Fashion Business Mindset

Joshua Nunan is the Director of Platform Media & Services at THE ICONIC, where he leads the company’s retail media, partner marketing and fulfilment services.

Since joining THE ICONIC in 2018, Josh has progressed through several roles, from Senior Buyer to General Manager of Sports, Beauty and Home, before stepping into his current position.

In this episode, Josh takes us inside the evolution of THE ICONIC and the rapidly changing relationship between brands, retailers and platforms. He explains how THE ICONIC is helping its brand partners reach customers, create more seamless experiences and fuel mutual growth through media, marketplace and fulfilment solutions.

We discuss:

• Josh’s dynamic career journey and the experiences that shaped his approach to retail

• THE ICONIC’s evolution from start-up to scale-up and its continued focus on profitable growth

• Why customer obsession must be lived throughout an organisation—not simply written on the wall

• How THE ICONIC works with brands to create memorable physical and digital campaigns

• The growing importance of data, real-time insights and measurable marketing

• The differences between wholesale, marketplace, dropship and fulfilment models

• How brands can combine marketplace reach with greater control over pricing and assortment

• Why faster, consolidated delivery can strengthen trust and improve the customer experience

• How retail media can support customers from discovery and consideration through to conversion

• The changing customer journey and why the phone remains some of the world’s most valuable retail real estate

• Why AI is foundational—not optional—and how it is accelerating content, personalisation and decision-making

• What THE ICONIC’s B Corp certification represents for the business and its brand partners

• The role of trusted leaders, mentorship and curiosity in Josh’s career progression

• Josh’s approach to wellbeing and the routines that help him perform as a leader and working parent

• What excites him about the next evolution of THE ICONIC and the future of retail

Energetic, insightful and generous, Josh shares a fascinating perspective on the future of retail and the opportunities ahead for brands willing to embrace change.

CONNECT WITH JOSH

Joshua Nunan Linkedin

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About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

WORK WITH US

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Explore here:

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to build two fashion brands while protecting their creative identities, commercial foundations and long-term value?

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa speaks with Laura Liles, founder and creative director of Australian fashion labels Kinga Csilla and Ciao Ciao Vacation.

After spending a decade working across the Australian fashion industry, Laura launched Kinga Csilla in 2017 with a small collection, a $5,000 investment and a desire to create a more considered fashion business and workplace.

Laura shares the realities of building the brand through years of reinvestment, family sacrifice and what she describes as blind faith. She reflects on the early production challenge that forced her to strengthen the business, the importance of learning through difficult moments and the confidence that comes from experience.

The conversation explores Laura’s creative process and how she balances design instinct with customer feedback and commercial performance. She also takes us behind the scenes of her production network across India, Indonesia and China, sharing how she has built long-term relationships while maintaining quality, transparency and artisanal craftsmanship.

Laura discusses the inspiration and strategy behind launching Ciao Ciao Vacation, how she maintains a distinct identity for each label and the different roles wholesale and ecommerce play across the two businesses.

Elizabeth and Laura also explore selecting the right retail partners, supporting independent boutiques, protecting brand value, founder-led marketing and what is connecting with customers in the current fashion landscape.

They also discuss how Laura and her team are using AI across data analysis, reporting, technical processes and supplier communication, while protecting the human creativity at the heart of the brands.

The episode explores:

• Laura’s decade of industry experience before starting her own brand

• Launching Kinga Csilla with a $5,000 investment and no formal business plan

• Building a self-funded fashion business through reinvestment and resilience

• Learning from production challenges and strengthening quality-control processes

• Balancing creative instinct with customer insight and commercial performance

• Building production partnerships across India, Indonesia and China

• Preserving artisanal craftsmanship as the business grows

• The inspiration and strategy behind launching Ciao Ciao Vacation

• Managing two brands with distinct identities, customers and price points

• Balancing wholesale and direct-to-consumer growth

• Choosing retail partners and protecting long-term brand value

• Founder visibility, storytelling and what is working in fashion marketing

• Using AI to support fashion operations, data and production

• The mindset and support systems behind Laura’s journey

• What excites Laura about the future of her brands and the fashion industry

CONNECT WITH LAURA AND HER BRANDS

Laura Liles on Instagram: @‌laura_liles_

Kinga Csilla: kingacsilla.com

Kinga Csilla on Instagram: @‌kinga_csilla

Ciao Ciao Vacation: ciaociaovacation.com

Ciao Ciao Vacation on Instagram: @‌ciao.ciao.vacation

WORK WITH US

––––––––––––––––

Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now

Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass

AI for Fashion E-commerce | Practical AI Systems to Create, Convert and Grow — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting  

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There are plenty of external pressures impacting fashion businesses right now. Rising costs, cautious consumers, increasing competition and the growing cost of customer acquisition are all very real.

