Dri Umbrellas was first started in South Boston in 2020 by Deirdre Bird, who moved to Berkshire County in 2021. Bird brings eco-friendly umbrellas made of recycled plastic.
How did your company get started?
I watched an extremely disturbing documentary on the ocean-plastic crisis where a group of Vice journalists sailed to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch." I was so alarmed by everything they saw that I felt compelled to act, especially after learning that no companies were addressing this problem while plastic production continued to increase.
About a week after watching the documentary, I was walking to work on a rainy day when my umbrella flipped inside out and snapped. Frustrated and drenched, I went to throw the umbrella away and saw the canopy was made from 100 percent polyester, which is just plastic in fabric form. I began wondering if I could make those canopies from repurposed plastic to keep it out of our ocean. I quickly found that while technically possible, no one had done it before, which would make it an uphill battle from an manufacturing standpoint. Fortunately, I'm an extremely persistent person.
Why has Berkshire County been a good place to build your business?
The community is so supportive! I've felt genuine love and support in so many ways — from folks offering to meet for coffee and make connections, to local stores carrying our products on their shelves. The Berkshire community has been so wonderful both to me personally and Dri as a company.
How important is the local community to your company?
It is absolutely critical! Many Berkshire residents have engaged with our brand, whether through a direct purchase, an important introduction or showing support on social media. The sense of selflessness and willingness to help that runs through this community is incredible.
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Do you source locally or work with other Berkshire businesses?
I don't source locally, but I do work with other Berkshire businesses regularly. I worked with Right Light Productions for our Kickstarter video, Tricia McCormick Photography for our product shots, and Hot Plate Brewing Co. for our launch party, just to name a few.
What do you think makes Berkshire County unique for entrepreneurs and manufacturers?
More of the above. Although Berkshire County is smaller than Boston or Worcester, which might seem like a hindrance to outsiders, larger cities often miss the emotional investment entrepreneurs gain within a smaller community. Everyone wants to help you and are willing to go the extra mile to do so. This willingness helps you build a support system quickly.
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What have been some of the biggest challenges for your business?
There are so many challenges that come with entrepreneurship, but one of the most difficult is bouncing back quickly after receiving a "no." Any book, podcast, or person who has been in business will tell you that you'll face rejection no matter how good your idea is, but it doesn't truly sink in until you start hearing it for yourself. Also, managing a global supply chain is no cakewalk either.
What accomplishments are you most proud of?
I'm first and foremost most proud of the impact we've had on the ocean-plastic crisis. To date, we have diverted over 32,000 plastic bottles from entering our ocean, and we've barely scratched the surface of our potential. On a more personal note, I'm proud that I held on to this vision long enough to make it a reality. For years, Dri only lived in my mind before it became a tangible product others could see and feel. Those were long years, but worth every minute.
What keeps you motivated?
The mission of this brand is what keeps me motivated. But to be honest, I believe less in motivation, and more in momentum. Motivation is a fleeting emotion that comes in waves, just like happiness or frustration. Momentum, on the other hand, is a state of being. As long as you maintain momentum, you inevitably make progress and position yourself to receive opportunities. And when those opportunities do arise, they tend to create motivation.
What advice would you give someone looking to start a business in the Berkshires?
Talk to the people at 1Berkshire. They're the nicest group of folks you'll ever meet, and they offer fantastic advice and connections. No one wants you to succeed more than they do, besides maybe your mother.