Could you briefly introduce yourself and what you do?
Mariyam Kassymova – Seleu Consulting
My name is Maria, and I’m a trainer and consultant in sustainability. I help organizations plan and host events in an environmentally responsible way — for example, by introducing separate waste collection to ensure more materials are recycled instead of ending up in landfills. I also work with companies to raise awareness about why waste sorting matters. It’s not just a trend — people need to understand how it works and why it’s important. That’s where I come in: to make sustainability practical, clear, and actionable.
Umit Kassymova – Oiko
I’m the founder of Oiko, an ecological brand that produces household cleaning products — from laundry detergent and dish soap to surface cleaners — all made with ingredients safe enough even for newborns. We’ve been on the market for over five years and have built our own distributor network. But what I’m most proud of is the community. The sustainability circle here is very supportive. We help each other — for instance, I’m often asked to advise on grant applications because I’ve successfully secured a few. Even when we don’t work together directly, we share knowledge. It’s about more than business — it’s about a shared mission.
Darkhan Vaisupov
My name is Khan, and I’m an eco-activist. My main focus is protecting lives — especially those of engineers and workers — through my air purification project. I believe this has strong potential for the future, and I’m building it with a long-term vision.
What was your first reaction when you saw your story in the book?
Mariyam Kassymova – Seleu Consulting
It’s hard to put into words. When you’re deeply involved in this kind of work, you know it’s meaningful, but you rarely pause to reflect on your progress — you're just going through the motions. Seeing my story in the book made me stop and think, “Wow, this is real.” It was incredibly validating. But even more powerful was seeing so many others with similar values and efforts. It reminded me I’m not alone in this journey and gave me a fresh wave of motivation.
Darkhan Vaisupov
Honestly, I was surprised. I assumed there would be a selection process and that only well-developed, completed projects would be featured. Mine is still a work in progress, so I didn’t think it would be included. But seeing it in the book, among so many inspiring initiatives, was truly an honor. It felt like a meaningful form of recognition.
Umit Kassymova – Oiko
At first, I didn’t even know it would be a book. When I gave the interview, I thought it was just for a website or maybe internal use. So when I later found out it would be published as a book, I was already surprised. But seeing the actual launch event — the people, the atmosphere, the celebration — that was something special. It felt like a real milestone and a proud moment.
What message would you like readers to take from your story?
Mariyam Kassymova – Seleu Consulting
I didn’t come into this field through a traditional route — I followed my curiosity and care. I was 38 when I really began this journey, inspired by my daughter’s participation in eco-competitions. So if there’s one message I’d like people to take from my story, it’s this: it’s never too late to start. You don’t need to have a degree or formal background in environmental science. If you care and want to live more consciously, that’s enough to take the first step.
Darkhan Vaisupov
You don’t need to have everything figured out before you begin. Even if you only have pieces of an idea — one small concept or direction — that’s something worth building on. If someone reads my story and feels inspired to continue it, or take it even further, I would be thrilled. The goal isn’t for me to finish it all myself — it’s for the idea to grow, evolve, and make a difference through others.
Umit Kassymova – Oiko
There was a lot of discussion at the event about Abai’s path, and that really resonated with me. It made me feel proud to see our work as part of a larger tradition — not just culturally, but in terms of values. We’re preserving what truly matters. Sustainability isn’t just a technical field or a passing trend; it’s a way of life that connects us to our roots. That’s what I hope people take from my story.
Has your motivation or inspiration changed after the event?
Mariyam Kassymova – Seleu Consulting
Absolutely. I already knew many people in the sustainability space — those working in waste processing, recycling, or environmental policy — but this event brought together entrepreneurs from across Kazakhstan. The energy in the room was incredible. Meeting others doing similar work, seeing how they apply their ideas — it really makes you want to keep going. It also opens up learning opportunities. You pick up new practices, broaden your approach, and think about how to scale your impact.
Darkhan Vaisupov
Yes, definitely. Many of the projects I saw really spoke to me. Some of them were ideas I had thought about before but hadn’t acted on yet. Seeing others already bringing those ideas to life — it just clicked. I left with a long list of things I now want to explore, and I even made a few connections that could lead to future collaborations.
Umit Kassymova – Oiko
We always have ideas and future plans, but events like this give them a real push. It’s one thing to work quietly on your own, and another to be surrounded by people moving in the same direction. That kind of collective momentum is so powerful. I don’t usually share my next steps in advance, but yes — I left the event with more motivation than I came in with.
If you had to describe the event in one word, what would it be?
Mariyam Kassymova – Seleu Consulting
It was educational, of course — but more than that, it felt deeply meaningful. I really appreciated how the organizers tied sustainability to our national culture. The symbolism of tea, the focus on awareness — it reminded me that sustainability isn’t just about action. It’s a mindset. A way of living with heart.
Darkhan Vaisupov
At first, to be honest, it felt like a concert! But once I took in the full experience — the people, the energy, the substance of the projects — I’d describe it as perspective. This event really opened my mind to what’s possible.
Umit Kassymova – Oiko
I’d say Sustainable Future — and also New Connections. The whole atmosphere was about growth, progress, and meaningful exchange. It reminded me that we can’t stay still — we need to keep evolving.