Meet the Founder of Lido The Label: Crafting Style with Sustainability

At the heart of Lido The Label, a brand known for chic, eco-friendly accessories, is a visionary with a passion for both fashion and the planet. Meet Sasha the creative force behind this sustainable label that’s turning heads and changing minds. With a deep commitment to reducing environmental impact, Sasha founded Lido The Label to prove that style and sustainability can—and should—go hand in hand.

Inspired by the natural beauty of coastal living and a love for ethical craftsmanship, Sasha has made it her mission to bring you accessories that not only look good but feel good—inside and out. From responsibly sourced materials to minimalist, timeless designs, Lido The Label is more than a brand; it’s a movement towards a more conscious way of dressing.

Join us as we dive into the story of Lido The Label and learn how it is paving the way for a greener, more stylish future.


How did Lido The Label come about?
After more than 25 years working in media, communications, and change management I wanted to start a business that focused on everyday fashion accessories that are kinder to the environment. As a kid I competed in surf carnivals and the ocean holds a special place in my heart and now more than ever we all have a responsibility to protect it. I always wanted to run my own business and creating one that aligns with my passion for the environment is a dream come true! I’m a mum of three so creating a business that can provide the elusive work/life balance has also been a big motivator to allow me to enjoy all the Gold Coast has to offer with my family.
 
It was during a trip to Bali, speaking with the locals I was so impressed by their ability to think outside of the box and find inventive ways to create everyday items from trash. Plastic waste and pollution are both huge issues in Indonesia but there are several organisations that are really stepping in to help solve the problem. Woven tote bags are not uncommon in Indonesia and are used by the locals to carry supplies from the markets. Most of these however are made from plastic. I did some research and visited some recycling facilities and found a factory that could use discarded plastic and recycled PET plastic pellets to create the cord which is then hand woven by local artisans into beautiful, durable bags. As a mum I’m always carrying water bottles, snacks and toys with me and I wanted to create something that fit everything I needed to carry while still looking stylish and was easy to keep clean. Our designs have been created as a forever wardrobe staple that are perfect for everyday use, easily taking you from the beach to brunch, shopping or weekend sport and everything in between.

What’s special about your products?
 
Each Lido The Label tote bag is intricately handwoven by our skilled artisans using recycled and discarded plastic materials. Central to the vision was ensuring each tote bag was not only eco-conscious but also functional and stylish. The bags are super strong – you can almost fit a whole grocery shop in the one bag! Plus, they are water resistant so are great for swimming lessons, the beach or even camping. The bags are colourful and stylish and designed to withstand a lifetime of daily rituals and adventures, reducing the need for multiple bags. Our matching towels are also made from recycled plastic and are sand-free, quick drying and super absorbent.
 
Why is recycling so important to you?
 
Plastics are polluting our planet and choking our oceans. Every minute a garbage truck’s worth of plastic enters the ocean and research estimates up to 11 million tonnes of plastic pollution is sitting on the ocean floor. Fast fashion is also a real issue and Australia is now the world’s biggest consumer of textiles and accessories per capita. More than 200,000 tonnes of clothing ends up in landfill each year! We’re addicted to stuff that is harming our environment. Lido The Label is hoping to address both issues by finding materials that reduce our eco-footprint and creating accessories that minimise the need for multiple bags.
 
What has been the biggest opportunity and/or challenge so far?

There have been a number of challenges setting up, particularly in the current economic climate however the brand has really resonated with a lot of people, and we have an amazingly loyal customer base. I think people are becoming more conscious about the environment and their individual impact on our earth. Consumers are more willing to move away from convenience and invest in products that are better for the environment. There is an opportunity for Lido The Label to continue investigating ways to create innovative, everyday accessories out of recycled materials.