Start Somewhere

Follow Start Somewhere
Share on
Copy link to clipboard

A podcast for creative individuals looking to break the mold of their 9-5 jobs and follow their passions in life. Join my weekly discussions that inspire, create conversation, and support one another. Follow @kimforbesdesign for more! For business inquires please email: kim@kimberleyforbes.com

Kimberley Forbes


    • Dec 29, 2021 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 30m AVG DURATION
    • 70 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from Start Somewhere with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from Start Somewhere

    #14 How we can help people with Follicular Lymphoma live well and get well - with Nicola Mendelsohn

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 29, 2021 20:27


    We're closing off 2021 with another incredible episode about health and wellbeing, this week with the fabulous Nicola Mendelsohn, who is the Vice President, Global Business Group at Meta. Nicola also is the chairperson of the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation, which she founded in 2019 after herself being diagnosed three years prior. Whilst trying to understand her own condition she connected with the 'Living with Follicular Lymphoma' Facebook Group. This gave her the insight, advice and support from a close-knit on-line community going through the same journeys. Over time, Nicola became more involved in the stories and experiences of the individuals in the group as well as her own treatment. This led her to develop relationships with leading clinicians and investigators in the field, who convinced her that by raising awareness and funds, so much more could be done to transform the lives of FL patients.In this episode, Nicola tells us about how her drive to help and support others throughout her life has been guided by her faith, the challenges she faced after receiving her FL diagnosis and why she remains hopeful for a cure. For more information about Follicular Lymphoma or to support Nicola in finding a cure, please head to https://www.theflf.org/ The ask: Head to the Follicular Lymphoma Foundation website to learn more about Follicular Lymphoma, spread the word and donate to stop this incurable disease. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #13 How Avon has been a champion of women's empowerment for 135 years - with Natalie Deacon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2021 39:49


    On this week's episode of Start Somewhere, I'm delighted to speak to an amazing trailblazer in sustainability and female empowerment. Joining me is the incredible Natalie Deacon, Executive Director Corporate Affairs and Sustainability for the iconic beauty brand Avon. Natalie is also the President of the Avon Foundation for Women. In this episode, Natalie tells us the compelling story of Avon's founder and champion of women, David H. McConnell. And Avon, through their foundation, have made it their mission to speak up about gender-based violence and empowerment of women. We also speak about the role of brands in guiding consumers to live more sustainably and the latest innovations in biotech that Avon is using to push the envelope on what is possible with natural ingredients. The ask: It's all about making small steps and small changes. Even if everyone listening to the podcast would recycle beauty product waste from their bathrooms, or would share one post on social media raising awareness about domestic violence, it would incrementally create an unstoppable movement for change. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #12 Why LUSH is a pioneering sustainable beauty brand - with Helen Cox

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2021 21:21


    For this week on Start Somewhere, I'm thrilled to be joined by the wonderful Helen Cox, Global Environmental Reporting Lead for one of my favourite beauty brands, LUSH. Like myself, Helen is part of the Sustainable Beauty Coalition Steering Committee. Before joining Lush, Helen worked in financial services, specialising in international cosmetics retail, then shifted to the financial reporting process, with an interest in climate change. An avid sustainability advocate, she wants to make sustainability accessible to and actionable by all.In this episode, Helen tells us about her ‘full circle' career path at LUSH, how LUSH has always been ahead of the curve when it comes to sustainability and purpose and why more beauty brands should be in coalition with one another. The ask: If we do nothing, nothing is going to change except get worse. If you want to do something, just go and do it. No action is too small. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #11 Why a good workout is the key to ageing confidently - with Inge Theron

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2021 34:44


    This week on Start Somewhere, I'm so overjoyed to be speaking to the incredible Inge Theron, who is the Founder & Creative Director of FaceGym. The already iconic FaceGym provides a signature workout for the face, consisting of warm up, cardio, sculpt and cool down, enhanced with powerful non-invasive machines to lift, sculpt and tone your facial muscles.In her Financial Times column ‘Chronicles of a Spa Junkie', Inge gradually learned that the traditional approach to ageing was broken. When a face-lifting procedure left her house bound, Inge realised there must be a better way to age confidently. That's how Face Gym was born. In this incredible episode, Inge tells us about how her boundless enthusiasm and determination landed her some of the most exciting jobs, what makes FaceGym's approach so different and the power of manifesting your life's vision. The ask: Be crystal clear about what it is you want to do. Don't be put off by not having the skill set or the money. Close your eyes every day and see yourself where you want to be and manifest. Make sure the next place you put your foot is in the right direction. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #10 How wellness is all about finding your authentic self - with Jayn Sterland

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 1, 2021 33:55


    This week on Start Somewhere, I'm thrilled to be speaking to the trailblazing Jayn Sterland. Jayn is the Managing Director at Weleda UK, a world-leading manufacturer of holistic natural cosmetics which has been creating natural health and well-being products for 100 years. I also work with Jayn for the Sustainable Beauty Coalition. In this episode, Jayn tells us about her early upbringing working at her parent's farm and how she later on moved from her initial career in textiles and fashion in pursuit of her purpose. We also speak about the incredible innovations that happen at Weleda, both its products and within the company itself, what collaborative leadership looks like and how the pandemic has enabled us to show up more authentically as ourselves in the workplace. The ask: We all have to consume less. Whatever you're going to buy, buy less and buy better. Every organic thing you buy is an act of activism for the planet. Life is a journey of getting to know yourself. Try to understand how to be authentically you and (re)connect with your life's purpose. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #9 How to live without harmful plastics and stop the countdown - with Dr. Shanna Swan

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2021 35:20


    We're all familiar with the devastating impact of plastics in the oceans, but how does plastic affect our own health? This week on Start Somewhere, I sit down with the incredible Dr. Shanna Swan, Ph.D., one of the world's leading environmental and reproductive epidemiologists who recently published her book ‘Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts'. If you would have told young Shanna, a child actress, that she would be spending more than 20 years studying how chemicals in plastics are causing our fertility to decline, she probably wouldn't have believed it, but her work has been absolutely integral in the growing body of work sounding the alarm about the long-term negative effects on plastic on our environment - including our own bodies. In this episode, we dive deep into the science behind Shanna's shocking discovery, why & where these harmful plastics can be found in our homes and how you can Start Somewhere to plastic-proof your life. The ask: In order to avoid these plastics, you'll need to look at the world with a whole new set of glasses. There may be many things you might need to change about your lifestyle, but don't let perfect be the enemy of good. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #8 Activist brands are here to stay: how The Body Shop changed human trafficking legislation in over 20 countries and much more - with Chris Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 17, 2021 35:01


