9. Building a Values-Driven Brand: How Interior Designers Can Lead with Purpose

Episode 9: Building a Values-Driven Brand: How Interior Designers Can Lead with Purpose

Description:

In this episode of Design with Impact, Alex sits down with entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of Voes & Co., Desiree Dupuis, to explore the future of sustainable materials, vegan design, and values-driven business.

Desiree shares her journey from corporate life to building a globally recognized vegan footwear brand rooted in ethics, innovation, and conscious consumerism. Together, Alex and Desiree dive into the environmental impact of traditional leather, the rise of next-generation plant-based materials like cactus leather and mushroom leather, and why sustainability is about so much more than trends.

This conversation is packed with insight for interior designers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who want to align their work with their values while creating products and spaces that are healthier for people, animals, and the planet.

If you’ve been curious about sustainable materials, conscious sourcing, circular design, or building a purpose-driven business, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why Desiree founded Voes & Co. and built the brand around vegan values
• The environmental and ethical impact of traditional leather production
• What next-generation plant-based leathers are made from
• The difference between “vegan” and truly sustainable materials
• How to evaluate materials using a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
• Why durability and end-of-life matter in sustainable design
• The challenges of sourcing innovative, low-impact materials
• How conscious consumer choices drive industry change
• Why timeless design is more sustainable than trends
• The importance of defining your personal and business values
• Advice for entrepreneurs building values-driven brands
• What the future of sustainable materials and circular design could look like

Connect with Desiree Dupuis:

Freebie:
30% off Voes & Co. Chelsea Boots with code: DWIVIP

Website: Voesandcompany.com

Instagram:@voes_and_co, @desireedupuis

Ready to start designing more sustainably but not sure where to begin? The Sustainable Design Starter Kit is the perfect first step. It’s packed with practical tools, resources, and guidance to help you confidently incorporate eco-friendly, healthier choices into your projects—without overwhelm. Whether you're new to sustainable design or looking to refine your approach, this kit will help you create spaces that are better for your clients and the planet. Get the kit: Sustainable Design Starter Kit.