We have a yarn with Simon Karlik, the founder and director of Cheeki, who shares his love for the outdoors, the many ways Cheeki gives back to the planet and what his ideal world would look like.

When do you feel wild? What makes you feel alive?

For me, I’m a lover of the outdoors and every time I’m out somewhere off the beaten track, I feel alive. Breathing in the fresh air, listening to all the animal sounds — you can really detach from reality and get back to living.

When and what inspired you to create your brand, Cheeki?

Back in 2009, I had just returned home from living overseas as an outdoor guide. Every time I took a little urban adventure, I would see so much useless plastic on the ground such as water bottles, cups, containers.

I hated seeing it and with such limited reusable options on the market, it seemed like single-use plastic was the only choice for consumers. I wanted to help so I created Cheeki, which was the first Australian brand to introduce stainless-steel bottles to the market. My inspiration drove me to create a range of premium reusable products to generate change.

What are some of the ways Cheeki gives back to the planet?

I like to think of Cheeki as a progressive brand. First up, all our packaging and products are environmentally friendly. Second, the brand takes pride in putting much funding and energy into local and national environment programmes. Education is paramount for change and Cheeki sponsors a school programme called Environmentors, which teaches primary school students the importance of being waste wise.

Also, on the progressive front, Cheeki has just signed a sponsorship deal with the Canberra United Football Club to not only reduce plastic water bottle use in the sporting world, but to also support women’s football in Australia.

If you could imagine a new world, what would it look like?

I imagine a world where we have a better understanding and respect for our planet. Looking at our how Cheeki has developed, one key mission has been to educate about plastic pollution to generate change. In the perfect world, we would have more education about environmental issues and how we impact the planet to give consumers more power when it comes to making the right decisions. In short, my ideal world is where we have educated consumers and transparent brands making smart choices for the planet.

Describe your typical day.

I’m a bit of an early bird and I like to come into work quite early with a fresh, clear mind. In managing Cheeki and my other brand, CHANGE (a range of dissolvable cleaning tablets), the days can get pretty hectic. I try to plan out the day but it’s almost impossible — however, as long as I have my Cheeki bottle filled with water and Cheeki coffee mug filled with a hot brew, I can tackle the day.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Pizza — it’s my kryptonite.

How do you make the perfect cup of tea?

I’m a big fan of doing the simple things right. English Breakfast slow-brewed for three-to-four minutes, splash of milk and one sugar. I always use an insulated mug to keep my drink hotter for longer.

What’s next for Cheeki?

There are some big plans for Cheeki in 2021. We have some exciting new products and innovations coming out and I’m really excited about the direction the brand is heading in.

Stay tuned!

For more, visit cheeki.com.