Mary Lancelot : “My work revolves around promoting sustainability through creative recycling”

Mary Lancelot is a Ghanaian entrepreneur, the founder of MLC Fashion and Agripartners LBG, two companies advocating for sustainable solutions in fashion and agriculture. In this interview, she talks about her commitment to sustainability.

Africa Women Experts: Can you introduce yourself? Who is Mary Lancelot?

Mary Lancelot: I am a passionate eco-conscious entrepreneur, a speaker, business coach and founder of MLC Fashion and Agripartners LBG who loves to impart knowledge, skills and experiences to see positive change results. My work revolves around promoting sustainability through creative recycling and empowering young people to see waste as a resource, start their own business and thrive. I strive to be a changemaker by redefining waste management and advocating for sustainable solutions in fashion and agriculture.

What has been your academic and professional background so far?

I am currently pursuing an MBA in International Action Learning in Food Security at Business School Netherlands. My professional journey spans entrepreneurship, sustainability advocacy, and leadership. I have participated in programs like the Vital Voices Online Cohort 2023, where I honed my skills in empowering communities and driving impactful projects.

What inspired you to embark on a journey of eco-conscious entrepreneurship, and how did your personal experiences shape your vision for MLC Fashion and Agripartners LBG?

Growing up in a community grappling with waste mismanagement, I witnessed the environmental and social costs firsthand. This inspired me to turn the challenge into an opportunity. By merging my creativity with my passion for sustainability, I founded MLC Fashion to upcycle secondhand clothing and recycle plastic waste, leather waste, and fabric waste into stylish products. Agripartners LBG followed, bridging the gap between smallholder farmers and sustainable agricultural practices.

As a leader in two distinct but interconnected industries—fashion and agriculture—how do you balance your roles and focus on your overarching sustainability mission?

Balancing both requires clear priorities and synergy between the industries. Both initiatives address sustainability: one through recycling, the other through eco-friendly agricultural practices. I ensure alignment by focusing on shared goals—reducing waste, promoting resource efficiency, and empowering communities.

What challenges did you face while founding MLC Fashion and Agripartners, and how did you overcome them to establish the brand as a leader in sustainable fashion?

Founding MLC Fashion and Agripartners was an uphill journey, marked by skepticism and societal expectations. One of the toughest challenges I faced was enduring the reality that many people often disregard the potential of small beginnings. As a graduate with a strong academic record, there was societal pressure to pursue a traditional career path, which sometimes led to doubts about my entrepreneurial journey. I sometimes tell other youth there are jobs however the mindset of people keeps a lot of youth unemployed. I would have been unemployed if I had given way to the pressures of well-meaning people.

Another challenge was financial support. I started as a fresh graduate from school having no finances to support the business. Should I quit? NO! I creatively started doing things that needed less money. In my part of the world, people do not understand why they need to choose sustainable living. I did not see it as a challenge but an opportunity to start advocacy.

Overcoming these hurdles required resilience and a steadfast belief in my vision. I focused on building credibility by starting small and delivering quality results. I also learned the power of intentionally networking with people who will guide and share their experiences with me and storytelling using social media to share my journey and inspire others to see the value in sustainability and innovation.

Today, the success of both MLC Fashion and Agripartners proves that small beginnings, when nurtured with purpose and passion, can grow into transformative ventures.

Can you walk us through your creative process for transforming waste materials like plastic and fabric scraps into stylish, eco-friendly products? What inspires your designs?

The process begins with collecting waste materials, followed by sorting and cleaning. Each design is inspired by nature, culture, and functionality. I work with local artisans to merge traditional techniques with modern aesthetics, creating unique products that tell a story of transformation and sustainability.

What led you to establish Agripartners LBG, and how does the company address the unique challenges smallholder farmers face in Ghana and across Africa?

Agripartners were born from the need to empower smallholder farmers with knowledge, resources, and market access. By introducing innovative practices like collective farming and eco-friendly packaging, we help farmers increase productivity and reduce waste, addressing critical issues like food security and environmental degradation.

What are some of the most rewarding outcomes you have witnessed?

Seeing waste turned into value is incredibly rewarding. MLC Fashion has trained over 70 youth in plastic recycling and starting their own businesses. MLC Fashion has diverted a significant number of waste from landfills and the sea. Agripartners have increased farmers’ income while promoting sustainability. Supporting small-scale businesses to practice circular economy. Empowering young people to see themselves as changemakers and hearing their success stories is also deeply fulfilling.

What is your long-term vision for MLC Fashion and Agripartners LBG, and how do you hope to inspire the next generation of eco-conscious entrepreneurs?

My vision is for MLC Fashion and Agripartners LBG to become global models for circular economy practices. I aim to establish training programs and mentorship initiatives, empowering young entrepreneurs to take charge of sustainability. By showing what is possible, I hope to inspire others to innovate for a greener future.

Interviewed by Danielle France Engolo