Niall Cleaver

Cupsly

Welcome to Cupsly. Britain's Luxury Coffee Cup Brand.

Founded in 2022 by Niall Cleaver, he had one aim: craft a luxury reusable coffee cup, elevating it into a symbol of fashion.

At Cupsly, our story begins with a simple moment of inspiration in a local coffee shop. Niall noticed a problem he faced for a reusable coffee cup that served a purpose but also reflected an individual's unique style, aesthetic & self-expression

With the idea, Niall began sourcing a team of designers and craftsmen to help craft the first CY collection. With a team of designers and craftsmen by his side, every detail of Cupsly was meticulously crafted to perfection. From its elegant contours to its intricate detailing, each cup is a testament to our unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

But Cupsly is more than a cup. It exists to ignite belief within every individual. Our journey is a testament to the power of ambition and collaboration, proving that even when doubted, change is possible.

Take A Sip. Make A Statement.

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 24-year-old entrepreneur known for being the Founder of Cupsly. 

My entire life has led me to this point. Every step of my journey has shaped the person I am today, and it's the very reason why I'm passionate about what I do. I left school without any English qualifications, and I had to face the challenges of dyslexia. However, this struggle became my motivation to explore the world of entrepreneurship. 

It's why I founded Cupsly (a luxury reusable coffee cup) in 2022 from my parents' spare room. 

That opportunity allowed me to enhance my skills and become a better individual. I saw a chance to create something meaningful. Building a business from scratch taught me valuable entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving lessons. I learned how to manage finances, build a team, and create a product people love.

​My story isn't just about overcoming obstacles but embracing them and transforming them into opportunities for growth. Now, I have the privilege of helping others navigate their challenges and achieve their dreams. It's proof that even when doubted, change is possible.

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

Well, yesterday, this happened... 

I got featured in LinkedIn news for the first time.

Now, that's not bad for a 24-year-old dyslexic founder.

Honestly, I think it was my dyslexia that helped me so much in doing all this business and creative stuff that I didn't really understand in the beginning.

I've always doubted my ability to read and write effectively. Growing up, I struggled with both of these things. Why? Because I was only taught one way of using them when, in reality, there are so many different ways.

I used to let it work against me. Now, it works with me.

Here's how dyslexia can be a benefit for you:

1) Creative Thinking: Dyslexics develop unique problem-solving skills and creative thinking due to their ability to see things from different perspectives.

2) Big Picture Thinking: Dyslexics tend to be wild thinkers, which allows them to see the big picture and identify connections that others might miss.

3) Stronger Communication: Many dyslexics are very good at verbal communication, which can be a significant asset in negotiations, planning, and relationship-building.

4) Attention to Detail: Dyslexics develop exceptional attention to detail to compensate for their difficulties, which can be a massive asset in business.

5) Persistence: The need to continually overcome academic and professional obstacles allows for a high level of persistence and grit, which is vital for business success.

Remember, being dyslexic doesn't make you weak. It makes you stronger in your own way. So many successful entrepreneurs you see today are dyslexic.

 Use it to your advantage, not against you.

You got this!

What weakness turned into your strength?

I started my business with... zero experience, some savings and a mindset to make it work.

I was 22 when this all began...

One of the most important realisations I've had while navigating my business journey is that you don't need to have experience in every part of the business.

I didn't create my business with:

- Experience in design.
- Experience in accounting.
- Experience in brand and marketing.

But I did have the mindset to make it work. I tried a lot of things, and when something didn't quite go to plan. I reached out to people who could help me.

1) I didn't have experience in design.
- I found someone who was.

2) I didn't have experience in manufacturing.
- I found someone who was.

3) I didn't have experience with brand and marketing.
- I found someone who was.

You see, business is all about being resourceful.

It's easy to feel in business; you must do it alone. But I'll be the first to tell you this isn't how successful companies are built. The best companies are not built by one person but by many individuals working together to create a vision.

You see, you never have to be the smartest in the room, but you do need to be the most resourceful and the person willing to ask for help when you need it.

Have you asked for help before?

Me: I've got this buisness idea.

Them: You're crazy...

Two years ago, I went through this. I was told that my idea was crazy and that it would never work. Now, the same people ask for my product before its launched.

This is what entrepreneurship is really like.

Not everyone understood my vision for Cupsly, but I knew it, and that's what mattered. It was up to me to make this idea come to life. 

It was the first time I didn't back down or quit because of what other people said and thought, and it's taken me the furthest I've ever been in business. 

- We've secured investment.
- We've got a waitlist of over 1500.
- We've been featured in multiple articles. 

I had to upset people to please people.

So let this be your reminder, every successful business founder you see today was once told their idea was crazy, but they did it anyway, and guess what? It took them to the exact position they are today.

All the best ideas were once crazy ones.

Have you been told your idea is crazy?

If you want to start a buisness, please do this one thing.

Be curious... I wish I had done this more.

When you start a business, it's easier to feel like you need to take the safe option. But curiosity creates a business that stands out.

- Curious about new learnings.
- Curious about your community.
- Curious about new product ideas.

