In the competitive world of business and entrepreneurship, a growing number of individuals are combining their passion for sustainability and plant-based living to create innovative and impactful ventures. Shaleen Ratansi, the founder and CEO of Aiya ayiA, is one such visionary entrepreneur. In our latest episode of the Plant Based On Fire podcast, Bryan had the privilege of interviewing Shaleen and delving into her inspiring journey in the world of ethical and sustainable vegan luxury leather goods.
A Visionary for Positive Change
Shaleen Ratansi is not only a trailblazing entrepreneur but also a seasoned designer with over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry. Her journey towards creating Aiya ayiA, a brand that specializes in ethical and sustainable vegan leather goods, is a testament to her commitment to doing no harm to the planet, people, and animals.
The Birth of Aiya ayiA
Shaleen's decision to start Aiya ayiA in 2020 was driven by a desire to make a difference in the world of fashion. She wanted to create a collection that not only exuded luxury but also prioritized sustainability and ethical practices. In her words, she wanted her business to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.
Luxury Meets Sustainability
Aiya ayiA's unique approach involves using regenerative plant leather, a proprietary material made from leftover plants from the food industry. This innovative material not only resembles traditional leather but also helps mitigate environmental issues by repurposing plant waste. Shaleen's commitment to sustainability goes beyond materials; it extends to every aspect of her business, from shipping mailers to labels, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Championing Social Causes
Shaleen understands that true change involves more than just sustainable materials; it also requires a commitment to social responsibility. For every Aiya ayiA product sold, a mangrove tree is planted, and 1% of the proceeds go towards supporting initiatives that rescue girls and women from abuse and poverty. These initiatives include providing education and life skills to women, preventing child marriages, and combatting human trafficking.
Redefining Luxury and Sustainability
Aiya ayiA's products have been met with enthusiasm from consumers who appreciate the brand's commitment to sustainability and ethics. Shaleen emphasizes the importance of experiencing the products in person to truly appreciate their texture and quality. Aiya ayiA's regenerative plant leather not only offers a sustainable alternative to traditional leather but also boasts unique textures that evolve over time.
The Road Ahead for Aiya ayiA
As Aiya ayiA continues to grow, Shaleen envisions expanding their range of quality products across different industries. The focus remains on offering consumers a wider selection of sustainable choices that align with their values. Collaborations with other like-minded companies are also on the horizon, ensuring that together, we can create a more sustainable future.
Supporting Aiya ayiA's Mission
Shaleen encourages individuals to support Aiya ayiA through both purchases and social engagement. While buying Aiya ayiA products is a direct way to contribute to their mission, following and interacting with the brand on social media is equally valuable. Aiya ayiA welcomes questions, suggestions, and feedback, fostering a sense of community around ethical and sustainable living.
Shaleen Ratansi's journey with Aiya ayiA exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship to drive positive change in the world. Her dedication to ethical practices, sustainability, and social responsibility sets an inspiring example for fellow entrepreneurs and consumers alike. As we look to the future, Aiya ayiA's commitment to innovation and collaboration promises a world where luxury and sustainability go hand in hand, all thanks to Shaleen Ratansi's vision and determination.
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>Podcast episode's transcription:
"Please understand that a transcription service provided the transcript below. It undoubtedly contains errors that invariably take place in voice transcriptions."
Bryan (00:01.142)
Hello everybody and welcome to Plant Based on Fire, where we talk about plant-based businesses and their inspiring stories to thrive in the industry. I'm your host Brian, and joining us today is Shalin Ratanze, founder and CEO of Aya Aya, an ethical and sustainable vegan luxury leather goods company consciously built to do no harm to the planet, people and animals. Welcome, Shalin.
Shaleen (00:30.465)
Thank you so much. Nice to be here. You got it right the first time. It was really close. You're good, you're good.
Bryan (00:31.15)
Did I say that right? I know we just talked about that. Did I say it right?
Bryan (00:39.99)
So tell us one more time, because it's a unique, you have a unique name and your company has a unique name. How do you say it so we can find it on the internet?
