Niall Cleaver

Cupsly

Welcome to Cupsly. Britain's Luxury Coffee Brand.

Established in 2023, Cupsly is a new, eco-friendly and aesthetically pleasing reusable cup set to take the fashion and coffee industry to a new era.

Founder

Social Library

Are you struggling to grow an engaging community for your business or personal brand.

Stop right there, I think I have you covered ⬇️

This is me (Niall), I'm a 22-year-old who is fascinated by growing communities in the online space. Actual communities that have meaning and purpose. 

The services we provide at Social Library 

➡️ Personal Branding (LinkedIn)

➡️ Guidance & support consulting


Drop me a message to discuss your social media strategy, review how well your current socials/posts are doing, and research how we can build your community and gain you more followers and leads.

or you can email us @

hello@sociallibrary.co.uk

Thistle Scientific Ltd - Where Customer Care Comes Naturally

Distribution Manager

Cleaver Scientific Ltd

Stores and Distribution Team Leader

CEO & Founder of Cupsly.

Hi I'm Niall Cleaver a 23-year-old entrepreneur known for being the Founder of Cupsly. 

In 2022, I founded Cupsly, Britains luxury coffee Brand. With the aim of first launching a luxury reusable coffee cup focusing on fashion and sustainability to match our consumer style and aesthetic.

My skills involve managing the overall operations and resources and focusing heavily on the brand while creating and implementing strategies to help with long-term growth.

Business, speaking & event enquiries: niall@cupslycup.com

13 harsh truths I wish I knew about entrepreneurship

(As a 23-year-old startup founder)

- You'll lose friends
- Health will be your priority
- Do your research properly
- Your team make or break you
- Work-life balance doesn't exist
- People care less than you think
- You will always have your doubters
- The small details create the big details
- Only you can create the change you want
- Success doesn't happen without hard work
- It will cost and take longer than you planned
- Procrastination kills dreams. Action builds them
- The bigger the problem, the bigger the opportunity

Which do you agree most with?

Please bet on yourself... I wish I had done it sooner.

- Start that business.
- Start that project.
- Start that hobby.

The truth is: You're the only one to create change.

I didn't believe this when I started.
I thought I could sit, watch and wait.

However, the moment I held myself accountable.
That was the moment everything changed for me.

Nope, it didn't happen instantly.
But it was the first step in the right direction.

WHY?

It was the moment I started believing in myself.
That's the biggest mindset shift you can have.

Please bet on yourself.

Who agrees?

Stop waiting for permission to chase your dreams.

You'll never be ready!

- Ready to start a business?
- Ready to start a new hobby?
- Ready to change your career?

There will never be the perfect time to try something new or step outside your comfort zone.

The longer you wait, the more you procrastinate.
This procrastination is what kills your dreams.

Don't let this happen to you.

- I'm not qualified to create a brand.
- I'm not qualified to create a business
- I'm not qualified to create a luxury product.

But I started the process anyway. Why?
The process is how you find the answers.

Day by day
Week by Week
Month by Month
Decade by Decade

You're much more qualified than you first think.
It all begins with your very first action.

What was your first action?

I started designing our first-ever Cupsly product a year and a half ago.

It's been a challenge.

It started with the nine designs failing, as we parted ways with our first designers. But this is what product development is all about. 

You realise the people who are suited for you and those who aren't.

A year later:

- Working with one of the best design agencies in the world. (They even became an investor.)
- Creating a product based on luxury and aesthetics.
- Understanding more about our audience.
- Focusing more on the little details.

Creating a prodcut within the luxury space isn't easy. 

It never should. You should feel slightly lost. When you feel like this, it means you're making progress and moving forward.

Remember, feeling out of your depth is a good thing.

P.S. Would you like more behind-the-scenes content as we build up to the launch?


I was packing boxes for my dad two years ago.

Now, I am building a luxury coffee cup brand.
And I get to do it surrounded by incredible people:

- People who push me
- People who inspire me
- People who educate me

I wake up every day chasing my dream.
And I get to do it with others chasing theirs.

You can do the same!

You can attract the right people into your life.
But you've got to stop caring and start acting.

Everyone has the same opportunity.
The ones who grab it with both hands.

Well, they go the furthest. Don't waste your opportunity!

This is your Friday reminder.


If you're not willing to CHANGE yourself.

You are not ready to launch a successful startup.

