From Seed to Soak: A Sustainable Towel Life Cycle Assessment

MINOA is committed to sustainable product development and transparent communication. The company seeks to conduct a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of its signature products, including the linen/cotton Cottage Towel and the 820-gram Monte Rosa plush terry towel. The goal is to generate insights to support Minoa's environmental certification and circular design efforts. This project will involve a detailed analysis of the environmental impacts associated with these towels' production, use, and disposal. A side-by-side lifecycle and cost comparison will be conducted between Minoa's towels and low-cost mass-market alternatives. This comparison will help highlight the sustainability benefits and potential cost implications of choosing Minoa's products over conventional options. The project aims to provide actionable insights to guide future product development and marketing strategies.

Influence with Purpose: MINOA’s Sustainable Brand Outreach Project

The main objective of this project is to develop and execute an influencer marketing and brand collaboration strategy that aligns with MINOA’s sustainable luxury ethos. The project aims to increase brand visibility, strengthen partnerships, and drive sales through strategic collaborations with eco-conscious influencers and brands on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest. This project will involve several steps for the learners: • Research and identify affiliates, influencers, micro-influencers, and brand partners in the sustainability and luxury niches who align with Minoa’s mission and values. • Develop a comprehensive outreach plan, including messaging templates for influencer and brand collaborations. • Create and pitch collaboration ideas that promote Minoa’s products while emphasizing the brand’s commitment to environmental sustainability and social justice. • Draft campaign goals and KPIs for affiliate, influencer and brand partnerships to measure engagement, reach, and conversions. • Execute outreach campaigns and manage communication with influencers and brand partners. • Develop user-generated content (UGC) strategies to engage followers and potential customers. • Track and report performance metrics of collaborations, using data to optimize future outreach efforts. Deliverables 1. Comprehensive Influencer and Brand Research A detailed list of potential influencers and brand partners, segmented by niche, audience size, and platform (Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok). 2. Outreach Plan Templates for email and DM outreach to influencers and brands. Suggested collaboration themes (e.g., eco-luxury giveaways, product reviews, behind-the-scenes content). 3. Campaign Proposal A strategy document with outlined goals, KPIs, and partnership concepts tailored to Minoa’s brand. 4. Content Calendar A 3-6 month content calendar showcasing collaboration timelines, UGC campaigns, and promotional events. 5. Execution and Tracking Implementation of at least two influencer or brand collaborations. Create and share influencer-generated content (posts, videos, stories). Regularly track campaign KPIs (engagement, reach, traffic, and sales) with performance reports. 6. Final Report and Presentation A general/basic report outlining the research, outreach, campaign execution, and results. A presentation summarizing the campaign’s impact and suggestions for scaling the strategy. Mentorship Plan Clear Project Objectives Specific goals and expected outcomes for the affiliate, influencer and brand outreach campaigns will be clearly defined, providing a structured roadmap for the project. Assigned Mentorship The founder and CEO will guide students by offering guidance and mentorship and ensuring alignment with the brand’s identity and values. Access to Resources To streamline the workflow, all necessary tools, such as influencer research platforms (e.g., BuzzSumo, Influencer.co) and outreach templates, can be suggested and utilized. Training Sessions Training sessions will be conducted to introduce the students to company platforms, values, and objectives and provide suggestions on influencer marketing best practices. Regular Check-Ins Weekly meetings will be scheduled to review progress, provide feedback, and address any challenges or roadblocks during the project. Data Access Relevant analytics, including audience insights and past campaign data, will be shared to assist in data-driven decision-making and optimization. Collaborative Environment To ensure cohesive messaging, team members from various departments, such as content creators and sales, will be involved to encourage a collaborative atmosphere. Recognition and Incentives Outstanding contributions will be acknowledged through letters of recommendation, and successful campaigns may be showcased on the company’s social platforms to highlight achievements. Feedback Mechanism A feedback loop will be established, allowing students to share ideas and challenges openly while receiving constructive guidance for continuous improvement.

"Digital Luxury: Redefining Minoa’s Sustainable Online Experience"

Minoa, a leader in sustainable luxury home goods, is embarking on a transformative digital project to elevate its Shopify website. This initiative will enhance our brand’s online presence, improve search engine visibility, and refine the overall user experience for both retail (B2C) and trade (B2B) audiences. We invite enthusiastic students to collaborate with us, bringing fresh ideas, technical skills, and strategic thinking to help shape Minoa’s next chapter online. Project Objectives Website Review & Analysis : Assess the current Minoa Shopify website, examining layout, navigation, content, and brand alignment. SEO Audit & Strategy : Identify opportunities for improved search engine performance, focusing on both technical and content-based SEO. Content & Structure Optimization : Recommend changes to site structure, product presentation, and copy to better engage B2C and B2B visitors. Brand Alignment : Ensure the digital experience reflects Minoa’s values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and conscious luxury. Deliverables Website Evaluation Report – A detailed analysis highlighting strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. SEO Recommendations Document – A prioritized list of technical, on-page, and content-focused SEO improvements. Redesigned Page Mockups / Wireframes – Conceptual visuals of key landing pages with updated layouts, improved UX, and enhanced brand storytelling. Content Plan – Recommendations for optimized product descriptions, headlines, blog topics, and metadata to improve SEO and engagement. Implementation Support (optional) – Assistance in applying changes directly to the Shopify platform, providing hands-on learning in web development and e-commerce optimization. Impact By the end of the project, Minoa will have a refreshed, high-performing website that is both visually compelling and strategically optimized to attract more visitors, convert them into customers, and reflect our commitment to quality and sustainability. Additional Opportunities: • Implementation Support : Beyond making recommendations, participate in the hands-on application of these changes, gaining practical experience in web development and digital strategy execution. This project offers a unique opportunity to influence the digital strategy of a leading sustainable luxury brand, ensuring that our online presence is as dynamic and forward-thinking as our products. We are excited to collaborate with talented individuals ready to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas to our team.