But what if some of the biggest threats to profitability are actually coming from inside the business?

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa looks at the decisions and behaviours that can quietly erode profit in founder-led fashion businesses.

From overbuying, poor merchandise planning and unplanned markdowns to margin erosion, marketing inefficiency, warehousing costs, data hygiene and operational cost creep, Elizabeth explores some of the profit leaks she sees most consistently across the industry.

She also looks at the responsibility of the founder as the business grows. You don't need to know everything, but when you find yourself acting as the buyer, merchandise planner, marketer or commercial leader without the necessary knowledge or training, how are you building that capability and getting the right support around you?

The episode explores:

• Merchandise planning, inventory and open-to-buy

• Protecting intake margin and reducing margin erosion

• The true commercial impact of markdown and promotional activity

• Sourcing, supplier terms and cash flow

• Marketing efficiency, customer acquisition and lifetime value

• Warehousing, technology and operational cost creep

• Data hygiene and the numbers you should understand

• AI, technology and productivity as part of the profitability equation

• Training, upskilling and knowing when to seek external support

• Founder accountability and stronger commercial decision-making

With the final months of the year still ahead, Elizabeth challenges fashion business owners to identify the biggest profit leaks in their business now, rather than waiting until year-end to ask where the profit went.

Because profit isn't just what happens at the end of the year.

It's the outcome of the decisions you make all year.

WORK WITH US

__________

Upcoming Online Masterclass — Register Now

Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass

https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Enjoy this Impact Edit with Jack Rivera, Creative Director of Commonry.

Jack has over 15 years of experience in the fashion industry, across a range of roles and brands that have shaped her leadership and management style.

Her expertise spans across strategic leadership, team development, and driving forward-thinking initiatives that prioritise diversity and sustainable growth.

Jack's commitment to creating meaningful change is at the heart of everything she does, making her a dynamic force in the industry.

Tune in for your dose of business optimisation!

If you enjoy this impact edit, you can listen to the full episode with Jack here.

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Over the past four years, I've had the privilege of chatting with some of the most inspiring thought leaders and change makers 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.

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WORK WITH US

__________

Upcoming Online Masterclass  

Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass  

https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Bridget Veals, General Manager of Womenswear, Footwear and Accessories at David Jones.

With more than 25 years of experience across some of the world’s leading fashion brands, Bridget has built an extraordinary career at the forefront of fashion buying, retail leadership and commercial strategy.

Together, Elizabeth and Bridget explore how the buying function has evolved, what it takes to lead high-performing teams through change, and the trends shaping the future of Australian fashion retail. Bridget also shares her leadership philosophy, the importance of balancing creativity with commercial performance, and why curiosity and continuous learning remain essential throughout every stage of a career.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Bridget’s 25-year career journey in the fashion industry.

• The evolution of fashion buying and the changing role of the modern buyer.

• Leading high-performing teams through growth, transformation and change.

• Balancing commercial outcomes with creativity in today’s retail environment.

• How customer expectations continue to reshape fashion retail.

• The future of Australian fashion retail and the opportunities ahead.

• Leadership lessons from one of Australia’s most respected retail executives.

• Why curiosity, adaptability and lifelong learning are essential for long-term success.

Whether you’re a fashion founder, buyer, retailer, merchandising professional or emerging leader, this conversation offers valuable insights into the realities of leading at the highest levels of the fashion industry.

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WORK WITH US

__________

Upcoming Online Masterclass  - Register now 

Join our upcoming AI for Fashion Masterclass  

https://fashionequipped.com.au/ai-for-fashion-e-commerce-register-now

👉 Register Here

CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this solo episode, Elizabeth Formosa unpacks what it actually looks like to use AI with intention in a fashion business. She talks honestly about the pace of change many founders are feeling right now, why workflow has to come before technology, and where she's seeing Claude AI add real, practical value across fashion operations.