    This week on Start Somewhere Series 4 about sustainable and purpose-led beauty, health and wellness, I'm joined by my former colleague and friend Chris Davis from The Body Shop. Chris has been with The Body Shop since 2003 and currently heads up the company's sustainability and activism strategy. It was together with Chris that I had the honour of working on a three-year campaign by The Body Shop to call on governments around the world to take urgent action to stop the trafficking and exploitation of children and young people. The petition, which attracted more than 7 million signatures in more than 50 countries, was one of the largest petitions ever to be presented to the United Nations.In this incredible episode, we hear about how standing up for other people has been part of Chris's philosophy ever since his childhood, the work that makes The Body Shop a true activist brand and what it means for Chris to Start Somewhere. Ask: Find a mentor you look up to who can help you. Trust your instincts and speak up, even when it feels really hard to do. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #13 There is no difference between us and nature - with Lola Cabnal

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2021 34:57


    For the last episode of the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency special, I'm thrilled to introduce you to an incredibly important voice in the indigenous movement, Lola Cabnal. She is a Mayan Q'eqchí woman from a rural community in the municipality of Livingston, Guatemala. Lola is a social worker and chairs the Council of Indigenous Women and Biodiversity in Guatemala. She works in the area of political advocacy for the Ak' Tenamit Association and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Indigenous Roundtable on Climate Change in Guatemala and in other advocacy spaces, such as the group promoting communal lands, among others.In this episode, Lola tells us about how she grew up in her native Guatemala, the sacrifices she had to make in pursuit of education and independence and how through ‘educating to conserve', Lola is living her purpose of both empowering women and the natural world as one.Top tip: Amplify the voices of indigenous people and find ways to support indigenous movements directly Visit https://thegtfund.org/ and consider donating to the cause or sponsoring a student to receive education for a year. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #12 The climate crisis knows no borders - with Cassie Flynn

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 11, 2021 29:34


    For the penultimate episode of the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency special, I'm beyond honoured to speak to the incredible internationally recognized climate expert Cassie Flynn. Cassie serves as the Strategic Advisor on Climate Change to UNDP's Administrator, while also heading up the Climate Strategies and Policies team and Climate Promise. She is also the creator of mission 1.5 and the Peoples' Climate Vote, which used gaming to become the world's largest-ever survey on climate action. In this incredible episode, we speak about Cassie's role in helping countries create and deliver on their ambitious climate pledges, how the climate crisis doesn't care about borders and why smaller countries need to be heard.Top tip: You can bring what you got to this fight: you don't need to be an expert. Check out the UNDP Climate Promise. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #11 We can't solve the climate crisis without climate justice - with Zanagee Artis

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 10, 2021 23:48


    For Today's episode of the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency Special, I'm delighted to speak to a true force for good, Zanagee Artis. Zanagee is the Co-Founder, Co-Executive Director and Policy Director of Zero Hour, a global youth-led climate justice organisation. Zanagee is also co-author of A Kids Book About Climate Change and co-host of 1 Point 5: A Kids Podcast About Climate Justice.Growing up on the coastline of Connecticut, Zanagee's love for the natural world and marine life inspired him to start a Sustainability Club at his school at the age of 16. It was after learning more about climate justice and how the climate crisis disproportionately affected certain groups of people, Zanagee decided to challenge these systems of oppression and co-founded Zero Hour. In this episode, we hear about Zanagee's powerful message for leaders around the world, why we need to build intergenerational bridges, and how racism, colonialism, capitalism and the patriarchy are at the root of the climate crisis. Top Tip: Every action can turn into something bigger and become a wave of change. For instance, by changing to a bank or pension fund that doesn't invest into fossil fuels. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #10 We need a 5050 Vision, at the decision making table and beyond - with Bianca Pitt & Antoinette Vermilye

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2021 39:09


    Today on Gender Day, I'm thrilled to introduce you to two incredible women who have been campaigning tirelessly to make COP26 a more equitable summit. They are Bianca Pitt, Co-Founder of She Changes Climate, and Antoinette Vermilye also a Co-Founder of She Changes Climate and the Gallifrey Foundation.Bianca and Antoinette founded She Changes Climate after discovering that the COP26 delegation was an all-male team. Its global mission is to ensure all delegations, for all climate negotiations, have at least a 50% representation of diverse women at their top levels, now and in the future. They have recently launched their campaign #5050Vision, calling for all parties to be represented in decision-making, because it affects all parties.In this episode, we hear about the moment Bianca and Antoinette were propelled into action and built a movement overnight, how a #5050Vision can breathe new life into an old system that hasn't so far worked, and why solving the climate crisis is a matter of collaborating or collapsing.Top tip: Bianca: Check out www.shechangesclimate.org and become a signatory. Shine a light on the women around you. If you are a voter, vote for women. If you are an employee, check out the board of the company you're engaged with to see if there is equal representation. If you are an investor, invest in female-led businesses. Find a network or create your own network with people who also care for the environment. Antoinette: If you are a woman, don't undersell yourself, always speak up and lift up other women because we need radical collaboration. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #9 How to create a better everyday - with Jesper Brodin

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2021 20:28


    Today on the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency Special, I get to speak to the visionary business leader, Jesper Brodin, President and CEO of Ingka Group, IKEA. IKEA is one of the world's largest home furnishing retailers and owns and operates more than 400 stores in 32 markets.Born and raised on the Swedish west coast, Jesper grew up with an appreciation for nature and the sea. It was while working as a regional Purchasing Manager for IKEA in Pakistan, he found his passion for creating ‘a better everyday', both for people and the planet. In this episode, we hear from Jesper about what IKEA is doing to encourage responsible production and consumption in the face of the climate crisis, why he believes equitable representation at the decision-making table is a no brainer and what consumers can do to Start Somewhere. Top Tip: We're all responsible for sharing the earth's resources. We can all Start Somewhere and change our lifestyles and home. This way we collectively make a massive difference. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #8 We Have A Dream: It's time to listen to young people of colour - with Dr. Mya-Rose

