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This month's Speaker Series conversation is a fashion journey story inspired by strength, resilience, and the triumph of spirit. Join host Ericka Ushliyanage and guest Colleen Kanna, creator of COKANNA Designs for an empowering conversation. This conversation steps into the world of fashion, where each piece tells a story of overcoming adversity and celebrating life. Tune in to the IGTV live conversation on October 25th at 4 pm (EST) https://lnkd.in/guG_NF2 *About Colleen Kanna Colleen Kanna is the creator of COKANNA Designs. In the fall of 2010, Colleen was diagnosed with breast cancer. While going through treatment and recovery, Colleen struggled to find clothing that was easy to slip on and off, comfortable to wear, looked good on, and fit in with her everyday style. At the same time, Colleen came to the realization that she didn’t want to continue down the same career path of being a Chartered Professional Accountant and VP of Finance so she took a leap of faith, and hence, COKANNA was born. Colleen wanted there to be more options in the marketplace so you don’t have to sacrifice quality or style at a difficult time in your life. Colleen wanted to give back to the community that helped her through her cancer experience by making women’s lives just a little bit easier and supporting breast cancer organizations and services that help the “person” living with the disease. Even though Colleen started out designing for women who have breast cancer and other health and mobility issues she found that many of her customers were women who just want comfort and style. Since then Colleen's line has evolved. It’s all about slow fashion: taking her time to develop well-thought-out designs, listening to her customers’ wants and needs, and sticking to her core value of 100% Canadian-made. Colleen's garments are produced in small women-owned production houses in Ontario. #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth

As at COMEGI the centre of research from Lusiada the European Online Resale project progresses with the collaboration of several colleagues from 6 different countries/universities, the topic focused on this text goes right into the question: Does the resale market really leads to sustainability? Because the issue is not only industry responsibility, it is also a consumers’ responsibility. Reading recommended! #resale #sustainfashion

Danielle Thomson, fashion sector lead at The Carbon Trust – a non-profit helping businesses, governments and organisations decarbonise – tells Drapers that Black Friday could present an unexpected opportunity for fashion retailers to be more sustainable. Find out more here. #blackfriday #sustainablefashion #CarbonTrust #fashionretail #comment #fashion

Wearing unbranded and inexpensive clothes should not be seen as an indication of poverty. In reality, it reflects a person's priorities and values.For many individuals, The choice to wear affordable clothing is a practical decision, rooted in the understanding that personal and family well-being is far more important than external appearances. First and foremost, choosing unbranded clothes can be a financial strategy. Allocating funds to essential needs, such as food, housing, education, and healthcare, takes precedence over spending on branded apparel. This mindful budgeting ensures that the family's basic needs are met and provides a sense of security and stability. Moreover, the emphasis on providing for one’s family rather than striving to impress others highlights a deeper value system. It signifies maturity and responsibility.By focusing on the well-being of their loved ones, individuals demonstrate their understanding of what truly matters in life. The satisfaction of knowing their family is well-cared for outweighs the fleeting approval or admiration that might come from wearing expensive brands. In addition, this approach can also foster a sense of authenticity and self-confidence. People who prioritize their family's needs over societal expectations often develop a stronger sense of self. They learn to find value in their inner qualities and personal achievements rather than in material possessions. This inner strength and confidence can be more impactful and enduring than any temporary impression made through appearance. Furthermore, the practice of not succumbing to societal pressure to wear branded clothes can serve as a powerful lesson for children and those around us. It teaches the importance of prioritizing needs over wants,being financially prudent, and valuing substance over superficiality.It can also instill the notion that one's worth is not determined by outward appearances but by character and actions. In summary, wearing unbranded and inexpensive clothes does not equate to being poor. It is a conscious choice that reflects wise financial management, responsible priorities, and a focus on what truly matters—caring for one’s family. This perspective fosters inner strength, authenticity, and sets a positive example for others, demonstrating that personal value is found in actions and character rather than material possessions. #Family #Brands #Poorthinking #Newvision #Celebrities #Courage #Unbranded #Clothes #Familyneeds #Budgeting #Individuals.#MianHassanMuneer

