Katie Reeves is a marine scientist turned entrepreneur whose career has taken her from the muddy shores of the Humber Estuary to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. After two decades working in marine conservation and sustainability, she has launched Festive Green, a company redefining what it means to celebrate sustainably with an innovative, eco-conscious artificial Christmas tree.
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Katie’s Journey
Katie’s career began in marine ecology, where she worked with world-leading organisations on projects ranging from writing the Good Beach Guide to campaigning for the UK Marine Act, which became law in 2009. Her international work took her across continents, where she satellite-tagged whale sharks, monitored nesting hawksbill turtles, and collaborated with global academics on environmental research—most recently co-authoring a chapter on Qatar’s marine biodiversity.
She later moved into the corporate world, managing environmental programmes for major energy companies, before taking the leap to become an independent consultant. Three years ago, after settling back in North Yorkshire, she founded Sustainable Oceans Management, providing expert consultancy on marine and environmental issues.
But Katie knew she wanted to create something truly her own—a tangible product that blended her passion for sustainability with creativity and impact. That idea became Festive Green.
About Festive Green
Launched in early 2024, Festive Green was born from Katie’s vision to create a sustainable, long-lasting artificial Christmas tree. The business operates within the retail sector, offering high-end, eco-friendly alternatives to traditional trees—designed to last for many festive seasons.
The company plans to sell both online and in physical stores, with future plans for rental and subscription models, allowing customers to celebrate sustainably without waste.
Challenges
Katie admits that financing has been the biggest challenge so far. Navigating the world of grants, funding, and investment options was a steep learning curve. However, by attending networking events such as Enterprise York, she found inspiration and practical advice from others who had overcome similar hurdles.
On a personal level, Katie has faced unconscious bias and scepticism—both from within professional circles and even from family members. “Some people told me it wasn’t a real job or asked why I was doing this,” she recalls. “But keeping the dream alive while balancing work and family has only made me more determined.”