Kristy Barber | Designer & Founder of Kuwaii | 16 Years of Slow Fashion, Made in Melbourne

In this final episode of Fashion Business Mindset for 2024, we’re diving into a Level Up Session to help you reflect on the past year, learn from its lessons, and create a powerful, actionable blueprint for success in 2025. This episode is packed with strategies, tools, and inspiration to help you: Reflect on your wins, challenges, and key lessons from 2024. Explore the top trends and opportunities shaping the fashion industry in 2025, including brand elevation, circular economy, tech integration, and the resurgence of physical retail. Build your 5-step blueprint for levelling up with clear goals, optimised operations, and meaningful connections. Download your FREE 2025 Business Blueprint to map out your goals and step into the new year with clarity and confidence HERE now.  ________ Work with us in 2025! If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_auPodcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business! #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce #AustralianFashionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I’m thrilled to be joined by Michaela Wessels, CEO & co-founder of Style Arcade. Style Arcade is revolutionising the retail and e-commerce space with its cutting-edge platform, empowering fashion brands to make data-driven decisions. Michaela is a retail and e-commerce veteran with over 15 years of experience in merchandise buying, planning and consulting. Michaela’s trailblazing work ethic and entrepreneurship has seen Australia's biggest brands replace spreadsheets with intelligent fashion analytics and digital range planning from Style Arcade. Michaela's background in finance formed the foundation of entering into over a decade of global retail experience, including formative roles at Truworths, Lacoste and The Iconic. Michaela founded Style Arcade in 2018, it’s; an all-in-one AI-powered merchandise buying and planning platform, providing intelligent merchandising recommendations to some of the world’s biggest brands and retailers. Backed by Acadian Software (Klaviyo, Convoke) Style Arcade has grown in excess of 200% annually since inception and has garnered the trust of over 6,000 global users. Working with both brands and retailers across more than 13 countries from pure-play e-commerce giants like The Iconic, Princess Polly and White Fox, to cult designers like Aje, Christopher Esber and Amiri. Currently, 63% of the platform’s revenue has come from word-of-mouth highlighting the company’s significant brand awareness amongst fashion industry data fanatics. During our chat, Michaela and I delve into The entrepreneurial journey behind Style Arcade The importance of leveraging data for decision-making in fashion How brands can innovate to stay ahead in a competitive market. How Style Arcade helps you optimise size accuracy, streamlines inventory management, and enhances assortment planning. How Style Arcade helps businesses maximise profitability and improve in-season trading with features like AI-driven size and buy calculators, advanced retail analytics, and seamless e-commerce integration,. Michaela also shares her invaluable insights on navigating the challenges of scaling a business and fostering creativity in a tech-driven industry.   You can connect with Michaela at Linkedin here. Head to the Style Arcade website and book a Demo here. ________ Work with us in 2025! If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_auPodcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business! #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness#melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce #AustralianFashion #StyleArcade #MerchandisePlanning #MerchandiseBuyingSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m thrilled to welcome  Alexandra Bell, the founder and creative director of ALEXANDRA Australia and most recently, the beautiful content creation space, Beau Bell Studio. With a passion for fashion, she launched her namesake label in Melbourne in 2016. Today, the brand’s headquarters, thriving eCommerce business, first bricks-and-mortar store, and creative studio are all based on the Gold Coast. The brand embodies Lexi's vision — and that of countless women like her — who lead busy, multifaceted lives, seeking comfort and ease without sacrificing style. The label focuses on timeless, ready-to-wear essentials that prioritise longevity over fleeting trends, balancing elevated detail with relaxed silhouettes, creating a signature comfortable feel, Balancing the demands of content creation with rising costs, Lexi launched Beau Bell Studio as a versatile photography space for the brand and the broader creative community. Lexi supports local startups by providing affordable access, recognising the challenges new businesses face in managing costs while striving to make their mark. Lexi has been a client of mine for the past 18 months, and I’m always thrilled to showcase the incredible, talented entrepreneurs I have the privilege of working with every day. During our chat, Lexi and I dive into: The key learnings of a growing business The power of brand elevation Building a strong connection with customers The balance of performance