Laura Zabo – Tires into Fashion

Upcycled Fashion accessories

What is the best thing that I love about my work?

I chose this job because tyre upcycling is a niche idea and I like all the freedom it can offer me. I can use my creativity, I don’t have to compete, I can go totally wild, and enjoy to be different. It gives me the possibility to work from anywhere in the world and develop my skills almost every day. I am always very critical with myself but I am happy to see my own business and personal development grow as I go ahead with this project.

What is my idea of perfect happiness?

I think perfect happiness is when you can accept anything that might happen, and trust that good and bad things have a higher purpose and they help to grow our personality. We all face problems, issues, and troubles but we have amazing days when we just fly in happiness. Having a balanced life means that we enjoy the fulfilment and overcome of any obstacles that might come on our way.

What is my greatest fear?

I always learn new things and develop myself but my fear is that I don’t know anything. Sometimes I start panicking, but I am able to calm myself and in these cases I always focus on my achievements. Running a business, being my own boss means that I always have to learn from my mistakes and failings. But sometimes it’s very scary.

What is the trait that I most deplore in myself?

I had to experience very painful failings to understand that being naive and too optimistic in business life is a very dangerous and risky trait. I was trusting people too much by thinking that kindness means being honest/loyal and trustful. But today I know that it’s not true. You have to be careful who you collaborate with. It is important that you work with people who have a similar direction.

Which living persons in my profession do I most admire?

I admire almost everyone who dares to be different and has power to show their diversity, art or philosophy. Being different is only one thing. Not everyone can stand up and make their dreams happen.

What is my greatest extravagance?

I think my hyperactivity is my extravagance and I also think that I am a very strong person. I am also like a chameleon and able to change my strategy and ideas according to my surroundings. I have to face many challenges and most of the time I have to manage and resolve them alone.

On what occasion would I lie?

I really don’t like to lie. But if I have, I do it for people who are not important for me and small cases. To cancel a meeting, being a bit late. I can’t lie in a serious situation.

What is the thing that I dislike the most in my work?

I upcycle tyres and sometimes it’s a bit dirty. And I don’t like the dirty part 🙂 I do it, I enjoy the process, but sometimes when I have those 3-4 moments during the cutting process, I really find myself going totally crazy :)))).

When and where was I the happiest, in my work?

I am very happy every time I receive feedback, emails, messages, when my customers receive the items. It means the world to me. Or when I receive press inquiries, or invitations. These are amazing moments, that helps me to be more creative and more loyal to my mission.

If I could, what would I change about myself?

More knowledge, more books, more podcasts, I just would love to have more hours in a day to learn and practice more. I believe that learning is the key factor in a successful and happy life. And although I focus on improvements I am never satisfied with my knowledge. As I learn more, I realise more that I know nothing.

I also think that learning keeps the mind and body young. When we stop learning, we start aging more.

What is my greatest achievement in work?

I’ve enjoy my work this year much more because I feel a unique development in my creativity and crafting techniques. I started to create very different items than in previous years and I am very happy with it. Actually, I would just craft all the time, because I have much more ideas than hours in a day. I trust the future that these new ideas will bring me happier customers and a fresh and interesting journey.

Where would I most like to live?

I lived in London for 7 years but last October, I decided that I have to leave. My idea was to travel around the European coast, explore France, Spain, Portugal, start surfing, and start an upcycling remote life. When I arrived in Spain, in Cantabria, I fell in love with the nature, so I decided to stop and stay for some months. This is where I live now, and I am very happy. I would love to discover more surfing destinations like Costa Rica, South America, Peru, Bali. These places would totally inspire my mind and creativity.

What is my most treasured possession?

I really love my car, a beginner surfboard and my crafting tools. I need a car because I usually carry heavy tools, tyres, but it also gives me the freedom to travel anywhere I want. I collect scrap bicycle tyres from local bike shop so it would be impossible to continue my work without it. I am a beginner surfer and surfing and it connects me with nature, I feel part of the ocean and it totally cleans my mind and thought.

What is my most marked characteristic?

I think my most marked characteristics are to bring back tyres to life, and the painting techniques on my items. These are very unique hobbies and characteristics.

What is my most inspirational location, in my city?

Well, I am very simple. I just love the coast, the trees, and the smell of them. When I am there, I just feel that I belong to nature and I don’t need anything else.

What books influenced my life and how?

I read a lot from spiritual masters like Eckhart Tolle, Karen Berg, Wayne Dyer, Dalai Lama, because I think that our spiritual growth is one of the keys to be successful in both work and private life. And I also love books about business, marketing, personal development.

You Only Die Once. What music would I listen on my last day?

When I die I would like to have a DJ live set. And turn that sad moments to a great party. Dancing is a sacred joy, and it has been a big part in my life.

Who is my hero or heroine in fiction?

Spiritual leaders and masters. I think they are the most wonderful human beings to find the best connection in the material and higher worlds. At the same time I love their ability to share those thoughts with the large audience and change peoples lives.

Who are my heroes and heroines in real life?

Everyone who makes this world a better place, changing people’s life for good.

Which movie would I recommend to see once in a lifetime?

The Peaceful Warrior definitely. I don’t watch movies, I prefer to craft or read and this is the only movie I know which has changed my life and my perspective too.

What role plays art in my life and work?

I mix upcycling with fashion and art too. I would like to have accessories collection which are uniquely painted. I am still learning those processes.

Who is my greatest fan, sponsor, partner in crime?

My partner in crime is definitely my mom, she has the privilege to listen every success and failings, sufferance and happiness too.

I also deeply love some friends who mean the world to me.

Whom would I like to work with in 2019?

I wish to work with more journalists, blogger and share the importance of recycling and help people to improve their creativity. I have some secret celebrities on my secret VIP list but I need to improve first.

Which people in my profession would I love to meet in 2019?

I love other upcyclers and people who think and work differently. I love musicians, music is very sensitive point in my life. Though I can’t play any instruments. Successful and happy people are always inspirational, but I don’t mean financial success.

What project, in 2019, am I looking forward to work on?

I started to create a more stunning, brightly painted jewellery collection, and some haute couture dresses and skirts. I also work on a shoes collection which has interchangeable uppers by using recycled car tyre soles and a zip to connect the upper with the base.

My aim is to invent long lasting and creative items with multi use. We should save from landfill as much waste as possible and produce items with value.

Where can you see me or my work?

To see my works please visit my homepage at www.laurazabo.com and my social media channels.

Facebook : @lauzabo

Twitter : @laura_zabo

Instagram : @laura_zabo

What do the words “Passion Never Retires” mean to me?

If you are lucky to create a job that you really love, it becomes your hobby and you always see it like a fun process of development.

You accept everything, the good and the bad too, because you know that it part of the process. We have to fail to admire success and we have to fail to learn. Failings show us the missing parts that we have to improve on. Failing is not chaotic, it’s the door for our development and the next success.

Which creative heroines should Peter invite to tell their story?

I love and admire Roberta Style Lee who works so hardly to create an ethical brand and business community. She is also a fantastic speaker, with spontaneous humour. I think not many people have all these skills together.

How can you contact me?

Please contact me via email : laura@laurazabo.com or you can use anytime the contact form on my website too.

Thank you so much for reading about my life and journey, and hope you found some interesting and inspirational point.