Shaleen (00:47.569)
Yeah, so my name is pronounced Sha-lin, and the company is Aya-aya, which means caregiver or caretaker.
Bryan (00:55.83)
That is awesome. And I just love the name of the company and like everybody else we've had on the podcast so far has sort of been in like the service business or really in the food industries and stuff. So like, you're the first like outside of those two realms. Um, so what inspired you to start this vegan luxury leather goods company?
Shaleen (01:16.493)
Yeah, great question. So I'm a designer by trade. I've been in the fashion industry my entire career, so 20 plus years. And I always wanted my own collection. And so in 2020, when I was done with corporate life, I was thinking it's time for me to start my own business. And so I wanted it to be part of the solution. I didn't want to be part of the problem. And I didn't want it to have a partial solution. So I started digging in, researching what was out there, and I thought there has to be a better way to do what we do. And there was a huge gap in vegan luxury and sustainable luxury. And so as I started to dive deep in the research, I found there was amazing people doing wonderful things with plant waste, food waste, that we can just repurpose into beautiful new products.
Bryan (01:51.95)
Mm-hmm.
Shaleen (02:10.597)
And so from then I had decided that, okay, everything we make has to be made from a byproduct of waste because it helps on so many other levels. And so building Aya Aya, I was conscious about putting that thought and effort in at every step. So whether it's helping the planet, helping other humans live a better life or animals, it's all built in throughout the business, not just at the end.
Bryan (02:39.778)
That is awesome. I applaud your efforts and we need more of you out there. Um, you know, and we were talking just a minute before the show about even upcycling and different things like that. So what are the biggest challenges you faced in creating this sustainable vegan luxury product company?
Shaleen (02:42.281)
No, thank you.
Shaleen (03:00.337)
Yeah, I think the hardest thing is not having any plastic in any part of the business. That is literally the hardest thing I found. Or having even sometimes toxic chemicals, because a lot of these things are intertwined and they kind of go hand in hand. Petroleum has been a little bit easier, but still, you might find it in some of the small things like glue or...
you know, your thread, things that you don't necessarily think about when you think of materials. And so even when I had done the product and gone through that whole design thing, and I even got plant-based shipping mailers, and I went to ship my first order, and I thought, oh, no. My shipping label, right? The way you put the people's information and the barcode for the courier to be able to deliver this product. And I thought, oh, gosh.
Thankfully, I was able to find one that was also compostable because another part of our initiative is to make it easier for the end user, right? They don't they shouldn't have to think about okay, what parts are compostable? What parts have to go in recycling? I wanted it to be easy so they don't have to separate the two So now both the shipping label the composting mailer both can go into the compost bin at home And so but you come up with these things as you design and as you sort of go through the process
And it's not more difficult, it's just a way to change the way we think in design. And so it's mostly a mind shift than anything. And so at first, like anything, it's a little bit challenging because we're rewiring our brain. But then as you do it, it almost becomes second nature and it becomes easier as we do it.
Bryan (04:42.446)
Absolutely. Yeah. And I have a follow-up question on that in the sense of like, I help mentor and guide so many businesses and it's like, you're not going to get everything perfect while you're trying to make some money and prove this is a viable business. So like, what was the, you didn't solve all those challenges on day one, right? Like you use, you use the wrong label for the first one or two orders, I'm sure. But like, how do you,
What was the timeframe for you and then how did you just chip away at things as you uncovered?
Shaleen (05:16.149)
Yeah, it was, most of it was upfront and I went through sort of a trial and error process. And so the first couple of orders were thankfully family and friends. So I was able to ship it a little later than I would have liked not so I could find that the right label, thankfully. But to your point, there are things. So for example, I think you emailed me about our conditioning wax, because I hadn't updated our website and it said beeswax.
And the first, the first reiteration of it did have beeswax because I hadn't found another alternative. But now I have, I've made a proprietary wax that is consuming of plant wax, plant oils, and essential oils. And so it's sort of that thing where you have to do the best you can with the capacity you have, the knowledge and the materials available, right?