- You've got to be disciplined.
- You've got to be willing to study.
- You've got to be open to feedback.

A few years ago, this person wasn't me.

It's the reason I had multiple failed businesses.
But last year, something had changed.

The change? The change was ME.

- I changed my environment.
- I changed my friendships.
- I changed my mindset.
- I changed myself.

And guess what changed? The results.

It's easy to stick with what is comfortable.
It's easy to stick to what you think is working.

But growth always happens when you feel slightly lost and out of place.

Never forget this!

Lost 10k? Got terrible feedback? Failed twice? 

Congratulations, you're on the path to success.

My achievements:

- I lost 10k on our first product and branding design.
- I gained the worst feedback on our first design.
- I left school without an English qualification.
- I failed two businesses before Cupsly.

Yep, you might think they're failures.
But these are some of my biggest achievements.

These mistakes guided me in the right direction.

Everyone looks at success as their wins.
But they don't look at mistakes as their wins.

- The mistakes you've made.
- The failures you've had.

They're your biggest moments of success.

You can try to avoid mistakes all you want.
But the celebrations come when you make them.

As long as you're willing to find out WHY.
And then take the time to put it right.

Who agrees?

For the past 2 years, I've been creating a startup.

And it's been one of the toughest challenges in my life...

Here's what's happened so far:

- We haven't launched 
- We haven't sold a product
- We have had failed branding 
- We have had failed product design 

It's been tough! A lot more than I had thought.

Last week, I got the news that we have started the production phase for the first physical and functional sample.

Honestly, this is a massive achievement for me.

Many people create a startup and think they can build a buisness within a few months. But the most successful understand that it takes time.

It's not about who can create a buisness the quickest.
It's about who can create an impact for a long period.

Creating a startup takes patience.
Please don't rush the process.

Take it all in and enjoy it!

6 things normalised by society for startups

- A successful launch.
- Traveling the world 24/7.
- Working two hours per day.
- Only having positive moments.
- Creating the best product instantly.
- Create a 6-figure business in 30 days.

The truth is that it will be the complete opposite.

Think differently and act differently from everyone else.

P.S.  What do you think of this? Tell me in the comments.

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Found it valuable?  Repost for your network. ♻️

Dear Entrepreneurs, this is your reminder:

It's time to shift your focus to the essentials.

- Focus on consistency, not instant results.
- Focus on collaboration, not comparison.
- Focus on actions, not procrastination.
- Focus on progress, not perfection.
- Focus on productivity, not busy.
- Focus on effort, not outcomes.

What else would you add?

Entrepreneurs, there's a common misconception holding you back.

You think you need to be involved in every detail.
But this is your biggest mistake, let me tell you why...

Your job as a founder is to hire the best team possible.

You will have your skills, which you'll need to lean into.
Other people will have skills they need to lean into.

Then there will be skills you can't do.

You need to hold your hands up and admit this.
Then, make it a goal to find the best people who can.

What matters most is that your business is making progress, and you have the best team around you to help make this happen. It's never a solo effort.

Reminder:

You, as a founder, need a clear vision and direction.
Then, hire the best talent to help you get there.

It's a team effort, not a solo effort.

Are you a team player?

Stop hiring the wrong people.

10 traits of a successful team member:

Cooperation
↳Willingness to collaborate effectively.
↳Willingness to share tasks.
↳Willingness to support team decisions.

Reliability
↳Willingness to be consistent.
↳Willingness to meet deadlines.
↳Willingness to be accountable.

Communication
↳Willingness to share thoughts clearly.
↳Willingness to listen actively.
↳Willingness to provide constructive feedback.

Supportiveness
↳Willingness to assist others.
↳Willingness to encourage.
↳Willingness to be empathetic.

Flexibility
↳Willingness to adapt roles.
↳Willingness to embrace new ideas.
↳Willingness to handle change smoothly.

Respect
↳Willingness to appreciate others’ input.
↳Willingness to treat all ideas fairly.
↳Willingness to maintain team harmony.

Positivity
↳Willingness to stay optimistic.
↳Willingness to motivate others.
↳Willingness to overcome negativity.

Commitment
↳Willingness to dedicate to team goals.
↳Willingness to stay focused.
↳Willingness to contribute long-term.

Problem-solving
↳Willingness to tackle issues together.
↳Willingness to brainstorm solutions.
↳Willingness to resolve conflicts.