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2021 19:52


    Today on day 8 of the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency Special, I'm delighted to introduce you to one of my personal heroines, Mya-Rose Craig. Mya-Rose is a 19-year-old British-Bangladeshi birder, environmentalist and race activist. She's also the founder and president of Black To Nature, which she founded at age 13, and author of ‘We Have A Dream'. Ever since she was a child, Mya-Rose has had a strong connection to birds and the natural world, coming from a family of bird watchers. At age 11, she started her popular blog ‘Birdgirl' to share her passion for birds and wildlife. All her activism is informed by a life-long love of birds and the desire to ensure all young people – but particularly those from Visible Minority Ethnic groups – have the opportunity to engage with nature and have their voice heard.In this episode, we speak about how birds are the sirens of environmental change, why global climate justice is indispensable to tackling the climate crisis and what Maya-Rose does to platform the voices of indigenous people and activists from the Global South. Top Tip: Write to your local MP and keep talking to your friends and family about the climate crisis. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #7 Plastic hasn't #StoppedSucking, but here's why I'm hopeful - with Dune Ives

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 6, 2021 43:39


    Today on the COP26 Climate Emergency special, I speak to the incredible Dune Ives, who is the CEO of Lonely Whale, an incubator for courageous ideas that drive impactful, market-based change on behalf of our ocean. You will probably know the Lonely Whale from their viral 2017 #StopSucking campaign that reached millions of people worldwide and helped keep 29 million straws out of the waste stream. An experienced leader and trusted advisor in the fields of corporate sustainability and global philanthropy, Dune brings over years of expertise and a thoughtful and optimistic approach to achieve an ocean free from plastic pollution. In this episode, we hear Dune speak about her own upbringing in Alaska that helped shape her sense of community and respect for nature, her commitment to always addressing ecological issues at the very root, and how the power of creativity in landing a message that needs to be heard. Top tip: Just do something, don't worry too much about what exactly that thing is. Everything you do to better your community, yourself, your planet… It all helps. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #6 We are all outlets for change - with AY Young

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 26:29


    Welcome back to the COP26 Climate Emergency Special! Today I'm so overjoyed to have the incredible AY Young, a dear friend of mine, join us. AY is a producer, singer, songwriter, entertainer, and entrepreneur, a United Nations Youth Leader for SDGs and the Founder of Battery Tour. AY is on a mission to bring the world together and ignite change through the power of music with his organisation Battery Tour. He has held over 800 solar-powered concerts across the country since 2012 and is currently working on a Global Goals album, labeled "Project 17" in collaboration with earth's biggest artists to create one song for each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. AY was also recently named a UN Youth Leader for SDGs and performed at President Biden's inauguration - an incredible achievementIn this episode, we discuss the importance of finding your ‘why', how AY is shaking up the music industry and mobilising the world's biggest stars to use their influence to create a positive impact, and why everyone in the world is an outlet for change. Top Tip: One. Plug into the Battery Tour. Two: Break down the silos and build bridges instead. Three. Start with you, and ask yourself what your ‘why' is. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #5 Regeneration must also happen within ourselves - with Gail Bradbrook

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2021 38:04


    For today's episode of the Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency special, I'm truly honoured to speak to the visionary Dr. Gail Bradbrook. Gail is the Co-Founder of Extinction Rebellion Extinction Rebellion is an international movement that uses non-violent civil disobedience in an attempt to halt mass extinction and minimise the risk of social collapse. Gail is a truly remarkable woman, and we owe a lot to her. Ever since the age of nine, Gail felt drawn to social justice work and activism. It was after reading about civil disobedience as an answer to catalyzing change in 2010, Gail embarked on a journey to bring about this form of protest. Researching, planning and training for mass civil disobedience have been her life's mission ever since. In a matter of a few years, Extinction Rebellion has grown into an unwavering global movement that has ignited climate action all over the world, with over 1150 XR groups in 75 countries. In this episode, we speak about Gail's ‘peaceful mischief', why activism should be intersectional and how we can collectively heal from the wounds of oppressive systems. Top tip: If you're a woman listening to this - one of the first places of regeneration and reconnection is to trust your intelligence and to build relationships of trust with other women. Sometimes you may need to reach outside your peer group to do so. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #4. If you can't find a seat at the table, bring a folding chair - with Nafesha Richardson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 3, 2021 17:26


    Welcome to day four of the #StartSomewhere COP26 Climate Emergency special! This episode was recorded last month at the Youth4Climate Summit in Milan, where I was lucky enough to meet some of the world's most amazing young activists and campaigners, one of them being Nafesha Richardson. Nafesha is the Founder of SPARK SVG, member of the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network, Youth Champion of the Escazú Agreement, and volunteer at the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Girl Guides Association. It was winning a public speaking contest at just seven years old that made Nafesha realise she had a voice and people were listening to her. From that moment on, she used her platform to speak about the issues that her island nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines are facing. Like many other islands across the globe, Nafesha's home is sadly dealing first-hand with the effects of the climate crisis, and it's vital they are heard and have a place at the decision-making table in Glasgow.In this episode, we hear about how climate change is affecting St. Vincent and the Grenadines, why we need true representation at COP26 and beyond, and the limitless potential of many people starting small. Top Tip: If you want to start a movement, start influencing your family, your friends and your local community. Start small. Use science, speak from a place of knowledge. If you can't find a seat at the table, take a folding chair. Keep knocking on those doors. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #3 It's time to reimagine what courageous leadership looks like - with Paul Polman

