AMA: Laura Way, founder of Votch

Laura Way is the founder of Votch, a brand transforming fashion with stylish, cruelty-free accessories. Inspired by her own journey, Laura is on a mission to drive ethical and sustainable choices among consumers.

Hi, Laura! Could you share the story behind your startup and the inspiration that led to its creation?

The idea for Votch was born out of a personal journey and a passion for change. A few years ago, I faced a severe skin condition that forced me into a period of self-reflection.

During my recovery, I began to learn about the harsh realities of the leather industry and the cruelty involved in many areas of fashion. This experience planted the seeds of Votch: a brand committed to offering stylish, cruelty-free, and sustainable alternatives.

With Votch, I set out to solve two problems: the ethical issues in traditional fashion and the lack of accessible, high-quality vegan accessories.

My goal was to create products that people could feel proud to wear - knowing they align with their values and respect for animals and the planet.

By prioritising ethical materials and cruelty-free practices, Votch aims to inspire consumers to make compassionate choices without sacrificing style.

Amazing! What were the initial challenges you faced when launching Votch and how did you overcome them?

Starting Votch wasn’t without its hurdles; finding suppliers who could meet our strict vegan and eco-friendly standards was a challenge. I spent countless hours researching and connecting with manufacturers who shared our vision.

Financial constraints were also a factor, as sustainable materials can be more expensive. Persistence, resourcefulness, and staying true to our mission helped us overcome these challenges.

If you could only choose one metric to gauge success, what would it be and why?

Customer feedback. For us, it’s not just about sales numbers but about the impact we’re making on people’s choices and lives.

Hearing from customers who appreciate and feel connected to our mission is incredibly motivating. It reaffirms our dedication to making ethical, stylish accessories accessible.

What tech are you totally reliant on?

E-commerce and customer relationship management tools are vital. Platforms like Shopify enable us to reach a global audience, while CRM systems allow us to build and nurture relationships with our customers.

Tech like this has been essential for maintaining a smooth and personalised customer experience.

Tell us about your team!

Our team is small but mighty! We’re a dedicated group driven by a shared passion for ethical fashion and sustainability. Each member brings unique skills that have been invaluable in helping Votch grow.

Over the years, we’ve expanded by listening closely to our customers and continuously evolving our designs and materials, like introducing our solar-powered watch and experimenting with innovative materials like AppleSkin and bamboo leather.

What's a unique tradition, celebration, or inside joke that's become a part of your company culture?

Every time we hit a milestone, whether it’s a new product launch or a sustainability goal, we celebrate with a vegan treat day in the office! It’s a small but meaningful way for us to acknowledge our achievements and bond as a team over our shared mission.

Do you have a share scheme in place? If so, what does that do for your team?

While we don’t have a formal share scheme, we are exploring options to reward our team for their dedication and to give them a sense of ownership in Votch’s growth.

As we expand, we want everyone on the team to feel valued and invested in the brand’s future.

Love that. Could you share a challenging moment or setback in your journey, how you navigated through it, and the lessons you learned?

One of our biggest challenges was the long development process of our Solar Classic Watch. It took four years to perfect, but staying patient and committed to our values was crucial.

The lesson here is that good things take time, and it’s worth waiting for a product that truly aligns with our mission of sustainability and innovation.

What’s your dream dinner party line-up?

I’d love to have a dinner with icons who inspire me: Stella McCartney for her pioneering work in sustainable fashion, Jane Goodall for her dedication to animal welfare, and David Attenborough for his environmental advocacy.

Sharing stories and insights with them would be an absolute dream.

If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life it would be...

This is too hard for me to answer! I love my music and I try and spend as many evenings at gigs as I can – I am always listening and searching out for new musical talent in the office – it keeps the creativity flowing!

If I had to pick one today it would be Alt-J’s An Awesome Wave. I listened to this album when I travelled a lot and was probably at a point where I felt the most free in my life. Those days are long gone when you start a business I’ve come to realise!

But it sounds like your efforts are paying off! Thanks so much for your time Laura, wishing you and Votch every bit of future success.