Fashion Business Mindset

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: @‌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 [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @‌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 [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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: @‌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 [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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 [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.
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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 [email protected] 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.