2024 Women to Watch
This year we showcase over 80 South Australian women to watch throughout the year. From business, to careers, arts to science. This year’s selected women highlight the depth and diversity of the women in our state and also the vast array of opportunities to develop a business or career in South Australia. Find our more about our inaugural Women to Watch initiative here.
Karen is the founder of The Goodside Project. After living in India and seeing the devastation plastic was causing the waterways, Karen set out on a mission to make change. Starting with thongs made from recycled plastic, she quickly moved on to making towels and sunglasses from recycled plastic. During this learning path, Karen delved into the world of microplastics and has now created the first microplastic filter for washing machines in Australia. She recently released a children’s book about plastic in the ocean and has included Adelaide’s indigenous language Kaurna.
// Favourite inspirational quote
We cannot change the past but we sure can help change the future.
// Let’s get to know you
My initial studies were in the world of ballet – this would be where my drive and determination come from! But after some serious injuries’, ballet ended and I made my way into the world of corporate travel. This gave me the opportunity to travel around the world, work on and win deals worth millions of dollars, and manage successful sales teams. However, I always knew that I would end up working on something that would truly allow me to make a difference. The Goodside Project has taken me on a path of constant learning. Speaking with experts around the world who also want to make change. My biggest project now is my microplastic filter for washing machines called The Good Catch. I am also working with a new company for my towels. We will be the first to create this thread outside of China.
// What makes you a Woman to Watch for 2024?
The Good Catch!!!
The Good Catch will be launched to The Good Guys by midyear. I couldn’t be prouder of this. As a female entrepreneur and sole trader, the battle to be taken seriously in the world of manufacturing, has been challenging. However, I got there. This microplastic filter will be the first of its kind globally. Currently the only microplastic filters on the market are very expensive, need replacement filters and are made in Europe. Mine will be made from recycled plastic, has a cleanable filter, capturers 90% of microplastics (up to 700,000 pieces can be released into our waterways in one wash!!) and made right here in South Australia.
// What is your goal or intention for the year ahead? And how are you going to achieve it?
My goal is to get The Good Catch into as many houses globally as possible. I have negotiated with The Good Guys to have it in their 100 shops around Australia. Good marketing will be needed instore and out to encourage householders to purchase. I will also be selling through my website. I will also have discussions with other household retailers such as Harvey Norman to sell in their stores. I have confirmed my first wholesaler to sell for me in UK. too These conversations and marketing will be ongoing for me from now on.
I also want to continue promoting my children’s book Poppy and The Great Ocean Garbage Patch. Not only is this a book about the dangers of plastic in the ocean, it also has a message of self-belief. It has been illustrated by a fantastic First Nation artist and is the first children’s book to have translation into Kaurna. This was a passion project and something I have wanted to do for a long time. It wasn’t easy, especially with the Kaurna translation and the process of being allowed to do this. However, it was completed in September 2023 and is now available to purchase. I am excited to say that it will soon be available at Adelaide Airport and more book shops around South Australia.
// What would being a Woman to Watch mean to you?
In a strange way it would mean validation. I have always had imposter syndrome. It didn’t matter how many deals I won, how many times my boss would tell me that I am doing a good job – I just didn’t believe it. Now I am a one woman show. And everything is on me. Hearing that I am a Woman to Watch in 2024 would mean the world and lift me on those days when I would like to hide and throw it all in.
// What would you like to see for the future of South Australian women and girls?
I love watching my daughter. She is passionate, caring, and a great debater!! We need our girls to stay this way. Challenge the norm and feel ok about using their voice. When my daughter was 8, she wrote a letter to Mattel about Barbies. She felt that there was too much plastic and that we could easily recycle old barbies. And they wrote back!! They said they were taking on her suggestions and loved her passion. Ivy felt that her voice was heard and that she could make a difference. This is brilliant and we all need to encourage girls to feel this way and express it. And whilst we are at it, we all need to work together to continue to change the language and behaviour of our boys.
Get in touch with Karen:
LinkedIn: Karen Jones Hauser
Website: www.thegoodsideproject.com.au
Check out all of the incredible Women to Watch for 2024 here as their profiles are uploaded throughout the year.
To become an SA Woman Member, check out our Membership Options here.