marketing and brand marketing The excitement of opening your first store Leading a growing team Launching Beau Bell, her own creative studio on the Gold Coast And so much more! Lexi has also extended a generous offer for Beau Belle Studio bookings exclusively for our Fashion Business Mindset audience. Beau Bell Studio already offers 50% off bookings for startups trading for less than two years. But this summer until the end of February 2025, Fashion Business Mindset listeners can enjoy an exclusive 30% discount on bookings for established businesses. Just mention our podcast to the team at Beau Bell to claim the offer! Link to studio below. _____ You can connect with Lexi on Instagram at @‌alexandrabell_alx Visit Alexandra at A L E X Λ N D R A Australia - effortless cool and signature comfort **Or on Instagram **@‌alexandraaus Check out Beau Bell Studio at  Studio for Photography | Gold Coast Photography Studio | Photoshoot Studio and be sure to mention our pod for a discount if you want to make a booking. ___________ Work with us in 2025! If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_auPodcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business! #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness#podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast  #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce #Alexandra #AustralianFashionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today, I'm thrilled to have Jordy Heis joining us. Jordy is Shopify’s Senior Retail Product Consultant for ANZ, where he drives growth and retention for retail merchants across the region. Known for his expertise, Jordy has become a trusted advisor to some of the most dynamic, category-leading fashion brands, including Incu, Patagonia, LSKD, FRANKIE4, and Henne. With a background as a graphic designer turned data enthusiast, Jordy brings a unique blend of artistry and analytical skill to help brands succeed. He’s passionate about helping businesses leverage both design and data to grow strategically in the competitive eCommerce space. In today’s conversation, Jordy shares: Invaluable insights into scaling eCommerce brands Building a compelling brand identity The evolving role of technology in retail, exciting developments from the frontline at Shopify and much more. You can connect with Jordy at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordyheis/ ------ NOW OPEN - Join our INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP in February 2025.  Express your Interest** here.**If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_auPodcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion EquippedLet's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!#FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness#podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast #Shopify #ShopifyExpert #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #eCommerce See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode I’m thrilled to welcome Joanna Robinson, the Chief Marketing Officer at THE ICONIC Jo’s expertise is around driving customer-centric growth and developing and executing innovative and strategic marketing plans. With over 26 years of commercial experience across retail and FMCG and represents a combination of marketing, sales, and leadership. Joanna has worked with the likes of P&G, Unilever, J&J, Colgate Palmolive, Estee Lauder, and Chatime, her career spans Australia, Asia, North Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey. Jo also operates as a Sessional Lecturer at the University of Sydney, teaching Marketing and Leadership. A strong advocate for women's empowerment, diversity, and gender equality in the workplace, Joanna is also passionate about mentoring and developing the next generation of marketers. In this episode, we explore Jo’s journey to becoming CMO of THE ICONIC, the dynamics of her role, the key trends and opportunities shaping the future of eCommerce, and THE ICONIC’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. We also dive into how Jo manages her mindset and well-being amidst the fast-paced retail landscape and her advice for brands aiming to scale in today’s competitive market. You can connect with Joanne at: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-robinson-3118a125/?originalSubdomain=au Check out THE ICONIC Got You Looking 👀 ------ NOW OPEN - Join our INDIA SOURCING EXPERIENCE TRIP in February 2025.  Express your Interest** here.** If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level and work with Elizabeth and her team in 2025, connect with Fashion Equipped via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning. Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business! #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness #podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast #TheIconic #CMO #ChiefMarketingOfficer #eCommerce #BrandStrategy #Technology #FashTechSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Graham is an entrepreneur and environmentalist with a world-leading focus on textile sustainability and innovation.    Graham is co-founder of BlockTexx, an Australian clean technology company that has developed pioneering technology that is the solution for hard-to-recycle clothing blends.  