And the beeswax was sort of... Beeswax is hard because it depends on where you are on the vegan scale, right? Some people think it's okay, and other people are like, absolutely not. It's an animal byproduct. And it wasn't a best solution at the time, but I thought, okay, let's see how it goes and see how it works with the material. And the other thing that was important to me was having things made as local as possible.
Bryan (06:35.434)
was having things made as local as possible.
Shaleen (06:38.077)
So all our products are made locally here in Montreal. The conditioning wax is also made locally in Quebec. A lot of our other suppliers come from other places in Canada. And so I didn't wanna outsource it overseas for a lot of reasons. And so together with my supplier who does the beeswax, we were able to find a way to switch that out, but there was a lot of trial and error. And so, you know
Bryan (06:38.606)
So all our products are made locally here in Montreal. The conditioning wax is also made locally in Quebec. A lot of our other suppliers come from other places in Canada. And so I didn't wanna outsource it overseas for a lot of reasons. And so together with my supplier who does the beeswax, we were able to find a way to switch that out, but there was a lot of trial and error. And so creating a new business is very nerve wracking to begin with.
Shaleen (07:04.621)
creating a new business is very nerve-racking to begin with. And I'm quite a perfectionist. And so sometimes you just have to go ahead and pull the trigger, as they say, and launch it. Otherwise, you're there just keep fixing and perfecting. And a lot of the things only you notice as being so deep in the forest that you're like, oh, that's not exactly how I want it. But most people wouldn't even know better because they're like, oh, it's so great and I love it. And they just need to get to know the product.
Bryan (07:09.22)
I'm quite a perfectionist. And so sometimes you just have to go ahead and hold the trigger, as they say, and launch it. Otherwise you're there just keep fixing it, you know, perfecting. And a lot of the things only you notice as being so deep in the forest, that you're like, oh, that's not exactly how I want it. But most people won't even know that or because they're like, oh, it's so great and I love it. And you just need to get to know the product. And so that was something that was hard for me
Shaleen (07:33.489)
And so that was something that was hard for me because I like to have everything perfect, but like you say, you just have to sort of go with it and learn as you go and do the best you can. That's what I say because it can be a huge endeavor, but we all can just do the best we can. And as we learn and educate ourselves, we'll make those better choices.
Bryan (07:38.5)
everything perfect but you know like you say you just have to sort of go with it and learn as you go and do the best you can that's what I say because it can be a huge endeavor but we all can just do the best we can. That's right. And as we learn and educate ourselves we'll make those better choices. Absolutely yeah I well said I mean it really is just waking up every day and trying to say like how are we going to make myself better how are we going to make the world better and my business better so you just keep chipping away at it and.
And I don't know if anybody ever gets to the perfection level, but you definitely make it better every single day. But the world's going to keep changing around us. So the thing that I saw and I want you to tell me more about is that regenerative plant leather you use and how is it made? And like that just sounds phenomenal and awesome and like everything should be made with it. So talk to us.
Shaleen (08:16.774)
Exactly.
Shaleen (08:30.893)
Yes, I agree. So the plant material is a proprietary material that we actually have to purchase outside of Canada because it's a proprietary material. It's made from leftover plants from the food industry. So these are items from the plant that would normally be discarded or burned off to clear the land. So there's banana, sisal, hemp fiber and coconut water. And one thing I learned in this process that I had no idea about was
Bryan (08:33.878)
So, the plant material is a proprietary material that we actually have to purchase outside of Canada because it's the proprietary material. It's made from less.
from the food industry. So these are items from the plant that would normally be discarded or burned off to clear the lab. So there's bananas, the silt hemp fiber, and coconut water. And one thing I learned in this process that I had no idea about was coconut water gets dumped into the soil and it's actually quite toxic because of the pH level. And so this way, for them to repurpose it, it saves the soil, but not only that, the company that purchased the material from is Circular,
Shaleen (08:59.361)
coconut water gets dumped into the soil, and it's actually quite toxic because of the pH level. And so this way, for them to repurpose it, it saves the soil. But not only that, the company we purchased the material from is Circular, and they provide farmers with supplemental income. And this is so important because a lot of farmers, especially in certain countries, have to leave their homes and travel thousands of miles away from their families just to put food on the table. And I think that's an absurd.
