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Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset

Written by: Elizabeth Formosa
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Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

https://fashionequipped.com.au/

2026 Elizabeth Formosa Art Economics Education Leadership Management Management & Leadership Marketing Marketing & Sales Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • The Pathway to Profitability in 2026

    The Pathway to Profitability in 2026
    Feb 24 2026

    In this opening episode of Season 7, Elizabeth Formosa unpacks what profitability really requires in 2026 — and why net cash in the bank matters just as much as the P&L.

    Across the industry, many brands are growing. Revenue is up. Orders are flowing. From the outside, things look strong. But internally, margins are tighter, cash flow feels heavier, and decision-making has become more complex.

    This episode explores the shift required for founders who want sustainable, commercially sound growth.

    Elizabeth shares the five core pillars she sees separating reactive businesses from intentional ones:

    • Clarity before growth

    • Intentional product and inventory decisions

    • Channel discipline

    • Structure that matches the stage of the business

    • Reducing founder and leadership decision load

    You’ll also hear why:

    – Profit is an accounting outcome
    – Cash is operational reality
    – And disciplined decision-making is the true driver of both

    This is not a tactical episode about quick wins.
    It’s a strategic conversation about building resilient fashion businesses that can grow, reinvest and stabilise with confidence.

    If 2026 feels like a year where your next decision truly matters, this episode is for you.

    _____

    Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026

    Ready to scale with clarity, confidence and intention?

    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 elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au
    or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

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

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    23 mins
  • End of Year Reflection | Fashion Business Mindset

    End of Year Reflection | Fashion Business Mindset
    Dec 22 2025

    As we come to the close of 2025, I wanted to pause and share a personal end-of-year reflection with the Fashion Business Mindset community.

    This year has been one of growth, challenge, learning and connection. We’ve shared over 127 episodes, welcomed many new listeners, and continued to have honest conversations about what it really takes to build, lead and sustain a fashion business in a changing market.

    In this solo episode, I reflect on the year that was, share a little more about my own journey, and offer grounded advice as we head into 2026.

    In this episode, I cover:

    • Gratitude for our guests, listeners, team and incredible clients

    • My journey in fashion, consulting and education

    • Lessons from a recent trek in Nepal and what it taught me about resilience

    • Acknowledging the challenges many brands are facing right now

    • Why protecting margins and strengthening foundations matters more than ever

    • Practical guidance for approaching 2026 with clarity and confidence

    • How to seek support if you’re ready for your next phase of growth

    This episode is for founders, leaders and teams who want to reset, refocus and move forward with intention.

    Thank you for being part of Fashion Business Mindset. I’m so grateful for this community and excited for what’s ahead.

    ______

    Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026
    If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.

    Interested in Consulting?
    Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and 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 exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?

    We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.

    📩 To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM me on Instagram @‌fashionbusinessmindset

    Let's do this together,

    Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    9 mins
  • Celebrating 40 Years of Motto — Lessons in Longevity & Reinvention

    Celebrating 40 Years of Motto — Lessons in Longevity & Reinvention
    Dec 10 2025
    As we near the end of our 2025 season of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m excited to share a truly meaningful milestone — 40 years of Motto, a long-standing Australian fashion brand that continues to evolve, reinvent and inspire. In this episode, I’m joined by Faye Browne and Lauren French, the mother–daughter duo behind Motto, who have built one of the most resilient and community-driven fashion businesses in Australia. Faye began her journey as a fashion buyer before launching Motto with her husband John, driven by a passion for empowering women and celebrating individuality. Today, at 70, Faye remains a vibrant force — leading with authenticity, curiosity and a fierce commitment to helping women feel fabulous in their own skin. Lauren joined the business in 2007 and spearheaded Motto’s transition from traditional retail to a thriving eCommerce and content-driven brand. As CEO and mum of young children, she has redefined modern leadership — building a sophisticated marketing engine, embracing digital storytelling, and growing an engaged community through daily LIVE try-ons. During our conversation, we dive into: The origin story — how Motto began and the early lessons that shaped the brand Digital reinvention — Lauren’s pivot from bricks-and-mortar to eCommerce before the industry was ready Hybrid retail — balancing online growth with the role of physical stores The power of community — why Motto’s LIVE try-ons became a phenomenon and a conversion machine Intergenerational leadership — navigating roles, decision-making and shared vision Who the Motto woman is today — and how she has evolved Longevity in fashion — the mindsets, product strategy and courage required to stay relevant for four decades Authenticity & empowerment — Faye and Lauren’s personal practices, leadership philosophies and approach to style What’s next — the future of Motto as it steps into its fifth decade This conversation is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders and anyone building a brand designed to last. Tune in to hear the story behind 40 years of reinvention, resilience and community — from two women who continue to shape the Australian fashion landscape in their own bold and brilliant way. Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform. You can connect with Motto at: Web: Women's Boutique Clothing Store Online | Motto Fashions Instagram: Motto | Womens Fashion Australia (@mottofashions) • Instagram profile YouTube: mottofashions ______________ Work with Fashion EquippedIf you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey. Interested in Consulting?Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and 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: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast? We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community. 📩 To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au or DM me on Instagram @‌fashionbusinessmindset Let's do this together, Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    1 hr and 1 min
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