Abadir Santa Barbara: Kendra Sabino’s Mission to Turn Textile Waste into Beauty and Purpose

In the heart of Santa Barbara’s creative and eco-conscious community, one woman is transforming discarded fabrics into functional art. Kendra Sabino, founder of Abadir Santa Barbara, has created more than just a sustainable fashion brand—she’s started a conversation about consumption, creativity, and the small choices that create lasting change.

Kendra’s inspiration came unexpectedly while watching a sustainability segment on The Oprah Winfrey Show. A quote by environmentalist Annie Leonard struck a deep chord: “There is no such thing as away. When you throw something away, it must go somewhere.” As a mother of young children at the time, Kendra found herself questioning the environmental impact of everyday choices. Her lifelong love of gardening, animals, and nature made the concept impossible to ignore—and it planted the seed for what would become Abadir.

Her path wasn’t linear. A Southern California native, Kendra studied at UC Davis, later earning an MBA from UCLA Anderson. She spent years in pharmaceutical marketing and sales before ultimately redirecting her energy toward environmental entrepreneurship. The shift was inspired in part by a beloved friend and longtime science teacher at her children’s school. This educator didn’t preach sustainability—she modeled it, showing families how to integrate eco-conscious decisions without pressure or perfection.

Abadir Santa Barbara was born from this mindset. It began with Kendra repurposing upholstery remnants from an ADU project at her own home. Realizing the potential, she reached out to local designers—many of them personal friends—who offered up their unused, often luxurious scraps. Fabricators joined in, supplying bold, vibrant remnants that inspired original pieces like the structured GOATT tote and the whimsical Bella Bag. Together, these community contributions helped Abadir blossom into a truly collaborative brand.

At the heart of Abadir’s mission is a balance between form, function, and sustainability. Initially committed to using only remnants, Kendra soon realized that to make a lasting impact, the products also had to stand the test of time. Today, she incorporates high-quality zippers, hardware, and leather to ensure that every bag is as practical as it is beautiful. She and her 24-year-old daughter even field-test new designs, carrying prototypes to ensure they meet both aesthetic and functional needs.

One of Abadir’s standout products is The Gifted—a reusable heirloom gift bag launched during the holidays. Inspired by a college assignment her daughter received from an Oceanography professor, the bag encourages families to ditch disposable wrapping paper. Each one includes a card where users can record names and dates as the bag is passed on. In 2024, the Sabino family celebrated their first trash-less Christmas, marking a powerful moment in the brand’s journey.

The name Abadir comes from Kendra’s paternal grandmother, Tafida Abadir—a symbol of resilience and determination who raised five children in Egypt and helped her son immigrate to the U.S. That spirit of perseverance fuels the brand’s purpose.

Rooted in Santa Barbara, Abadir reflects the city’s rich blend of creativity, sustainability, and community support. As Kendra puts it, “Sustainability isn’t all or nothing. It’s about moving the ball forward, one conscious choice at a time.”