Power of an intentional (fashion) statement
The more I listen to and read about different founders’ journeys it becomes optimistically apparent that there is no one way of doing it. This can be both freeing and terrifying, but you can be sure to find a role model most compatible to your experience through the FemGems podcast to help motivate and inspire you.
‘Put your money where your mouth is’, ‘say what you mean and mean what you say’, ‘actions speak louder than words’ are just a few adages about living intentionally and authentically. And, let’s be honest: this can be extremely difficult to do with so many social, environmental and political issues all in need of attention, discussion and action. Barbara Zeiss, imaginative founder of Emerald Berlin, turned this dilemma into the motivation behind the concept of her start-up. Looking to use the power of a message to start a conversation about social issues and the work being done by NGOs, Barbara has successfully launched a sustainable clothing company that makes a fashion statement in its truest sense.
Having worked with influencers previously, she began to question why more influencers weren’t highlighting important social issues, especially considering their reach and publicity? A supporter of and contributor toward NGO initiatives for a number of years, combined with studies in brand consulting, marketing, fashion design and business economics enabled her to build Emerald Berlin’s brand from the inside out. Losing her job a few months later, she knew confidently she wanted to take the leap and went on to build a business model and strategy based on the data she had collected.
As is the case with so many solo founders at the beginning, Barbara was lonely and needed help in many new unfamiliar ways. By talking about her idea extensively to many different people, she accepted offers of help in exchange for giving something back when possible. She points out that turning down help is the equivalent of saying ‘No’ to yourself when, in fact, learning a new skill or gaining input from people is crucial to saving time and money in the beginning stages. As Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, said,
“I did not have the most experience in the industry or the most money, but I cared the most.”
Equal parts fashion and impact entrepreneur, Barbara is focused on wanting to help others, run her own company and choose who she wants to collaborate with. This in turn has given her a sense of freedom and allowed her to begin consulting for NGOs. In this way, she hopes to develop further strategies of getting NGOs in touch with new young donors and encourage people to become direct supporters.
As social and environmental movements grow, many people are challenged to make changes to their lifestyles that further expectations of perfectionism in order to be the most legitimate and truthful. As part of a sustainable business field, Barbara is honest about the ways her lifestyle has changed drastically to be increasingly modest and mindful of what she eats and spends her money on. She doesn’t blame herself for not getting it right 100% of the time though. She emphasizes,
“In the end it’s way better when a lot of people do something half perfect than only three or four people doing something really perfect. You don’t have to be perfect to do something good.”
The theme of perfectionism and lack of confidence shows up time and time again among our featured #FemGems, and it often inhibits our best intentions and efforts. Barbara is able to reflect that working extra long hours, trying to do it all with incredibly high expectations of self, make it even more important to distinguish, “Of course the company is a lot of me, but I am not my company”. Prioritizing self-care and rest is fundamental to one’s health and enjoying the new business and new life you have started. Another new perspective that she offers about looking for funds to scale your business is that,
“Asking for money is not begging. It’s an exchange. You’re giving them the opportunity to be part of your idea. I’m not asking them for money, they’re asking for my idea.”
Making sure there is a takeaway out of every conversation and exchange with anyone you meet, man or woman, also ensures that you practice selling yourself, your ideas and further your confidence. The mindset of being a person first and foremost will advance your personal and professional development and make each and every interaction be of benefit on your entrepreneurial path.
Gloria Steinem said, “Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning”. Starting out on an entrepreneurial journey all starts with a dream. As it morphs and starts to take up space and shape we are confronted with the ways our life will need to change along with it. Throughout the process, a mirror is held up to yourself, reflecting the desirable and undesirable aspects that need improvement or a complete overhaul. Let this reflection guide your steps in a new direction knowing that there is no need to rush your development. Become the aspiring self-starter you need; one who is patient, kind and generous with their time, skill and heart, doing their best to make the world a better place.
Tune in to Season Two’s third influential episode with Barbara and stay motivated to keep doing good in your own ways.
FemGems features rising female entrepreneurs from all over the world. Read more here and get our MuseLetter!
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