Sarah Paiji Yoo Is Someone We Really Like
Photo via Blueland
by The Candidly Team
Sarah Paiji Yoo is the co-founder and CEO of Blueland, whose zero-waste cleaning products keep plastic out of our oceans, look stunning, and dare we say…actually work.
She’s also an advocate for sustainability, a mom, and knows all the smartest, easiest ways to reduce waste without ripping your hair out from sheer frustration. Like how to unsubscribe from your gobs of junk mail. For the environment, of course, but also for your sanity.
We like Sarah.
So we asked her a few questions, because we just needed to know her thoughts on everything from cilantro to feminism to bangs to boundaries.
The Candidly Questionnaire
1. In a word, what is your most compelling quality?
Optimism.
2. In a word, what is your biggest challenge?
Overcommitting.
3. What kitchen tool do you use every single day and kind of can’t live without?
Blueland multi-surface cleaner.
4. When do you feel most connected with yourself?
Early mornings to myself with my coffee where I’m digitally unplugged, before my husband and son are awake.
5. Do you struggle at all with boundaries? How?
Yes definitely. I am lucky to love the work I do, but I have to make sure I’m not working all the time.
6. How do you dampen self-critical thoughts when they get too loud?
I remind myself that it’s not productive, and instead, I should focus my energy on things I can control.
7. Describe the most “you” outfit of all time.
A vintage t-shirt, mom jeans, and sneakers.
8. What meal can you make the hell out of?
Vegan pizza grilled cheese with homemade tofu ricotta.
9. What book has made the biggest impact on your life?
The Reason for God by Tim Keller.
10. Apart from family, what woman do you deeply admire?
Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
11. Why does the word “feminist” get people so wound up?
Many equate it with angry, vocal women, and unfortunately there are still strong biases against strong outspoken women.
12. Which Insta account’s stories do you always tap through until the end?
@shereeneidriss – She’s a cosmetic derm and mom who keeps it funny and real yet is also incredibly educational.
13. Do you think social media’s good qualities outweigh the bad?
Yes – I have learned so much about issues I care about through social media, and it has democratized media and allows us to help spread awareness about issues we think are important.
14. What quote or phrase has really stayed with you?
“You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards.” Steve Jobs said this. Ever since I heard it, it has opened me up to unexpected opportunities and made me more resilient to unplanned changes.
15. Do you have a phobia? How do you deal?
I have an underlying fear of failing that I’ve been forced to face and continually work to overcome over my past 10 years as an entrepreneur.
16. How do you feel about cilantro?
Usually hate, but I like it in my guacamole.
17. Describe, in detail, your perfect bedtime routine.
Face mask, candle, and a good book.
18. What’s your favorite thing you’ve ever read on the internet?
The transcript to Obama’s Selma March Anniversary speech. An inspiring reminder that no one is too small to drive massive change.
19. What’s your relationship with bangs?
I’m not interested in them.
What is your single favorite:
Wellness product that *actually* works: Dry brushing.
Lip balm: Squalene oil.
Jeans brand: Everlane.
Mascara: Kjaer Weis refillable mascara.
Robe: Cleverly Laundry.
Last-minute gift: Blueland.
Bra: True & Co.
Shampoo: Meow Meow Tweet Rosemary Avocado Shampoo Bar.
Comfortable shoes: Thousand Fell sneakers.
Splurge skincare: Vintner’s Daughter serum.
Drugstore skincare: S.W. Basics toner.
Everyday bag: STATE backpack.
Podcast: Girlboss Radio.
Drink: Cold brew.
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We have to eat.
