Priyam - The Founder

When I was growing up, waste culture was *rising fast* — new clothes, new bags, no repeats.

Repair was a taboo.

*If someone repaired something — even what they loved —* they were labelled “old-school,” “kanjoos,” or “gareeb.”

I grew up watching this, and honestly, I still carry some of it… my wardrobe is full, and I often feel I need something new.

The mindset was clear: *produce more, sell more, grow more.*

But slowly, something began to bother me.
I saw *how bags lost their life* in people’s wardrobes —
tiny cracks, loose straps, broken zippers.
Even Vdesi’s own QC rejects were discarded *because* repair cost more than making new.

So we started repairing Vdesi bags so customers wouldn’t throw them away. And that led to a bigger question:

*If I only repair Vdesi bags, am I really reducing fashion waste?*

Somewhere in this journey, I even wore *upcycled shoes and an upcycled bag at my own wedding* —
and realised repair isn’t just practical… it’s personal.

To truly make an impact, we had to repair *other brands* too —
and help rebuild India’s repair culture with skill, the right materials, and the right machines.

That’s how *THE UPCYCLE STORY* was born —
a space where repair is modern, proud, and stylish —
and a small way of giving back to *Mother Nature.*by reducing fashion waste.

Ahsan — Karigar

Restoration expert
Worked with Sneekinn & Shoe Doctor Specialist in shoe & leather restoration

Ajay — Accounts

Senior finance professional
Acts as CFO for multiple companies Visiting faculty & mentor in financial systems

Priya — Sales Manager

Fashion design background
Leads client servicing, sales coordination & product customisation guidance

Sagar — Operations

Former ICICI Bank professional
Ensures workflow discipline and operational efficiency

Sahul — Logistics

Manages dispatch, vendor coordination & supply movement Ensures timely pickups and deliveries

Suvarna — Housekeeping

Maintains cleanliness and workspace hygiene Supports overall upkeep and maintenance

Swapnil — Production & Quality Check

Oversees production flow and finishing quality Ensures final QC standards are maintained

Tansheen — Social Media

Handles digital presence & content execution Ensures consistent brand visibility and engagement

Priyam — Managing Director

MBA, SP Jain
15+ years in handbag manufacturing & product development Investor with a focus on sustainable fashion systems