Wow – can you believe it? Paguro Upcycle is turning 11! That’s 11 incredible years of crafting beauty out of the unexpected, celebrating sustainable style, and joining forces with talented artisans around the globe.

It's been a journey full of passion, perseverance, and partnerships, and we couldn’t have done it without you! So, pull up a chair, grab a cup of tea (or maybe something a little sparkly 🥂), and join us as we take a joyful stroll down memory lane to celebrate the past 11 years of Paguro. Here’s to the highlights, the challenges, and the triumphs that made us who we are today.

🐚 Where It All Began: A Little Hermit Crab with Big Dreams

Paguro was born out of an unlikely inspiration: the humble hermit crab. Like the hermit crab that finds beauty and protection in the shell of another creature, we saw potential in materials that were often overlooked, discarded, or forgotten. With that vision in mind, our founder, Yen Wei Goo, left her accounting career behind, rolled up her sleeves, and set off on a mission to redefine sustainable fashion.

Our very first products were handcrafted accessories made from upcycled inner tubes. Each piece was unique, telling the story of transformation and creativity. As we grew, so did our collection of reimagined materials – from bike chains to reclaimed wood and more. Little by little, Paguro became a place where you could find distinctive, sustainable, and meaningful creations that truly stand out.

🌍 Making a Difference, One Upcycled Creation at a Time

Over the past 11 years, we’ve worked with incredible artisans, social enterprises, and communities across the globe. Each of our partners shares our passion for sustainability and craftsmanship. Together, we’ve been able to give new life to materials that would otherwise go to waste, diverting them from landfills and turning them into wearable art.

But Paguro’s journey has always been about more than just eco-friendly products. Our goal is to support fair wages, foster creativity, and empower artisans to share their skills and stories with the world. When you wear a piece from Paguro, you’re not just making a fashion statement; you’re making a positive impact on the lives of real people, in real communities, all while helping protect our planet. 🌿

🚀 Highlights & Milestones

It’s been a journey filled with unforgettable moments, both big and small. Here are a few milestones that we hold close to our hearts:

• Our First Fair: When we took our first leap into the world of fairs and markets, we were overwhelmed by the support from customers who believed in our mission. Watching people’s faces light up when they discovered that our jewellery and accessories were made from inner tubes and bike chains? Priceless.

• Going Global: Over the years, we’ve expanded beyond the UK to connect with eco-conscious customers around the world. Our sustainable mission has no borders, and we’ve loved seeing Paguro products find new homes in places as far-flung as Germany, the USA, and beyond.

• Online Growth: The shift to online shopping, especially during the pandemic, opened up new doors for us. With an amazing team of developers, online marketers, and you — our fabulous customers — we transformed our website into a digital storefront that reflects our values and style. It’s been such a joy to bring Paguro’s story to life online.

💖 The Challenges That Made Us Stronger

It wouldn’t be a true journey without some bumps along the way, right? Building a sustainable business in a world dominated by fast fashion has been no easy feat. Educating people about upcycled materials and shifting perceptions around sustainable pricing were some of our biggest challenges.

With rising economic pressures, we understand that choosing sustainable, handcrafted products can be a big decision for many people. That's why we're always focused on creating pieces that are not only eco-friendly but also multi-functional, durable, and, above all, stylish. We know that every Paguro purchase is a vote for a more ethical and sustainable world – and that keeps us motivated!

🥂 Here’s to the Next 11 Years!

As we look forward to the future, our goals are simple: Keep growing, keep innovating, and keep staying true to our sustainable roots. We want to reach even more people, expand our product lines, and continue collaborating with artisans who inspire us with their creativity and craftsmanship.

We’re also looking to explore new markets and bring Paguro’s mission to other corners of the globe. And who knows? Perhaps a few of our unique creations might find their way onto the shelves of some big-name department stores, helping us spread the message of sustainable style far and wide!

🎈 A Big Thank You to You!

Most importantly, we want to thank YOU for being with us on this journey. Every purchase, every follow, every share, and every word of support has helped Paguro become what it is today. We are endlessly grateful to our community of eco-conscious customers who believe in the power of sustainable fashion.

To celebrate, we’re offering a special anniversary promotion: Free delivery and 11% off your second item from 31st October to 11th November! Think of it as our little way of saying thank you for 11 wonderful years. 🎁

Here’s to celebrating the beauty in the unexpected, the artistry in the overlooked, and the future of sustainable fashion. We couldn’t have done it without you, and we can’t wait to see where the next 11 years take us.

Thank you for making Paguro part of your sustainable journey. Together, we’re making a difference – one upcycled creation at a time. 🌟