Iris Maree: Good question. To be honest, this journey hasn’t been easy—it’s been filled with doubt, setbacks, and moments where I questioned if this mission was too big to take on. But I keep coming back to one memory. When I was young, I saw a documentary about animals being killed for their skin, and it wrecked me. I remember feeling this deep sadness and confusion—how could something so cruel be considered normal? That memory never left me.

Years later, when I entered the fashion industry, I was horrified to see that nothing had changed. The harm, the waste, the indifference—it was all still there. I knew I had to do something. I didn’t just want to create another beautiful bag;

“I wanted to create something that stood for a deeper purpose—a bag that represented a kinder, more ethical world.”

That decision came with a lot of struggle. I was trying to challenge an industry that’s been built on these practices for centuries. There were nights I couldn’t sleep because I didn’t know if this idea—this mission—could actually make a difference. Finding sustainable, cruelty-free materials that could compete with the luxury of leather was like looking for a needle in a haystack. But I refused to compromise, even when it felt impossible. 


“I wanted every bag to be a rebellion against cruelty and waste—a small but powerful act of defiance.”

In answer to your question, this is why I believe women carry our bags. They fall in love with our designs, but it’s more than just fashion — with their support,

“We’re on a mission to change an entire industry that’s been built on practices that need to end.”

Iris Maree: I want them to feel the power of their choice. Every time someone carries one of our bags, I want them to feel like they’re part of a fashion revolution—something bigger than themselves. When someone compliments their bag and they can proudly say, “It’s not just beautiful, but cruelty-free and made with zero waste,” that’s a moment of impact. It’s not just about looking stylish—it’s about knowing their purchase supports a mission that fights against harm, against the norms of waste and suffering in fashion. I want them to feel good about their decision—not just for how the bag looks or feels—but for what it represents. It’s subtle, but I think it’s powerful. It’s about being on the right side of change, without having to sacrifice beauty or quality. That’s real empowerment.

Iris Maree: Oh, where do I start? It’s been incredibly tough. As a woman in business, especially one trying to change an industry so entrenched in its ways, there have been moments where I’ve felt completely alone. The fashion world isn’t always welcoming to those who challenge its core values. I’ve had investors walk away because they didn’t believe in the mission. Manufacturers told me it couldn’t be done—creating a fabric that mimics leather without harming animals, while also being sustainable? They thought I was asking for a miracle. But the hardest part, personally, was the weight of staying true to this mission, even when the easier path was right in front of me. There were times when I could’ve compromised—used cheaper materials, cut corners on sustainability—but I knew if I did that, I’d be betraying everything Iris Maree stands for. That was tough because I’m not patient, and it meant slower growth, more challenges, and sometimes even financial strain.There were days when I questioned whether I could keep going. But every time I felt like giving up, I remembered why I started. I wasn’t just building a brand; I was fighting for something I truly believe in — a future where fashion no longer harms animals or the planet.

Iris Maree: You’d think it would be the big moments — the recognition, the awards — but honestly, my proudest moments are more personal. It’s when someone who isn’t familiar with sustainable fashion falls in love with one of our bags because it speaks to them on a deeper level. When they learn that it’s cruelty-free and made with zero waste, and their eyes light up—that’s everything to me.Those moments make me feel like the mission is spreading, even to those who weren’t looking for it. It shows me that people do care; sometimes they just need something beautiful and meaningful to connect with. Seeing that light go on in someone’s mind—it makes every struggle worth it.

Iris Maree: The journey is far from over. In fact, I feel like we’re just beginning. Kayla Fabric™️ was a breakthrough for us, but I want to push it even further. Imagine plant-based coatings or materials even closer to nature than anything we’ve ever seen. I’m constantly researching, testing, and dreaming of ways we can evolve without ever compromising our values.I also want to keep growing the community around Iris Maree—people who are passionate not just about fashion, but about being part of something bigger. There’s so much potential for change in this industry, and I want to keep sparking those conversations, keeping people thinking, and showing them that ethical fashion can be exciting and beautiful.