Abstract
Elvis & Kresse is a UK-based social enterprise that reuses and transforms waste into luxury lifestyle products and donates 50% of profits to charitable causes. The social enterprise was founded by Kresse Wesling, a Canadian-born, UK-based, multi-award-winning environmental entrepreneur with a background in venture capital investments and with significant start-up experience, and her life partner, James Henrit - whose business name is Elvis. Elvis & Kresse’s first line of products, specifically luxury bags, were made from decommissioned fire hoses. To produce their current range of products, the enterprise collects a variety of waste streams such as leather offcuts, parachute silk, and auction banners. Elvis & Kresse has several charitable partnerships and is involved in collaborations across industries, from fashion houses to FTSE 100 companies. As the social enterprise grows, its ability to meet social goals and remain financially viable without drifting from its social mission may be in jeopardy. This case study explores multiple elements, including identifying the key characteristics of social enterprises and the extent to which Elvis & Kresse is delivering environmental and social change through rescuing decommissioned fire hoses and other waste material. Furthermore, the case examines how the social enterprise balances its environmental and social mission with its business trading activity. The case ends with a dilemma: how can Elvis & Kresse further scale up its business without drifting from its social mission?