Shows
Leading YouFrom Modelling to Highly Successful Eco- Entrepreneur. A Life Following Your PassionIn this episode of the Leading You Podcast, I’m joined by Vanessa Belll, eco-entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and former fashion model. Vanessa shares her inspiring journey from the world of high fashion to the heart of the Australian bush, where she now leads a purpose-driven business combining regenerative farming, ethical production, and sustainable fashion. Vanessa opens up about her love affair with Merino wool, the power of reinvention, and the mindset it takes to lead with purpose. We dive into her transition from modelling to farming, her commitment to creating luxury knitwear that respects people and the pl...2025-04-2833 min
Fashion To FarmerE15: Crafting Slow Fashion: High Tea With Mrs Woo Angela FoongIn this last episode of Season One of Fashion to Farmer, Vanessa Bell sits down with Angela Foong, co-founder of the slow fashion brand High Tea with Mrs Woo, a creative collaboration with her sisters, Rowena and Juliana. Established in 2004, High Tea with Mrs Woo is celebrated for its timeless, eloquent designs and its strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production.Angela shares her journey in slow fashion, emphasising the importance of creating garments with longevity, passing down skills, and fostering a deep connection between fashion and storytelling. The conversation delves into how High T...2024-09-1145 minFashion To FarmerE15: Crafting Slow Fashion: High Tea With Mrs Woo Angela FoongIn this last episode of Season One of Fashion to Farmer, Vanessa Bell sits down with Angela Foong, co-founder of the slow fashion brand High Tea with Mrs Woo, a creative collaboration with her sisters, Rowena and Juliana. Established in 2004, High Tea with Mrs Woo is celebrated for its timeless, eloquent designs and its strong commitment to sustainability and ethical production.Angela shares her journey in slow fashion, emphasising the importance of creating garments with longevity, passing down skills, and fostering a deep connection between fashion and storytelling. The conversation delves into how High T...2024-09-1145 minFashion To FarmerE14: Sustainable Style School: Nicole BennettIn today’s Fashion To Farmer episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Nicole Bennett, the founder of Sustainable Style School, an innovative platform where she empowers individuals to blend their personal style with sustainability.Nicole Bennett’s journey into the world of sustainable fashion is nothing short of inspiring. With a background as an ESG Manager and a fierce advocate against greenwashing, Nicole has worked with some of the most recognised brands in the fashion industry, deeply shaping her approach to authentic sustainability.At Sustainable Style School, Nicole...2024-09-0441 minFashion To FarmerE14: Sustainable Style School: Nicole BennettIn today’s Fashion To Farmer episode, we’re thrilled to be joined by Nicole Bennett, the founder of Sustainable Style School, an innovative platform where she empowers individuals to blend their personal style with sustainability.Nicole Bennett’s journey into the world of sustainable fashion is nothing short of inspiring. With a background as an ESG Manager and a fierce advocate against greenwashing, Nicole has worked with some of the most recognised brands in the fashion industry, deeply shaping her approach to authentic sustainability.At Sustainable Style School, Nicole...2024-09-0441 minFashion To FarmerE13: Acala Stem Ethical Luxury: Leanne SavageLeanne Savage, founder of Acala Stem, is a designer with over 20 years experience and a lifelong appreciation for fine textiles. Her brand, Acala Stem, pioneers a new standard of holistic luxury; sophistication without compromise, driven by core values of empathy and environmental impact.Acala Stem is a luxury product vs being a luxury brand; it’s a global leader in ethical luxury, recognised as the Global Winners of the Prestigious 'Duchess of York Special Award'. The brand is setting new standards by bridging opulence with advocacy. At the heart of Acala Stem’s offering is P...2024-08-2851 minFashion To FarmerE13: Acala Stem Ethical Luxury: Leanne SavageLeanne Savage, founder of Acala Stem, is a designer with over 20 years experience and a lifelong appreciation for fine textiles. Her brand, Acala Stem, pioneers a new standard of holistic luxury; sophistication without compromise, driven by core values of empathy and environmental impact.Acala Stem is a luxury product vs being a luxury brand; it’s a global leader in ethical luxury, recognised as the Global Winners of the Prestigious 'Duchess of York Special Award'. The brand is setting new standards by bridging opulence with advocacy. At the heart of Acala Stem’s offering is P...2024-08-2851 