Māra Lieplapa: From Latvia to Global Success with PLŪKT Premium Nordic Herbal Teas

Māra Lieplapa’s journey is a testament to how a deep-rooted appreciation for nature can shape a life and a business. From her early years, Māra developed a profound respect for the habitat, which later became the foundation of her entrepreneurial endeavors. Her passion for sustainability and eco-conscious living has driven her to create something truly remarkable—a brand that not only delivers quality but also inspires a mindful lifestyle.

This vision materialized into “PLŪKT,” a premium Nordic herbal tea brand that embodies quality, sustainability, and mindfulness. The name “PLŪKT” is intentional, derived from the English word “pluck,” meaning to gather. It resonates across languages like Swedish, Danish, and Dutch, reflecting the brand’s global appeal. each tea is hand-picked with care, showcasing Māra’s dedication to craftsmanship and her commitment to environmental stewardship.

at just 21 years old, Māra launched “PLŪKT,” a bold move that highlighted her ambition and creativity. Her efforts were recognized when she was named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” Today, her brand has expanded its reach to 22 countries, making “PLŪKT” more than just a product—it’s a movement encouraging people to adopt sustainable practices in their everyday lives.

Featured in the program:

1. Billy Joel – “Vienna”
2. Bill Withers – “Lovely day”
3. Boohoo – “little finger”
4. Samantha Tina – “Power Song”
5. Brainstorm & Daddy was A Milkman – “This Is How I Feel”

---

---

Recommend

---

We invite you to share your thoughts on the program and join the conversation. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive.

How SQL Queries Can Filter Records Based on NULL Values

In the world of databases, NULL values play a crucial role in representing missing or unknown information. Unlike empty strings or zeros, NULL signifies the absence of any value.For database professionals, understanding how to handle NULL values is essential for accurate data retrieval and analysis. SQL provides two powerful operators—IS NULL and IS NOT NULL—to help you work with these values effectively.

Understanding the IS NULL operator

the IS NULL operator is your go-to tool for identifying records were specific columns contain NULL values. As an example, imagine you’re working with a “Customers” table, and you want to find all customers whose addresses are missing. Here’s how you can craft your SQL query:

sql
SELECT CustomerName, ContactName, Address
FROM Customers
WHERE Address IS NULL;

This query will fetch all rows from the “Customers” table where the “Address” column is NULL. It’s a straightforward yet powerful way to pinpoint incomplete or missing data in your database.

Leveraging the IS NOT NULL Operator

On the flip side, the IS NOT NULL operator helps you filter out records with NULL values. Suppose you want to retrieve only those customers whose addresses are available. The following query will do the trick:

sql
SELECT CustomerName, ContactName, Address
FROM Customers
WHERE Address IS NOT NULL;

This query ensures that only rows with non-NULL values in the “Address” column are included in the results. It’s an excellent way to focus on complete and actionable data.

Key Insights to Keep in Mind

When working with NULL values in SQL, there are a few critical points to remember:

1. NULL is not equal to anything, not even to another NULL. Such as, NULL = NULL will always return false. Instead, use IS NULL to check for NULL values.
2. NULL values can impact calculations and comparisons.Functions like COUNT and SUM may behave differently when nulls are involved, so always account for them in your queries.
3. When designing databases, consider whether a column should allow NULL values. This decision can affect data integrity and query performance.

By mastering the use of IS NULL and IS NOT NULL, you can ensure your SQL queries are precise, efficient, and tailored to your data needs. Whether you’re cleaning up incomplete records or focusing on complete datasets, these operators are indispensable tools in your SQL toolkit.

mastering NULL Values in SQL: A Comprehensive Guide

When working with SQL databases, understanding how to handle NULL values is crucial for accurate data analysis and query performance. NULL values represent missing or unknown data, and they can significantly impact calculations, comparisons, and overall query results.in this guide,we’ll explore the nuances of NULL values,how to manage them effectively,and why they matter in SQL.

What Are NULL Values in SQL?

In SQL, a NULL value indicates that a data field has no value or is unknown. Unlike an empty string or zero, NULL is a placeholder for missing information. For example, if a customer’s phone number is not available in a database, it might be stored as NULL rather than an empty string. This distinction is important because NULL behaves differently in SQL operations compared to other values.

Why NULL Values Matter

NULL values can affect the outcome of SQL queries in unexpected ways. As a notable example, when performing calculations or comparisons, NULL values are treated as unknown, which can lead to results that might not align with your expectations. Consider the following:

• Any arithmetic operation involving NULL results in NULL. For example, 10 + NULL evaluates to NULL.
• Comparisons with NULL using operators like = or != return NULL, not true or false.

These behaviors highlight the importance of handling NULL values carefully to ensure accurate and meaningful query results.

How to Check for NULL Values

To identify NULL values in your data, SQL provides specific operators:

• Use IS NULL to find rows where a column contains NULL values.
• Use IS NOT NULL to exclude rows with NULL values.

