About Mindful Manta: Giving Wetsuits a Second Life

We believe that the gear we use to explore the ocean shouldn’t end up harming it.

Mindful Manta was born from a deep love for the sea and a frustration with the "linear" way we consume. Every year, thousands of tonnes of neoprene end up in landfills—a material designed to be indestructible, yet discarded when a zip breaks or a seam thins.

We’re here to change that story through sustainable design and small-batch upcycling.

The Mission: Small Ripples, Large Impact

The word 'Mindful' is at the heart of everything we do. We don’t just make bags; we rescue stories. By using wetsuit waste salvaged from local UK watersport centres, we embrace the adventures of the material's past and give it the chance to create new ones with you.

Our goal is to provide a versatile, durable, and stylish alternative to mass-produced plastic. From upcycled pencil cases to weather-proof crossbody bags, our range is designed for your "wild adventures" and your everyday commute alike.

Designed for Longevity

I’m Paula, the founder and designer behind Mindful Manta. My journey started long before the studio, pestering my family to recycle and researching ways to live a more planet-friendly life.

In 2015, I graduated with a BA Hons in Textile Design from Nottingham Trent University. My work there focused on creating fabrics that are harmonious with nature and built to last for decades, not just seasons.

From the Seabed to the Sewing Machine

As a scuba diver, neoprene was my second skin. I knew how tough, water-resistant, and insulating this material was—it seemed a tragedy to let such a high-performance resource go to waste.

Today, I combine my technical background in textiles with my passion for marine conservation. Every Mindful Manta product is hand-cut and sewn in the UK, transforming salt-worn wetsuits into sustainable accessories that help keep our shorelines clean.

Join the Journey

When you choose a Mindful Manta pouch, you aren't just staying organized; you're voting for a cleaner ocean and supporting slow, British-made craft.

Thank you for helping us turn the tide on waste.

- Paula Founder & Designer