OUR STORY
Where some see trash, we see opportunities
On our journey, we met them everywhere: women who walk their own path. Who fall, get back up, fix their lipstick, and keep going. Just like us. ‘Where some see trash, we see opportunities’ is more than a catchy line. Yes, we work with leftover materials. But more importantly, we believe in turning setbacks into strength. Turning a ‘no’ into a ‘let’s go’. And trash? Into something beautiful.
Our story starts at a trash bin
Okay, we admit, that's not exactly how it started, but the name Trashious says it all. We turn - what others throw away - into something valuable. Our bags and accessories stand out thanks to their timeless design and the surprising materials they're made of: cactus, corn and pineapple leaves, and leftovers from the juice and wine industries. Materials with character and style. Strong, stylish, and just a little different - exactly what you want in a bag that fits your every move.
The faces behind Trashious
Once upon a time at the swimming pool
It begins poolside, during our kids’ swimming lessons. That’s where we - Esther and Jolanda - first met. Two women from the south of The Netherlands, each running our own business, full of ideas and sharing one big frustration: where’s that one laptop bag that’s both practical and stylish enough to carry from a meeting to drinks?
Exactly. It didn’t exist.
So we decided to make it ourselves. Together. We wanted a bag that can multitask like we do. But also one that’s more than just practical and pretty. Because the more we learned about leather - and so-called “vegan leather” - the more our eyebrows shot up.
And animal leather? Packed with cruelty and chemicals. Animal leather? Packed with cruelty and chemicals.
And vegan leather? Often just a fancy word for plastic. Not our taste either.
Then, at the Dutch Design Week in Eindhoven in 2019, we discovered fruit leather. And more brilliant materials like it. Innovative, surprising, and exactly what we were looking for. One bag turned into a full collection - Trashious was born. A brand for women with a mission, a sense of style, and a story to tell - wherever life takes them.
"It's not hard to make decisions, once you know what your values are."
From the Air Force and Philips to fruit-based fashion
Esther started out as a missile operator in the military (yep, badass), went on to launch Aqua-licious – a vibrant label full of beach bags and water bottles – and is a never-ending source of creative ideas.
Jolanda spent 24 years at Philips before founding Witlof for kids (award-winning baby bedding, and so on) and now works part-time as a communications professional at Renewi, where waste gets transformed into something valuable.
Trashious is our shared mission. For women who know what they want. Who fall, get back up, and keep going. Women who make a difference - with a bag that does the same.
Love,
Esther & Jolanda
Our identity in one logo
Our logo. It says it all.
It highlights the first three leather alternatives we discovered. Leather made from waste from wine production; think grape skins and seeds. Leather made from the leaves of the Nopal cactus; a plant used for nutritional supplements. And leather made from the leaves of the corn plant.
The diamond in our logo represents what we really do: see value where others see waste. From residual material to eye-catcher. From obstacle to opportunity. Because that is how we look at the world. And at ourselves.
And the tulip? Well, what else would two Dutch women bring? Exactly.
Creating impact together
At Trashious, it’s not just about bags. It’s about the vibe. The energy of women lifting each other up. We’re building a community of strong women who know what they want, and make choices with both head and heart. And along the way? We make mistakes, laugh out loud, and always get back up. Perfection is overrated. Being real is everything.
GENERATION
NEXT
In recent years, awareness about the impact of our choices on animals and the environment has grown rapidly - especially among younger generations. And we love to see it. This generation doesn’t settle for “This is how it’s always been done.” And they are right.
Trashious is for them, too. For those who think critically, look ahead, and dare to do things differently. Who combine style with purpose, and make an impact without making noise. Our bags are stylish, versatile, and give you that proud feeling of: “I’m wearing something beautiful that also respects the planet.”
With Trashious, we show young people that opportunities are everywhere - even in tough times. That challenges are opportunities to grow. We inspire them to think beyond the norm. Or as we like to say: “If the path is boring, create a new one. And bring your favorite bag.”