BlockTexx® is on an urgent mission to divert textile and clothing waste from landfill by re-manufacturing textile waste back into the world's new products.   BlockTexx has collaborated with some leading Australian Fashion Brands, creating an opportunity for them to take their Circular Economy initiatives to the next level. The work that Graham, his co-founder Adrian and their dynamic team are doing is cutting-edge and leading globally. You can connect with Graham at: Block Texx  https://www.blocktexx.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/grahamross2/?originalSubdomain=au  ------ Our Waitlist is NOW OPEN for INDIA in February 2025.  Express your Interest here.  If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.    Instagram: @fashionequipped  @startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!     #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness  #podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast #BlockTexx   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoy this Impact Edit with Gina Anstee, Director of Retail at Aje Over the past four years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry. From highly successful entrepreneurs and founders to those on their exciting start-up journey, my guests have shared their stories, insights, and strategies for making an impact while shaping the future of fashion. Thanks to you, our audience is growing rapidly, with new listeners joining us every week. To help you gain the most out of our conversations, we're excited to introduce our Impact Edit, which showcases the most powerful insights from our previous longer-form episodes. These are the golden nuggets – the ideas, strategies, and perspectives that can help you learn something new, spark a new idea, or solve a challenge you're facing in real-time in your business. And best of all, we've purposefully kept these episodes short – minimum time for maximum impact! So whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your journey, our aim is that you end each Impact Edit, with new information that will help you make a lasting impact in your business, with your team and your community. _____ Meet Gina Anstee, an inspiring leader in our industry who is at the forefront of retail with one of the most successful fashion brands in Australia, AJE & AJE Athletica. Gina is an experienced and highly successful leader in high-end retail with a rich mix of expertise in business development retail operation, business insights and strategic planning. Her impressive track record in building and leading iconic luxury brands to unprecedented growth in Australia and Asia is a testament to her leadership, her operational skills and customer focus. You can connect with Aje at https://www.instagram.com/aje/?hl=en _______________   Our Waitlist is NOW OPEN for INDIA in February 2025.  Express your Interest** here.** Clothing and Garment Sourcing in India | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning. Instagram: @‌fashionequipped  @‌startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website:Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business! #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness #podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness#sydneybusiness#brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness#Australianbusiness#businessadvice#podcaster#australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips#goodbusiness#businesspodcast #Aje #AustralianFashionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Paul is a renowned ecommerce advisor, author and owner, with over 15 years of experience. In 2020 Paul was named number 2 in the Top 50 People in Ecommerce, and in 2022, he was awarded the Industry Recognition Award at the Online Retail Industry Awards (ORIAS), for his contribution to the ecommerce industry. In 2024 Paul was named by Yotpo as the Best Ecommerce Consultant in APAC. In 2023 Paul wrote Shopify for Dummies, a book which reached the number 1 position on Amazon in the USA and Australia, in two categories. In 2024 Paul will release his second book, Selling Online for Dummies. Paul is the Chair of the Advisory Board at the National Online Retail Association (NORA), and is an Advisory Board Member for Forbes, as well as sitting on the Board of a number of companies. Paul is the owner of Learn Ecommerce, a platform he created to do two things: 1) Help beginners start an online business, and 2) Help larger businesses scale profitably. Brands Paul has helped include Showpo, Babyboo, The Horse, Muscle Republic, Geedup, Who is Elijah, Proud Poppy and many more. In 2022 Paul also co-founded Ecom Nation, a digital marketing agency for ecommerce brands, which in 2024 was named Australia's Best Digital Marketing Agency in the NORA Solution Partner awards.   During this episode, we dive into: All things Scaling Fashion eCommerce Profitability - Know Your Numbers  Data-Driven Decision Making  Innovation & Technology    You can connect at: @paulwaddycommerce https://www.instagram.com/paulwaddyecommerce/?hl=en _______________ Our Waitlist is NOW OPEN for the next INDIA Sourcing Experience 8-15th February 2025.  Join our Waitlist here and Elizabeth will be in touch with more information.    