Twoth: Our Story
When you wake up each morning, what stirs you into action? What are you passionate about? What makes you want to be the change you want to see in the world?
These were the questions that Jarrod and I were wrestling with as we walked on our usual route into downtown Melbourne. Winter was very much on the way, the wind had a real bite, and there was a definite chill in the air.
We walked past a man on the sidewalk who had his whole life huddled with him in a blanket. Sadly we’d seen such things all too often in our great city, but so often we had been part of the faceless masses that walk on by. Only this time something made our conversation about what we wanted our lives to mean to the wider world come back to the image of this man.
On our way home, we decided to stop at the supermarket and pick up a bag of groceries. The guy must be hungry, and surely we could alleviate his problems for a few days with a spontaneous act of kindness?
We walked over, confident that we were making a real difference, and introduced ourselves to Anthony. He was a kind and gentle soul who opened our eyes to the inequality that lies outside the front doors of many millions of people. He told us how his life had ebbed and flowed, and how he found himself safer on the streets than at the mercy of the volatile moods of the drug users he was trying to escape from in hostels and shelters. He had been clean for more than four years, and simply wanted access to the tools necessary to rebuild his life.
At that moment it became clear that filling a person’s stomach for a day isn't enough if society expects them to rebuild their lives. They need to be given more tools, more chances. We asked Anthony about his other daily struggles and he told us about the discomfort caused by his broken tooth and how simple things like personal hygiene can seem like mountains when you are left with nothing. It was at that moment that Jarrod and I saw our place in the world for the first time.
Why Twoth?
When we got home we felt alive at the prospect of being able to make a real difference to people who need tools to rebuild their lives. It is at this that point we conceived of and committed to our “Twoth model".
By selling eco-friendly bamboo toothbrushes to the masses, we can then gift the second brush for every one sold to someone like Anthony who truly needs it. It’s a small gesture that plays its part in helping Mother Nature flourish, and people in need rebuild their lives.
That’s why we’re encouraging people who care just like you do, to extend a helping hand today through our simple philosophy…
About the Founders
Lan Nguyen: Originally from Adelaide, Lan moved to Melbourne two years ago when she fell in love with this amazing city. She has over ten years of sales experience working for Samsung and telecommunications. She has previously founded a crowdfunding platform, has a a background in psychology and counselling, is passionate about innovation and tech and has worked for many NGO's. Her goal is to make a positive impact on the community and environment.
Jarrod Pan: Jarrod is Melbourne born and bred and has been a tech and computer nerd his entire life. He enjoys programming, 3D printing at the Maker Space, philosophy, gaming, cryptocurrency and reading technical documents for fun. He also has the gift of the gab, working at electronics stores in sales as well as in his own programming business. With the growing number of homelessness in Melbourne, Jarrod is passionate about supporting those in need.
Lalit Chadha: Born in the foothills of Himalayas, Lalit is obsessed with the environment. You will often find him hiking in the mountains or on the beaches enjoying nature. With Twoth, he is taking baby steps to educate society to reduce or eliminate the over-consumption of plastic to protect our mother nature. Before joining the Twoth team, he has worked in the field of Advertising and Marketing for over 7 years.
How you can help
Extend a hand. Make a change. Spread the word. Purchase an eco-friendly brush at Twoth.co to support our planet and community! Every bit counts. Thank you! :)