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 2, 2021 39:22


    Today, on day three of the #StartSomewhere COP26 Climate Emergency special, I'll be speaking to the incredible business leader, campaigner, influencer and - most recently -author, Paul Polman. Paul works to accelerate action by business to tackle climate change and inequality. A leading proponent that business should be a force for good, Paul has been described by the Financial Times as “a standout CEO of the past decade”. I've been fortunate enough to be working closely with Paul both during his tenure as CEO at Unilever as well as at his most recent venture IMAGINE. In this episode, we discuss Paul's brand-new book “Net Positive”, a call to arms to courageous business leaders, setting out how to build net positive companies which profit by fixing the world's problems rather than creating them. We also hear about why throughout his career, Paul has always led from the heart, putting community and humanity first, what courageous leadership looks like in the face of the climate crisis and how he envisions the role of big business in solving the world's most urgent issues. Top tip: One. For business leaders: see this as an opportunity. The cost of inaction is much higher than the cost of action. Let's take action. Two. If you want to take action as an individual, find that sweet spot of what you're good at, what you like and what the world needs most. Three. Live what you preach. Four. Include the youth. Half of the population is under thirty and they should be able to not only get a seat at the table, but get the table. Five. Work in partnerships. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #2. You can't have healthy people on an unhealthy planet - with Jojo Mehta

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2021 30:45


    Welcome back to part two of this Start Somewhere COP26 Climate Emergency series. Today, I'll be speaking to the amazing Jojo Mehta, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Stop Ecocide International (SEI). SEI is the driving force behind the growing global movement to make ecocide an international crime. From oil spills to plastic pollution, to deforestation - we simply can't talk about the climate crisis without talking about ecocide. Ecocide, the mass damage and destruction of ecosystems, committed repeatedly over decades, has created the climate and ecological emergency that we now face. Thanks to Stop Ecocide's growing international network and Jojo's unshakable determination that more and more countries are committing to or considering making ecocide an international crime. In this episode, we hear about the question Jojo's daughter asked her that led her to found SEI, how striving for net-zero emissions isn't enough to create a healthy planet and how recognizing ecocide as an international crime has the potential to accelerate climate action. Top tip: One. Join our Stop Ecocide community and visit our website www.stopecocide.earth and take action. Two. Talk about Ecocide. It's a relatively new concept, and once people understand the word they develop an understanding of knowing it's wrong and people take action. Include Ecocide into your conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #1. We can't win the game without half of the team - with Sanda Ojiambo

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 31, 2021 22:43


    Welcome to the very first episode of the #StartSomewhere COP26 Climate Emergency Special! In this 12-part series, we will speak to some of the world's most trailblazing climate experts, activists, and business leaders, each with their own unique story of how they started somewhere in taking real and impactful climate action. For the first episode of this series, I speak to the incredible Sanda Ojiambo, CEO & Executive Director of the United Nations Global Compact. Launched in 2000, with more than 13,000 companies and 3,000 non-business signatories based in over 160 countries, the UN Global Compact is the world's largest corporate sustainability initiative. Its ambition is to accelerate and scale the global collective impact of business by delivering the Sustainable Development Goals through accountable companies and ecosystems that enable change.As a child of parents deeply involved in public service in her native Kenya, Sanda was keenly aware of economic, social and gender inequality ever since she was young. It was at the age of nine she knew she wanted to work with communities to help bridge the gap between those that had something and those that had nothing; an ambitious mission that has been the golden thread throughout Sanda's career. In this episode, we speak about Sanda's life journey, how the UN Global Compact has helped businesses transform their purpose and align with the Sustainable Development Goals and why we need women and minority groups around the decision-making table. Top tip:One. Get perspective. What is the problem at hand? What is the issue you'd like to solve? Take some time to stand on the sideline to really think about this. Two. You can't solve problems alone. Find the right people around you who want to achieve the same goals. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #7 Why it's time to think circular and close the loop in the beauty industry - with Jo Chidley

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 40:34


    This week on Start Somewhere, I'm bringing a flavour of Glasgow ahead of COP26 as I speak with the trailblazing Jo Chidley. Jo is a circular economy expert, chemist, herbal botanist and co-founder of Beauty Kitchen, the highest scoring B Corp in the UK beauty industry. I'm also lucky enough to work with Jo on the Sustainable Beauty Coalition Steering Committee.In founding Beauty Kitchen, Jo has set out to change the face of the beauty industry by creating the most effective, natural and sustainable beauty products in the world. She has been instrumental in developing the world's first closed-loop solution for beauty packaging and has powered the service behind the ground-breaking Return, Refill, Repeat programme & Refill Stations. A true testament to Jo's determination and vision, Beauty Kitchen is recognised on the UK's 50 Most Disruptive Companies list and has won numerous industry awards, including ‘Who's Who in Natural Beauty'.In this brilliant episode, we discuss why it's time to turn, or rather, return to a circular economy, how Jo is championing the entire industry to do better and close the loop, and what her plans are for COP26 and beyond. The ask: Starting Somewhere is asking yourself the question ‘what is it for?' See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #6 How big business can make a big positive impact - with Karen Hamilton

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 36:55


    For this week's episode of Start Somewhere, I'm so overjoyed to introduce you to my former colleague, the extraordinary Karen Hamilton. Karen is Unilever's Global Vice President of Sustainability. She works with Unilever's leading brands, such as Dove, Lifebuoy, Rexona and Sunsilk, to bring their purpose to life and embed sustainability into product innovation. Following a career in business and marketing, Karen moved to sustainability to spearhead the creation of Unilever's groundbreaking Sustainable Living Plan. It was then she established an evidence-based commercial case for the benefits of sustainability, demonstrating how it drives growth and trust while reducing risk and cost. In this episode, we hear about how Karen's Scandinavian roots influenced her early interest in sustainability, how Unilever is leading the charge in committing to business for good, and what we can all learn from being good to people and planet. The ask: Wherever you work, try to set an ambitious north star. It's what will get people out of bed in the morning. Think about how your business can embrace a more equitable and sustainable future in a way that also drives greater success. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #5 How to provide global healthcare with the touch of a button - with Dr. Ali Parsa

