Pioneering The Business of Ethically-Made Luxury Fashion on the Arabian Peninsula with Abadia's Shahd AlShehail

Ethical and sustainable fashion has become a conversation with global reach and proportions with entrepreneurs around the world building businesses seeking to create positive social impact through carefully-made clothing. One such founder is this week’s guest, Shahd AlShehail, whose Abadia clothing brand delivers sweeping, feminine silhouettes inspired by the traditional artisan craftsmanship of the Saudi Arabian peninsula and made in partnership with female makers across Saudi and the UAE. Listen to her story for her journey from the business world to social and environmental justice and how those two areas ultimately led her to fashion. More below: Meet Shahd: Shahd AlShehail is an award-winning social entrepreneur focusing on areas of sustainability, women's economic development, and cultural preservation. After completing her MBA at Johns Hopkins University in 2012, she went on to secure a fellowship with Acumen which exposed her to the power of entrepreneurship in addressing social and environmental issues. In 2013, Shahd co-founded Project JUST, a fashion-tech start-up focused on creating transparency and accountability in fashion supply chains. Continuing on with this theme, Shahd co-founded Abadia, an ethical luxury brand dedicated to preserving the craftsmanship of her region through timeless contemporary products. Abadia works with female artisans across Saudi and the UAE to celebrate their heritage and provide them with a sustainable source of income. You can learn more about Shahd and her company at www.abadia.me. <3 <3 <3 Oh hey there! Please help the podcast out and leave us a rating and review on iTunes. This stuff is key to the show's success, and I appreciate you helping me play the game. <3 <3 <3 HOW TO LISTEN: Listen online: Just press play above or subscribe via RSS to receive all new episodes. iOS, iPhone, iPad: Subscribe via iTunes or download the Apple Podcast app and subscribe by searching for Spirit of 608 in the app. Android: Download the free Stitcher app and search for Spirit of 608 in the app. Thanks to our episode sponsor Magic Mind! Boost your productivity and get 20% off your next order with code spirit20 at checkout. Want More Visibility? Get Access to Our Free DIY PR Masterclass for Ethical Fashion Brands Now Linkage — Connect with Shahd and Abadia Instagram: @abadiaofficial | @shahdalshehail Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shahdalshehail/ Website: www.abadia.me Looking for a job in FEST? Get access to the new Spirit of 608 jobs page Find more episodes featuring women at the forefront of FEST online at www.Spiritof608.com.