Chris Hughes – Founder of Artifact Bag Co.
[quote style=”boxed”]Ideas do not have to be important. Look at me–I make bags. I did not invent bags. Success lies in execution and marketing. The idea has to inspire you….
fashion
Fashion is one of those industries that looks glamorous from the outside and chaotic from the inside. The founders in this section know both sides. They’ve built clothing brands, accessories companies, sustainable fashion labels, and retail platforms. All while trying to answer the impossible question: what do people actually want to wear?
These interviews cover the full fashion ecosystem. Design. Manufacturing. Retail. E-commerce. Sustainable fashion. Luxury. Streetwear. The supply chain nightmares that nobody talks about at fashion week. And the creative process, which is messier and more interesting than any lookbook suggests.
The founders here are refreshingly real about the business side. Margins. Inventory management. The brutal economics of returns. Building a brand in a market where trends move faster than production cycles. These aren’t just designers. They’re operators, and the combination makes for great conversation.
You’ll find insights on direct-to-consumer strategy, building a brand identity, sustainable sourcing, and the art of knowing when a trend is worth chasing and when it’s a trap. If you’re in fashion, adjacent to fashion, or just curious about how your clothes get from idea to closet, these interviews deliver.
Ruth Lopardo – Founder of Love It Love It Love It
[quote style=”boxed”]You are never a prisoner of your situation, and the power to change your circumstances is always yours. The key is to focus on what you could gain by…
David Lowe – Founder of Origin of Cool and Uberpong
Always believe that somewhere, somehow, something will happen. You’ve gotta have a little faith in yourself! David started life in the northwest of England before traveling around the world from…
Ryan Wood – Director of Public Awareness for Sevenly
[quote style=”boxed”]I use one of the old-school yellow notepads. That always does the trick for me. I don’t think there is a more effective way to communicate your thoughts and…
Balind Sieber – Founder of Modern Nerd Apparel
For instance, once I get into the office, I write down three tasks. As I’m working my way through them, I go out of my way to connect with people…
Gastón Frydlewski and Mariquel Waingarten – Founders of HICKIES
[quote style=”boxed”]Put your personality into everything you do. You have to connect and make your project something that reflects you. So be honest with yourself.[/quote] Gastón Frydlewski created HICKIES. He…
Meet Gastón Frydlewski and Mariquel Waingarten – Founders of HICKIES
Aaron Schwartz – Co-Founder and CEO of Modify Industries
[quote style=”boxed”]Talk with customers! It’s very easy to hide behind your computer or in your office. We solicit customer feedback all the time, and while it is sometimes painful to…
Meet Aaron Schwartz – Co-Founder and CEO of Modify Industries
Gaston Javurek – Social Entrepreneur and Founder of No One Without
[quote style=”boxed”]Take bigger risks. Sometimes you just need to shoot first and aim second. Just go for it.[/quote] Gaston Javurek is a mountain mover and social entrepreneur. He founded No…
Meet Gaston Javurek – Social Entrepreneur and Founder of No One Without
Tracey Martin – Founder of Rebirth
[quote style=”boxed”]I self reflect to make sure that I handle myself with class and that I not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk. If I speak it,…
Robin Macy – Founder of Vin-T-Bikini
[quote style=”boxed”]Keep working hard and DO NOT STOP! I highly encourage all entrepreneurs to keep working no matter how hard it gets. Every day you have to put effort into…
Jackie Asta – Founder and Owner of Wedding Bliss Lane
[quote style=”boxed”]You always need another viewpoint because, as an owner, you tend to be one-sighted. Never make a decision right away. Wait at least one or two days for your…
Bruno Pieters – Founder of Honest by
[quote style=”boxed”]Try to remember why you are doing the work you are doing. Ask yourself every day: is this what I want? Life is short and unpredictable.[/quote] Bruno Pieters is…