Interview with Laura Way, the founder of Votch
Laura Way is the founder of Votch which creates a range of stylish and sustainable watches and accessories made from cruelty-free materials.
What’s your career background?
I started my career as an advertising TV producer, where I worked for several years on high-pressure projects and learned a lot about creativity, storytelling, and managing production timelines. However, I always knew I wanted to build something that aligned with my values, and that’s what eventually led me to create Votch.
When did you get the idea for Votch?
The idea for Votch came to me during a personal experience with a severe skin condition called Topical Steroid Withdrawal that caused me to rethink the impact of the products I was using. This period of healing sparked my awareness of animal cruelty in the fashion industry, and I decided I wanted to create an alternative – something stylish yet ethical. That’s when I realised I could combine my love of design with a cruelty-free mission.
How did you move from idea to actual business?
Once I had the concept, I spent months researching vegan materials, ethical production methods, and building partnerships with manufacturers who shared my vision for cruelty-free fashion. The process was intense, but seeing the first Votch samples that I knew were ready to launch, made it all worthwhile. From there, I launched my first collection that brought Votch to life and even appeared on Dragons’ Den that helped to spread the word about our mission.
What’s your USP?
Our USP is simple: we create beautifully designed, cruelty-free watches and accessories made with innovative, sustainable materials. Votch is about combining style with compassion. We believe you don’t have to sacrifice ethics to have a stylish, timeless accessory.
Who’s your target audience?
Our target audience is conscious consumers – those who care about what they wear and the impact it has on the planet and its animals. They’re fashion-forward, eco-minded individuals who want to make ethical choices without compromising on style.
How do you spread the word about what you do?
We spread the word through a mix of social media, collaborations with like-minded influencers, and press features that resonate with our message. We also partner with cruelty-free and sustainable fashion communities to amplify our voice and reach people who are passionate about ethical living.
What’s been the biggest obstacle you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges has been finding truly sustainable materials that meet our ethical standards while also maintaining the high-quality, stylish look that Votch is known for. Balancing sustainability, functionality, and design is always a challenge, but it’s what makes our products so special.
And your proudest moment so far?
My proudest moment was winning the PETA Award for Best Vegan Watch Company. It was such a humbling experience and a huge recognition of the hard work we’ve put into creating a brand that aligns with our values.
Why is work so important to you?
My work is important because it’s a direct reflection of my values. Every product we create at Votch stands for something bigger: cruelty-free fashion, environmental responsibility, and compassionate choices. Knowing that we are contributing to positive change makes every challenge worth it.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by people who are willing to challenge the status quo and make a difference – whether that’s in business, activism, or their everyday lives. Leaders in the sustainability movement and animal rights activists have always been a source of motivation for me.
What are your three top pieces of advice for someone wanting to do something similar?
- Stay true to your values: It’s easy to get sidetracked, but your authenticity is what will set your brand apart.
- Be patient: Building something meaningful takes time, and there will be setbacks along the way. Keep pushing forward.
- Do your research: Whether it’s finding the right materials or understanding your market, knowledge is power when it comes to making informed, ethical decisions.
