1. Could you share your name, title (if relevant), where you’re from, and your current job?
I’m Lacramioara “Q” Schulte, founder and chief chemist of WildBatch. Originally
from Romania, currently based in the U.S., where I run a very serious outdoor
personal-care company from what is technically a garage lab.
2. On a personal or professional level, what significance does sustainability hold for you?
Sustainability, for me, is mostly about not creating unnecessary trash in places
that deserve better, like trails, rivers, and campsites. Professionally, it’s about
making products that solve real problems without pretending we can save the
planet with vibes alone.
3. Where did you start your sustainability journey and what are some easy swaps you recommend for others?
It started long before I ever thought of it as “sustainability.” Growing up in
Romania, this was just normal life. As a kid, I collected empty bottles and jars
from parks and streets and returned them to stores. We brought our own bottles
from home and bought oil, vinegar, soap, and detergent as refills. Single-use
packaging simply wasn’t a thing.
That experience stuck. The easiest swaps are still the same ones: refill instead of
replace, use fewer products, and avoid anything designed to be thrown away
after one use.
4. Have you set any specific sustainability goals this year? If so, what are they?
We just launched in 2025, so our first goals were to reduce packaging waste, keep
production small and controlled, and resist the urge to add unnecessary things
just because “brands do that.” Going forward, we’d love to see folks swap out
their plastic soap and shampoo bottles for our eco-friendly bamboo capsules!
5. What are your favorite eco-friendly brands, and/or which companies do you believe are leading the way in sustainable business practices?
Brands that quietly do the work without yelling about it. Extra points if they don’t
invent imaginary problems just to sell a solution. One of my favorites is Dip. Kate
is building a company I admire: focused, thoughtful, and refreshingly free of
sustainability theater.
6. What would you like to see more of in the sustainability sector?
More honesty and fewer glossy narratives. More focus on real impact and tradeoffs, less on looking perfect. And fewer products designed to look sustainable without actually being it.
7. What was the last podcast, newsletter, or book that motivated you to adopt more sustainable practices or deepened your understanding of an eco-related topic?
Honestly? Talking to other founders who admit they’re figuring it out in real time.
That’s the most motivating content there is.
8. How did you come across Retold?
My partner Noelle told me about Retold. Classic word-of-mouth, very effective.
9. How would you describe your Retold persona (e.g., slow and steady = annual, big declutter = 10 packs)?
Mostly steady maintenance, with the occasional reset when life demands it.
10. If someone was going to gift you an item from Retold’s sustainable store, what would it be?
The Korissa bread warmer basket, please. I bake my own bread so often, I’ve
basically become a dough whisperer. Keeping it warm feels like the responsible
next step.
