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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
  • Building Kivari: From a Market Stall to a Multi-Channel Brand | Kiki Keysers

    Building Kivari: From a Market Stall to a Multi-Channel Brand | Kiki Keysers
    Apr 21 2026
    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: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: 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.auor 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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    58 mins
  • Wear Nature, Not Plastic: 20 Years of Building Kowtow | Gosia Piątek

    Wear Nature, Not Plastic: 20 Years of Building Kowtow | Gosia Piątek
    Mar 31 2026
    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: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: 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.auor 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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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • The Resilience of Independent Fashion Retail | Adella Greenwood | Grace & Willow

    The Resilience of Independent Fashion Retail | Adella Greenwood | Grace & Willow
    Mar 18 2026
    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 _________ 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: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: 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.auor 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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    54 mins
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