I am Eszter, the founder of the iwee upcycling leather manufacturer. iwee means "I was once...". Old, discarded leather sofas, armchairs or leather clothing that nobody wants anymore and that would usually end up in the bulky waste are the starting material for my bags and leather accessories.

Since my childhood, I have always been surrounded by creative activities and people. All of these people were and are wonderful recyclers. Often no new material was needed to create something. Many things could be made or repaired from used items or leftovers. In my home country at the time - Hungary - it was also a necessity. Today it is a blessing and a statement against a fast-moving, throwaway culture. This attitude is so deeply rooted in me that I can't do anything else: I give existing and used materials new life.

My design process always starts with the material: What is already there? What can you do with this piece of leather? With my Made to Order offer, I produce bags that are really needed. My design, the leather and the interior can be put together by my customers to create their own individual bag.

I am a business psychologist. During my school and university years, I made clothes for private individuals according to their wishes and sewed collections for fashion designers. Since I always did something with my hands for the first 25 years of my life, this passion caught up with me again 20 years later. I am self-taught in my craft. My perfectionism drives me to find better and better solutions.

Torn seams, zipper replacement, everything else I have to see if I can do.

Many small, unknown artists and labels with very inspiring craftsmanship on Instagram. Big brands rarely inspire me.

Because repairs can help us enormously to finally say goodbye to the throwaway society.