Founder Fuel… What Powers Me Now Isn’t Sugar-Coat things.

If you’ve read the Shopify article about my journey (google Lisa Jolly Honeybunch shopify) with bath bombs and bounced cheques, you’ll know I’ve never been one to sit quietly when something smells off. Back then, I fought banks with fragrance. Today, I’m fighting plastic with beeswax and I’m learning that the biggest barrier to sustainable progress isn’t innovation. It’s corporate cowardice dressed in sustainability language.

Over the past year, I’ve sat at boardroom tables where people smiled, nodded, and even signed off on new ideals—my jar included. Letters of Intent. Sample orders. Public talks of change. I’ve been told I’m “inspiring.” That what I’ve made is “revolutionary.” And then, I’ve watched the same people reverse course with silent inboxes, social media blocks, and boilerplate emails when they realise I’m not the cute sidekick for their greenwashing campaign…I’m the real deal. And I’m not going away.

What I’ve learned (again) is this: when big brands start circling the drain, they’ll do anything to stall what threatens their status quo. That includes wasting your time, dangling hope, and pretending to collaborate while they scramble behind the scenes to keep appearances up. It’s not personal it’s systemic. But I do take note.

I’ve seen sustainability used as a PR strategy, not a company value. I’ve watched execs say one thing on stage and do another in procurement. I’ve seen “supply chain disruptions” used as an excuse to delay deals that had already been signed off scientifically and commercially.

So here’s what I’ve decided:

I’m not here to be a mascot for false progress.

I’m not here to wait quietly while someone else plays catch-up.

And I’m definitely not here to be gaslit by people whose time is running out.

The good news? My toxic fuel tank is full and unlike theirs, it’s built on facts, not spin. I know what I’ve built. I know what it replaces. And I know why it’s being stalled.

I’m moving forward, with or without the approval of anyone who once thought they could buy time by “supporting” me.

This is not a sad founder story. This is the chapter where the founder becomes the competition. The one with the patents, the product, the passion and the proof.

To every founder out there being politely stalled, silently blocked, or strategically drained: don’t let them make you feel crazy. You’re probably just ahead. And they’re probably scared.

Let’s keep going.

Full jars. Full truth.

No plastic…. No BS greenwashing …

repeat after me - I Am Hot Honey