From Reusable Straws to Roasted Beans: The Sustainable Leap of Margo Faith Fargo
From Reusable Straws to Roasted Beans: The Sustainable Leap of Margo Faith Fargo. In a world where style often eclipses substance, Margo Faith Fargo chose purpose and turned passion into enterprise. Through Margo Fargo International, she has built not one but three ventures rooted in environmental consciousness: Far_Go Straws, Grinda Coffee, and Far_Go Consultancy. Her journey shows how authenticity, adaptability, and values-led brand building can create impact and commerce in equal measure.
The Start of a Purpose-Driven Vision
With a background in consumer sciences and sustainability, Margo has always believed that conscious living is stylish living. Her modeling career offered platforms, but she wanted more: tangible change. In 2019, she launched Far_Go Straws, a brand of reusable stainless steel straws that provide a plastic-free alternative, stylish, practical, and sustainable. This was more than a product; it was a small rebellion against disposable culture.
Brewing Ethical Connections, One Cup at a Time
Driven by the same ethos, Margo launched Grinda Coffee Co, roasting beans sourced from Uganda and Ethiopia for small hotels and curated pop-up events. The brand connects African heritage and premium taste while promoting sustainable sourcing. One key highlights was partnering with Power Africa’s Southern Africa programme, supplying freshly roasted beans for 250 guests, proving that mission and quality can co-exist.
Milestones That Marked Growth
- 2019: Far_Go Straws launches, introducing stylish reusable straws with environmental purpose at its core.
- Grinda Coffee Launch: Wove African narratives into the coffee experience via ethically sourced roasts and storytelling.
- Top 200 Young South Africans (2024): Recognized by Mail & Guardian for her entrepreneurial and environmental leadership.
- Sustainability Icon: Featured in media like Dossier Magazine, celebrated for blending style with substance and championing eco-fashion.
Barriers Faced and Bridges Built
Margo’s dual identity as model and entrepreneur opened doors but also came with skepticism, could a fashion figure run serious green businesses? Instead of ignoring these perceptions, she leveraged them to amplify her message: sustainable products can be luxurious, ethical, and culturally resonant.
She also used her influence to establish Far_Go Consultancy, advising brands like Cotton On Foundation and Polo South Africa on sustainable marketing, drive school recycling programmes, solar education projects, and even global reforestation efforts.
Strategy, Strengths, and Sustainable Expansion
1. Leverage Personal Brand for Purpose
Margo used her visibility as a model to bring attention to sustainability, not just as marketing, but as leadership.
2. Expand Horizontally, Stay Purpose-Driven
From straws to coffee to consultancy, each venture reinforced her sustainability narrative while diversifying its reach.
3. Quality Meets Ethos
Reusable metal straws weren’t just plastic-free, they were stylish. Coffee beans weren’t just African, they had story baked in. Products aligned with values sell stronger.
4. Collaborate Broadly
Working with Power Africa, educational institutions, and global foundations showed that impact grows with partnership.
5. Represent Sustainability Authentically
Her voice on eco-fashion and entrepreneurship wasn’t performative, it was grounded in credentials and consistent action.
Lessons for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
- Start with Your Values
Let your principles guide the business but express them through products that people love. - Diversify, Don’t Deviate
Tangential ventures like coffee and consultancy made sense, they aligned with her brand and broadened impact. - Use Influence, Not Just Visibility
Margo didn’t just show up for photo shoots, she brought green agendas into boardrooms, schools, and global forums. - Root Products in Purpose, Not Plastic
A straw is a straw, until it signals conscious living. Make your products be symbols, not commodities. - Stay Visible in Dialogue
Her interviews and features show that storytelling builds brands. Share mission, engage media, and stay in conversation.
An Eco-Champion Writing Tomorrow’s Playbook
Margo Fargo International is more than a business, it is a manifesto for sustainable entrepreneurship. In every straw, every coffee roast, and every consultancy session, Margo shows that success need not cost the planet and that style and sustainability can fuel each other, boldly. Her journey is a guide for entrepreneurs wanting to create brands that matter, that last, and that lead by design.