minFashion To FarmerE12: Seamless - Australia's Clothing Stewardship Scheme: Ainsley SimpsonToday, we are joined by Ainsley Simpson, a visionary leader making a profound impact on the future of fashion in Australia.About Our Guest: Ainsley SimpsonAinsley Simpson is the CEO of Seamless, Australia’s pioneering clothing product stewardship scheme. Seamless is an independent, not-for-profit organisation holding fashion and clothing brands accountable for the entire lifecycle of their garments, from design to disposal. With a mission to make Australian fashion truly circular by 2030, Seamless is tackling the immense challenge of reducing the 200,000 tonnes of clothing waste that end up in Australian landfills ea...2024-08-2146 minFashion To FarmerE12: Seamless - Australia's Clothing Stewardship Scheme: Ainsley SimpsonToday, we are joined by Ainsley Simpson, a visionary leader making a profound impact on the future of fashion in Australia.About Our Guest: Ainsley SimpsonAinsley Simpson is the CEO of Seamless, Australia’s pioneering clothing product stewardship scheme. Seamless is an independent, not-for-profit organisation holding fashion and clothing brands accountable for the entire lifecycle of their garments, from design to disposal. With a mission to make Australian fashion truly circular by 2030, Seamless is tackling the immense challenge of reducing the 200,000 tonnes of clothing waste that end up in Australian landfills ea...2024-08-2146 minFashion To FarmerE11: Cotton Australia: Brooke Summers & Ashley HollisCotton Australia with Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis Guests : Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis from Cotton Australia Discussion : The role of Cotton Australia in promoting sustainable cotton farming and the broader impact on the fashion industry. Guest Backgrounds Brooke Summers : Leader in the Australian cotton industry. Experience: 30 years in strategic communication, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Recognised with a Churchill Fellowship in Urban Conservation and Australian Rural Leadership Program graduate. Advocate for natural fibres and Australia’s cotton farmers. Ashley Hollis : Brand Relationship Manager at Cotton Australia. Experience: 20 years in retail, fashion, and education. Expertise in...2024-08-1453 minFashion To FarmerE11: Cotton Australia: Brooke Summers & Ashley HollisCotton Australia with Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis Guests : Brooke Summers and Ashley Hollis from Cotton Australia Discussion : The role of Cotton Australia in promoting sustainable cotton farming and the broader impact on the fashion industry. Guest Backgrounds Brooke Summers : Leader in the Australian cotton industry. Experience: 30 years in strategic communication, marketing, and stakeholder engagement. Recognised with a Churchill Fellowship in Urban Conservation and Australian Rural Leadership Program graduate. Advocate for natural fibres and Australia’s cotton farmers. Ashley Hollis : Brand Relationship Manager at Cotton Australia. Experience: 20 years in retail, fashion, and education. Expertise in...2024-08-1453 minFashion To FarmerE10: Timeless Millwoods Shoes: Jane RobertsonIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we sit down with Jane Robertson, the founder of Millwoods Shoes, to explore her journey in creating practical yet stylish footwear for busy Australian women. Drawing inspiration from the rich colours and textures of the Australian landscape, Jane has built a brand that prioritises timeless, durable designs over throwaway fashion.Throughout the conversation, Jane shares the unique challenges of balancing her thriving shoe business with life on a working farm. She delves into the complexities of sourcing and manufacturing shoes sustainably, emphasising...2024-08-0847 minFashion To FarmerE10: Timeless Millwoods Shoes: Jane RobertsonIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we sit down with Jane Robertson, the founder of Millwoods Shoes, to explore her journey in creating practical yet stylish footwear for busy Australian women. Drawing inspiration from the rich colours and textures of the Australian landscape, Jane has built a brand that prioritises timeless, durable designs over throwaway fashion.Throughout the conversation, Jane shares the unique challenges of balancing her thriving shoe business with life on a working farm. She delves into the complexities of sourcing and manufacturing shoes sustainably, emphasising...2024-08-0847 minFashion To FarmerE9: Philosophy Australia Unveiled: Alison LennardToday, I am thrilled to introduce a guest who truly embodies the values of ethical production and sustainability in fashion - Alison Lennard, the design director and owner of Philosophy Australia.Alison has been at the helm of Philosophy Australia, a Sydney-based