Resource or Waste?• Plastic Bag…

Resource or Waste?• Old Tire Tube…

Resource or Waste?• Out dated Street Banner…

Resource or Waste?• Unused factory…

Upcycle it Now FoundersLiz Bordessa and Christina Johnson

What is Upcycling?

Upcycle- (Verb);To create something of higher value and purpose out of materials that would have otherwise been discarded.

A Bit of History;Just Alterations opened in 1985

UC Davis

Internship at Conserve India

Family visits India

What is Upcycle it Now?

A design and Manufacturing business that takes items that would have been thrown away or left in storage forever

and makes them into beautiful and functional products.

http://youtu.be/43bjhe4TQ6s

Street Banners to Products:

Old board shorts, hoodies, old jackets, t-shirts turn into soft goods like…

Dog Coats

Yoga Mat SlingTote Bag

Water Bottle Holder

Our Clients:

Concepts: Closed Loop Systems

• What is a closed loop system?o A system in which certain resources are used continuously

though out the process. The end product is reused again as a new material.

• Waste is Foodo Waste doesn’t have to be trash or an unused item.o It can be underutilized equipment or staff.o We need to keep up with changing demands and stay

relevant.o Look at what you have and make it a creative resource.o Closed loop can also be your own self financing.

Concepts: It doesn’t matter how fantastic your story is if no one wants it.

• The story does not sell the product/ services. It may help influence a decision between two similar products/ services but it won’t be the main factor.

• If it is not functional not one will use it. If its not attractive no one will want it.

• Thus you must perfect your product or service. • Show them it is the best, don’t tell them.

Experience and Advice:Our customers

• How we get in the door:o Hit on the companies desire for your product/ service or the

image your product/ service gives them.o The uniqueness and limited value of the products/ service.o The connection it builds between customer and company. o Focus on the correct audience.

• Best ways to get an order:o Show don’t tell. o Always bring examples of your work and bring specific examples

of what you can do for them if possible.o People are generally more excited about a product/ service if

they can see how it relates to them.

Experience and Advice:Media, Press, Blogs

• Keep your website up to date with new clients, products, services.

• Blogs are useful to highlight new ideas, products, and developments in your company.

• Staying connected creates a better bond between you and your customer as well as showing new customers you’re established.

• Work with your clients for the best results in press and media. • But beware; press is great but also brings extra scrutiny and

close eye on your business. • Make sure that you have all ideas secured, trademarks taken

care of, and legal situations figured out.

Experience and Advice:Looking Professional

• Just because you are a small business doesn’t mean you can’t appear big.

• Have a well organized website.• Professional business cards and always carry them around. • Give yourself a title even if you have many (founder/ creative

director, founder/ sales…)• Set up a web domain so that your e-mail is @yourcompany.com• Be organized and concise in meetings, leave behind a short brief

of what you went over in the meeting and always your business cards.

• Dress for the Job; There is nothing more distracting then someone not dressed right. It tends to undermine what you are saying.

Plans for Growth

• End- of- Life solutions, meaning that we have the resources and knowledge to figure out how to responsibly use or dispose of a companies waste.

• Have our own facility or campus.

Thank you for your attention.