Bryan (09:15.672)
with supplemental income. And this is so important because a lot of farmers, especially in certain countries, have to leave their homes and travel thousands of miles away from their families just to put food on the table. And I think that's an absurd notion. Anyone would have to do that. And so they provide them with supplemental income so they don't have to leave their towns and villages or their families. And the other thing about that is because of climate change, it's exacerbating that for farmers, right?
Shaleen (09:28.657)
notion that anyone would have to do that. And so they provide them with supplemental income so they don't have to leave their towns and villages or their families. And the other thing about that is because of climate change, it's exacerbating that for farmers, right? Their crops aren't as high yielding and so then they have to go even further. So there's a lot of these measures when we choose our partners that I was talking about earlier. We select them for various reasons.
Bryan (09:45.432)
yielding and so then they have to go even further. So there's a lot of these measures when we choose our partners that I was talking about earlier, we select them for various reasons. Absolutely yeah, I mean don't get me started on the quinoa market that we're goofing up as vegans. I love my quinoa but um I yeah I mean so I applaud you in finding these people and helping them build that sustainable
Shaleen (10:02.727)
Well, a lot of things.
Bryan (10:14.742)
love the circular aspects of it too. So well done. I commend you on that. I, I got, how has it resonated in the market? How are consumers responding to your products, especially in this luxury space where I still feel like, you know, you know, I, I run the real many plants website and it's, you know, the masculinity is tied to the meat, but like, I still feel like leather is tied to luxury. And so we have to change, we have to change the narrative here.
Shaleen (10:19.297)
Thank you.
Bryan (10:41.602)
the other fabrics or the plant-based leather alternatives are just as luxurious, if not better. So tell us how is it going?
Shaleen (10:51.457)
People are actually very well receptive to the material and the products. They're actually quite mind blown because, one, most people haven't thought of an alternative like this and when they read it, it doesn't really resonate with us, right? Because we can read something but until we touch it and feel it, it's a whole other ballgame. And so when we're in person and people, I highly encourage people, everyone's like, oh, I don't want to touch your beautiful display. I said, no, please. We highly encourage you touch and feel the material.
Bryan (10:54.478)
to the material and the products. They're actually quite mind blown because one, most people haven't thought of an alternative like this. And when they read it, it doesn't really resonate with us, right? Because we can read something, but until we touch it and feel it, it's a whole other ball game. So when we're in person and people, I highly encourage people, everyone's like, oh, I don't wanna touch the beautiful display. I said, no, please. We highly encourage touch and feel the material because it's...
Shaleen (11:20.941)
because it's so different from leather, especially when it's in its new state. It's got a lot of texture. It's a little bit uneven. So it's funny, we were talking about perfection because perfection doesn't exist. And with Aya Aya, we talk about imperfection is perfection. And so the material, because it's a natural material, dyed with flowers and tree bark, it has natural imperfections with color range.
Bryan (11:22.242)
So different from leather, especially when it's in its new state. It's got a lot of texture. It's a little bit uneven. So it's funny we were talking about perfection because perfection doesn't exist. Right. With...
imperfection is perfection. And so the material is it the natural material, dyed to flowers and tree bark, it has natural imperfection with color range, with texture range, all these things. And so when you touch it and you play with it, you understand how it feels. And then the more you use it and condition it, kind of like leather, it becomes more flexible, softer, and it actually smooths out. And so, but you still get the, you know how leather crackles and everyone loves how it ages? Yeah.
Shaleen (11:49.581)
with texture range, all these things. And so when you touch it and you play with it, you understand how it feels. And then the more you use it and condition it, kind of like leather, it becomes more flexible, softer, and it actually smooths out. And so, but you still get the, you know how leather crackles and everyone loves how it ages? Because of the way the texture is, even though it smooths out, it still has that look of texture. So it's kind of the best of both worlds, and you don't have to wait for it to age a million years.
