The 125-Million-Meal Movement: Saasha Celestial-One on Co-Founding Olio, the App That Lets You Share Food and Stuff You Don’t Need
When Saasha Celestial-One co-founded OLIO, the food-sharing app that now boasts over 9 million downloads, she didn’t set out to build a global tech movement. She simply wanted to stop good food from going to waste. Ten years later, her work is redistributing 125+ million meals and sparking a mindset shift that goes far beyond leftovers.
So, what can we learn from her journey?
🥄 1. No Action Is Too Small
“Sometimes when you're facing existential overwhelm... it can be really grounding to think about that one meal, that one person, that one family.”
At the heart of OLIO is a deceptively simple idea: share what you don't need. Whether it's a bag of spinach or a lemon tart, Saasha emphasizes the power of small acts multiplied by millions. It’s not about perfection. It’s about showing up.
🧠 2. Awareness Isn’t Enough — Responsibility Is the Real Barrier
Saasha is clear: the biggest obstacle isn’t ignorance. It’s indifference.
“People don’t want to admit they waste food. But 70% of edible food waste happens at home.”
The call here is uncomfortable yet empowering: take personal responsibility for your stuff. That half-eaten fruit bowl? That unopened yogurt? Someone else could use it. OLIO’s data shows that 90% of listed items are picked up, often within minutes — proving that redistribution works, when people take the first step.
🌍 3. The Shared Economy Needs Intrinsic Motivation
Uber and Airbnb work because the economic incentive is obvious. But OLIO operates differently — its “assets” (like food or household items) often have low resale value, so the reward must come from within.
“It feels really good to give something of value to another person... it’s a universal trait.”
This shift — from extrinsic to intrinsic motivation — is at the core of a truly sustainable economy.
💪 4. Solve Big Problems, But Start Local
From a lemon in Seattle to a bunk bed in Bristol, OLIO's model is radically local — yet global in impact.
Saasha believes strongly in building grassroots momentum, powered by 60,000+ volunteers who distribute flyers, share stories, and bring their communities online. This decentralized model has enabled OLIO to grow organically, with over 80% of downloads coming from word-of-mouth or earned media.
🧪 5. Build with Purpose, Fund with Conviction
While OLIO is purpose-driven, it’s also a for-profit business with major contracts (e.g., Tesco) and clear monetization.
“Even a tiny share of $1.2 trillion in global food waste is a massive opportunity.”
They’ve raised millions in funding, not by compromising their mission, but by proving that doing good is scalable — and investable.
👥 6. Great Co-Founders Are Like Great Marriages
Saasha and her co-founder, Tessa, were friends for a decade before launching OLIO. Their success, she says, isn’t just about skills — it’s about commitment, communication, and alignment of values.
“We have vows. We check in every Monday and Friday. It doesn’t happen by accident.”
Their process includes everything from structured performance reviews to shared rituals — all rooted in mutual respect and radical honesty.
🧭 7. Redefining Success: From Unicorns to Enough
Saasha is candid about evolving past Silicon Valley fantasies.
“I had to come to terms with the fact that building a unicorn isn’t the only definition of success.”
What matters more now? Dignity, impact, and time with family. And creating tech that fosters real-world human connection — not just digital noise.
✨ Quickfire Takeaways
3 things that bring her joy: Playing cards, yoga, sunshine ☀️
Mantra to live by: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Advice to her younger self: “Getting older is more fun than you think.”
What to do if you're stuck: Volunteer — it’s one of life’s great joys.
💡 Final Thought:
OLIO isn’t just a food-sharing app. It’s a movement — reminding us that what we throw away says as much about us as what we keep.
So next time you stare at your fridge, ask:
What can I share?
Because somewhere nearby, someone needs it.
And that simple act? It might just change the world.
Listen here: https://linktr.ee/thekollectiveinstituteofideas
