He Turns Water Bottles into Fashionable Bags: How This CEO Balances It All

By: Karen Pinkston

Hamilton Perkins knows firsthand that being a CEO and an entrepreneur is grueling. At 30 years old, he launched a sustainable business that makes fashionable bags and totes out of recycled water bottles and billboard covers.

After receiving $10,000 on a Kickstarter campaign in less than a week, Perkins officially launched the Hamilton Perkins Collection in 2017. Since then, he’s sold thousands of bags in the U.S. and around the world. Major retaliators like Nordstrom, West Elm, and Zappos signed up to sell Perkins’ eco-friendly bags. And the media has taken note. Forbes, The Washington Post, and Money magazine have all covered his story of making functional fashion from water bottles.

But Perkins knows having a sustainable business also requires having a sustainable life. Powerhouse Planning caught up with Perkins to see how he manages his own stress and wellness as a CEO.

Q. What’s a typical day like for you?

I start at the gym to do something physical. Then, I have time for planning out my day. I try to do my hardest work in the morning, the work that requires the most mental horsepower. I do all the heavy lifting before noon, and focus on more routine tasks in the afternoon. By the end of the day, I move into some type of networking or speaking event.

Q. CEOs have a lot to manage, all aspects of a business. Do you have any hacks that keep you feeling more in control?

Daily journaling is a hack for me. It’s easy to jump in the hamster wheel and keep on going. But it’s important to take the time to reflect and see what we have accomplished as a team. Make plans to hit your goals. Practice gratitude by celebrating even the smallest wins.

 Q. What are the wellness methods you focus on the most?

Exercise and meditation. When you’re running a business, it’s so consuming, but you’ve got to invest in wellness. It’s tough, but I make it a priority to get to the gym. I also started using the “Calm App,” which is guided meditation that can take as little as ten minutes a day. Focusing on breath and taking a mental break makes me more productive.

Q. What’s your relationship with sleep?

I sleep as much as I can. I try to get eight hours. Even if I could get nine that would be amazing. I fall short of that most of the time during the week, but there is always one day where I can achieve it.

Q. Arianna Huffington of HuffPost has said that “going public” about her commitment to sleep and meditation has made her more accountable to her goals. Think it will do the same for you?

I hope so! Engagement from going public can be very powerful. Having other people involved can lead to better outcomes. You don’t want to let them down.

If you’d like to check out Hamilton Perkins Collection, visit their website. Enter Powerhouse Planning at checkout, and you’ll get $20 off your first order.