Bryan (12:09.366)
because of the way the texture is, even though it's smoothed out, it still has that look of texture. Very cool. Kind of the best of both worlds and you don't have to wait for it to age a million years or an animal or use 400 toxic chemicals. Yes. On and on and on we could go. Yeah, absolutely. That's awesome. They're like, they love it because they never thought leather could look so good or do this good. And I truly believe people want to do better.
Shaleen (12:19.245)
or kill an animal or use 400 toxic chemicals to produce it, you know, and on and on and on we could go. So people are really shocked. They're like, they love it because they never thought plant leather could look so good or do this good. And I truly believe people want to do better. They just don't know how and are too busy to figure it out. And so that's where, again, our mission comes in to help it be easier for everybody and do the legwork.
Bryan (12:39.15)
They just don't know how and are too busy to figure it out. And so that's where again, our mission comes in to help you be easier for everybody and do the legwork. Yeah. And, and not only you get this awesome, amazing looking, luxurious product in your house, but you have some initiatives that are helping to give back with every purchase, right? Tell me about supporting women and the mangrove trees. Explore, explore that with me. Yeah. So with every product sold.
Shaleen (13:06.633)
Yeah, so with every product sold, we plant a mangrove tree and donate 1% to rescue girls and women from abuse and poverty. Now most people haven't heard of mangrove trees, but they are fascinating. We have a blog that I've written on our website if anyone's interested, but they sequester one of the highest carbon counts than any other tree. They lock it into their roots, which are aerial roots.
Bryan (13:11.158)
and donate 1% to rescue girls and women from abuse and poverty. Now most people haven't heard of mangrove trees, but they are fascinating. We have a blog that I've written on our website if anyone's interested, but they sequester one of the highest carbon counts that any other tree. They lock it into their roots, which are aerial roots. Even the way they plant, the seedlings float, and then they float to the...
Shaleen (13:32.885)
Even the way they plant, the seedlings float and then they float to a spot where they're needed and then they grow roots and then they plant because they help save the beaches and the erosion from the land and then it provides also shelter and food and economy to the local communities. It's such a fascinating tree. So I highly recommend people look up mangroves and that's why we've decided to plant mangrove trees to do the maximum impact as well.
Bryan (13:38.13)
a spot where they're needed and then they grow roots and then they plant because they help save the beaches and erosion from the land and then it provides also shelter and food and economy to the local communities. It's such a fascinating tree. So I highly recommend people look up mangroves and that's why we've decided to plant mangrove trees to do the maximum impact as well.
Shaleen (14:01.981)
And then the 1% to rescue girls and women from abuse and poverty. We've outlined three initiatives or three organizations that we donate to. One of them is called Sambali Trust in India that provides women with education and how to sew and life skills. And as they graduate, they get a sewing machine. But they also help their kids go to school and put them through school. So their kids aren't.
Bryan (14:05.486)
from abuse and poverty, we've outlined three initiatives or three organizations that we donate to. One of them is called Simbali Trust in India that provides women with education and how to sew and life skills. And as they graduate, they get a sewing machine, but they also help their kids go to school and put them through school. So their kids aren't.
Shaleen (14:28.725)
part of the cycle that they're born into. The other one is called Childs Not Brides, which is a little bit self-explanatory, because we don't want children to be married off at 10, 12 years old, and a lot of that ties back into education, and there's a real correlation. So if you're ever on the Child Not Brides websites, they talk a lot about that. And so we're very much about empowering and educating girls to avoid this.
Bryan (14:29.058)
part of the cycle that they're born into. The other one is called Childs Not Brides, which is a little bit self-explanatory, because we don't want children to be married off at 10, 12 years old, and a lot of that ties back into education, and there's a real correlation. So if you're ever on the Child Not Brides website, they talk a lot about that. And so we're very much about empowering and educating girls to avoid this.
um thing of child marriage, but also give them opportunity to find their own future. And lastly, Park Kenya, which is an organization to end human trafficking. I love it. Yeah. I mean, I'm a big fan of the international justice mission. I've been probably giving to them for years now. And so it's just, it's still mind boggling to me to see in 2023 that we aren't planting more trees and we aren't really
Shaleen (14:58.794)
thing of child marriage but also give them opportunity to decide their own future. And lastly, Hart Kenya, which is an organization to end human trafficking.
