Loan Tran: Co-founder and Head of Marketing of Preloved Coffee Oy Ltd.
My Journey to Entrepreneurship: From Passion to Reality with SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo
Becoming an entrepreneur wasn’t something I envisioned growing up. My career journey was traditional, working in corporate life as a marketing manager for 18 years. However, during my studies, I realized the profound impact innovative solutions can have on society. This, combined with a passion for sustainability, set me on the path to creating my own business.
Our startup journey began at the Boost Startup Marathon on March 2022, where I joined a team of five individuals from different countries and fields. We were united by a commitment to protecting the environment and saw an opportunity to repurpose the vast amount of waste generated by used coffee grounds into something meaningful. This idea sparked the creation of our startup, Preloved Coffee Oy, which focuses on turning used coffee grounds into valuable, sustainable products.
At Preloved Coffee, we’ve developed a model that transforms spent coffee grounds into biomaterials for industries like cosmetics, construction, and packaging. This approach not only reduces waste but also lowers carbon footprints by replacing traditional materials with eco-friendly alternatives.
The excitement of creating something meaningful kept us motivated, despite the challenges. Entrepreneurship gave me the freedom to pursue a vision I’m passionate about—developing products that serve the community and contribute to a more sustainable world.
As we established our startup, we recognized the importance of continuous learning and support. That’s when I discovered SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo, a program offering practical guidance to help new entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of starting a business. SPOT provided trainings and meetings that were both educational and inspiring.
One aspect I valued most about SPOT was the opportunity to acquire new skills quickly. The experts they brought in were knowledgeable and invested in our success. Through SPOT, I learned to take professional product photos, essential for our promotional materials. Sessions on customer acquisition, sales strategies, and social media training were equally valuable, helping us attract customers and amplify our brand online.
Another significant benefit of SPOT was the networking opportunities. Connecting with other entrepreneurs, sharing ideas, and discussing common challenges was invaluable. This sense of community made the entrepreneurial journey less daunting and more collaborative.
As SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo ended in July, I reflected on the immense value it brought to my entrepreneurial journey. Such trainings and community meetings should continue, not just for new entrepreneurs but also for those already running businesses. The business world constantly evolves, and staying updated on new tools and strategies is crucial for success.
Looking ahead, I hope Vantaa will continue to promote circular economy practices and support sustainable businesses, becoming a role model for other cities. To achieve our sustainability goals, we all need to act now—government, businesses, and residents alike. We must reduce consumption, minimize waste, and shift towards recycled products and eco-friendly sources. At Preloved Coffee, we hope more people will choose sustainable products made from recycled ingredients like ours. Together, we can create a more sustainable future for everyone.
In conclusion, my journey to entrepreneurship has been both challenging and rewarding. The support I received from SPOT Yrittäjyysvalmentamo was crucial in turning my business idea into reality. The skills I acquired, networks I built, and confidence I gained through SPOT’s programs have been instrumental in my success. As I continue to grow my business, I’m grateful for the foundation SPOT helped me build and hope future entrepreneurs will have access to similar opportunities. With the right support, I believe Vantaa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can thrive and produce innovative businesses that positively impact society and the environment.
Loan Tran, Co-founder and Head of Marketing of Preloved Coffee Oy Ltd.
Contact: +358458415679, Email: info@prelovedcoffee.com
Company website and channels:
- http://www.prelovedcoffee.com/
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/prelovedcoffee/
- https://www.instagram.com/prelovedcoffee/
- https://www.facebook.com/prelovedcoffee
- https://twitter.com/prelovedcoffee