In a world increasingly searching for sustainable solutions, one Bosnian company has found inspiration in a traditional yet often overlooked material – Pramenka sheep wool. Under the brand name ”Ministry of Wool– Wooling”, the company produces a unique line of biodegradable products such as facial sponges, shower gloves, towels and wool dryer balls. Guided by the principles of the circular economy, ”Ministryof Wool – Wooling” not only reduces waste but also collaborates with local producers to strengthen the domestic economy. In this interview, we sit down with the founder, LejlaMandzuka, to learn more about the creative process, the impact of their products, and their vision for a more sustainable future.
”I have always been interested in our traditional clothes making techniques like knitting, crochet and felting. I can say that it has always been a part of my identity, ever since my childhood. Seeing my mother and her sisters, having coffees, knitting, laughing, was something that mesmerized me as a child. That picture is definitely imbedded in me and it was so logical that although I have a Bachelor degree in economicsand a rather rich working experience, expressing myself through this form of art was always my asylum. Experimenting with variety of different kind of materials, I came across our domestic sheep wool….and I looked no further,” Mrs. Mandzuka begins her interview with Sarajevo Times.
She continues by saying that the more she learned about it, the more she loved it. Since this wool is a bit sharper (than for example merino wool) it was logical for her to start making a skin peeling products. It was the year of 2018 when she got the opportunity to present and start selling her first Woolingfacial peeling sponge at dm drogerie markt cosmetics chain in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
”This was a huge success. You know what they say: ”I have been working for the last ten years in order to become successful overnight:” That is what had happened,” Mrs. Mandzuka explains.
The Wooling sponges were their first success. The feedback from the costumers was excellent and soon they have expended the sale onto the Croatian, Swedish and USA markets. And that was just the beginning.
“Later on, we have produced skin peeling glove and back peeling towel. These three Wooling products covered the skin peeling line – all natural, scent and colors free and absolutely biodegradable. Being creative and interested by nature, that was just the beginning of our production,” she adds.
The latest product that they have launched are the Wool dryer balls. They are very well accepted because, as all other products, they are natural and biodegradable.
”What actually makes Wooling products so pure and natural is the fact that the Pramenka sheep wool contains proteins and minerals (sulphur, sodium, …..) that fertilize the soil. In this way, plants are receiving these minerals which make them grow faster and stronger. Thus, each time we have a chance, we like to emphasize the importance of disposing Woolingproducts into the garden or park or in your favorite flower pot), Mrs. Mandzuka says, adding that Ministry of wool is pure example of how the circular economy based company should look like.”
Speaking about how do Wooling’s products differ from conventional alternatives like synthetic sponges or plastic-based dryer balls, Mrs. Mandzuka says that she cannot emphasize enough the importance of using the natural materials in our daily lives.
”We must be very conscious of what we put on our skin. Natural materials are not the alternative, they should be the first choice as they have always been in the past when we had no other materials at hand. Synthetic materials became popular in the 18th century as the alternative to the wool which was highly appreciated and expensive (due to its numerous advantages). We should bear in mind, when deciding to use the “cheaper” alternative for Wool dryer balls that we at the same time are harming our health and not to mention contribution to the further pollution of the Earth,” she explains.
Speaking about the process of transforming raw Pramenka sheep wool into a finished product like a shower glove or dryer ball, Mrs. Mandzuka explains that the wool that they receive at the Ministry is already being thoroughly washed, cleaned and brushed.
“We get this beautiful opportunity to work with the “white clouds” of natural fibers. For the creation of Wooling facial peeling sponge, we use the heart shaped form and felting needle. It takes approximately 20 minutes of needle felting in order to make a firm sponge which than gets sterilized, packed and shipped. For the creation of a peeling glove or back washing towel, we use the crochet technique and wool.
All our products are hand made by Bosnian woman,” she concludes.
Speaking about how many domestic companies, small producers, artisans, local shepherds currently cooperate with the Ministry in making the products, Mrs. Mandzuka explains that it takes six entrepreneurs to have a final Wooling producton the shelf.
”Firstly, we have farmers who shear the wool. This wool is than being sold to the family from Dub village (near Travnik) and this family cleans and washes the wool. Than this wool needs to be brushed and its fibers aligned. This is being done by the only family in Dub village who owns the brushing machine. Such treated wool comes to Ministry of wool where we make our magic and make final Wooling products. Our products, like wool drying balls are than being packed in the linen bags that are being specially made by our local company named Senses while the labels are made in small family owned Graforad printing company. Our other products, like Wooling peeling sponges, peeling gloves are being packed in cardboard boxes made by Print GS company while the handles for the back-shower towels are being made by the small family owned company.”
In conclusion, Mrs. Mandzuka says that they are definitely looking for new opportunities for expending the sale of Wooling skin peeling products and Wool dryer balls onto the new markets, like German and Austrian.
Also, on a bit more creative side, together with the Bosnian Culture Centre Travnik, they organize felting workshops for younger generations teaching them about the wool, its historic importance, its values and its benefits on our lives. They also learn the basics of felting.
”Besides this, we are planning to organize a few workshops in Sarajevo in coming days. The workshop will be for enthusiasts who would like to learn how to create a lamp shade using solely our Pramenka sheep wool. The last but not the least is the plan to start my Youtube channel on felting.This is something that I am specially looking forward,” she concludes.