Bryan (15:25.79)
reaching the equality states that we all strive for and talk about day to day, especially here in the United States that we aren't. So yeah, I, that's just phenomenal. And I feel like more and more plant-based businesses are figuring out how to unlock that as part of their value proposition. And I just want to be able to look around at my house and say, look, there's 17 trees, there's 47 gallons of water. I helped clean. And there's so many people I help impact by the way I spend the money coming out of my wallet.
And I put it towards good use for amazing things that I want. So, uh, yeah, just amazing stuff, uh, that you're doing on that front. So thank you. Well, we can't do it without the support of our clients, right? We do the, we do the hard work. We figure it out, but without anyone supporting us or buying from us, we can't do these initiatives. Yep. Really? Thank you to everybody who supports and purchases.
Shaleen (16:05.689)
Well, we can't do it without the support of our clients, right? Because we do the hard work, we figure it out, but without anyone supporting us or buying from us, we can't do these initiatives. So really, thank you to everybody who supports and purchases from us.
Bryan (16:23.094)
That is awesome. What trends are you sort of seeing in the sustainability and vegan luxury goods market? What's on deck for 2024 as we head into the new year?
Shaleen (16:34.757)
Yeah, so we just launched our home collection with a sustainable interior designer. So we are definitely going to be expanding that range in 2024. And there will be a small mini collection of handbags, a new set of handbags and accessories coming out in 2024. So.
Bryan (16:41.014)
So we are definitely going to be expanding that range in 2024. And there will be a small mini collection of handbags and accessories coming out in 2024. So very cool. Look out for those. They're going to be very different. Nothing you see on the market. So we like to keep everyone on their toes in every way we can. That's right. Awesome.
Shaleen (16:57.602)
Look out for those. They're going to be very different. Nothing you've seen on the market. So we like to keep everyone on their toes in every way we can.
Bryan (17:08.87)
We're looking forward to that. And like we touched on a few good interesting tidbits already, but I'll ask you the question very directly and sort of see what advice would you give to fellow entrepreneurs looking to start this sustainable or plant based business? Great question. Be patient with yourself and be kind to yourself. Know your goals, what you want to achieve and
Shaleen (17:26.645)
Yeah, great question. Be patient with yourself and be kind to yourself. Know your goals, what you want to achieve and what your values are. Know that you don't have to compromise your values for your business and stay true to those and it will be good to you, especially in the long run.
Bryan (17:38.446)
what your values are. Know that you don't have to compromise your values for your business. And stay true to those. And it will be good to you, especially in the long run. Absolutely. That is some great advice. Thank you for that. What has been the most rewarding part of your journey with Aya Aya?
Shaleen (18:00.801)
Wow, that's a great question. I think for me is a lot of alignment with myself and just everything that didn't seem to fit and didn't make sense. So once Aya was built and it made sense to me, everything sort of clicked in my life. And I've met so many amazing people on this journey and I continue to.
Bryan (18:01.87)
That's a great question. I think for me is a lot of alignment with myself and just everything that didn't seem to fit and didn't make sense. So once Aya was built and it made sense to me, everything sort of clicked in my life. And I've met so many amazing people on this journey and I continue to.
Shaleen (18:27.361)
And I also meet a lot of people, especially the younger generation, where they have this misalignment, they have this inner struggle, because they're very conscious about the environment and animals, but they still eat meat, and they don't know how to reconcile that. And I've been there, I understand that. And so, you know, having those conversations and helping them understand or open that door for them to get them to the other side has been really, really rewarding.
Bryan (18:27.822)
and i also need a lot of people especially the younger generation where they have this misalignment there's struggle is it very conscious about the environment but they still eat meat and they don't have to reconcile that yeah and i've been there i understand that and so you know having those conversations and helping them understand or open that door for them to get them to the other side has been really rewarding
Yeah, yeah, I can't recommend that enough. That's starting being bold and putting the conversation out there. I feel like we tend to hide in the corner and don't want to impose on the chef. I'm sick of pasta. And I don't want pasta today. Yeah. So anyway, don't get me started on that. We could spend a whole another half hour on that topic. So, yeah, that is awesome. And and thank you for for.
