Who are you and what do you do?
My name is Will Hibbert. I’m the cofounder and Managing Director of interiors company Forest to Home. We specialise in furniture, accessories and custom-designed projects with a real focus on sustainability. I started off in business at 21 whilst at University, buying products from around the world and selling them online. Through Forest to Home I have been able to combine this passion with a love for the natural world.
How have you found your start-up journey so far?
I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been hard at times, we are completely self funded and started the business whilst working 50 hour weeks in our day jobs. To see this effort now paying off as the business continues to grow is amazing.
What do you listen to whilst you work?
I don’t usually listen to music whilst I work but I listen to a lot of podcasts in-between – ‘How I built this’ being my favourite.
What drives you to get up in the morning?
Creating a business that gives back more than it takes. Our Forest Preservation Project sees us strive to set a benchmark for sustainable material sourcing. Amongst other things we aim to plant 100 trees for every tree we purchase.
What three things can’t you live without?
iPhone, Macbook and I’d have to say the Ocean as I get away to Scuba dive as often as I can.
What’s your best time-saving trick?
Outsource where possible and utilise the expertise of others.
What have you learnt that you’d like others to know?
Testing is invaluable. A book called ‘The lean start up’ by Eric Ries is a great read for anyone just starting out.
Where do you see yourself and your business in 12 months?
Our products in stores all over the country and beginning to explore the huge demand for British design and manufacture overseas.
The best advice you’ve ever received?
Put a value on your time and utilise the expertise of others.
Fill in the blank. I’d like to see ___ answer these same questions!
Anthony Pike.
Check out Forest to Home at foresttohome.com
