Ep. 120: Revolutionizing vegan fashion: the story of Voes & Co with Desiree Dupuis

What I like to tell people and inspire people is that “We may not have the perfect solution right now, and we are not 100% plastic-free, but when you invest in brands and products that are as far along on the path as possible, you are part of helping us pioneer the way.” We can continue to push the foreground of what we can do.

—Desiree Dupuis

Show notes:

[00:46] “At least it is vegan” vs. having something nice to wear: changes in the vegan fashion industry.

[03:30] Desiree’s journey from corporate to entrepreneur: solving the need for luxury designer footwear made from plant-based materials.
[07:04] How Desiree came up with the name VOES: the international brand name with a nice flow on the tongue.

[09:32] Choosing partners and materials that will not harm animals: reducing plastic, waste, and petroleum products in the fashion industry.

[15:06] After the pandemic, the retail game shifted: issues with supply, waste, and smaller batch productions as part of the solution. 

[17:09] The power of customer choices: consumers want to support sustainable brands. 

[19:01] Positioning brand around plant leather: issues with quality, vendors, and letting go of expectations and stress in running a business.

[24:22] Living in Bali and running a business: worldwide suppliers and manufacturers, a 3PL and an e-commerce website is all she needs.