The six areas she covers:

• Founder productivity and leadership thinking

• Financial visibility - margin, sell-through, inventory cover

• Product and supply chain decisions

• Marketing and content

• Customer experience

• Market intelligence

She's also candid about where AI falls short and why judgment and context still matter most. A clear, grounded look at AI for fashion founders who want to move forward without losing sight of what makes their business work.

Claude for Fashion Masterclass — Register Now

Join our upcoming Claude for Fashion Masterclass.

Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, Brooke Wright, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise.

The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built.

Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced.

👉 Register Here

CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals - Register Now — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

 To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really mean to build a fashion brand around a woman the industry has spent decades ignoring?

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa is joined by Fleur Richardson, founder and creative director of Fleur Collective, a 100% Australian-owned, female-founded womenswear brand built on a simple belief: clothing should move with you, not against you.

Fourteen years in business. 95% made in Australia. Sizes 8 to 24 from day one. And a direct-to-consumer model built on genuine community and customer closeness.

Fleur shares the real story behind those numbers. The design decisions, the sourcing challenges, the commercial pivots, and the personal discipline required to build and sustain a purpose-led fashion business in 2026.

This is a grounded and commercially honest conversation for founders navigating growth, manufacturing complexity, and the challenge of serving a customer who deserves better.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Fleur’s career across swimwear, menswear tailoring, raw materials and women’s wear shaped her commercial and creative lens

• The design philosophy behind Fleur Collective, and why fit, fabric and function drive every decision

• What inclusive sizing from 8 to 24 actually requires technically, and how the brand approaches grading across a diverse female body

• The decision to shut down wholesale and go direct-to-consumer, and why owning the customer relationship changed everything

• Live selling before it was a trend, and how the brand’s content model has evolved over nine years

• The realities and risks of sustaining 95% local manufacturing in Australia, including ageing maker networks and fabric supply challenges

• Why Fleur moved a small percentage of production offshore and how she approached that transition consciously

• Buying out a business partner and going all in, and what that decision unlocked

• What Fleur is building towards next, including an adaptive clothing project inspired by her brother

• Where AI sits in the business right now and the reality of adopting it as a small independent brand

Key Takeaway

Building a fashion brand with genuine commercial integrity means making decisions the outside world doesn’t always see.

Fleur Richardson has spent fourteen years making those decisions. Quietly. Consistently. With her customer at the centre of every one.

About the Guest

Fleur Richardson is the founder and Creative Director of Fleur Collective — a 100% Australian-owned, female-founded womenswear brand crafting small-batch, considered collections for women who are done with compromise. Built on a belief that clothing should move with you, not against you, Fleur Collective has spent over a decade redefining what it means to dress with ease, confidence, and intention. With a 99% female workforce and most pieces made right here in Australia, Fleur has built more than a brand — she's built a community where every woman belongs.

Explore Fleur Collective here.

Watch behind the brand on Instagram here.

Claude for Fashion Workshop — Join the Waitlist

In this episode, you’ll hear Fleur and Elizabeth talk about AI and what it really means to start adopting it in a fashion business.

If that conversation resonates with you, join the waitlist for our upcoming Claude for Fashion workshop. 

Elizabeth will be joined by an AI expert, and together they’ll bring both sides of the equation: fashion workflow and business solutions lens, plus technical AI expertise.

The topics covered will be shaped directly by what you tell us you need. Your signup genuinely contributes to how the workshop is built.

Workshop landing around mid-July. Date and spots to be announced.

👉 Join the waitlist here: CLAUDE FOR FASHION A Two-Hour Practical Masterclass for Fashion Business Professionals — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. 

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth. Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped

Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Facebook: Fashion Equipped | Melbourne VIC

Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

 Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

 To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really take to build a fashion brand from the ground up and scale it into a globally recognised, multi-channel business?

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Kiki Keysers, Founder of KIVARI, to unpack the journey behind one of Australia’s most successful contemporary fashion brands.

What started with just $200, a handmade product and a market stall has evolved into a thriving business spanning retail, eCommerce and wholesale, with a loyal global customer and a strong, recognisable brand identity.

Kiki shares the real story behind that growth. The risks, the decisions, the mindset shifts and the discipline required to build a brand that not only scales, but sustains.

