‘I hope to keep creating beautiful things from waste’

Meet King’s alum Tabby Bunyan (Spanish and Latin American Studies with Film Studies, 2021). She is the founder behind start-up RE_CONSIDERED, a company that upcycles textile waste into a new solid material that can be used to create home decor and jewellery.

‘Being part of a radio show called Into the Limelight with my friend Lola remains one of my favourite memories of my time at King’s,’ laughs Tabby. ‘We recorded the programme at the top of Bush House. It was particularly exciting given the building used to be where the BBC World Service was broadcast from.’

Fast-forward several years, and it’s sustainability not stardom that is the driving force behind Tabby’s career.

From radio to recycling

‘I’m running a business called RE_CONSIDERED,’ explains Tabby. ‘We upcycle textile waste into a new solid material. This is called Fabreco, and we use it to create home decor and jewellery.’
Tabby’s innovative business had an unusual start.

She explains: ‘My final year at King’s was during lockdown and I had more time on my hands. I started upcycling people’s clothes for them. I won a grant through Innovate UK, which allowed me to kickstart the service properly.

‘This evolved into a different product when I found I was accumulating waste materials through the upcycling. I went on to develop Fabreco out of these scraps and offer the service to other brands and individuals.

‘Our most recent project has been to create a public seating installation in London on 53 Great Titchfield Street. This is made from fashion waste collected from the local area. If you’re nearby, feel free to take a seat!’

Future plans

Despite the lure of the striking new seat (pictured), Tabby isn’t taking a rest any time soon.

She adds: ‘I hope to keep creating beautiful things from waste, and inspiring people to think creatively about what they have before looking to buy new!’

Tabby also has advice for fellow graduates wanting to make their own impact on the world.

‘You have to just go for it,’ she says. ‘There’ll always be a way, even if it means just starting, or balancing making a start on your vision while also working another job.

‘It’s important to try to make it work. Searching for perfection will only delay you.

It’s better to just get going and learn on the job.’