This time on #CocoonConversations I’m chatting with AUBE, an awesome new British start-up showcasing great ethical brands all in one place. Founded by siblings Emily and George, AUBE launched in July this year and provides an online one-stop shop for conscious consumers. Here’s what they had to say…
- Tell us a little bit about yourselves…
We are an online ethical marketplace, selling sustainable fashion, beauty and lifestyle products from a range of amazing brands! We launched this July with 11 unique brands and a great variety of products on offer, ranging from t-shirts and bum bags made from recycled ocean plastics, to bio glitter, to travel mugs made from rice husks. I (Emily,) founded AUBE along with my brother George, George with the engineering and sustainable science mind and myself with a social media and marketing background. With the desire to create a space for accessible and affordable ethical shopping, AUBE was born!
- What was the motivating factor that made you start AUBE?
Speaking with friends and family, we found many people wanted to shop ethically, but just didn’t know where to go and didn’t have time to be hunting around the web. By bringing a range of brands together, we aim to become a one-stop shop for all things ethical. Shopping ethically and sustainably is crucial for the protection of our planet and the people on it.
- What does your brand name mean?
AUBE is the French word for dawn. We see this as representative of the dawn of a new sustainable era. The time to wake up is now!
- What has the response been like to your business?
The response has been amazing! We have been overwhelmed by the response via social media and through the site. We have also participated in the Brixton Vegan Market where it has been great to have a positive response in person and get to meet customers in person.
- How do you choose the brands you stock?
Our initial brands have come about through a mix of us being approached and us researching and finding brands. We have worked closely with our brands to create the product supply chain maps and ensure that they are aligning with commitments such as plastic-free, vegan, cruelty-free and so on.
- Do you have any exciting new products coming soon that you can share with us?
At the moment we are just looking to restock current lines, but are very excited to begin expanding the range. We have our eye on Tabitha Eve Co’s plastic-free hairbands for sure!
- What would be your number 1 tip for anyone looking to lead a more ethical and sustainable lifestyle?
Our number one tip would be to create an on-the-go kit, which you can keep in your bag always when you leave the house so you are never caught out without a bag, or food container or travel mug!
- What are your plans for the future?
We would love for AUBE to expand its product range into areas such as reusable menstrual care and body care. Thinking further ahead, we dream of a physical space for AUBE to have a small store and community space for workshops and events.
I’m sure that with amazing people like Emily and George at the helm, AUBE has got an incredibly bright future ahead! If you would like to find out more you can follow AUBE on Facebook and Instagram.