From a career in television to founding one of the UK’s most recognisable cruelty-free watch brands, Laura's journey to launching Votch is rooted in purpose, innovation and personal experience. What began as a search for kinder, more ethical alternatives quickly evolved into a brand redefining how we think about watches, from solar-powered movements to bio-based bamboo straps and next-generation materials.
Laura shares her background in TV production, the health journey that changed everything, and how Votch continues to lead with sustainability, transparency and thoughtful design, proving that style and compassion can go hand in hand.
Laura, before founding Votch, you had a career in TV. How did your experience in media shape your approach to building a sustainable fashion brand?
Working in TV was like doing a masterclass in organisation, storytelling and creative problem-solving all at once. I was managing huge shoots, juggling teams, budgets and timelines, all skills I had no idea would one day help me run a fashion brand. That background taught me how to bring ideas to life visually, how to communicate clearly and, most importantly, how to stay calm when absolutely everything goes wrong. All of that naturally shaped how I built Votch: thoughtful, visual storytelling wrapped around strong ethics and clear purpose.
What inspired you to transition from TV to creating a watch brand focused on sustainability and innovation?
A rather dramatic skin condition! I developed topical steroid withdrawal, which left me unable to work for months. During that time I started questioning absolutely everything I used and wore. When I realised how much animal cruelty still existed in the accessories world, something clicked. I wanted to create beautiful pieces that didn’t harm animals or the planet. After feeling the pain of losing my own skin, I vowed to never wear the skin of another being again - and Votch was born.
Growing up or in your personal life, were there any early influences that made you passionate about ethical and eco-conscious products?
I’ve always been the person who reads the labels, digs a bit deeper and wants to make kinder choices where I can. But honestly, it wasn’t until my own health journey that everything aligned. That experience made me re-evaluate what “ethical living” actually meant and how it could look in daily life - simple swaps, thoughtful buying, consuming less but better.
Running a business is never easy- what has been the most surprising lesson from your journey as an entrepreneur?
That you can feel like you’re constantly getting it wrong and still be moving in exactly the right direction. And that growth isn’t always linear, some years are huge, and others are more reflective, but all of them matter. The biggest surprise has been how emotionally attached you become to your customers. Their messages keep me going on the tough days.
How do you balance creativity and business strategy when developing Votch products?
It’s definitely a dance! The creative part of me wants to dream up beautiful colour palettes and shapes, while the business side is thinking about longevity, sustainability, costs and what customers truly need. I always come back to purpose: if it doesn’t solve a problem, feel amazing to use and live up to our values, it doesn’t make it through.
Can you share the story behind the founding of Votch and what motivated you to focus specifically on cruelty-free, sustainable watches?
I wanted to create something beautiful that didn’t hurt animals or the planet. Accessories felt like an area that needed disrupting - so many people don’t realise what traditional leather production involves. When an old watch strap of mine broke and I couldn’t find a vegan leather replacement anywhere, I knew there was a problem to solve. Watches were the perfect canvas: timeless, meaningful and gifted for life’s special moments. From day one, Votch has been about offering a kinder option without compromising on style.
Votch stands out for its ethical and cruelty-free approach - how do you ensure transparency and responsibility in your supply chain?
We only work with trusted partners who share our values. Every material we use is thoroughly researched, and we keep communication with our suppliers incredibly close. We choose factories with strong labour standards, and sustainability is considered at every stage, from raw materials to packaging and production runs.
Sustainability is at the heart of Votch. How do you define sustainability in fashion, and why is it so important for your brand?
For me, sustainability is about making better choices wherever we can - choosing kinder materials, producing in small batches and creating pieces that last years, not months. It’s also about transparency and knowing that we’re always learning and improving. Sustainability isn’t a destination; it’s an ongoing commitment.
Votch is known for combining style with purpose - how do you approach designing products that are both trendy and eco-conscious?
I always start with how I want someone to feel when they wear it: confident, stylish and connected to something meaningful. Then we work backwards - using innovative materials, timeless shapes and colours that won’t date. We design with intention and avoid anything gimmicky or fast-fashion led.
What are your long-term goals for Votch, particularly in terms of innovation and impact on sustainable fashion?
I want Votch to keep pushing boundaries with next-generation materials and thoughtful design. We’ve explored bamboo leather and solar power already, and there’s so much more innovation on the horizon. Long-term, I’d love to continue growing our community and showing that compassionate products can be beautifully crafted, modern and accessible.
Your solar-powered watches are one of Votch’s standout features. How do they work, and what makes them different from traditional watches?
They’re powered by light - any light! Natural or artificial. Instead of replacing batteries, the watch stores energy in a rechargeable cell, making it much kinder to the planet. It’s one of those simple but brilliant pieces of tech that quietly makes your life easier.
You’ve pioneered the use of bio-based bamboo and next-generation materials - what challenges and breakthroughs have you experienced in this area?
Innovation always comes with trial and error. Some early materials didn’t meet our standards, but bamboo leather has been an incredible breakthrough. It’s soft, durable and much lower impact than traditional leather. The biggest challenge is staying ahead of greenwashing, ensuring our materials are genuinely sustainable, not just “marketed” that way.
How do you decide which sustainable materials to experiment with for new collections?
Research, intuition and a lot of testing. I look for materials that offer real environmental benefits without compromising on quality or aesthetics. If it doesn’t feel beautiful to wear or function well in daily life, it doesn’t make the cut.
Many customers care about cruelty-free and vegan products - how does Votch ensure that every watch meets these ethical standards?
Every element, down to the glue, is checked to ensure it’s free from animal derivatives. We only partner with suppliers who can guarantee vegan and cruelty-free manufacturing. It’s non-negotiable for us.
How do you see technology and innovation transforming sustainable fashion over the next few years, and how is Votch leading the way?
Technology will make sustainable options more accessible, from new bio-materials to smarter, longer-lasting designs. Brands will need to prove their sustainability rather than just talk about it. At Votch, we’re already working with low-impact materials and solar tech, and I’m excited to keep exploring what’s possible next.
How do you educate your customers about the environmental and ethical benefits of choosing sustainable watches and accessories?
I try to keep things simple and honest, no lecturing, no guilt-tripping. Our website, social channels, emails and packaging all share little bits of information that empower customers to make mindful choices. Transparency is everything.
What tips do you have for consumers who want to make more ethical fashion choices without compromising on style?
Buy less, choose well. Look for timeless designs, sustainable materials and brands that share their processes openly. And don’t be afraid to ask questions - good brands won’t mind at all.
How do you incorporate sustainability into your personal lifestyle, and does this influence your work at Votch?
Sustainability is woven into daily life for me - from what I buy to how much I buy, to the brands I support. I’m not perfect, but I’m intentional. And that directly shapes Votch. If it isn’t something I would personally stand behind, I won’t produce it.
Many people don’t know the environmental impact of traditional watches - what would you like to teach people about this issue?
Traditional watches often rely on leather straps and disposable batteries, both of which have hidden environmental costs. By choosing vegan materials and solar power, you’re cutting out so much unnecessary harm. Small choices become big statements.
Laura’s story is a powerful reminder that meaningful change often begins with a single question, is there a better way? Through Votch, she has created a brand that challenges traditional accessories by offering beautifully designed, solar-powered, cruelty-free watches made with innovation and intention.
As sustainable fashion continues to evolve, Votch stands as proof that ethical choices don’t require compromise, only curiosity, care and a commitment to doing things differently.
