How a 29-year-old Belarusian learned to sew on YouTube and created a business from trash
Artur Dubovik figured out how to monetize trash. Experiments with materials for creativity grew into a full-fledged business project. The young entrepreneur creates eco-merchandise for large companies and brands, and his income already several times exceeds the average salary in the country, Myfin reports .
Almost no investment at the start
The young man learned to sew from video tutorials, and he brought his first ideas to life on his mother's sewing machine. At the very beginning of his journey, the products were simple and not always successful, but the hero was driven by curiosity, which led to the creation of accessories from unconventional raw materials. Fashionable bags and wallets are born from coffee packaging and trampoline nets. At 22, the eco-activist didn't even realize he was launching his own business, which would become his main source of income.
Artur searched for suitable models for recycling in second-hand stores and gave a second life to items in his home workshop, almost without purchasing additional materials. The founder of the eco-brand notes that the lack of professional premises and modern equipment did not hinder creativity. According to the designer, the name Iriskin eco lab is his pseudonym. The character from the series "Everybody Hates Chris" embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and beloved pursuits that can be monetized.
— Initially, I was a craftsman, then self-employed, and now an individual entrepreneur (IE). The types of activities changed, and I grew into a full-fledged business project.
Now, fashionable accessories are born in a professional workshop. Monthly expenses for renting premises, taxes, as well as additional fabrics and fittings amount to about 900 rubles.
A substantial sum is also allocated for the purchase of new equipment. Among the latest acquisitions are a heat press for baking plastic bags and a machine for installing snap fasteners.
The main suppliers of materials are coffee shops and trampoline centers, individual companies, and simply eco-activists who are drawn to the idea of intelligent recycling.
As for the prices of ecological items, you can become the owner of a shopper bag made from a trampoline net for 140 BYN. A wallet made from coffee packaging costs 60 rubles, a roll-top backpack will cost 250, as will a skateboard cover.
If you bring unnecessary coffee packaging, you can purchase a product with a pleasant discount. Goods made from unconventional raw materials can be found on the brand's website and social media, but the upcycler is not eager to enter marketplaces.
— My products are not on marketplaces. I create 80% unique accessories that are not mass-produced. It's very difficult to sell on marketplaces now due to high commissions. A full staff is also needed to develop in this direction.
About collaborations with large brands
Artur not only designs products and handles sewing but is also responsible for brand promotion. The young man admits that advertising takes more time than money.
— I have friends and acquaintances who are always happy to help. For example, a girl from our eco-community created the website. Annual platform maintenance costs 250 rubles. I manage the Instagram @iriskin.ecolab, I don't set up target ads — I prefer to talk about the brand for free on Threads.
Artur considers the most striking B2B collaboration to be the partnership with a major mobile operator in the country. He also managed to cooperate with the UN and UNICEF: lectures and practical classes were held for children and parents.
— We are conducting more and more masterclasses for companies. And this activity is gaining momentum every month, especially in summer for corporate events and team buildings.
Ecological accessories are chosen by customers aged 16 to 50. The creator of Iriskin eco lab emphasizes that these are mainly people who appreciate handmade work.
«My income is definitely higher than the average salary»
It turned out that the eco-business has its own seasonality. Income is unstable and depends on the number of orders. Most is earned in spring and summer when there is demand for masterclasses for corporate events.
— My income is definitely higher than the average salary, and sometimes it exceeds it many times over.
The plans include developing the product line, expanding the assortment, and entering new markets.
— I don't sell a product that everyone needs; instead, I create my own niche and demand for the product, which is why it's important for me to convey its value.
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Comments
кто платит за такое 140 BYN, точно не совсем здоров