Meet Nicole McLaughlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole McLaughlin.

Hi Nicole, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I’m a designer who specializes in sustainability through upcycling. I started my career as a graphic designer at Reebok. During my spare time there, I started experimenting. I taught myself how to make, learned how to sew, and began crafting pieces utilizing sample waste and second-hand materials. I was very fortunate at how well my pieces were received when I posted them online, with some of my work going viral.

In 2018, I left to go freelance and have been focusing on my work ever since. I create pieces that utilize waste materials in new, fun, and functional ways. My tongue-in-cheek approach makes a topic like sustainability more digestible and helps spark conversations amongst those interested in learning more.

I’ve worked with brands such as Nike, Prada, Hermes, CamelBak, Puma, Calvin Klein, Arc’teryx, and more. My work has also been shown in several museum exhibitions and covered in the New York Times, various Vogue publications, SZ Magazin, and others.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It’s not been a smooth road. There’s a lot of figuring out and a big learning curve to make, especially when you don’t have the background. Every project is a new material and a new tool and skill that needs to be learned. It’s also been a constant struggle with self-doubt. Can I make an impact? That’s the question I ask myself and my work as I try to change perceptions about waste. Can I do more?

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My work focuses on sustainability through upcycling. I’m known for my tongue-in-cheek designs that I apply to everything from apparel, footwear, furniture, and more. I’m most proud of the impact I’ve had on students and people who are learning how to make things.

Teaching workshops make me feel the proudest and show me how much I have to offer and highlight the potential of so many. We’re able to push the conversations around upcycling and sustainability further, and that’s amazing. What sets me apart? My drive and competitiveness within myself to do better and my humor. However, I know that individually, this does not solve the global issues we are facing around the waste.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Since most of my work is deconstructed for the materials to be continuously upcycled into other projects, a lot of my work is unavailable for purchase. But once in a while, I do charity raffles to help raise money for organizations in need.

Everything from supporting BLM charities, free educational resources, food banks, organizations that support access to the outdoors, and others. If anyone is interested in supporting these organizations, I’ll have several raffles coming up in 2023.

Contact Info:

• Website: nicolemclaughlin.com
• Instagram: @nicolemclaughlin