THERAPY LAB
FLAMES OF CHANGE: A TRAILBLAZING JOURNEY IN SUSTAINABILITY
The journey of Therapy Lab began when four friends - Nur Athirah, Nur Aneira, Nur Iman, and Nur Rihadatul Aisy, all from Malaysia, shared a deep concern for environmental issues caused by the improper disposal of used cooking oil. Despite pursuing different academic majors, including Business Administration, Marketing, Early Childhood Education, and Elementary Education, they were united by their shared passion for sustainability and the environment.
The initial spark for Therapy Lab's creation came when they decided to participate in the Ecobiz Challenge Season 4, 2022 competition. It was a turning point that allowed them to take their vision of a sustainable and environmentally friendly business from concept to reality.
Over time, their vision evolved beyond simple waste reduction. It became a mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and communities while promoting sustainability. Therapy Lab's primary objective is to address the pressing challenge of waste reduction and environmental pollution caused by improper disposal of used cooking oil. Their innovative solution was to collect this waste oil and repurpose it into scented candles.
These candles provided a sustainable way to reuse the oil and created a unique and eco-friendly product. Their work was closely aligned with responsible consumption and production principles, as highlighted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 12. Their hard work and dedication bore fruit when Therapy Lab secured a remarkable 3rd place in the Ecobiz Challenge Season 4.
This achievement propelled them to establish Therapy Lab as a registered social business formally. They rolled up their sleeves with passion and determination, began producing candles, engaging with the community, and growing their online presence to raise awareness about waste reduction and environmental protection.
To measure their social impact, Therapy Lab meticulously tracked the quantity of used cooking oil collected and transformed into candles, revenue generated from sales, social media engagement metrics, and customer feedback. These metrics served as their compass, guiding their strategies and enabling them to assess their progress and the effectiveness of their environmental and social objectives.
Community engagement is at the heart of their approach. They sought to empower students and individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in their initiatives. They hired part-time students for marketing roles and considered individuals from lower-income backgrounds for production positions. This approach enhanced their social impact and fostered diversity and inclusivity within their project. Collaborations with local restaurants, food vendors, and waste management organisations played a pivotal role in amplifying the effect of Therapy Lab. These partnerships ensured a steady supply of used cooking oil, allowing them to fulfil their mission effectively.
Transparency and responsible resource management were non-negotiable for Therapy Lab. They strongly emphasised ethical sourcing and reliable production processes to meet social and environmental goals while maintaining clarity and ethical standards. Therapy Lab's aspirations were grand. They aimed to expand their business operations, increase their social and environmental footprint, and become a recognised sustainable product brand. They envisioned partnerships with giant corporations, government entities, and international organisations to drive their cause forward on a broader scale.
As founders of Therapy Lab, their journey underscored the power of innovative solutions, community engagement, and sustainable practices in addressing complex environmental challenges while empowering individuals and fostering economic and social well-being. The journey began with passion and purpose, and they were determined to continue positively impacting the world.