Such as, if you want to retrieve all customers without a phone number, you could write:

SELECT * FROM customers WHERE phone_number IS NULL;

Conversely, to exclude these customers, you’d use:

SELECT * FROM customers WHERE phone_number IS NOT NULL;

Handling NULL Values in Calculations

When performing calculations, NULL values can disrupt your results. For example, aggregating data with NULL values might lead to incomplete or misleading outcomes. To address this, SQL offers functions like COALESCE and IFNULL, which allow you to replace NULL with a default value. Here’s an example:

SELECT COALESCE(sales, 0) FROM orders;

This query replaces NULL sales values with zero, ensuring accurate calculations.

Best Practices for Managing NULL Values

To avoid common pitfalls, follow these best practices:

1. Always check for NULL values when performing comparisons or calculations.
2. Use COALESCE or IFNULL to handle NULL values in aggregations.
3. Design your database schema to minimize the use of NULL values where possible.

By adopting these strategies, you can ensure your SQL queries are robust, accurate, and efficient.

Conclusion

NULL values are an integral part of SQL, but they require careful handling to avoid errors and ensure reliable results. Whether you’re filtering data, performing calculations, or designing a database, understanding how to manage NULL values is essential. With the techniques and best practices outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle NULL-related challenges in your SQL projects.

What inspired Māra Lieplapa to start PLŪKT at such a young age?

Interview with Māra Lieplapa: The Visionary Behind PLŪKT, the Nordic Herbal Tea Brand

By Archyde News Team

---

Archyde: Thank you for joining us today, Māra. Your journey from a nature-loving enthusiast to the founder of a globally recognized brand like PLŪKT is truly inspiring. Can you tell us how your early connection with nature influenced your entrepreneurial path?

Māra Lieplapa: Thank you for having me. nature has always been my greatest teacher. Growing up in Latvia, I spent most of my childhood exploring forests, meadows, and rivers. That deep connection instilled in me a profound respect for the habitat and a desire to protect it. When I started thinking about creating a business, I knew it had to reflect my values—sustainability, mindfulness, and quality. That’s how PLŪKT was born.

Archyde: The name “PLŪKT” is quite unique and carries a lot of meaning. Can you share the story behind it?

Māra: Absolutely. The name “PLŪKT” comes from the English word “pluck,” which means to gather or harvest. It’s a simple yet powerful word that resonates across multiple languages, like Swedish, Danish, and Dutch. For me, it symbolizes the act of carefully selecting the best herbs and ingredients, just as we would in nature. It’s about intentionality and respect for the resources we use.

Archyde: At just 21 years old, you launched PLŪKT. What motivated you to take such a bold step at such a young age?

Māra: I’ve always been driven by a sense of purpose. I saw a gap in the market for a premium herbal tea brand that not only delivered remarkable quality but also championed sustainability.I wanted to create something that would inspire people to live more mindfully and make eco-conscious choices. Age was never a barrier for me—I believed in my vision and was resolute to bring it to life.

Archyde: Your brand has expanded to 22 countries. What do you think has been the key to PLŪKT’s global success?

Māra: I believe it’s a combination of factors.First, our commitment to quality and sustainability resonates with people worldwide. Second, we’ve built a strong community around the brand—people who share our values and want to be part of a movement toward a more lasting future. Lastly, we’ve stayed true to our roots. Every tea is still hand-picked with care,and that craftsmanship is something our customers truly appreciate.

Archyde: sustainability is at the core of PLŪKT. Can you share some of the practices you’ve implemented to ensure your brand remains eco-friendly?

Māra: Sustainability is non-negotiable for us. From sourcing our ingredients responsibly to using biodegradable packaging, every decision is made with the environment in mind. We work closely with local farmers who practice organic farming, ensuring that our teas are free from harmful chemicals. We also offset our carbon footprint by investing in reforestation projects. It’s a continuous journey, and we’re always looking for ways to improve.

Archyde: You were named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year.” How did that recognition impact you and your brand?

Māra: It was an incredible honour and a validation of the hard work we’ve put into PLŪKT. But more than that, it gave us a platform to amplify our message. It opened doors to new opportunities and allowed us to reach even more people who share our vision for a sustainable future.

Archyde: What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs who are passionate about sustainability but unsure where to start?

Māra: My advice would be to start small but think big. Focus on what you’re truly passionate about, and let that guide your decisions.Don’t be afraid to take risks, and remember that failure is just a stepping stone to success. Surround yourself with people who share your values and believe in your vision. And most importantly, stay true to yourself and your mission.

Archyde: what’s next for PLŪKT? Any exciting projects or expansions on the horizon?

Māra: we’re always exploring new ways to innovate and grow. Right now, we’re working on expanding our product line to include more wellness-focused offerings. We’re also looking to deepen our impact by partnering with organizations that align with our mission. The goal is to keep pushing boundaries and inspiring people to live more sustainably.

Archyde: Thank you,Māra,for sharing your inspiring story with us. We look forward to seeing PLŪKT continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the world.

Māra: Thank you so much. It’s been a pleasure.

---

Join the conversation and share your thoughts on Māra’s journey and the PLŪKT movement. Let’s continue to inspire and support sustainable living together.