Can you love fashion and still fight for the planet? Beth Esponnette says yes, and she’s proving it. As the co-founder of Unspun, Beth is building a future where clothes are made on-demand, with zero waste and local manufacturing. In this episode, she shares how her team is using 3D weaving to change the way we think about fit, sustainability, and circular design. We talk about purpose-driven careers, redefining success, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to challenge a deeply entrenched global industry. Whether you're curious about sustainable fashion or navigating your own path as a change maker, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring motivation.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Redesigning fashion for people and planet

01:20 Why custom-fit jeans can change everything

03:15 What makes the fashion industry broken

05:00 Creating tech that weaves clothes on demand

07:15 How Beth’s team is scaling through partnerships

10:00 The hidden cost of mass production and waste

12:00 Beth’s New England roots and maker mindset

14:30 What factory owners are saying about labor

16:45 Can we localize production again?

20:00 Balancing sustainability with trend cycles

22:00 Fashion’s problem with planned obsolescence

28:00 Building a startup that challenges the norm

30:30 Why Gen Z values don’t match their shopping habits

34:00 Beth’s ask: A board member to scale impact

The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms.

Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think.

Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com.

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