Nigeria - Startup under 3 years old

Describe your project or startup in a few words

At AZACH, we upcycle second-hand materials into stylish creations, maintaining a zero-waste cycle. Collaborating with artisans, we craft unique pieces that enrich lives and promote a sustainable future.

01.01 Describe your startup in more detail

At AZACH, we are passionate about sustainability and specialize in upcycling second-hand materials into stylish and unique fashion pieces. Founded by Uche Aladimma and David Olayeni, our brand transforms unsold stock and donated denim into eye-catching creations that tell a story. We are dedicated to a zero-waste production cycle, ensuring that every scrap of fabric is utilized. Our waste materials are repurposed into items like key holders, throw pillows, and couches, embodying our commitment to sustainability. Collaborating with local artisans and partnering with brands, we constantly explore innovative ways to minimize our environmental impact while creating functional and beautiful products. By preserving resources and reducing waste, AZACH aims to revolutionize the fashion industry and inspire a more sustainable future.

01.02 What is the main problem you are trying to solve?

AZACH is addressing the significant issue of fashion waste and its environmental impact. The fashion industry is one of the largest contributors to pollution, with vast amounts of fabric ending up in landfills each year. Our main problem to solve is the excessive waste generated by discarded clothing and unsold stock, which contributes to environmental degradation. By upcycling second-hand materials, particularly denim, into new and stylish fashion pieces, we aim to reduce the volume of textile waste. Additionally, we are committed to maintaining a zero-waste production cycle, repurposing every scrap of fabric into functional items like key holders, throw pillows, and couches. Furthermore, AZACH creates job opportunities for local artisans, empowering them to participate in the circular economy. By providing eco-friendly products, we strive to minimize the environmental footprint of the fashion industry, preserve resources, and inspire sustainable living.

01.03 Tell us the major benefits and/or advantages of using the product/service that your startup provides (at least 3).

1. Environmental Sustainability: AZACH reduces textile waste by upcycling discarded fabrics into stylish fashion items, contributing to a cleaner, greener planet and promoting a zero-waste production cycle. 2. Unique, High-Quality Fashion: Our products are meticulously crafted from diverse, high-quality materials, resulting in unique, durable designs that stand out and never go out of style. 3. Support for Local Artisans: By collaborating with local artisans, we create job opportunities and support local economies, fostering community development and preserving traditional craftsmanship. 4. Eco-Friendly Products: AZACH offers eco-conscious consumers a way to make a positive environmental impact through their fashion choices, providing stylish alternatives that do not contribute to landfill waste.

01.04 Please describe who exactly your startup’s product/service is aimed at serving. Who are the targeted beneficiaries?

1. Environmentally Conscious Consumers: Individuals who prioritize sustainable living and seek eco-friendly alternatives in their fashion choices. 2. Fashion Enthusiasts: People who appreciate unique, high-quality, and stylish clothing that stands out and supports ethical fashion practices. 3. Local Artisans: Skilled craftsmen and craftswomen who benefit from job opportunities and the preservation of traditional craftsmanship through our collaborations. 4. Sustainable Fashion Advocates: Influencers and advocates who promote sustainable fashion and circular economy principles, amplifying our mission and values. 5. Communities: Local communities that benefit from economic support and development through our engagement with local artisans and sustainable practices.

01.05 When was your company established?

2022-02-20

01.06 Are you already selling your product/service?

Yes

01.07 How many other owners are there within your startup?

0

01.08 Among the other owners, how many are female?

0

01.09 Please describe the profile of the other owners within your startup (skills, experience, etc.)

The team members of our startup possess diverse skill sets and expertise crucial to our success. Afolabi Oluwatomisin, our PR and partnership head, brings years of experience in public relations, facilitating strategic partnerships and collaborations. Chidinma Okechukwu leads our sales department with her extensive background in sales and marketing. Ezeja Ifunnanya, a seasoned digital marketer, contributes valuable insights from her role in one of Nigeria's leading automotive companies. Though not owners yet, we plan to offer them equity in addition to their compensation for their invaluable contributions to AZACH.

01.10 If you have a website, a social media page (Facebook, Instagram, Linkedin…), or app, please provide the link(s) here:

https://azach.ng/

01.11 Which industry best describes your project?

e) Secondary commodities (cars and parts, consumer durables and apparel, retail)

02.01.01 My startup contributes to the No poverty goal

5

02.01.02 No poverty - Justification for my startup

Our efforts in creating job opportunities and supporting local artisans contribute to poverty reduction in our communities. We also buy unsold stock from second-hand sellers, these are clothes they would normally not sell because of the defects in them.

