Her Story
About Michelle
Michelle Horneff-Cohen is an entrepreneur, inventor, and sustainability advocate with more than 30 years of experience in residential property management, real estate consulting, and environmental innovation. She spent over three decades managing residential properties in San Francisco, where she developed extensive expertise in regulatory compliance, operational efficiency, and solving complex challenges for property owners. Throughout her career, Michelle became known for her practical, solution-oriented approach and her ability to transform everyday obstacles into opportunities for innovation.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michelle founded Clean Composting Company after recognizing a common problem faced by homeowners and property managers alike. Frequent composting fines and the shortcomings of traditional compostable bags inspired her to invent The Compost Collector®, a fully compostable countertop collection system designed to make food waste disposal cleaner, simpler, and more sustainable. Demonstrating her commitment to bringing the product to market, Michelle sold her property management business assets in 2023 to fully fund manufacturing. Since then, Clean Composting Company has received approval from CalRecycle, successfully placed its second manufacturing order, and helped divert more than 66 tons of organic waste from landfills through its innovative composting solution.
Today, Michelle is dedicated to advancing sustainable waste management and promoting regenerative environmental practices through education, advocacy, and product innovation. She actively collaborates with industry organizations, environmental leaders, and community partners to make composting more accessible and effective for households nationwide. By combining decades of business leadership with a passion for environmental stewardship, Michelle continues to drive meaningful change, empowering individuals and communities to reduce waste and create a healthier, more sustainable future.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Michelle
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to hard work, perseverance, and unwavering self-belief. Building a business requires showing up every day with determination, embracing a "rise and grind" mindset, and consistently putting yourself and your product in front of new people. Success doesn't happen overnight it comes from persistence, meaningful relationships, and the confidence to keep moving forward despite challenges. By staying committed to my vision and continuously engaging with customers and industry partners, I have been able to turn an idea into a growing business with a positive environmental impact.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to find a mentor who can provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights—organizations like SCORE and other professional mentorship programs are excellent places to start. Immerse yourself in your industry by continuously learning, attending events, and building meaningful relationships with peers and leaders. Equally important, give back by volunteering with trade organizations and professional associations. Serving your industry not only expands your network and develops leadership skills but also creates opportunities to make a lasting impact while helping others succeed.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are honesty, integrity, humility, and accountability. I believe in taking ownership of my actions, acknowledging mistakes, and learning from every experience rather than fearing failure. To me, setbacks are valuable opportunities for growth, resilience, and continuous improvement. By leading with authenticity, treating others with respect, and remaining committed to doing the right thing, I strive to build trust, foster meaningful relationships, and create a positive impact in everything I do.
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