Meet Candy Androliakos, a trailblazing entrepreneur and social innovator revolutionizing the sanitary products industry. Driven by her passion for sustainability, Candy discovered the potential of pineapple leaf fibre in creating a range of reusable, eco-friendly, and hypoallergenic products, including adult incontinence diapers, reusable diapers for infants, sanitary towels, and bed and seat covers. As the founder of Leafline Sanitary Wear, Candy empowers women with disabilities, promotes economic growth, and reduces waste. With Leafline’s recent milestone of manufacturing its own fibre, Candy is poised to transform the industry. Let’s dive into her inspiring eco-journey and explore what motivates her to continue making a positive impact.
Eco-friendly habits: What’s your signature eco-friendly habit, and how has it
impacted your daily life?
For me, recycling and creative repurposing are essential eco-friendly
habits. By making a conscious effort to recycle, I’ve significantly reduced
the amount of waste and rubbish in my daily life.
One innovative approach I’ve adopted is milling pineapple leaves to
extract the fibre, which we use in our products. But what’s equally
important is that we don’t let any part of the leaf go to waste – the green
parts are donated to local cattle farmers, reducing waste and supporting
the local community. This closed-loop approach has not only reduced my
environmental footprint but also fostered a sense of connection with the
community and the environment.
Sustainable food choices: If we came over for dinner, what eco-friendly meal
would you serve us?
Roast vegetables, topped with grilled haloumi and seeds, green salad with
paw-paw and feta.
Gardening tips: What’s your top gardening tip for reducing waste and
promoting sustainability?
Composting is my top tip for reducing waste and promoting sustainability
in gardening. By collecting vegetable scraps and peels in a designated
drum, you can create a nutrient-rich natural fertilizer that enhances soil
health. Even with our naturally fertile soil in this area, I’ve found that
composting adds an extra layer of depth and vitality to the soil, making it
an indispensable part of my gardening routine.
Eco-friendly travel: Do you make sustainable choices while traveling? Share
your favourite eco-friendly travel tips.
I refuse any plastic straws and packaging. I always travel with my own
shopping bags.
Sustainable fashion and beauty: Do you opt for sustainable clothing and
beauty products? What are your favourite eco-friendly shops or brands?
Sustainability is at the forefront of my approach to fashion and beauty. I
prioritise natural fibre clothing, not only for its eco-friendly properties but
also for its durability. I believe in extending the life of my clothing, so I
never discard items that can be repaired. Instead, our factory team repairs
and repurposes them, often donating gently used items to those in need.
Even when clothing reaches the end of its life cycle, I find new uses for it,
such as repurposing old clothes as cleaning cloths.
When it comes to beauty products, I’m passionate about supporting
cruelty-free and animal-friendly brands. I believe that beauty and
compassion go hand-in-hand. Locally, I’m a big fan of Anne Fella’s
products, which not only embody these values but also celebrate the
beauty of natural, locally sourced ingredients. By supporting eco-friendly
and socially responsible brands, I hope to promote a more sustainable
approach to fashion and beauty.
Environmental education: What’s the most important environmental lesson
for kids today?
- Less waste
- Do not litter
- Recycle
- Stay away from plastic if possible. Find reusable items (like sanitary
- towels)
- Respect the earth and animals
Finding joy and peace: What brings you joy, and how do you find peace in a
busy world?
For me, finding joy and peace is essential to maintaining balance in a busy
world. I’ve discovered that it’s often the simple things in life that bring me
the most joy. Taking a walk with my dogs, whether it’s along the beach or
through the forest, is a surefire way to clear my mind and lift my spirits.
I’m also deeply committed to my spiritual practice, which includes prayer
and meditation. These rituals help me cultivate a sense of inner peace and
connection to something greater than myself. Music is another source of
joy and comfort for me.
In a world that’s increasingly fast-paced and demanding, I believe it’s
essential to prioritise activities that nourish our minds, bodies, and spirits.
By making time for these simple pleasures, I’m able to find peace and joy,
even on the busiest of days.
CONTACT DETAILS
Candy: 073 165 5632
candy@leafline.co.za