If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.    Instagram: @fashionequipped  @startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoy this Impact Edit with Marnie Goding, the Co-Founder of ELK. Over the past four years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and changemakers in the fashion industry. From highly successful entrepreneurs and founders to those on their exciting start-up journey, my guests have shared their stories, insights, and strategies for making an impact while shaping the future of fashion. Thanks to you, our audience is growing rapidly, with new listeners joining us every week. To help you gain the most out of our conversations, we're excited to introduce our Impact Edit, which showcases the most powerful insights from our previous longer-form episodes. These are the golden nuggets – the ideas, strategies, and perspectives that can help you learn something new, spark a new idea, or solve a challenge you're facing in real-time in your business. And best of all, we've purposefully kept these episodes short – minimum time for maximum impact!  So whether you're a seasoned business owner or just starting out on your journey, our aim is that you end each Impact Edit, with new information that will help you make a lasting impact in your business, with your team and your community.  _____ With a background in events and marketing, Marnie is a self taught entrepreneur with a passion for sustainable and ethical fashion.  Stemming from a desire to see broad sweeping industry change, she is moving ELK in a unique direction proving there is a better way to run business and make product. Her commitment to social and environmental responsibility has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leader in the industry. A pioneer of independent, Australian design, ELK was established in 2004 in Melbourne, founded by Marnie and her husband Adam.  Leading with a philosophy of conscious fashion, the business was founded on a belief in creativity, innovation and authentic design, contemporary fashion and independent, ethically made products.  These values have created a brand of enduring value. The ELK Mission is to responsibly create product with enduring value through a thoughtful, intelligent design philosophy, crafted with an artisanal aesthetic. To lead a conscious business supporting traditional trades and a circular economy that operates ethically and transparently, in safe, fair and inclusive workplaces. and to minimise our environmental footprint and create a positive impact on our local and global communities. You can connect at: https://elkthelabel.com/ You can download the 2023 ELK Transparency Report here.  https://elkthelabel.com/pages/transparency-report You can tune into the BBC Storyworks piece here.   _______________   Tune into Elizabeth’s Podcast with Maritza Barone on Podcasting with Purpose here.   Our Waitlist is NOW OPEN for INDIA February 2025.  Express your Interest here.    If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.    Instagram: @fashionequipped  @startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!   TAGS FOR OMNY **PLEASE UPDATE AS REQUIRED   #FashionBusinessMindsetPodcast #FashionEquipped #StartYourFashionBusiness  #podcastersofinstagram  #melbournebusiness #sydneybusiness #brisbanebusiness  #fashionbusiness #Australianbusiness #businessadvice #podcaster #australianfashion #fasionbusinessconsultant #consulting #consultancy #businessstratey #businessstrategist  #businesstips #goodbusiness #businesspodcast #Elk See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Kristy Barber, the Founder and Designer of Kuwaii.   Established in 2008 as one of Melbourne’s original slow fashion brands, Kuwaii’s values of kindness, respect, honesty, environmental accountability, and empowerment of all people inform how they make their clothes, the people they work with and how they run their business.   The majority of Kuwaii’s product range is Made in Melbourne, and accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia.    With a perfectly balanced harmony of form and function, the Kuwaii aesthetic is both strikingly simple and intricately precise. .   Kuwaii’s approach takes more time and is more complex, but the team at Kuwaii know it’s worth it. Everything they do is slower, more deliberate and more intentional.     During this dynamic chat with Kristy, we dive into:   What it takes to create a viable, sustainable slow fashion business model Staying true to your vision and values Knowing when to pivot and making the hard calls in business What Kristy sees as the key to longevity in fashion The power of closely connecting with customers and community   And so much more   _______________   Tune into Elizabeth’s Podcast with Maritza Barone on Podcasting with Purpose here.   If you would like to take your Fashion Business to the next level, connect with us via any of the following links and enquire about Consulting, Mentorship or Online Learning.    Instagram: @fashionequipped  @startyourfashionbusiness_au Podcast Insta: @fashionbusinessmindset Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped Website: www.fashionequipped.com.au Let's do this together, let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.