We recently caught up with Maddy Dennis, a young social pioneer, who won the Product Innovation Award in our 3rd International Green Interior Awards.
"Receiving this Award affirmed to me that my university project can become a credible real world project. Doors have opened up."
Maddy, based in Sydney, received this highly prized Award for Original Seed. Maddy saw the avocado seed like no-one else. She recognised a beautiful object that gets thrown into the trash.
"Collecting waste and re-purposing into new products is my passion. Some time ago, I read Cradle to Cradle by Michael Braungart which resonated well with me. I got it and the cradle to cradle concept is front of mind when I approach product innovation."
Whilst doing her University degree, Maddy turned the avocado seed into a resin enabling her to create a beautiful and unique range of bowls.
Since receiving the International Green Interior Award for Product Innovation, Maddy has been working in retail so she can learn the retail ropes and save money to fund the establishment of Original Seed allowing her to build up her production capacity.
In 2016, Maddy was accepted into the Foundation for Young Australians - Young Social Pioneers Program. Not surprisingly, she chose the Sustainability stream of the program.
"I was honoured to be accepted into the Young Social Pioneers Program and I am absolutely loving all that it has to offer."
Maddy will use her avocado resin to create unique pieces of jewellry, furniture, table tops, and other products as her company further evolves.
"I am taking my time to set up Original Seed properly as I want to create a business that is sustainable. If an entrepreneur came to me and said they love my vision, ethics and can see that my products will make a difference and be wanted, I would consider operating with them. I don't want to be diluted. I am a visionary who likes to not over-complicate things."
"My dream is to open a concept store that provides an incubation space for other young designers or creatives alike so they can also showcase their purpose-driven designs."