When I started creating Cupsly, there were moments when I took the cheapest and safest option, and you know what it cost me. I blended into what everyone else was doing because I wasn't curious enough.

 I'll be the first to tell you that blending in doesn't get you far in business. So, think about how you can stand out and stand for something. 

Show people why they should buy into you.

So here are some reasons why I value curiosity.

1. Builds Stronger Relationships: Being curious about your community's needs and their feedback helps create better products and services to meet customer expectations and improve customer satisfaction.

2. Market Opportunities: Curiosity leads to exploring and understanding market needs and gaps, allowing businesses to identify new opportunities.

3. Collaboration: Curiosity about other industries, companies, and people can lead to partnerships and collaborations, expanding a business's reach and capabilities.

Remember, there's a time when you need to stick with what's working, but there's also a time when you need to come up with new ideas and go for them.

Never stop being curious.

It's what the best businesses do.

What are you most curious about currently?


P.S. I've just got back from spending the weekend at Silverstone. It was a Nice little break, and now I'm ready to get back to work.

If you want to start a business...

Here's what you need to deal with... PRESSURE.

As a founder, you will feel this more often than not. I let it overwhelm me at the start,  but everything changed once I started looking at it from a different angle.

Pressure is what allowed me to progress.

You see, a lot of people view pressure as something to be nervous about, but I saw it as the opposite, something that tests me and makes me better.

I either succeeded or learned something new.

So, here's how pressure can help you:

1) Productivity: Deadlines and high expectations push you and your team to work efficiently and focus on high-priority tasks, minimising procrastination and maximising productivity.

2) Improves Decision-Making: High-pressure situations often require quick thinking. Over time, this allows you to make good decisions quickly, a crucial skill in business.

3) Builds Resilience: Facing and overcoming pressure helps you build mental and emotional resilience. This toughness is essential for navigating the ups and downs of business.

4) Drives Performance: Pressure can act as a motivator, pushing you to perform at your best. It can force a competitive attitude which moves you forward.

5)Reveals Strengths and Weaknesses: Pressure situations reveal your true capabilities. This will help you clarify and identify strengths to leverage and weaknesses to address.

You have to understand that while pressure can be stressful, it also allows growth, innovation, and success. As you enter the business world, don't look at pressure as a negative. Start looking at it as a positive.

What's been your favourite moment under pressure?

Read this, especially if you want to start a business.

You don't need the fancy amenities...

I started Cupsly from nothing. I had a laptop, some savings, and a spare room in my parents' house. I didn't have the fancy amenities that everyone talked about.

It was me, myself and I. But what I did have was:

- A vision.
- A risk tolerance.
- A strong work ethic.
- A determined mindset.

I now realise that what starts a great business isn't so much about what's around you but more about what's inside you. The qualities you have as a person.

Looking back, I wish I had realised sooner, but the only real way to understand this is to experience it yourself. So don't let what you have around you stop you from starting a business. 

If you genuinely believe in your idea, then start, and the resources and help will come. You first have to be willing to put yourself out there.

Remember, every business you see today started with someone willing to throw everything at it. 

What challenges did you face when starting a business?

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

My entire life has led me to this point. Every step of my journey has shaped the person I am today, and it's the very reason why I'm passionate about what I do. I left school without any English qualifications, and I had to face the challenges of dyslexia. However, this struggle became my motivation to explore the world of entrepreneurship. 

It's why I founded Cupsly (a luxury reusable coffee cup) in 2022 from my parents' spare room. 

That opportunity allowed me to enhance my skills and become a better individual. I saw a chance to create something meaningful. Building a business from scratch taught me valuable entrepreneurship, leadership, and problem-solving lessons. I learned how to manage finances, build a team, and create a product people love.

​My story isn't just about overcoming obstacles but embracing them and transforming them into opportunities for growth. Now, I have the privilege of helping others navigate their challenges and achieve their dreams. It's proof that even when doubted, change is possible.

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

Olowu Adebusoye

If you want to build a business, you need to realise this.

You can make progress with slow progress...

Most of you would have heard about me struggling at school, failing my English exam multiple times and realising I was dyslexic at the age of 20 years old.

You see, I've experienced slow progress. Growing up, I had this mindset: I was the one who was chosen to fail and not progress in life like everyone around me. 

But here's what you need to remember:

- Progression is a choice.
- Resilience is a choice.
- Success is a choice.
- Growth is a choice.
- Action is a choice.

Yes, it may have taken me longer to see the results I wanted and continue to want, but the ones who never stop have the greatest advantage.

I've realised that there are many slow moments in business. There were moments when I thought it was all going wrong, but these were the moments I needed to stay focused. The majority quit at this point. Don't be one of them.

Slow progress is better than no progress.

Have you experienced slow progress before?

I started my business with NO business plan.

And in one of the toughest industries.

But do you know what?

This benefited me. I didn't allow myself to overthink or procrastinate over the process. Instead, I took action without second-guessing.

I was the business plan. I tried loads of things that went wrong loads of times, which resulted in getting things right in the end. My best business plan has always been in my head.

Why? Because I know exactly where I envision my brand going, and it's up to me to execute this. I've got to be the person to put in the work. No piece of paper will do this for me, so don't waste time on the 30-page business plan.

