift ice packs at her son’s soccer game and even as a grip to open stubborn jars. Their versatility and eco-friendliness make them a valuable addition to any household.
Challenges and Triumphs
Running a business is never without its challenges, and Melia has faced her fair share. Balancing the demands of being a single mother while growing a business required resilience and determination. The transition from a corporate job to entrepreneurship also came with a steep learning curve. However, Melia’s passion for sustainability and her belief in the product kept her motivated.
Looking Ahead
Meli Wraps continues to grow, with plans to expand their presence in Whole Foods globally. Melia and her team are excited about the future and are always looking for new wholesale opportunities and ways to reach more consumers.
The journey of Meli Wraps is far from over. With new designs and products in the pipeline, the company is poised for further growth. Melia is particularly excited about the potential to introduce more people to the benefits of beeswax wraps and to continue reducing plastic waste. Her vision is to see Meli Wraps become a household name synonymous with sustainable living.
Melia Foster’s journey with Meli Wraps is a testament to the power of innovation, determination, and sustainability. From a simple idea sparked on a trip to Australia to a thriving business making a positive environmental impact, Meli Wraps embodies the spirit of eco-friendly entrepreneurship. For more information or to purchase Meli Wraps, visit their website at meliwraps.com.
Melia’s story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those passionate about making a difference in the world. Her advice to “keep going and ask questions” is a reminder that persistence and a willingness to learn are key to overcoming obstacles and achieving success. To listen to her whole podcast, listen to Women in Motion using this link: https://businessradiox.com/podcast/women-in-motion/meli-wraps/
About Women’s Business Enterprise Council-West (WBEC-West)
WBEC-West is a regional partner of the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC), a coalition of corporations, WBEs, and regionally focused women’s business organizations. As an affiliate organization, WBEC-West implements the certification standards of WBENC throughout Arizona, Colorado, Southern California, Utah, Wyoming, Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. WBENC is the largest certifier of women’s business enterprises in the U.S. and a leading advocate for women business owners, leaders, and entrepreneurs. WBENC certification is nationally recognized and accepted by more than 10,000 major corporations. We also support corporations in their efforts to include WBENC Certified WBEs in their supply chain.
