Meet a Sandbox Member: Michael Radparvar
December 22nd, 2009 by Sara Usinger
Besides beeing one of the co-founders of Holstee, an eco-friendly clothing company, Michael describes himself a NYC resident, avid bicycler, aspiring photographer, and lover of food- especially middle eastern.
Tell us the story of your latest project / occupation.
As of 6 months ago, my brother, Dave, and I began working full time on Holstee, an eco apparel line. The idea which began as the simple desire to place a holster pocket on a shirt has continued to evolve into something much greater. Holstee enabled Dave and I to take back what we felt we lost in corporate jobs- a lifestyle that meshes our passions, core values and interests. We hope to inspire others to do the same… a T-shirt can be a powerful tool 
What are you doing and how did you get there?
Prior to Holstee, I had worked at an organizational training and consulting company for 3+ years. It was a great experience, especially for the first 2.5 years. Though, the last 6 months in in my role, I increasingly felt that unsatisfied. I wanted to do something where I could have greater control over my potential for positive impact, and I wasn’t sure a new job would cut it. At the time Holstee, had been a side project started by Incubaker -an incubator started by several Sandboxers. Holstee began as reflection of our own values and ideals and allowed the exact type of lifestyle Dave and I were both wanted to be immersed in, within a fulltime role.
Tell us about the biggest successes and failures in your life. What worked, what didn’t, and what did you learn?
I suppose it depends on how we define success- to me Holstee is definitely my greatest success to date. My biggest failure I would say is not appreciating/ taking my highschool classes seriously.. maybe it was too easy to get by without doing the readings.. but I am trying my best to catch by reading more now than ever did in Highschool or college (minus textbooks).
What do you want to achieve in the next week, the next year, the next 10 years?
next week – I’d love to get Holstee’s Facebook Fan Page above 1000 fans 
next year- create closer ties with the Entrepenuers Holstee lends to in the developing world by also employing them to help with the holstee production cycle.
next 10 years – Travel to a post-kleptocratic Iran, co-publish a book on starting a company, in a foreign industry during a recession, + be an mentor for future Sandboxers
What was your most inspring moment during the last two weeks?
Seeing how in just 3 years, my grandparents have grown in their tiny backyard many of the things they once had in Iran, including- oranges, limes, lemons, pomegranates, figs, mint cilantro, basil, and chili peppers
How could other Sandboxers and the outside world support you and why would that be exciting for them?
The quality of the sandbox community is inspiring and humbling. Holstee is continuously looking for new ways to improve. I welcome any and all suggestions sandboxers have for Holstee- and would love to support your project any way I can in return.
Michael’s favourites:
Place on earth- Costa Rica
Food- Choresh Sabzi
Drink- Gin + Gingerale
Quote- Whatever you do, do it for peace (John Lennon)
