A start-up sustainable fashion brand from Swansea, which has been featured in London Fashion Week, is now eyeing expansion across Wales. Barefoot Tech sells accessories such as backpacks, cross body bags and purses, made from old, unused wetsuits destined for landfill.
The fashion label was set up by Ffion McCormick Edwards, 23, during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. Her products have been featured in London Fashion Week 2021 and recently won the Sustainability Through Innovation Award at the National Environmental Awards 2022.
Ms Edwards uses 80% or more reclaimed neoprene wetsuit materials for her products, which she sources from surf schools, wake parks and outdoor activity centres around Wales.
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The wetsuits become accessories including backpacks and cross body bags with retail prices ranging between £30 to £71, notepads with a detachable waterproof case priced at £22 and purses from £8.
Since launching the business, Ms Edwards has had over 200 orders for her accessories so far and is now plans to expand her product range. She also is keen to open repair stalls where customers can have old wetsuits, swimwear and accessories repaired, in an effort to keep the sustainable cycle ongoing.
The young entrepreneur launched Barefoot Tech in November 2020 during lockdown after initially planning the business as her final major project while studying Fashion Design at Bournemouth University.
She launched the business with support from Big Ideas Wales, and received a Business Wales Start-Up Barriers Grant of up to £2,000 which allowed her to register as a sole-trader and set up her own workshop in Swansea full-time.
"It has been a dream to see my business grow here in Wales while also staying true to my core values of family and sustainability and targeting a community of surfers and sportspeople that are conscious in their buying habits. The recognition I’ve had so far through award wins and featuring at iconic industry events like London Fashion Week has been so encouraging," said Ms Edwards.
She added: “Big Ideas Wales has been such a key support system for me as an independent entrepreneur. When it comes to the nitty gritty requirements of launching and maintaining a business – from registering as a sole trader to tax – Big Ideas Wales jumped into action to support me.
“I’d encourage any young entrepreneur in Wales with a business idea - big or small - to contact Big Ideas Wales. I have benefitted hugely from my monthly one-one-one meetings where I can put all of my plans and ideas on to the table and mould them into a strong business plan week upon week. I always find myself leaving my meetings inspired and setting more goals for myself. I would not be where I am today, working full time as a self-employed entrepreneur, without their support”
Business advisor at Big Ideas Wales Liz Hopkin, who supported the young entrepreneur with trademarking, insurance tax and registering as a sole trader, said: "When Ffion came to us, she already had a successful business idea that had featured in industry-defining events like London Fashion Week and that she knew could disrupt the circular fashion industry here in Wales.
"What she didn’t have was someone to offer her support in the fundamental elements of running a business. That’s our sole purpose at Big Ideas Wales, and we look forward to continuing to support Ffion as she takes on the adventure of entrepreneurship."
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