Slow fashion brand opens first Torquay shop

A local slow-fashion business will open its first physical shop in Torquay on Friday 12 July, having postponed its soft launch originally due on Saturday 28 June. The delay was caused by difficulties installing the internet connection.

Minycled, an eco-friendly, made-to-order fashion label, was founded in 2021 during the Covid lockdown by Torbay entrepreneur Karen Anderson.

It was recently shortlisted for the Greener Futures Award at the 2025 Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards. 

Until now, the business has operated online, with all garments handmade by Karen using deadstock, preloved or sustainable fabrics that are ethically sourced within the UK.

Saturday’s soft launch marks a new chapter for the business, offering greater visibility and allowing Karen to pursue her long-term goal of helping up-and-coming designers and supporting young people through work experience opportunities.

She also plans to host workshops to raise awareness of upcycling and the environmental benefits of slow fashion.

“The idea for a shop has always been there,” she said. “I want to explore and teach people the value of reusing items, or choosing longer-lasting products over fast fashion.

“The shop will reflect the benefits of slowing things down and buying British. We don’t need to go to China to have our products made.”

Having grown up in Zambia, Karen said she had witnessed first-hand the environmental and cultural impact of fast fashion on developing countries.

“Many countries have their own traditional clothes, which people stop buying or making because they’re busy buying fast fashion. Some beaches are literally flooded with clothes. It’s not good for the planet. 

“I just want to play my part in helping people understand why a five-pound T-shirt is not good for you.”

Minycled donates five per cent of all T-shirt sales to Nayamba School and Tools with a Mission (TWAM), reflecting Karen’s commitment to ethical fashion and charitable giving.

Above: Jane wearing her own design

Two other designers, Dakota Waldron and Jane, will also be showcasing their work at the shop’s soft launch. Dakota is a self-taught, non-binary designer, who creates one-of-a-kind wearable art by transforming second-hand garments with embellishments, patchwork, beading, sequins and more.

Above: Dakota Waldron

The new Minycled store is located at 6 Lucius Street, Torquay. The soft launch will take place from 11am to 5pm.

Provisional opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday, from 10.30am to 4.30pm.