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 13, 2021 37:34


    This week I have the pleasure of sitting down with the extraordinary healthcare entrepreneur and engineer, Dr. Ali Parsa. Ali is the founder and CEO of Babylon, the revolutionary digital health company. His entrepreneurial spirit combined with his disruptive thinking makes Ali one of the most extraordinary people I've ever met. Ali's fascination with the healthcare -or rather, the sick care- system started when he found himself underwhelmed by the quality of care at a London hospital he went to for an issue with his knee and started reimagining the future of healthcare. This led him to first found Circle, and later the trailblazing Babylon Health. Babylon's mission is to put an accessible and affordable health service in the hands of every person on earth - a model that has been proven to work not just in the UK but also in countries such as Rwanda. In this episode, we speak about why there is a need for a healthcare revolution, how artificial intelligence can improve global access to healthcare, and the importance of providing care before a crisis hits. The ask: Dream big, build fast and be brave, while also enabling other people to reach their dreams simultaneously. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #4 Why the beauty industry is essential to society - with Millie Kendall

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 6, 2021 38:35


    For this week's episode of Start Somewhere, I immerse myself into the world of British Beauty with retail maven and brand creator, Millie Kendall MBE. Millie is the CEO of The British Beauty Council, which she founded to represent the voices, opinions and needs of the British beauty industry. When it comes to her love for beauty, it was always in Millie's DNA. As a hairdresser's daughter, she spent a lot of her time as a child on salon floors. In pursuit of her passion, Millie decided to move to New York as a teenager, where she rubbed shoulders with extraordinarily talented hair and make-up artists that would later become her friends, colleagues and partners. In this episode, we speak about Millie's impressive career path and why she decided to create the British Beauty Council. We also hear about the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on the beauty industry, and what it means for so many salons to close for the businesses themselves and their direct communities. The ask: For those wanting to Start Somewhere in the beauty industry, don't be afraid to try a few different things. A lot of the jobs are transferable, so just try and kiss a few frogs before you find your prince. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #3 How PETA helps us to be kinder consumers - with Ingrid Newkirk

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 29, 2021 27:30


    For this week's episode of Start Somewhere, I'm so excited to be speaking to the incredible Ingrid Newkirk. Ingrid founded People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the world's largest animal rights organisation. She is also the author of the recently published book Animalkind: Remarkable Discoveries about Animals and Revolutionary New Ways to Show Them Compassion. Even though Ingrid adored animals and nature ever since she was a child, it was when she was working on a case involving abandoned animals as a law enforcement officer that she found herself questioning the double standards regarding animal cruelty. What initially started as a small group of animal activists, is now PETA, a truly global movement. In this episode, we speak about the moment Ingrid decided to Start Somewhere and become a voice for the voiceless, how the beauty and wellness industry has made strides when it comes to vegan and cruelty-free products, and the things each of us can do to make kinder choices. The ask: Realise the power of the purse. As consumers, we are the drivers of the marketplace. If we don't buy what's cruel and consciously make an effort, we can turn the whole marketplace around to be more compassionate. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #2 How to unmute the shame around mental illness - with Wilma Mae Basta

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 22, 2021 41:03


    This week on Start Somewhere I had the pleasure of speaking to my wonderful friend Wilma Mae Basta, founder of DRK Beauty, about mental health, identity, and empowerment. I've known Wilma Mae for many years and each time I speak to her I come away humbled and in deep awe of her passion & determination. In this episode, Wilma Mae takes us on her incredible personal journey, detailing how she started somewhere and found her purpose after going through a mental health crisis. Determined to unmute the shame surrounding mental health, especially in the black community, she founded DRK Beauty, a well-being and mental health platform that helps womxn of colour to discover and craft their own well-being story. In this episode we speak about the power of vulnerability, how DRK Beauty helped black Americans cope with the trauma of witnessing the murder of George Floyd and its aftermath, and how drowning out the doubt and listening to her higher self has made her the courageous and extraordinary person she is today. The ask: Learn how to be still and quiet the chatter in your mind in order to be more in tune with your highest self. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    #1 How to raise your vibrations and find that sparkle of joy - with Yasmin Sewell + Louise Mita

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2021 42:24


    Welcome to the first episode of Start Somewhere Series Four! This series will be dedicated to sustainable and purpose-led health, wellness, and beauty, and I cannot wait to have you get to know each of my amazing guests and their unique story of how they started somewhere. In the very first episode, I'm joined by the extraordinary duo Yasmin Sewell and Louise Mita. Yasmin, founder of multidimensional well-being brand Vyrao and Louise (you might recognize her from Series 2!), Founder and President of Tao Energy Inc, each found their purpose while searching for ‘the magic' and were brought together by a wonderful twist of fate. In this episode, we hear about how Yasmin and Louise have always leaned into their intuition to build their careers and ultimately find their purpose, and how you have to power within to do so too. The ask: Yasmin: Take a moment to tune into what you feel. Take a few breaths and listen to that other part of you that isn't your brain. Louise: Stop trying to find your purpose, start doing things ON purpose. Don't wait for that perfect moment. Put one foot in front of the other and just do it. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bonus episode: How to start a Fashion Revolution - with Orsola de Castro

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2021 31:53


    Earlier this year I had the pleasure of speaking to Orsola de Castro, co-founder of Fashion Revolution, for the Start Somewhere mini-series on Clubhouse. Orsola is a true powerhouse and I loved listening to her unique story so much that I decided to release it as a bonus episode. I do hope you enjoy it.In this incredible episode, we hear about Orsola's early love for creating and mending fashion that led her to start her own label, why the exploitation by the industry is an issue that (quite literally) touches each and every one of us, and how we can start somewhere to pave the way to a more equitable and sustainable future.The ask: Create a new set of criteria to use when you next go shopping to ensure you purchase something that truly aligns with your values.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Bonus episode: How people with disabilities are erased from the fashion industry - with Victoria Jenkins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2021 31:44


    Earlier this year I spoke to the incredible Victoria Jenkins, founder of adaptive fashion label Unhidden Clothing, for the Start Somewhere mini-series on Clubhouse. I was completely floored by what she had to say and decided to release it as a bonus episode. I hope you can take something away from her inspiring story. In this bonus special, we hear all about the staggering challenges the disabled community faces when it comes to clothing, the life-changing moment when Victoria decided to create Unhidden, and how the non-disabled can all be better allies. The ask: Educate yourself on the issues disabled people face. (Scope UK has a great number of resources). Diversify your social feed to break out of your bubble. Consider buying the Little Book of Ableism.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    21. Saja Elmishri - How to use creativity for purpose, not for profit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2021 27:49


