Meet Rachel Beck of Newd Elements in Broomfield

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rachel Beck.

Rachel, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Well, my background is in Industrial Design, and I was working within a corporate brand as a Furniture Designer. I tried my hand at spear-heading the green product movement within the brand, but unfortunately, the margins weren’t large enough for them to make the transition. Week after week, I would see samples coming in from overseas and the wastefulness of the company. From this, I knew my passion for sustainability was growing and I that wouldn’t be happy if I stayed there much longer. After much deliberation with my spouse, we decided that we could take the risk and allow me to start my own sustainable brand.

I’m a bit of a research nerd when it comes to sustainability, so I was scouring the web for a material (one of the many) that gets thrown away often and after a single-use. I wanted to find an amazing material…and what I found was cork! I found that cork is mildew resistant and has such a comforting feel to it. I thought, mildew resistant? What’s the one place in the home where cork could be used then? So, my initial thought was bath mats for kids, in animal silhouettes. However, after a couple of prototypes, I knew it wasn’t going to work. Then, I had a random dream about stacking coins and voila! The Blue Coast planter was born. I started out by slicing the cork by hand and even fabricating a bottom from the sliced pork and assembled a small planter. But that wasn’t all, to help sell these planters, I created an infographic that represents the house plant study that NASA conducted in the 80’s. Their study shows which houseplants are most effective at absorbing toxins within the home. Through this infographic and the couple others I did, I could tell that I really wanted to share the knowledge that I was learning about materials, how it impacts the earth, and which eco-alternatives are out there for us.

So, that has become the mission of Newd Elements today. We want to offer sustainable options for everyone, and show them why their impact is so important. Whether it’s deciding to walk to the store instead of drive, or ultimately voting with your dollar because there are so many companies that are green-washing their products just to get ahead of the game. We want to build a community of shared knowledge and products that truly promotes a sustainable lifestyle, with ourselves and the planet.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It is never a smooth road. 🙂 Well, first off, I’m not a seamstress by trade. So, learning to sew, and trying to get good at it took some time. Secondly, it seems like I never have enough time. Since I am still a one-woman shop, I source materials, try to do marketing as best I can, and try not to be a pushy salesperson! Hahaha. On top of that, I have to make all the products. But in the end, sharing the [what I call] “sustainability love” all around makes it worth it in the end. We have to lead by example, don’t we?

Please tell us about your art.
I think I’d like to say that I specialize in “the experience”. Growing up, I was an artist at heart. Then college came and I had to pick a degree that would be more sustainable than art (suggested by my mom, haha!). So, I chose Industrial Design. Which in essence, is a creative solutionist (problem solver) who takes the product’s form into account; Making upcycling modern, minimal and fresh! I hope to bring furniture back into my life by offering reclaimed wood furniture in a more modern aesthetic.

And what we’re most proud of? Being a brand that can [hopefully] lead by example, in both the business and personal side of it all. I practice what I preach. But, I am by no means perfect. because I enjoy a bag of chips now and then but none come in sustainable packaging… Although, the things I can control? Walking or biking to the store for some last-minute ingredients, bringing our everyday serviettes when out and about so that no paper napkins are used, having a reusable to-go container handy for any leftovers when eating out, or even just saying “no thank you” to free samples.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
There are so many! I guess, one of my favorites is riding my bike with my family. There are seven of us total in my immediate family, so it was always an adventure. And it’s always a given that drawing, painting and creating was among my favorites growing up, as well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://shopnewd.com
• Email: hej@shopnewd.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/newdelements
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/newdelements
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/newdelements

Image Credit:
Rachel Beck

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