In episode 246, Kestrel welcomes Nia Thomas, the founder and designer of her eponymous label, to the show. An ethically made, independent autobiographical fashion brand, Nia Thomas was created for all beings who respect Mother Earth and all of her inhabitants.
“Fashion was never just about the garment or the clothes — I felt like it really is an ethos. Like fashion is about the restaurants you like to eat, the movies you like to watch, the museums you go to with your friends on the weekend, where you like to travel to on holiday. And creating this world of evolution, because as we get older, we change; we’re evolutional beings, and how our wardrobe is affected by that.” -Nia
If you’ve taken any fashion businesses courses, or if you’re tapped into the marketing space, I would imagine that you’ve heard the idea that we need to focus on one thing and do it well. Or maybe you’ve heard about the importance of honing in on a hyper specific quote unquote demographic, to ensure you’re actually entering the market in the *right* way?
This week’s guest is totally resisting all of the above business ideals in the most beautiful way. From her eclectic and you could say unexpected product offering, to making styles for many bodies, Nia Thomas describes her label as an “autobiographical brand”.
On the show, she shares more on how she allows her own evolution to consistently influence her brand — giving space for Nia Thomas to continue to transition into new stages, that are reflective of her own growth as a human.
Quotes & links from the conversation:
“I feel the word sustainability itself means everything and nothing at the same time — because it’s really hard to verify things.” -Nia
Nia Thomas interview on Melanin & Sustainable Style
“Am I a fashion designer or am I a multitasking problem solver because that’s the bulk of what it takes when you’re doing all the parts.” -Nia
The Responsible Company by Yvon Choinard, book Kestrel mentions
Nia Thomas YouTube >
Follow Nia on Instagram >
This week's episode is brought to you by For Days — they call themselves the “first closed loop clothing brand” and are dedicated to building a better, waste-free future.
If you’re interested in checking out For Days, you can use code CHATTER15 to get 15% off.
Learn more and shop at For Days.com
S04 Episode 180 | HUSTON TEXTILE COMPANY + BRINGING MANUFACTURING BACK TO AMERICA
S04 Episode 179 | FAIR TRADE USA + SHOPPER RECOGNITION OF THE LABEL TODAY
S04 Episode 178 | LOLI + ZERO WASTE BEAUTY FROM FOOD WASTE
S04 Episode 177 | NEW YORK TIMES STYLE + SUSTAINABILITY WITH ELIZABETH PATON
S04 Episode 176 | ANACT TOWELS + THE POWER OF HEMP
S04 Episode 175 | ELIZA SLOANE JEWELRY, SCALING AS A MAKER + ULTIMATE CREATIVE FREEDOM
S04 Episode 174 | TONLÉ, ZERO WASTE + MAKING IN CAMBODIA
S04 Episode 173 | FRANK AND OAK + LISTENING TO SHOPPERS TO DRIVE CREATION
S04 Episode 172 | NOBLE CARRIAGE + HOW SUSTAINABLE SHIFTS CAN START WITH MOMS
S04 Episode 171 | THE PSYCHOLOGY OF FASHION + WHY WE WEAR WHAT WE WEAR
S04 Episode 170 | SOURCERY THE LABEL AND SILK YOU CAN MACHINE WASH + DRY
S04 Episode 169 | TRIARCHY ON SUSTAINABLE DENIM, MINDFULNESS + BALANCE
S04 Episode 168 | THREDUP + THE MASSIVE RISE OF RESALE
S04 Episode 167 | THE LOVE IS PROJECT + PAYING IT FORWARD
S04 Episode 166 | MARIELLE ELIZABETH + SLOW FASHION FOR ALL
S04 Episode 165 | PACT + GROWING COTTON BETTER, WITHOUT THE GROSS STUFF
S04 Episode 164 | MADE TRADE + ETHICALLY ELEVATED GOODS FOR DESIGN LOVERS
S04 Episode 163 | ALICE ALEXANDER + INCLUSIVITY FOR ALL BODIES
S04 Episode 162 | SARAH SPELLINGS OF THE CUT ON GOING FAST FASHION FREE
S04 Episode 161 | THE SUSTAINABLE FASHION FORUM + BUILDING COMMUNITY
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