Martina Von Richter & Imaginell
Martina understands that childhood is one of the most important times in our lives. It is our past, which gives us equilibrium as grown-up as we all remember great and happy moments of our childhood. But it is also our future: our education made who we now today.
Understanding this, Martina created Imaginell a green and social toy company which provides play and DIY eco-boxes to children: “My Magic Box,” a treasure box a child’s favorite toys that they build themselves. In this box the children will find a little message from a foreign friend mate: an Indian child who, thanks to the purchase of the treasure box, is receiving a school bag and books to help his or her education. There is also a little book titled “Going to school in India” which illustrates the differences of life here in Europe and that experienced by children growing up in India. The book is provided by a NGO with which Martina cooperates and its purpose is to open the mind of the child to show him or her that life is not always the same everywhere.
Imaginell is an environmentally friendly company as the products have a green life cycle: they are made from cardboard made with recycled paper, with non-toxic colors and without lacquer. Their production is locally based in Germany in order to carbon footprint generated by transportation. This links very well to the Hub’s approach to green business: with low energy floor, organic paint, sustainable tables, bio & fair trade food the Hub goes a long way to reduce its carbon footprint. Imaginell has also a social purpose because it aims to create empathy between young children across the world in order to help them to grow up more tolerant and sensitive to social issues and intercultural environments: this is a huge step for the creation of a better world. As she collaborates with a local Indian NGO Martina embraces the Hub value of sharing experiences and co-working.
Martina is one of the oldest Hub members and here, from the very start of her activity, she found motivation and support. She could launch her product thanks to the Hub members who tested her first prototypes and also gave their opinions about the user’s guide. Isolation can be very dangerous for entrepreneurs who often work alone at home: with the Hub, Martina integrated into a community where she is listened to if she has troubles and in turn can do the listening. Martina has organised conferences at the Hub relating to social entrepreneurship in Belgium, and, in the course of conversations, she often gives strategic advice or help in creating business plans to other members.
Written by Juan Martinez
Tags: Juan
