From Flight Attendant to Entrepreneur Partnered with LAX Airport, Meet Lani Cooper

In her early career, entrepreneur Lani Cooper worked as a flight attendant for QANTAS. It was there that the brainchild for MOBOT was born, which has today become a top name in the wellness and hydration space, recently signing a partnership with Los Angeles International Airport (LAX.)

In line with LAX’s commitment to eliminating single-use plastic bottles, MOBOT was proud to unveil the exclusive “LOVE at LAX” water bottles by MOBOT. Designed in collaboration with renowned Los Angeles-based artist Ruben Rojas, each LOVE at LAX water bottle captures the essence of the city’s vibrant culture and commitment to sustainability.

As part of the campaign, MOBOT, in partnership with Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) Airports and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), offered travelers an exclusive opportunity. For every $75 spent at specialty retail stores in LAX Terminals 1, 2, 3, 6, Tom Bradley International Terminal, and Bradley West Gates, consumers received a complimentary LOVE at LAX water bottle.

This partnership was not just about providing a sustainable alternative; it represented Cooper’s long-term commitment to creating a positive impact on the environment and encouraging more mindful travel habits. We sat down with Lani Cooper to learn more about the brand.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur? 

I guess… “Entrepreneur” wasn’t a term then like it is now. I started my first business when I was in high school. Technically, I guess I have always been an entrepreneur — MOBOT is my 6th business, and I love it! 

My journey definitely evolved organically. Growing up, I was always drawn to problem-solving after being more of a problem-creator or a rebel (one might say!). Overcoming challenges from a young age, the idea of making a meaningful impact on people’s lives and the planet while also addressing real problems resonated with me. MOBOT is my sixth business, which began with a deep-seated passion for sustainability and a keen awareness of the mind-body connection along with physical issues surrounding everyday movement to be stress and pain-free.

The complexities of building a company from the ground up is an immense learning curve and a rollercoaster of highs and lows. It was a challenging and maybe slightly naive decision at the time to step into the CPG realm, but my passion and belief in its potential impact on consumers’ lives fueled my determination. Creating MOBOT wasn’t really a premeditated choice but rather a combination of my skills, passion, experiences, and a genuine desire to bring something unique and functional to the market. 

I believe business for good is good business. The entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful force for positive change and innovation. You are constantly adapting, learning, and pushing boundaries to build a company, team, and product that aligns with your values and resonates with an environmentally conscious community.

Tell us about your early career goals and experiences.

In my early career, I mostly only sought opportunities that allowed me to leverage my athletic background in rugby and water skiing, channeling my passion for sports and competition. These experiences definitely instilled in me the importance of teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting. However, some speed humps, twists, turns, and turbulence (without a seat belt) left me on the bench and seeking a broader spectrum of interests, and it’s those experiences that shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today! 

I’ve explored various professions and industries, from travel, health, wellness, community work, hospitality, sales, engineering, construction, real estate, and more! As I navigated through different jobs — most I needed after a failed business — I discovered a curiosity for so many fields beyond sport, with each job providing unique challenges and learning opportunities, contributing to a well-rounded skill set now! But back then, not many people believed I was on a path to success. And while my path might seem unconventional, with over 70 jobs under my belt, it became a deliberate choice to gather a broad range of experiences from several countries to continually foster a growth mindset and test my ability to thrive in dynamic environments.

What inspired you to start MOBOT? 

The inspiration for MOBOT sprang from my experience and passion for both personal well-being and the health of our planet. Recognizing the importance of staying hydrated and maintaining an active lifestyle, the idea for MOBOT emerged as a way to provide a multifunctional, fashionable, sustainable solution for individuals who prioritize both their fitness journey and environmental responsibility. 

Besides, we needed it! Hydration, breathwork, and (self) massage/muscle care are necessary for recovery. At the time when I came up with it, I noticed my athletes and clients struggled to make it a daily habit, mostly due to the lack of great on-the-go options. I love design, innovation, sustainability, healing, and building community, so creating MOBOT, a unique, patented, and versatile tool, infused everything I love. 

MOBOT is more than just a product; it’s a commitment to personal well-being and environmental stewardship. MOBOT invites individuals — whether eco-conscious, fitness enthusiasts, or new to self-care — to join the movement toward a healthier and more sustainable future. 

What have been some of the biggest challenges as a female entrepreneur breaking into the very popular wellness space? 

Overcoming gender biases within the industry, well, most industries really. Wellness has historically been perceived as a female-dominated sector, and while that’s true in terms of consumers, the leadership roles have often been dominated by men, even in female-focused and driven products. As a female entrepreneur, I found gaining credibility and recognition took more than I anticipated. I had to consistently demonstrate my expertise, skills, and the unique value I bring to the table were more than what was under my pretty dress! 

I remember attending industry events where the assumption was that I was there in a supporting role rather than as the visionary behind my brand. It was disheartening at times, and initially, I bought an SPM (stale pale male) to play the game. However, I quickly realized that wasn’t going to cut it. I started stand-up comedy as a hobby and decided to use those moments as opportunities to challenge those perceptions, and over time, I found my voice, made sure to speak up, share my story, and highlight the expertise I bring. 

Beyond gender biases, the other notable challenge has always been the pressure to conform to certain beauty standards. There’s often an expectation for women to fit a specific mold, both physically and in terms of personal branding. I want to challenge that and emphasize authenticity. It’s important to me that my brand represents a diverse and inclusive definition of wellness–one that celebrates being different and individuality rather than conforming to external expectations. What it means to truly love yourself, know your worth, and be a human being.

What does this partnership with LAX mean to you? 

This collaboration is a mile-high club dream I didn’t know I could dream! It is set to transform the travel experience by not only aligning with LAX’s ambitious initiative to ban single-use plastic water bottles but also introducing our on-the-go recovery solution for travelers! 

As an ex-flight attendant for QANTAS, this partnership represents more than a business collaboration. It is a shared commitment with LAX and travelers alike to create a positive impact on the environment. The introduction of more sustainable solutions at LAX signifies a huge shift in the travel industry. We are not just changing the travel experience; we are contributing to a global movement towards more responsible and eco-conscious practices. 

What is your hope for the future of MOBOT?

At MOBOT, our vision is to redefine wellness and sustainability as inseparable partners. We see a future where individuals seamlessly integrate eco-friendly choices into their everyday routines and can prioritize both personal well-being and the well-being of our planet. I believe in a future where health and sustainable practices are not just a choice but a way of life. We have a few key pillars for MOBOT’s future vision, and those include the global adoption of sustainable alternatives away from single-use plastics; playing an active role in educating consumers and the community about living an active lifestyle with healthy hydration; our commitment to staying at the forefront of innovation in our products, collaboration with like-minded organizations and individuals to push for a sustainable tomorrow, and to invite consumers, partners, and advocates of health and sustainability to join our journey.

What advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

First and foremost, listen to your gut, your intuition. Believe in yourself and the value you bring. Be confident in your expertise, and be confident in what you don’t YET know. Be brave and ask for help… from the right people! Use your unique perspective as a woman to your advantage. 

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to entrepreneurship. Flexibility is key. Stay true to your vision of you — it is about YOU. Who you become or need to become to achieve your dreams. Embrace change, keep a growth mindset, and remember that different is good and crying can be fun!

The wellness space, ahh eff that, the world needs more diverse voices, and embracing your authenticity can set you apart. I hope I can inspire others to pursue their passions. Regardless of the challenges you may face, overcoming adversity is a superpower!