Shaleen (19:09.317)
Yes! How about just some vegetables? Yes, it's built in the name!
Shaleen (19:20.073)
Yeah.
Bryan (19:24.13)
being a voice out there for others to see the path towards where they should head. What do you sort of see as the vision for the future with Aya Aya? What's the next five to 10 years look like?
Shaleen (19:36.777)
Oh, great question. A lot more quality product in different industries. So, you know, we can have a better selection of products to choose from, both in our homes and everyday lives, that we can utilize to make this positive impact. And a lot of collaborations with other companies doing this great work. So...
Bryan (19:38.894)
question.
Bryan (19:43.406)
quality products in different industries. So, you know, we can have a better selection of products to choose from, both in our homes and everyday lives that we can utilize to make this positive impact. And a lot of collaborations with other companies doing this great work. So, you know, we don't have to overproduce, but just have a good selection for people to be able to choose from. Yeah.
Shaleen (20:02.773)
You know, we don't have to overproduce, but just have a good selection for people to be able to choose from. Yeah.
Bryan (20:12.098)
Yeah, that's great. So what can we do as this plant based on fire community here to support you? Yeah, so I mean, obviously, purchase from Aya Aya. And we know it's not always for everybody. We do also recommend supporting on social. It's a very easy thing. It doesn't cost anything. Follow us, interact with us. Tell us what you want to see or what you want to hear. We're always open to
Shaleen (20:20.105)
Yeah, so I mean, obviously, purchase from Aya Aya, and we know it's not always for everybody. We do also recommend supporting on social. It's a very easy thing. It doesn't cost anything. Follow us. Interact with us. Tell us what you want to see or what you want to hear. We're always open to having questions thrown at us or suggestions. We love to hear the feedback. And with the home collection,
Bryan (20:42.718)
We love to hear the feedback. And with the home collection, I think I mentioned offline, that we do custom orders. So, you know, if you don't see something online, send us an email and we're happy to talk about the custom piece for you and you can go from there. But yeah. That is awesome. I will definitely be checking out the website myself as I have a few ideas in mind for my house.
Shaleen (20:48.625)
I think I mentioned offline that we do custom orders. So, you know, if you don't see something online, send us an email and we're happy to talk about a custom piece for you and we can go from there. But yeah.
Bryan (21:10.382)
Aya is a palindrome, right? Now I want to make sure everybody knows how to find your website. So tell us exactly how to spell it. Because it is a forward backwards word. That's really cool. But I want to make sure everybody spells it right. Yeah. So it's A-I-Y-A-A-Y-I-A.com. Very cool. So Aya Palindrome. Just remember Aya Palindrome. Look it up.
Shaleen (21:15.245)
Thanks for watching!
Shaleen (21:23.865)
Yes, so it's A-I-Y-A-A-Y-I-A dot com.
Bryan (21:37.21)
And I'm sure Google will find that one. It's such a unique name. If you, whichever way you spell I, I will probably find the website, but AI YA, a Y I a correct. Perfect. That is awesome. So are there any other ways that we can get in touch with you? What social media platforms are you on?
Shaleen (21:48.669)
Yes, perfect.
Shaleen (21:55.573)
Yeah, we're on Instagram. That's the best one to reach out to us or through our website. We'll be launching a couple others probably for 2024, but those are the two we highly recommend. Or even through Google, you can reach us.
Bryan (21:58.414)
to reach out to us. Mm-hmm.
relaunching.
Bryan (22:08.398)
even through Google, you can wait to ask. Perfect. Well, thank you so much, Shaolin, for being here. We really appreciate you spending a few minutes to talk to us about your business. That is all the time we have for this episode of Plant Based on Fire. Again, a big shout out to Aya for joining us and sharing their insights and thoughts and experiences with our community. Until next time, everybody, keep those fires burning.
Shaleen (22:17.781)
Thank you so much, Brian.