As kids, we all wondered why Styrofoam existed. Didn’t everyone know it took thousands of years to decompose? As adults, we wanted to do something about it. This is how our stories overlapped.

Laura was studying for her Masters in Industrial Design at North Carolina State University (NCSU), interested in circular design in the furniture industry. While conducting research at a recycling center in Raleigh, NC, she discovered most furniture was simply crushed and sent to landfill, not recycled.

While discouraged, a dump patron offered to connect her to his friend Bradley, who was recycling Styrofoam into furniture. Bradley had been testing different concrete mixtures and making beautiful custom pieces. Laura was intrigued and considering how to create repeatable designs that people would love. This led to a long-term collaboration between Laura and Bradley.

Further research into sustainable concrete found Meldstone and its creator, Pete. Pete had previously made concrete pieces for major furniture retailers and custom pieces that integrated recycled materials. Eventually, Meldstone had a successful acquisition. To this day, he remains involved in huge high-performance concrete (think buildings) and recycled concrete.

Laura's partnership with Pete blended his recycled concrete expertise with her focus on sustainable furniture. To enhance the sustainability and business perspectives, Liz joined. She has helped many companies become B-Corp certified, has a PhD in Organizational Psychology, and teaches entrepreneurship to students at NCSU.