women's fashion design house, for over two decades. With a rich background in the fashion industry, including roles at prestigious UK retailers, Alison has brought a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to sustainability and ethical practices to her brand.Philosophy Australia is renowned...2024-07-3146 minFashion To FarmerE9: Philosophy Australia Unveiled: Alison LennardToday, I am thrilled to introduce a guest who truly embodies the values of ethical production and sustainability in fashion - Alison Lennard, the design director and owner of Philosophy Australia.Alison has been at the helm of Philosophy Australia, a Sydney-based women's fashion design house, for over two decades. With a rich background in the fashion industry, including roles at prestigious UK retailers, Alison has brought a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to sustainability and ethical practices to her brand.Philosophy Australia is renowned...2024-07-3146 minFashion To FarmerE8: Thread Together Transforms: Anthony CheslerToday, we are thrilled to introduce a remarkable guest whose work embodies our mission to tackle fashion excess and celebrate sustainable fashion. Anthony Chesler, the CEO of Thread Together, joins us to share his insights and the impactful work his organisation is doing.Thread Together is dedicated to addressing the issue of fashion excess by collecting end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers and redistributing it to people in need. By keeping clothing in circulation and out of landfills, they are making significant strides in both social and environmental realms.2024-07-2438 minFashion To FarmerE8: Thread Together Transforms: Anthony CheslerToday, we are thrilled to introduce a remarkable guest whose work embodies our mission to tackle fashion excess and celebrate sustainable fashion. Anthony Chesler, the CEO of Thread Together, joins us to share his insights and the impactful work his organisation is doing.Thread Together is dedicated to addressing the issue of fashion excess by collecting end-of-line brand new stock from fashion retailers and redistributing it to people in need. By keeping clothing in circulation and out of landfills, they are making significant strides in both social and environmental realms.2024-07-2438 minFashion To FarmerE7: Crafting Merino Socks: Andrew LindnerToday we welcome Andrew Lindner from Lindner Quality Socks to the Fashion To Farmer podcast. Andrew is a 10th generation sock maker, continuing a remarkable family tradition that began nearly 300 years ago in Thalheim, near Chemnitz, Germany. Using vintage machinery brought to Australia by his parents, Wilfred and Gisela, Andrew expertly crafts high-quality Merino wool socks in the picturesque town of Crookwell, NSW.Lindner Socks is renowned for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Each pair of socks is individually separated and hand-finished, ensuring an unparalleled level of care and attention to detail. T...2024-07-1734 minFashion To FarmerE7: Crafting Merino Socks: Andrew LindnerToday we welcome Andrew Lindner from Lindner Quality Socks to the Fashion To Farmer podcast. Andrew is a 10th generation sock maker, continuing a remarkable family tradition that began nearly 300 years ago in Thalheim, near Chemnitz, Germany. Using vintage machinery brought to Australia by his parents, Wilfred and Gisela, Andrew expertly crafts high-quality Merino wool socks in the picturesque town of Crookwell, NSW.Lindner Socks is renowned for its commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Each pair of socks is individually separated and hand-finished, ensuring an unparalleled level of care and attention to detail. T...2024-07-1734 minFashion To FarmerE6: SENSOR.I.AM Natural Perfumes: Jessica KielyToday we welcome Jessica Kiely, the visionary Owner and Founder of SENSOR.I.AM, a luxury perfumery dedicated to 100% natural perfumes. Jessica has crafted a business that delights the senses while championing sustainability and ethical practices in the fragrance industry. SENSOR.I.AM is renowned for its discerning curation process, rejecting 80% of the brands they explore to ensure only the highest quality, chemical-free scents make it to their collection. From natural perfumes to scented candles and bath care products, SENSOR.I.AM offers a complete sensory experience designed to elevate well-being and promote eco-conscious...2024-07-1048 minFashion To FarmerE6: SENSOR.I.AM Natural Perfumes: Jessica KielyToday we welcome Jessica Kiely, the visionary Owner and Founder of SENSOR.I.AM, a luxury perfumery dedicated to 100% natural perfumes. Jessica has crafted a business that delights the senses while championing sustainability and ethical practices in the fragrance industry. SENSOR.I.AM is renowned for its discerning curation process, rejecting 80% of