Enthusiasm
↳Willingness to show genuine interest.
↳Willingness to inspire others.
↳Willingness to celebrate team successes.

Your CV no longer cuts it.
Hire the person with the right attitude.

Who agrees?

P.S. Your team doesn't need to be employed by you. My team is external people to help me create Cupsly.

Let's not sugarcoat this: 

Startup life is over glamorised.

If you think every investor will say yes
↳Think again

If you think you'll scale without any hurdles
↳Think again

If you think you'll build a business in 30 days
↳Think again

If you think you will sell out on the first launch
↳Think again

If you think you'll get product market fit instantly
↳Think again

There's a fake narrative around startup life.
Please don't be the person to fall for it.

Be patient and enjoy the process!

Agree?


11 changes I wish I had made sooner in my 20s:

(As a 23-year olf startup founder)

- Back myself
- Quit drinking
- Start that idea
- Focus on my health
- Lose that friendship
- Document my journey
- Enjoy the little moments
- Find the right friendships
- Wake up and study every day
- Build for longevity, not quick fixes
- Surround myself with incredible people

It's not too late to become the person you want to be.
But you need to be ready and willing to change.

My life changed the moment I changed.

You're not here to please everyone.
You're here to please one person.

That person is you!

Are you ready?

How to stop overcomplicating creating a business.

(And create a business you are proud of)

- Find a problem you face.
- Find a solution to this problem.
- Find a team to help you achieve this.

And while you do this, answer these simple questions:

1. What problem do you solve?
2. Who do you solve it for?
3. What makes you unique?
4. How will you make money?
5. How will you measure success?

Swap the business plan for these simple questions.
You don't need to overcomplicate your buisness idea.

Real growth happens when you focus on:
A specific problem for a specific audience.

Focus on the basics first!

P.S. What problem are you solving? And who are you solving it for?

If you're frustrated with slow progress, read on...

Startups can take a decade to build.

I'm two years in and still haven't launched.

- Many would give up.
- Many would lose hope.

But I'm not here for this! 

I'm here to show that even when doubted, change is possible.

My whole life has been spent second-guessing myself, but this feels different. I'm genuinely excited to bring Cupsly to market.

It's not a brand-new invention, but it tackles a problem for people who love coffee, luxury, and their aesthetic. This journey has been an exciting time for me. 

From saying I would launch a whole business in six months to still working on it two years later.  But the past two years have been incredible.

- The mistake I've made.
- The people I now have around me.
- The product we've designed and built together.

But there's an even bigger lesson here:

Take everything in and make sure you enjoy it all, even the worst moments. These will be the moments that create the best memories.

Please take it all in!


An important message to all founders and entrepreneurs…

"Perseverance is part of the success process."

2 years ago, I thought I would have a business by now. When this didn't happen, it was upsetting. I got annoyed with myself.

But I now know the reason why. If you look at all your favourite entrepreneurs, they had a specific point in their career that tested them.

It will happen in your journey at some point, and when it does, I want you to remember:

It's happening for a reason to move you forward.
It's making you appreciate the process more.
It's teaching you an important lesson.
It's making you a better person.

Sometimes you need to step back and pause.

Re-evaluate everything you've done and the process you've made, but also appreciate how far you still have to go.

Being a founder, running a business, building a team and creating something you're proud of takes time.

Please don't expect this to happen instantly. Enjoy these moments.

These little moments create the best memories.

You can do this! I'm rooting for you.

Making A Statement - Ep 1...

I made a promise to myself at the start of the year.
Start documenting more of my journey.

Something I could look back on further down the line.
@Brady Wright has been helping me do this.

Welcome to Making A Statement.
Behind the scenes, look into my life.

Check the link below premiers at 12:45pm:
https://lnkd.in/en4K-sER

Any feedback would be appreciated.
We only want to get better at the sort of content.

Thanks for all the support. 
It honestly means a lot.

I appreciate you all!

How Airbnb Started... Rejection to $102 Billion.

Back in 2007, Ben, Joe & Nathan couldn't afford rent.
They came up with the idea of renting out mattresses.

This idea would soon turn into one of the biggest companies in the world, supporting so many people travelling the world and creating experiences.

From being rejected by a famous VC.
To now a multi-billion dollar company.

Anything is truly possible when you believe.

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