02.02.01 My startup contributes to the Zero hunger goal

3

02.02.02 Zero hunger - Justification for my startup

02.03.01 My startup contributes to the Good health and well-being goal

3

02.03.02 Good health and well-being - Justification for my startup

02.04.01 My startup contributes to the Quality education goal

4

02.04.02 Quality education - Justification for my startup

02.05.01 My startup contributes to the Gender equality goal

4

02.05.02 Gender equality - Justification for my startup

02.06.01 My startup contributes to the Clean water and sanitation goal

1 - Strongly Disagree

02.06.02 Clean water and sanitation - Justification for my startup

02.07.01 My startup contributes to the Affordable and clean energy goal

2

02.07.02 Affordable and clean energy - Justification for my startup

02.08.01 My startup contributes to the Decent work and economic growth

7 - Strongly Agree

02.08.02 Decent work and economic growth - Justification for my startup

By creating job opportunities for local artisans, we support economic growth and decent work, fostering community development and preserving traditional craftsmanship.

02.09.01 My startup contributes to the Industry innovation and infrastructure

6

02.09.02 Industry innovation and infrastructure - Justification for my startup

We drive innovation in the fashion industry through the creative reuse of fabrics and sustainable practices, setting a precedent for eco-friendly fashion production.

02.10.01 My startup contributes to the Reduced inequalities goal

2

02.10.02 Reduced inequalities - Justification for my startup

02.11.01 My startup contributes to the Sustainable cities and communities goal

6

02.11.02 Sustainable cities and communities - Justification for my startup

Our efforts contribute to sustainable communities by supporting local economies and promoting environmentally friendly practices in urban areas.

02.12.01 My startup contributes to the Responsible consumption and production goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.12.02 Responsible consumption and production - Justification for my startup

AZACH promotes sustainable consumption by upcycling discarded fabrics, reducing waste, and encouraging responsible fashion choices. Our zero-waste production cycle ensures minimal environmental impact.

02.13.01 My startup contributes to the Climate action goal

7 - Strongly Agree

02.13.02 Climate action - Justification for my startup

By reducing textile waste and promoting upcycling, AZACH actively contributes to climate action, mitigating the negative environmental impacts of the fashion industry.

02.14.01 My startup contributes to the Life below water goal

2

02.14.02 Life below water - Justification for my startup

02.15.01 My startup contributes to the Life on land goal

4

02.15.02 Life on land - Justification for my startup

02.16.01 My startup contributes to the Peace Justice and Strong Institutions goal

4

02.16.02 Peace Justice and Strong Institutions- Justification for my startup

02.17.01 My startup contributes to the Partnerships for the goal

5

02.17.02 Partnerships for the goal - Justification for my startup

Our collaborations with local artisans and brands demonstrate the power of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals.

06.01 There are a large number of customers who already use a product/service very similar to the product/service we envision creating.

6

06.02 The product/service represents an entirely new type of product/service.

6

06.03 The product/service could be described as a new technology.

5

06.04 The product/service is an improvement on an existing product or service.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.05 The product/service could be described as an extension of a range of products or services.

6

06.06 The product/service responds to a demand or need that has not been satisfied by other products/services.

7 - Strongly Agree

06.07 The product/service is a new version of an old product/service.

6

06.08 Justification for my startup

1. Market research indicates that several competitors offer similar products. 2. Our innovative approach to upcycling discarded fabrics into stylish creations distinguishes our product from existing offerings. 3. While our approach incorporates innovative design and sustainability practices, it may not necessarily rely on new technology but rather on creative reinterpretation of existing methods. 4. Our upcycled fashion products offer an improvement over conventional fashion by promoting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. 5. Our product expands upon the concept of sustainable fashion by offering unique designs crafted from upcycled materials, extending the range of eco-friendly fashion options available to consumers. 6. There is a growing consumer demand for sustainable fashion options that combine style with environmental responsibility, which our products aim to fulfill. 7. Our approach to utilizing old materials represents a fresh take on traditional fashion practices

06.09 Competitive Analysis

AZACH's main potential competitors include sustainable fashion brands that focus on upcycling materials, such as NKWO, Pettretaylor, Patagonia, and Eileen Fisher. What sets AZACH apart is our unique approach to upcycling, where we not only transform discarded fabrics into stylish creations but also offer bespoke pieces crafted from materials donated by customers. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and environmental responsibility distinguishes us in the market, as we continuously explore new ways to integrate upcycled materials into our designs while providing customers with personalized, one-of-a-kind fashion experiences. Additionally, our emphasis on community engagement, artisan collaboration, and transparent sustainability practices further sets us apart, creating a strong brand identity and loyal customer base.

11.05 Are you initiating actions within your community to promote the role of female entrepreneurs?

-Gender-Equal Employment: We have achieved gender parity in our workforce, with an equal number of male and female employees across all levels of the organization. -Skills Development Training: We conduct regular training sessions and workshops specifically tailored to empower our female employees, helping them enhance their skills, confidence, and leadership capabilities. -Personal Support and Mentorship: We prioritize the personal development and well-being of our female employees by providing mentorship opportunities, counseling services, and platforms for open dialogue to address any challenges they may face in both their personal and professional lives