    This week on Start Somewhere I have the pleasure of speaking to Saja Elmishri. Saja is a freelance writer, activist and modest fashion expert, and focuses on the intersection of sustainability, retail, fashion and social justice.Saja's love for fashion started in Sweden, where she grew up and was encouraged to live independently and discover what she enjoyed doing. She pursued her passion for textiles and sewing and studied Textile Design in university, with a desire to use her creativity for purpose and not for profit. In this episode, we speak about modest fashion, why the idea that it's only for Muslim women is wrong, and how Saja would make the fashion industry more inclusive. The ask: Whatever it is you want to solve in society, include the right people into the conversation. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    20. Mindy Scheier - How there is no such thing as failure when it comes to changing the world

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 23:55


    In this week's episode of Start Somewhere, I'm so delighted to speak to the incredible Mindy Scheier. Mindy is the Founder of the Runway of Dreams Foundation, which aims to make adaptive clothing mainstream and promote people with disabilities in the fashion industry. Mindy has also created Gamut Talent Management to represent people with disabilities and create a marketplace where businesses and industries can connect to this target audience. Before starting the Runway of Dreams Foundation, Mindy spent 20 years working in fashion as a designer and stylist. She was inspired to start Runway of Dreams after her son Oliver, who has Muscular Dystrophy, dreamed of wearing jeans like everyone else. In this episode, we speak about the moment when Mindy started somewhere and challenged the fashion industry to become more inclusive, the everyday challenges disabled people face, and why adaptive fashion holds the key to confidence and self-expression. The ask: There is no such thing as failure because failure is feedback. Always focus on your goal and dare to be flexible in how you get there. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    19. Naseem Lahri - How if women win, everybody wins

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2021 35:12


    For this week's episode of Start Somewhere, we dive into the precious world of diamonds with the incredible Naseem Lahri. Naseem is the Managing Director of Lucara, a diamond mine in Botswana with sustainability, community and purpose at the heart of their business. Naseem is a shining example of someone who found their purpose later in life. After a successful career at Deloitte excelling in multiple roles, she got a job in mining. She discovered this was her passion and moved across the country to the biggest mining company in Botswana. In 2018, she was promoted to Managing Director, and was the first female director of a diamond mine in Botswana. Naseem is truly paving the way for other women to be at the forefront of business.In this episode, Naseem tells us about her rise to the top, how Botswana's mineral wealth enabled it to transform from one of Africa's poorest countries to a thriving nation and how Lucara Diamond supports and empowers its surrounding communities. The ask: Consider visiting and buying a diamond locally to empower the community. Be bold and understand what you want. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Work hard and persevere. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    18. Stephanie Benedetto: How I'm tackling fashion waste at the root using technology

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2021 29:24


    This week on Start Somewhere, I'm joined by the wonderful Stephanie Benedetto. Stephanie is the Co-Founder of Queen of Raw, a marketplace to buy and sell unused textiles, keeping them out of landfills and turning pollution into profit. Stephanie's fascinating story of how she started somewhere dates back to the 1890s when her great-grandfather migrated to the US and started creating fashion using discarded materials. Honouring his legacy, Stephanie founded Queen Of Raw, rescuing huge amounts of perfectly usable deadstock from landfill, saving tonnes of water and CO2 in the process. In this episode, we speak about what led Stephanie to leave her corporate attorney job on Wall Street, her passion for finding solutions through technology, and how people, planet & profit can in fact go together.The ask: Read the labels of the clothes you want to buy. The clothing that's touching your skin, you want to be able to know what it's made of. Check platforms like Good On You to learn about the brand's sustainability & ethical practices. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    17. Ayesha Barenblat - How we can achieve social justice for garment workers through collective action

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2021 36:25


    This week on Start Somewhere, I'm overjoyed to be speaking to the extraordinary Ayesha Barenblat. Ayesha is the founder of Remake, a community of fashion lovers, women rights advocates, and environmentalists on a mission to change the industry's harmful practices on people and our planet. You might know Ayesha and the Remake team from the #PayUp campaign, which launched early last year when billions worth of orders were cancelled by big fashion brands because of the Covid-19 crisis. These orders were often already produced and ready to be shipped, which meant that suddenly thousands of often female garment workers were at risk of losing their jobs and facing extreme poverty. In this episode, we speak about how Ayesha's early life in Pakistan influenced and encouraged her to start somewhere and stand up for garment worker's rights, the impact of the pandemic on the garment industry, and how Remake's #PayUp campaign managed to return a whopping $22 billion to garment factories hit hard by the Covid crisis.The ask: Join the Remake movement and keep up with any campaigns by following @remakeourworld, visiting the www.remake.world website and consider donating to support her life's work. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    16. Eshita Kabra: How renting your outfits positively impacts communities - both globally and locally.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2021 27:45


    This week on Start Somewhere, I get to speak to the truly amazing Eshita Kabra. Eshita is the Founder and CEO of the award-winning app By Rotation, the social fashion rental platform. It was during her honeymoon visiting family in India that Eshita experienced the impact of fast fashion and throwaway culture first-hand and decided there had to be a better way to be a conscious consumer. It was after returning to the UK, Eshita founded By Rotation with the aim of creating a conscious and inclusive community that democratises fashion and does not harm the planet.In this episode, Eshita tells us about her personal relationship with fashion, how community is a central theme both in her life and on the By Rotation app, and why we need a rental revolution. The ask: Choose to invest in high-quality items over fast fashion. Try rotating your fashion with the By Rotation app. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    15. James Bartle - How paying garment workers a fair wage keeps women and girls safe from human trafficking.

