MEET LAURA ZABO

From an early age, I have had a passion for taking my ideas and bringing them to life. When I was six, I began gathering and trading snails, and by eight I was peddling newspapers. Even in elementary school, I found a way to create and sell beaded jewelry. I have always had an ambition to learn how to make money, and have continuously looked for ways to do so.

Upcycled Fashion London

Despite loving studying, I decided to quit university as it didn’t offer me the practical side of learning I was keen to immerse myself in. Instead, I focused on studying business management and marketing to support my endeavours. 

My upcycling journey began eight years ago while I was exploring the beautiful country of Tanzania. I was captivated by the wild open spaces, the vibrant colours, and the warm generous people. The moment which changed my life was when I caught sight of some handmade brightly-painted sandals at a Maasai market. These innovative sandals were made entirely out of repurposed car tires. I immediately fell in love with the idea that functional products could be created out of trash, and I knew that I simply had to share this brilliant idea with the world.


Scrap tyres are a rapidly growing problem on this planet, with billions of tyres dumped globally every year. They take decades to break down and often pile up on landfill sites, taking up valuable space and clogging up our planet. We need to find imaginative and creative eco-solutions for the increasing amount of waste on our planet and transform it into useful and sustainable treasure. From the moment I saw those car tyre sandals, I knew that this had to be my mission in life.

laura zabo and maasaiAfter returning from Africa I was inspired to begin crafting tire belts at home, going on to sell my handmade fashion accessories at the London markets. As my ideas and techniques developed, so did my business and I began creating even more items such as inner tube jewellery and dog accessories. German tire manufacturer, Schwalbe, donated approximately 5000 rejected tires to me saved from a future in landfill, which I upcycled into an eclectic range of belts, jewellery, guitar straps, dog leads - and much more.

 

My desire is to create unique, striking accessories that are appropriate for social events, casual evenings and any occasion in between. My pieces should reflect what it means to be a modern, urban individual who is seeking to be more ethically aware. I maintain the philosophy: it is not about the price but the love of mother earth which drives my creativity. 

 

 I hope to inspire others to think big, create to live in a better world.

DO YOU WANT TO CONTRIBUTE TO A BETTER PLANET? 

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