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Sarah Jankowsky
Co-founder and COO of valupa
Short interview
What is the mission of your start-up and how are you committed to it?
Our mission is to eliminate plastic from the fashion industry, as the high use of polyester and fossil-based materials is a major environmental problem. The fashion industry is the second-largest environmental polluter. While there are many alternatives for textiles, there are none for trims. We decided to be first movers by developing and producing fossil-free trims that are biodegradable and do not release microplastics into nature.
What has been your most important learning so far when starting your business?
Funding a company is a marathon, not a race. While the workdays are long and the to-do list never seems to get any shorter, it is important to take conscious breaks to wind down and recharge. This is something I had to learn the hard way. Also, network and find your own support group who understand the ups and downs you face as a founder
What role did Grace play in your founding journey ?
Grace supportet me with a great network of people, some of these people are still in my close network. Through coaching sessions I also learned to reflect on what I truely want and in which ways I can reach my vision for myself but also my company.
About Sarah
Sarah Jankowsky is the co-founder and COO of valupa, an innovative fashion company that developes and produces sustainable fashion trims made from biodegradable materials, which are also suitable for the circular economy. My aspiration is to revolutionize the fashion industry while fostering a positive impact on the environment. Before valupa I co-founded Brea, an app for breast cancer patients. Always open to, network, up for new challenges and learning opportunities to thrive and make a positive difference.
About Valupa
valupa developes and produces biodegradable and fossil-free fashion trims (e.g., buckles, buttons, lingerie rings, rivets, D-rings) for the fashion industry. Most of the designs are also suitable for the circular economy. Through a combination of additive manufacturing (3D printing) and injection molding, processes are made transparent, digitized, and efficient. All products are produced locally in Germany to keep supply chains short.
The company also develops its own in-house bio-based material, utilizing waste streams from the cosmetics and food industries, protecting virgin materials, and redefining how we perceive waste. Once the material is fully developed, it will be produced at scale and made available for sale to other companies and industries.