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2021 33:33


    In this thought-provoking episode of Start Somewhere, I had the pleasure of speaking to James Bartle, founding CEO of Outland Denim, the denim brand founded to end poverty. Driven by the desire to curb the trafficking of women and girls into the $99 billion illicit commercial sex industry, James created Outland to generate training and employment opportunities for women vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Each of his seamstresses gains a valuable skill set in tailoring while earning a living wage, receiving ongoing support and life-enhancing education. A shining example of what fair fashion can achieve. In this episode, James tells us about the film that changed his life and compelled him to start Outland Denim, why it’s important to pay garment workers a living wage and why people and planet must both be addressed when it comes to creating a sustainable industry. The ask: One of the lies we’ve learned growing up is that failure is failure. Failure is actually necessary, it’s what forges humility.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    14. Bethany Williams: How the clothes you buy and wear can serve a bigger purpose

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2021 32:29


    This week I have the pleasure of speaking to a true pioneer in the sustainable fashion industry, the incredible Bethany Williams. Bethany is a sustainable fashion designer, humanitarian and artist, and has recently won the British Fashion Council Designer Fashion Fund. In 2017, Bethany launched her label with a mission to create positive social and environmental change in the world. Since its inception, the label has seen huge success, establishing itself as a leading label in the fashion industry when it comes to setting sustainability standards. In this episode, we speak about what the intersection of fashion, art and social justice means to Bethany, the empowering and healing nature of craft, and how collaboration is essential to push the fashion industry further. The ask: Be a conscious consumer. As a consumer, you have the power, which is money. With that, you are choosing to keep businesses alive. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    13. Annick Ireland: How starting small is the key to becoming a conscious consumer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2021 31:28


    For this week’s episode, I’m delighted to be speaking to the incredible Annick Ireland. Annick is the Founding Director of Immaculate Vegan, a curated online shop for those who want to live a sustainable and ethical life without compromising on style. When Annick decided to become a vegan, she found herself spending a lot of time hunting out brands making high quality, beautiful but also vegan products. Immaculate Vegan was born from a desire to help conscious consumers of every kind easily find vegan things they love, so they can make better choices every day.In this episode, we speak about the surge in conscious consumers, how to adopt a sustainable and/or vegan lifestyle, Annick’s favourite immaculate brands and what her hopes are for the fashion industry. The ask: Start small, and start where you can, and celebrate the small wins. You don’t need to do things perfectly. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    12. Nina Marenzi + Amanda Johnston: How we can design our way to a better future

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2021 23:22


    This week we’ll be doing some time travelling back to pre-Covid times, when I visited the amazing Future Fabrics Expo, the world’s largest showcase of responsibly produced fabrics and materials. In this episode, I spoke to its organisers, Founder & Director of The Sustainable Angle, Nina Marenzi, and Amanda Johnston, who works as a curator and consultant at the Sustainable Angle.Nina set up The Sustainable Angle in 2010 to initiate and support projects aimed at reducing the environmental impact of the industry. In her research, the need for a curated sustainable textiles showcase became apparent and the Future Fabrics Expo was born. In this episode, we explore the impact of non-sustainable fabrics and materials on our planet, why in the fight against climate crisis we should focus on solutions rather than issues, and how we can design our way to a better future. The ask: Reframe your relationship with fashion. Instead of going shopping for leisure, consider going out into nature. Not only will it bring you joy, if we understood nature, we would take much better care of it. I’m delighted to let you know that the new Future Fabrics Expo will take place both virtually and in London from June 22nd through to the 2nd of July 2021. This event will be a key sustainable sourcing destination for fashion professionals, offering a physical showcase of materials, information and networking events. For more info, please visit www.thesustainableangle.org. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    11. Charlotte Staerck: How mending your cherished bags can make the difference between loving it for life and landfill

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2021 28:06


    In this episode, I’m so excited to be speaking to the wonderful Charlotte Staerck, Founder and CEO of Handbag Clinic, a leading luxury handbag restoration and preowned resale retailer. I’m a huge fan of Handbag Clinic which has given some of my favourite bags a new lease on life. Self-confessed handbag addict, Charlotte, has always known handbags would be part of her destiny. She takes us on a designer bag journey, from a DKNY bag, bought with her first ever pay cheque, through to the life-changing moment she bought her first Mulberry. It was after meeting her husband who was the Managing Director of a leather restoration company, that the penny dropped and Charlotte founded Handbag Clinic.In this episode, we hear about how Charlotte and her team can make your long-cherished handbags live many lives, why a bag is a form of investment and how the growing awareness about the negative impact of fast fashion and throwaway culture has transformed her business. The ask: Ditch any judgement of buying pre-loved items, because this will be the way going forward. Something that might be sitting at the back of your wardrobe will be sure to give someone else heaps of joy, so consider selling it or bringing it in to be restored. We want to see you keep reusing your fashion items. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    10. Lily Cole: How knowledge is power in the Age of Extinction

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2021 22:54


    In this week’s episode, I’m thrilled to be joined by the incredible Lily Cole. Lily is a model, actor, filmmaker, all-round multihyphenate and wrote a book last summer called Who Cares Wins, chronicling a thousand ways in which we can halt the Sixth Mass Extinction. It was Lily’s extraordinary curiosity and desire to know what was happening in the world that led her to research the industry she was working in and explore the impact of capitalist businesses on people and planet. Initially tentative because she felt she was criticising the same industry she was working for, Lily decided to work for and create businesses that accelerated positive change, working with brands like The Body Shop and co-founding Impossible, a purpose-driven technology group and Wires Glasses, a sustainable eyewear company. In this episode, we discuss why Lily felt drawn to social impact work, what makes Lily hopeful about the future and how living a balanced life helps you connect to your purpose.The ask: Question the cultural conditioning we’ve all received and be independent in your thinking, this is a way to find your inner truth.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    9. Elizabeth Peyton-Jones: How a holistic approach to health led me to tackle injustices in the modelling industry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2021 28:44


    This week, I’m delighted to be speaking to the wonderful Elizabeth Peyton-Jones, master herbalist, author of four books and most recently the creator of The Responsible Trust for Models, with a mission to establish a global standard for the modelling industry and protect models from exploitation at the hands of the industry.It was in Russia where Elizabeth first developed a curiosity for traditional medicine and the healing power of food after slowly recovering from illness with a strong broth and vodka rubbed on her feet. She returned to England, to become a master herbalist and started seeing patients, taking a holistic approach to healing. After being asked to create a new diet for models by the British Fashion Council, Elizabeth found herself shocked by how young models received a lack of support and were often exploited, resulting in unaddressed trauma years later. It was then when she created the Responsible Trust for Models. In this episode, we discuss how Elizabeth refused to be defined by her past, why physical health and mental health are two sides of the same coin, and what the fashion industry can do to protect models’ rights. The ask: Consider that models, regardless of what they look like in the clothes or make-up that they wear, are people worthy of respect.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    8. Eva Von Alvensleben: How the global fashion industry can tackle the climate crisis through collaboration

