Last week I had the honour to interview to Marta Sieradzka, the founder of Estimon. Estimon is a new brand of beautiful, chic, ethically-made, eco-friendly, high-quality vegan handbags. Its launch was June 20th. But, as Marta explains, Estimon is not just a handbag store. I hope you enjoy this interview and Marta's insightful words. To me, this brand is a perfect example of what the fashion world is in such need of. Businesses like this are a shining proof that things can be done well.
Photos via Estimon.
Interview
Q- Hi Marta! It is my pleasure to interview you soon after the launch of Estimon. First of all, congratulations for Estimon's premiere June 20th!
How would you describe the brand and its mission?
A- Thank you so much Maggie, I am so excited for this interview. I would say Estimon is not just a handbag store. This is a unique concept, combining the possibility of buying unique, vegan accessories with a source of knowledge about animal rights and ethical, slow lifestyle. My goal is to spread awareness about cruelty-free life – in every sense.
Q- Why Estimon?
A- "Estimon" means respect in Esperanto. I want my brand to express this particular value as well as possible, because I believe that with respect – to animals, to the planet and to each other – we can change the world for better. Why Esperanto?, you may ask. I chose this language, because I’m very sad it’s almost extinct and I wanted to bring to our attention, that if we don’t start taking care of our planet, the same may happen to it.
Q- How was the idea of Estimon born?
A- From the age of 10 I knew I wanted to do something to help animals. I have been engaging in different animal welfare and animal rights action, but I always felt there was something missing. I decided to create Estimon because I truly believe we can make a positive impact on the environment and the planet through our actions. This is why in Estimon I also want to educate.
Q- Could you tell us about the materials and sustainability aspect?
A- Naturally! I care about every detail of the production process. I spent 2 years searching for the highest quality vegan materials that are also as environmentally friendly as possible and for the next two years I have been testing bags’ prototypes in order to make sure they are of best quality. I want Estimon bags to serve for a very long time, so no one can say that animal leather bags last longer. It’s not true!
Photos via Estimon.
Q- The website mentions Estimon works with small family businesses. Could you tell us more about that?
A- Of course! In the whole production process, I try to work as locally as possible and support small businesses rather than big international conglomerates. My bags are made by a very talented craftswoman from the Ukraine who has been living in Poland for many years. All hardware and details we use in the bag making process are also either made locally or distributed by local companies.
Q- How do you conceive fashion?
A- Fashion for me is much more than pretty clothes and gorgeous designs. I consider fashion as a much broader term. Fashion is a way to express yourself and your beliefs, but is also about making a change. It can have such a great impact on the whole society that I believe we need to use it in order to spread good.
Q- What do you think we need more of in the fashion industry?
A- I would say it’s missing two things: compassion and bigger picture. The world of fashion is constantly evolving and I am so pleased to see so many great companies trying to make an impact on customers’ choices. The world is changing and so should we! It’s amazing to see so many great alternatives to old, “traditional” and very often cruel production methods. I think we should altogether support the change and see that no animals need to die for fashion. This world has ended.
Q- In what countries are Estimon bags available for purchase?
A- We ship Estimon bags worldwide! You can order your own from any part of the world.
Thank you again for the interview, for being part of the positive change, and providing us with beautiful vegan options! I'm enthusiastic for the future of Estimon and vegan fashion as a whole. Is there anything else you would like to add?
A- Thank you so much for this conversation! I couldn’t be happier about it. I sincerely hope the future of the vegan fashion is very bright and I am so excited to be a part of it!
Photos via Estimon.
Estimon ships worldwide. Learn more at estimon.com.
Article by Maggie Stilman.
Vria.