In the modern era, the fashion industry is undergoing a transformation towards sustainability and environmental consciousness. Brands that prioritize upcycled and sustainable creations are leading the way in this movement. Aza Ecotique, established by Roberta Golzio, is a standout brand due to its dedication to transforming waste into valuable fashion pieces.
The Inception and Vision
Roberta Golzio is the visionary behind Aza Ecotique and has always wanted to start her own business. However, it wasn’t until she moved from Oulu to Helsinki and discovered the city’s robust secondhand market and recycling initiatives that she found her true inspiration. Roberta noticed that the offer exceeded the demand, resulting in a surplus of unsold garments.
This observation led her to question the fate of these clothes and sparked the idea for Aza Ecotique. Combining her interest in sustainability and environmental impact with the abundance of secondhand clothes in Helsinki, Roberta identified a gap in the market for post-consumer recycling.
Aza Ecotique focuses on transforming already-worn clothes into new, valuable items rather than using deadstocks from other fashion industries. Aza uses primarily old garments and textile products at the end of their lifecycle, sourcing materials from local flea markets and recycling centers to avoid the environmental impact of transportation and to support the local circular economy.
Their commitment to sustainable sourcing extends beyond just the materials used to produce their bags. In Aza’s studio, second-hand sewing machines and furniture are used, aligning with their values in every aspect of their operations. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is maintained throughout the entire production process.
Despite the challenges, Roberta was determined to pursue this path, aiming to reduce textile waste and promote sustainability. The positive impact of the upcycling process, which is the least polluting, barely requires any water, and significantly contributes to waste reduction, is what drives Roberta’s motivation to continue despite the difficulties.
The Journey of Transformation
Roberta began her journey with Aza Ecotique as a hobby earlier this year, where she tested her concepts and refined her ideas. The business was officially registered in June, and it is still in its early stages. Roberta finds immense satisfaction in every part of the process. From sourcing old garments daily to envisioning and creating new designs, each step offers a unique sense of fulfillment for the founder. What truly motivates them is the mission behind the brand. The main purpose of Aza is reducing textile waste, and this is what they care about the most.
The hands-on aspect of production, after years in the corporate world, provides a refreshing and inspiring change. Without external investments, Roberta took care of every aspect of building the business, from the design and production of the products, selecting the suppliers, setting up the website, managing a webshop, and handling logistics. The entire process, from ideation to production, reinforces her passion for sustainability and creativity.
Aza Ecotique’s Growth and Impact
Aza Ecotique’s unique selling proposition is its commitment to sustainability and its focus on repurposing post-consumer garments. The brand has attracted interest from individuals passionate about recycling, healthy living, and preserving nature. Roberta’s vision for the next five years includes expanding her team of tailors, establishing partnerships with recycling centres and secondhand fashion chains, and increasing her retail presence in Finland and across Europe.
Roberta dreams of growing the business while staying true to its core values of sustainability and local production. She envisions a network of retailers throughout Finland to ensure that unsold garments are repurposed within the country, reducing transportation impact and minimizing textile waste. Despite the challenges, Roberta remains optimistic and dedicated to her mission, aiming to make a significant impact on the fashion industry’s sustainability efforts.
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