This is an honest and highly practical conversation for founders navigating growth, complexity and the next stage of their business.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Kivari began, from a spontaneous idea in Bali to a market stall in Australia

• The early decisions that shaped the brand’s trajectory, including retail, hiring and investment

• The reality of scaling a fashion business across retail, eCommerce and wholesale

• Why every channel must have a clear purpose in a multi-channel strategy

• The importance of discipline across margin, product and operations in today’s market

• How to evolve your product offering while staying true to your brand DNA

• Building and leading a high-performing team as the business grows

• Founder visibility and the role it plays in modern brand building

• The mindset required to navigate growth, uncertainty and leadership

• Why “confidence comes by doing” and how to move forward before you feel ready

Key Takeaway

Building a successful fashion brand isn’t about having everything figured out from the start.

It’s about taking action, backing yourself and building the confidence along the way.

About the Guest

Kirstin-Lee “Kiki” Keysers is the Founder and Creative Director of KIVARI, one of Australia’s leading women’s fashion and lifestyle brands. What began as a small market stall on the Gold Coast has grown into a multi-million-dollar global business, known for its timeless design, effortless femininity and strong brand storytelling.

Today, Kiki leads a fast-growing team while continuing to shape the creative direction of the brand, building a business grounded in freedom, intuition and purpose.

Explore KIVARI at KIVARI | Elevated & Effortless Resortwear For Your Everyday

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.
Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Gosia Piątek, Founder of Kowtow, a pioneer in sustainable and circular fashion.

Founded in 2006, Kowtow has built a global reputation for its commitment to ethical production, Fairtrade organic cotton, and a fully transparent supply chain.

But what truly sets the brand apart is its long-term vision.

From the very beginning, Gosia set out to create clothing that comes from the earth and can safely return to it.

Nearly 20 years later, that vision has been realised.

Kowtow has developed a groundbreaking process using biochar, allowing garments to be returned to the soil without harm and completely free from plastic.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The original vision behind Kowtow and what inspired Gosia to challenge the fashion industry

• Building a sustainable brand before sustainability was mainstream

• The reality of creating a fully transparent and ethical supply chain

• Kowtow’s biochar innovation and what it means for the future of circular fashion

• Customer demand for sustainability and how it has evolved

• The current state of fashion trade and navigating economic uncertainty

• Balancing purpose and profitability in a values-driven business

• Marketing and storytelling for a conscious brand

• Leadership, mindset and founder growth

• What the future holds for fashion and the opportunity for brands willing to lead change

This episode is a must-listen for founders, designers and industry leaders looking to build commercially strong, responsible and future-focused fashion businesses.

About the Guest:

Gosia Piątek is the Founder of Kowtow, a globally recognised sustainable fashion brand known for its commitment to Fairtrade organic cotton, ethical production and circular design principles.

Explore Kowtow at:

Web: Kowtow Ethical & Organic Clothingl

Download the Kowtow plastic-free guide here: Plastic Free Handbook

Read about biochar here: Our garments now feed the earth

How Kowtow went plastic-free here: Plastic Free

_________

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

________

Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.
Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:

Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What It Takes to Run a Resilient Fashion Boutique

Running an independent fashion boutique today demands resilience, commercial discipline, deep customer connection and the ability to adapt as the retail landscape continues to evolve.

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Adella Greenwood, co-founder of Grace & Willow, a much-loved multi-brand boutique located in the seaside suburb of Williamstown in Victoria.

With more than two decades in fashion and retail, Adella has built a thriving boutique known for its strong sense of community and its carefully curated mix of Australian and international designers. Together with her sister Hannah, she has created a space where confident, expressive women can discover pieces that reflect their personal style.

In our conversation, Adella shares the journey of building an independent retail business over more than a decade, and the realities of operating on the front line of fashion retail.

We explore how she approaches brand selection and buying, how independent boutiques navigate competition from larger retailers and online platforms, and why customer relationships and community remain at the heart of Grace & Willow’s success.

Adella also shares her perspective on the current retail climate, how customer behaviour has shifted in recent years, and where she sees both risk and opportunity for independent retailers moving forward.

This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about what it truly takes to build and sustain an independent fashion business today.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Grace & Willow began and the vision behind the boutique

• The evolution of Adella’s buying strategy and brand mix

• Navigating competition from larger retailers and online platforms

• The importance of community and customer relationships in boutique retail

• Leading a small retail team and building a strong culture

• Shifts in customer behaviour and the current retail climate

• What discipline and resilience look like in independent retail today

Explore Grace & Willow at:

https://www.graceandwillow.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/graceandwillow/?hl=en

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About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

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Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

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