Sian Sutherland is a dynamic force in the business world, known for her ability to reinvent herself every seven years. From her remarkable ascent in the restaurant industry to her recent environmental advocacy, Sutherland embodies a fearless entrepreneurial spirit. With her latest venture, A Plastic Planet, she aims to combat plastic waste and promote sustainable alternatives, proving that innovation can drive change in even the most challenging sectors.
A Journey Through Diverse Industries
Starting her career in the vibrant advertising scene of the late 1980s, Sutherland quickly realised that the corporate world was not for her. After a bold decision to open a restaurant in Soho, she achieved her first Michelin star just a year later at the age of 25. Reflecting on that experience, she asserts, “I probably learnt more about business in five years of running that restaurant than in anything else I’ve done.”
However, the culinary world was just the beginning. Following the restaurant’s success, she launched a marketing agency and identified a gap in the market for pregnancy skincare products. Her brand, Mama Mio, gained traction and was stocked in major retailers like Selfridges and Harrods. The first product, Tummy Rub, generated impressive revenues of $500,000 (£365,500) in its inaugural year. In 2015, she sold Mama Mio for £3.7 million, marking yet another successful chapter in her entrepreneurial journey.
Tackling Plastic Waste Head-On
Transitioning from the beauty industry to environmental activism, Sutherland founded A Plastic Planet, an initiative aimed at reducing plastic consumption. The organisation has played a pivotal role in the UK’s legislative changes around plastic use, including the introduction of a plastics tax and the ban on exporting plastic waste to developing countries.
Sutherland describes her mission as focusing not on recycling or consumer responsibility, but rather on addressing the source of the problem: “We’re all about the tap.” Her approach integrates business acumen with environmental goals, aiming to catalyse industry shifts towards human-safe materials.
The Entrepreneurial Mindset
Sutherland credits her radical naivety as a key strength in her entrepreneurial journey. This mindset allowed her to approach challenges with confidence rather than hesitation. “If you’re an entrepreneur, you have to have an innate confidence, and I have never found that difficult,” she states.
Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is clear: take that first step. “The most important step of any journey is the first step. If you wait until you know everything, then everyone else will know everything too. Just get going.” This philosophy, combined with her focus on solving real problems, propels her ventures and resonates with the emerging generation of entrepreneurs.
Championing Female Entrepreneurs
Sutherland is also a prominent advocate for women in business. She is involved with the FFinc Forward Faster Accelerator 100, a programme launched in September 2025 to support female-founded companies in scaling their growth. Her commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs reflects her belief in the need for diverse voices and ideas in the business landscape.
Why it Matters
Sian Sutherland’s journey illustrates the power of adaptability and innovation in entrepreneurship. Her ability to navigate diverse industries while maintaining a focus on meaningful change sets a precedent for future entrepreneurs. As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, her work at A Plastic Planet serves as a critical reminder of the role businesses can play in fostering sustainability. By championing both female entrepreneurship and eco-conscious practices, Sutherland is not only reshaping industries but also inspiring a new generation to take bold steps towards a better future.