Instead, ask yourself 3 simple questions:

1. What problem do you solve?
2. Who do you solve it for?
3. How will you make money?

Then get to work!

Remember, most successful businesses you see today didn't write the perfect business plan; instead, they took real action that moved their business forward. You can be one of these people.

Prioritise your time in the right areas.

Who thinks business plans are a waste of time?

Abdulrasheed Yakub ACISCM, ACIWM, PGLSCM

I have one non-negotiable for my business...and it's very important to me.

Working on myself.

Running a business takes over your life—in a good way. You're passionate about building something you truly believe in and which will stand the test of time.

But in the beginning, I let this do more harm than good.

I let it take over me. I neglected my health for my business because I thought I had to be behind my desk working 24/7, as that's where I thought progress was made, and yes, it's partly true:

- You'll have to stay disciplined.
- You'll have to work hours on hours.
- You'll have to sacrifice important moments.

But there will and should always be time for your health.

Since I've changed this habit, I feel much better about myself, and so does my business. Being healthy should always be your priority. You either make up excuses or make time for it.

Here's how working out has helped me:

1) Long-Term Sustainability: Building a startup is not a sprint but a marathon. Maintaining good health ensures you can sustain your efforts over the long term. The longer you're in the game, the more chance of success.

2) Energy Levels: Good health ensures you can sustain energy levels and handle long working hours and demanding tasks without burning out.

3) Stress Management: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and good quality sleep help manage stress, preventing it from affecting work performance and personal life. When you train, you put yourself in stressful situations, allowing you to better manage stress in the long term.

4) Improved Focus: Proper nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient rest improve focus and concentration, which are essential for business growth. Avoid those distractions.

But this is by far the most important:

5) Quality of Life: Beyond business success, good health improves your overall quality of life. When you feel good, so will everything else around you.

Remember, business is all about performing at your best and staying consistent over many decades, but this can only happen when you feel good. This begins with your health.

Healthy you is a healthier business.

Do you prioritise your health?

My whole life and business took a positive turn when I did this...

Stop caring what others think.

Entrepreneurship is already difficult, but it can be even more difficult with the opinions people throw your way. As a business owner, you'll always have:

- People laughing at you.
- People calling you crazy.
- People talking about you.

You see, I've been on both sides: the side that didn't act because of what others thought and the side that acted without caring what others thought.

And let me tell you...

The second option is where my life changed. When I started Cupsly, people laughed at me. Some still do, and that's fine. Everyone has their own opinion.

But when I stopped worrying about what others thought and focused all my energy on myself and my buisness, it's where I started to see the biggest changes. 

Remember, no matter where you come from or what your idea is, people will always have something to stay. Unfortunately, this is part of the business journey and a part of life. Never take it to heart. 

Instead, focus on yourself and make yourself the priority.

What challenges have you had to overcome?

At age 16, I was told I would fail my school qualifications. "It will be very hard for you to hit this grade."

At age 17, I would hand my CV to local shops, only to get rejected after rejection because I did not have my English qualification.

At age 18, I resat my English qualification to fail yet again. I just didn't understand what I was doing right and what I was doing wrong.

At age 20, I decided to start my second business, a coat company. I invested a lot of money into marketing without the right strategy and with the wrong execution. I had to close that business.

At age 22, I decided to put myself out there on this platform (LinkedIn), but my posts didn't perform the way I had hoped.

At age 23, I started my third business, Cupsly. Our first product design and branding failed, and I lost around 10k.

And you know what, I wouldn't have it any other way. Any founders reading this, you get it. Every mistake or failure you make gets you more comfortable with the process.

Creating a business is one of the hardest things you can do in life, but the quicker you can get comfortable with making mistakes and finding out why.

You have a much bigger opportunity to make it.

Failure has been the one thing that has not only shaped me as a person but also allowed me to create Cupsly to what it is before launch.

Yes, I don't know if Cupsly will succeed, but what I do know is that I've had an incredible time building it in public, and I've made the best memories through all my mistakes.

It’s time you look at mistakes differently.

What's been your best mistake?

Today, I turn 24...

And it's not the way I thought I would be celebrating.

I'll be honest today, I thought I would be celebrating the launch of Cupsly. June was the month we had in mind, but unfortunately, it wasn't meant to be. 

If you are a business owner, you know the feeling.

To say I'm not gutted would be a lie. Of course, I am, but today, I'm looking at the bigger picture. We're making progress every single day. Yes, we've had some problems, but we've fixed every single one. 

Business is like this most of the time. It tests you like never before. You either let it take over you or stand your ground and take control. So today, I'm reflecting on everything I've achieved this year.

Here are some of my biggest so far:

- Raised investment 
- Started manufacturing 
- Finalised the product design 
- Finalised the product packaging 
- Created a fresh new website (coming soon)

It's easy to see what's wrong, but sometimes, the best thing you can do is take a step back and appreciate how far you've come and everything you've achieved.

I'm thankful for every single moment of my journey.

Time to go and spend some time with the family.

Another trip around the sun completed.

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