"We are self-taught, and we have found something that makes us happy while doing."

small-shops: You were born in two different countries, Germany and Argentina. Berlin is bringing many nationalities together. What is your story of how you met?

Cintia & Simon: We met in Argentina, while Simon was living there and I was finishing my study in the University. A friend in common introduced us. After a while we start to date and 3 years later we got married and moved to Berlin.

small-shops: You are upcycling used rubber into high-quality bags. How did you get the idea of starting a company, that is helping humanity to produce less waste?

Cintia & Simon: When we moved to Berlin Simon was working as a driver and I was doing a cleaning job while learning German. We wanted to do something with a meaning for us and we were very surprised of the amount of garbage in the streets of Neukölln. The inspiration came from a Bag that we bought from a friend in Argentina. We are just 2 little drops in a big ocean, but yes we help to reduce the waste. Of course, a greater impact is achieved through regulations and laws.

small-shops: All of your products are handmade by you in your Berlin studio. How did you learn the initial skills to make such amazing products?

Cintia & Simon: Well that's a good question, actually we learned it by practising, we made a few Sewing-courses at the beginning and we are always listening to our costumers to improve our products. We are self-taught, and we have found something that makes us happy while doing.

small-shops: Every Item you sell is unique. Can you let us participate in your design process?

Cintia & Simon: Yes, each item is unique due to the first life of the materials, and the wear and tear it had. Also because of the hand work. Each bicycle tube has a puncture or patch in a different location. There are some products already standardized, and sometimes we make unique models so as not to get bored. And yes, you can also participate in the design, if there is a particular wish, we evaluate the feasibility and carry it out.

small-shops: How did you experience the two Corona Lockdowns?

Cintia & Simon: The first Lockdown was a serious blow, since we were in a growth phase and suddenly everything was cut off. But we got help from the government, and thanks to the fact that we are a family business, we were able to continue working because we don't share a studio with anyone and we sell mainly through our online shop. When the second lockdown came, we were forced to cut costs and move our studio, now we work from home.

small-shops: In the future you want to grow your company bigger while giving work to people who previously have struggled finding a job. How do you plan on bringing those two goals together?

Cintia & Simon: This is what gives meaning to our type of business. We want to achieve a triple impact, where not only the economy matters, but also the environment and society. We are currently struggling to position ourselves and be recognized in the upcycling sector. We believe that the only way to achieve this is by creating strategic alliances, and finding people who trust our work and our products.

small-shops: What do you expect and what do you hope fashion to be in 20 years?

Cintia & Simon: It may sound a bit strange, but we would like fashion to take a step back. Creating quality clothing/accessories that last and so to avoid generating more waste, just like our grandparents. We can also imagine that the materials will have a better technology and that reuse will be practically an obligation.

small-shops: If you could change one little thing in the world, what would it be?

Cintia & Simon: The way we consume.