Please be careful with shopping pre-loved. The second hand market is a wonderful solution for circularity but there is no evidence that it is slowing the rise of the primary market. Indeed it may well be fuelling it ("I can afford to buy this because I can just sell it on afterwards.") If you are interested in a more sustainable approach to fashion, which means buying less, that also applies to second hand. On the #ruleof5 I allow myself 4 second hand items on top of 5 new a year. This is a great piece from Louise Chunn in The Guardian yesterday applauding the Alexandra Schulman Zadie Smith hosted second hand sale to raise money for local food aid, (and shining a light on Rule of 5, for which, thank you!). The sale is a brilliant way to deploy circularity and ethical fashion. But second hand is not a guilt free all you can eat buffet. Just be careful not to swap your high street addiction for a second hand addiction. https://lnkd.in/ex-TU2Jc

Building a business is a team effort. As a founder, you don't have to shoulder everything alone! This Indigenous Heritage Month, we're shining a light on the inspiring journeys of Indigenous women founders and the lasting impact they weave into their businesses. A special thank you to my fellow B, Vanessa Marshall, for generously sharing her inspiring story: the path behind Jack59 and her vision for a more sustainable future. Vanessa, the CEO and founder of Jack59, is an award-winning leader who's passionate about social impact and environmental responsibility.  As a proud Indigenous woman, her m͟i͟s͟s͟i͟o͟n͟ is to create eco-friendly haircare that nourishes both your hair and the planet, while honoring her cultural values. 🪶 Interestingly, Vanessa's entrepreneurial journey didn't begin with shampoo bars, but with a background in dentistry!  Her story is one of remarkable resilience, unwavering dedication to sustainability, and a deep connection to her Indigenous heritage – 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘃𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗳 𝗝𝗮𝗰𝗸𝟱𝟵. Thanks to Jack59's efforts, they've diverted over 750,000 plastic bottles from landfills! But their impact goes beyond the environment. Jack59 champions the empowerment and development of Indigenous communities.  They ensure Indigenous voices are heard by prioritizing partnerships with Indigenous suppliers and artisans, fostering economic opportunities and celebrating traditional craftsmanship. Dive into Vanessa's story to learn more about: ➝ How environmental stewardship became the cornerstone of her business. ➝ How she balances financial growth with staying true to her vision and values. ➝ Strategies for overcoming access-to-capital challenges faced by many women-owned businesses. Let's celebrate and honor National Indigenous History Month by acknowledging the rich history, heritage, resilience, and incredible diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities.  P.S Treat your hair and the planet!  Explore Jack59's eco-friendly hair care and support a purpose-driven business: https://www.jack59 .ca/  🧼 #IndigenousHistoryMonth  #BCorp  #profit  #purpose #womeninbusiness  #womenfounders

Such a cool interview! Thank you CosmeticBusiness for sharing the story and some key facts about my initiative 'cosnova saves returns' at cosnova GmbH. If you are interested in getting some insights into how companies that trade in consumer goods can act more sustainably in terms of returns recycling and thus support good causes at the same time, I recommend you taking a look at my dialogue with Cosmetic Business 🤍🌱

Thrifty Threads! In my digital marketing class we have been tasked to create a blog of our choice. 👩🏻💻 I chose to share my tips and tricks to help everyone have the best second hand wardrobe! ✨Hopefully this will bring together fashion and environmental loving people🌎 I just posted my first blog and would if you gave it a read! Follow thrifty.threads_ on instagram! #secondhandshopping #thrifting #fashion #fashionblog

Spotlight on Women Leaders: Like every successful brand, SUGAR Cosmetics didn’t achieve fame overnight. Close to a hundred competitors, and traversing the pandemic are just two of the many challenges that came the beauty brand’s way. Vineeta Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics, on what it takes to build a successful direct-to-consumer brand. Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/dTA2iqqd #InternationalWomensDay2024 #IWD2024