the brands they explore to ensure only the highest quality, chemical-free scents make it to their collection. From natural perfumes to scented candles and bath care products, SENSOR.I.AM offers a complete sensory experience designed to elevate well-being and promote eco-conscious...2024-07-1048 minFashion To FarmerE5: Timeless Millinery Artistry: Fiona SchofieldIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we are delighted to welcome Fiona Schofield, a highly talented milliner known for her timeless, handcrafted hats and headpieces. Fiona began her journey in the early 1990s, training in Fashion Design and Illustration at The Whitehouse Institute in Sydney, where she discovered her true calling in millinery. Since establishing her own label in 2004 from a workroom in Orange, NSW, Fiona has been dedicated to blending practicality and beauty in her designs, creating pieces that are not only stunning but also sustainable.Fiona's use of natural fibres such...2024-07-0349 minFashion To FarmerE5: Timeless Millinery Artistry: Fiona SchofieldIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer, we are delighted to welcome Fiona Schofield, a highly talented milliner known for her timeless, handcrafted hats and headpieces. Fiona began her journey in the early 1990s, training in Fashion Design and Illustration at The Whitehouse Institute in Sydney, where she discovered her true calling in millinery. Since establishing her own label in 2004 from a workroom in Orange, NSW, Fiona has been dedicated to blending practicality and beauty in her designs, creating pieces that are not only stunning but also sustainable.Fiona's use of natural fibres such...2024-07-0349 minFashion To FarmerE4: Runway to Revolution: Alexia SpaldingIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer we delve into the world of Alexia Spalding. Alexia is a fashion entrepreneur, creative visionary, and business owner with over three decades of experience. From gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar in Milan to co-founding the sustainable Made-to-Order fashion brand Good Day Girl, Alexia has always led the way in ethical fashion.Today, she runs her namesake business, Alexia Spalding, offering expertise in brand strategy, product development, and founder resilience-building. As a strong advocate for B Corp principles and slow fashion, Alexia collaborates with purpose-driven brands and...2024-06-2642 minFashion To FarmerE4: Runway to Revolution: Alexia SpaldingIn this episode of Fashion To Farmer we delve into the world of Alexia Spalding. Alexia is a fashion entrepreneur, creative visionary, and business owner with over three decades of experience. From gracing the cover of Harper's Bazaar in Milan to co-founding the sustainable Made-to-Order fashion brand Good Day Girl, Alexia has always led the way in ethical fashion.Today, she runs her namesake business, Alexia Spalding, offering expertise in brand strategy, product development, and founder resilience-building. As a strong advocate for B Corp principles and slow fashion, Alexia collaborates with purpose-driven brands and...2024-06-2642 minFashion To FarmerE3: Ethical Leather Luxury: MR-CHRISTIANChristian Shortland, the visionary and disruptor behind MR-CHRISTIAN has over 20 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry, Christian has worked with an impressive array of prestigious brands before creating his own UK-based company specialising in bespoke, farm-traced leather accessories. MR-CHRISTIAN is revolutionising the fashion industry with its commitment to guilt-free leather fashion, focusing on ethical practices, slow fashion, and exceptional craftsmanship. Christian's dedication to creating high-quality, sustainable leather goods ensures every piece is a testament to true integrity and consumer trust.In this episode, we discuss Christian's journey...2024-06-1953 minFashion To FarmerE3: Ethical Leather Luxury: MR-CHRISTIANChristian Shortland, the visionary and disruptor behind MR-CHRISTIAN has over 20 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry, Christian has worked with an impressive array of prestigious brands before creating his own UK-based company specialising in bespoke, farm-traced leather accessories. MR-CHRISTIAN is revolutionising the fashion industry with its commitment to guilt-free leather fashion, focusing on ethical practices, slow fashion, and exceptional craftsmanship. Christian's dedication to creating high-quality, sustainable leather goods ensures every piece is a testament to true integrity and consumer trust.In this episode, we discuss Christian's journey...2024-06-1953 minFashion To FarmerE2: Sustainable Merino Wool: Michael TaylorSummaryMichael Taylor, a sixth-generation farmer, manages his family farm 'Taylors Run' to produce superfine merino wool. Inspired by its unique qualities and significant role in fashion, he navigates challenges in sustainability and animal welfare, emphasising the importance of mentors and industry connections. Michael's involvement in the Australian Ethical Merino Growers Cooperative connects farmers with global fashion brands. He integrates agroforestry on his farm, enhancing both the environment and livestock welfare. Michael stresses the need to educate consumers on merino wool's sustainability. Efforts to restore natural ca...2024-06-1245 minFashion To FarmerE2: Sustainable Merino Wool: Michael TaylorSummaryMichael Taylor, a sixth-generation farmer, manages his family farm 'Taylors Run' to produce superfine merino wool. Inspired by its unique qualities and significant role in fashion, he navigates challenges in sustainability and animal welfare, emphasising the importance of mentors and industry connections. Michael's involvement in the Australian Ethical Merino Growers Cooperative connects farmers with global fashion brands. He integrates agroforestry on his farm, enhancing both the environment and livestock welfare. Michael stresses the need to educate consumers on merino wool's sustainability. Efforts to restore natural ca...2024-06-1245 min
Chatabout Children Podcast with Sonia BestulicCC99 - Stitching Legacies: Blending Fashion, Farming & Family with Vanessa BellIn this episode of Chatabout Children, Sonia Bestulic welcomes Vanessa Bell. Vanessa is a passionate advocate for Australian merino wool, sustainable fashion designer, and entrepreneur. In sharing her insights on this special Raising Empowered Children series, Vanessa discusses her journey from high fashion model to sustainable fashion designer, and her family's life on a farm. Empowering Moments Vanessa's strong connection to the land due to her family heritage. Raising her son, Charlie, in the countryside and the unique challenges and benefits of rural life. The importance of trusting children and giving them space to e...2024-06-0538 minFashion To FarmerE1: Aligning Ethics with Aesthetics: Abbie JamesSummaryAbbie James is a sustainable clothing designer based in Melbourne, Australia. Abbie creates her own designs and educates people about the fashion industry. She is launching a new collection made from remnant fabric, emphasising slow fashion. According to Abbie, grit is the key to success in fashion, highlighting perseverance during tough times. She started her brand during lockdown to make a difference by creating ethical and sustainable fashion. Abbie's brand takes a holistic approach, considering the environment, ethics, and people.Abbie offers practical tips for building a sustainable wardrobe, stressing...2024-06-0549 minFashion To FarmerE1: Aligning Ethics with Aesthetics: Abbie JamesSummaryAbbie James is a sustainable clothing designer based in Melbourne, Australia. Abbie creates her own designs and educates people about the fashion industry. She is launching a new collection made from remnant fabric, emphasising slow fashion. According to Abbie, grit is the key to success in fashion, highlighting perseverance during tough times. She started her brand during lockdown to make a difference by creating ethical and sustainable fashion. Abbie's brand takes a holistic approach, considering the environment, ethics, and people.Abbie offers practical tips for building a sustainable wardrobe, stressing...2024-06-0549 minFashion To FarmerFashion To Farmer Intro Connect with Vanessa Bell:Website: www.vanessa-bell.comSign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The FlockEmail: info@vanessa-bell.comInstagram: @fashiontofarmerLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/X: @FashionToFarmerSubscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨Credits:Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainab...2024-05-0600 minFashion To FarmerFashion To Farmer Intro Connect with Vanessa Bell:Website: www.vanessa-bell.comSign up to the Vanessa Bell Newsletter: Join The FlockEmail: info@vanessa-bell.comInstagram: @fashiontofarmerLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vjbell/X: @FashionToFarmerSubscribe: Help build our community, subscribe and leave a lovely review. ✨Credits:Host: Vanessa Bell, Eco-Entrepreneur, Sustainab...2024-05-0600 min
All Things Small BizEp 23: Starting a business from your kitchen table with Vanessa BellSmall business often start from a small place. For many that is the kitchen table or somewhere similar and in today’s episode we will be discussing how to maximise this start up space and just what the end result can be.In today’s episode Sarah and Brian discuss:- Sarah’s recommended tech services for starting from a kitchen table- How small of a budget Sarah started one of her kitchen table businesses from- A technology issue to avoid when you are starting upSarah is then joine...2022-03-1257 min