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 33:45


    In this week’s episode I’m delighted to speak to the extraordinary Eva Von Alvensleben, Executive Director and Secretary General of the Fashion Pact, a coalition of leading players and brands in the fashion and textile industry. Having grown up in a family full of architects, Eva had never foreseen that she would be making her mark on the fashion industry, yet she is one of the most impactful changemakers around. At The Fashion Pact, she facilitates conversations between CEO’s of brands like Nike, Burberry and the H&M Group about achieving industry transformation, which is a seismic shift in an industry this fiercely competitive. In this episode, we find out about how Eva joined the mission given by French President Macron to create The Fashion Pact, why businesses need to collaborate to tackle the climate crisis and how businesses need to think bigger than their own carbon footprint. The ask: Count how many pieces you have in your wardrobe, and how many pieces you actually wear. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    7. Lucia Blayke: How a truly inclusive fashion industry must go beyond trans tokenism

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2021 28:24


    I’m thrilled to be joined by the amazing Lucia Blayke this week’s episode. Lucia is the founder of London Trans+ Pride, which attracts thousands to Central London throughout the year to march for trans rights. She is also the founder of Harpies, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ strip club and Transmissions, a network for trans activists.Lucia grew up in Liverpool and at a young age moved to London to study Fashion, find her footing and live her life authentically as a trans woman. At the nightclub she was working at the time, she created Transmissions, a support network turned activist group for trans people which made headlines during the 2019 London Fashion week when they protested to end trans inclusivity for tokenism. Now, two years later, Lucia is the Creative Director of the genderless label ART SCHOOL which has recently headlined London Fashion Week 2021, and is making her mark on the fashion industry by ensuring trans people are consulted and involved at every step of the creative process. In everything that Lucia does, she’s sending out a clear message of visibility and self-love. In this episode, we speak about the importance of finding your own community, how fashion brands can better represent trans folks, and the advice Lucia has for young trans kids. The ask: Listen to trans people, see trans people and remember that they have the same hopes and fears as everybody else.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    6. Noella Coursaris Musunka + Victoria Prew: How you can help stop climate change by renting a dress and support the next generation of girls with a click of a button

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2021 33:47


    This week’s episode promises double the pleasure, double the fun with my two wonderful guests, Noella Coursaris Musunka & Victoria Prew. Noella is a model and Founder & CEO of Malaika, a grassroots nonprofit that educates and empowers girls and their communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Victoria is the co-founder and CEO of HURR Collective, the UK’s first peer-to-peer wardrobe rental platform.In this episode, we talk about when the two crossed paths and became a partnership powerhouse, why fashion rental is here to stay, and how through Malaika, Noella is ensuring the next generation of girls are empowered to write their own future. The ask: Join our mission to make fashion circular and join HURR on www.hurrcollective.co.uk and support a Malaika girl by donating to www.malaika.org. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    5. Bel Jacobs: How challenging the fashion industry starts with compassion for people and planet

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 37:19


    I’m overjoyed to be joined by the amazing fashion editor turned writer and climate activist, Bel Jacobs, this week. She is the co-founder of Fashion Act Now, a project to accelerate change in the fashion industry, and founder of Fashion in Schools, a new UK wide project to keep young people informed about the impacts of fashion.Bel initially made her mark as a fashion editor for Metro, travelling and working with the world’s most influential fashion houses. She gradually became more and more aware & disillusioned about the seemingly never ending influx of brands, styles and seasons to cover and the rapacious nature of the industry, but it was the horror of the collapse of a garment factory in Bangladesh in which over 1,100 workers tragically lost their lives, that caused her to draw a line, leave her job and set to re-thinking the industry.In this episode, Bel talks us through the monumental challenges of taking on the fashion industry, what happened after she called for Fashion Week to be cancelled, and how compassion for people and the planet can guide you to find your purpose.The ask: Educate yourself on today’s injustices, place yourself firmly in the heart of nature, and have compassion toward other people.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    4. Daniella Vega: How Selfridges is leading the way in helping their customers shop more thoughtfully & sustainably

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2021 27:14


    In this week’s episode I have the pleasure of speaking to Daniella Vega, the Group Director of Sustainability at Selfridges and a true pioneer in the world of retail. In the second half of 2020, Selfridges’ launched Project Earth, a transformational initiative which aims to ‘change the way we shop’ by reducing environmental impact and driving change through retail activism.Daniella has always had a deep understanding of how everything in the world is interconnected, so after pursuing a career producing nature documentaries she became set on making sustainability a household practice in the UK. She was involved in Sky becoming the first media company to become carbon neutral, and then moved to transform the future of retail.In this episode, Daniella explains what retail can do to tackle the climate crisis, why the supply chain matters, and how to drive change, even if it seems impossible.The ask: We need to rethink the way we buy and wear our clothes. Be more conscious about how you buy, and buy with the thought that you’ll be keeping that product forever Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    3. Gail Gallie: How the fashion industry should embrace the Global Goals

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2021 21:51


    This week I’m graced by the presence of a real life Avenger, the incredible Gail Gallie. She, along with film director Richard Curtis is the Co-Founder of Project Everyone, the campaign unit that launched the Global Goals on behalf of the United Nations. Gail is also the Founder of Project17 and most recently founded the Business and Fashion Avengers.In this episode, we discuss why the fashion industry plays a central role in achieving the 17 Global Goals, how every single person can use them to help heal the world we live in, and why, in the face of achieving the Goals, collaboration trumps competition.The ask: Before you buy anything, challenge yourself and ask ‘Do I really need that?’. Instead of buying something brand new, try borrowing or swapping clothes. If you do buy something new, research the values and behaviours of the brand to make sure their ethos aligns with yours. Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial) See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    2. Professor Dilys Williams: How fair fashion starts with the seeds we sow

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 37:41


    This week we are joined by someone who is an enormous inspiration to me, the visionary Professor Dilys Williams, Founder and Director of the Centre for Sustainable Fashion and Professor of Fashion Design for Sustainability, who previously designed for the legendary fashion designer & activist, Katharine Hamnett and also for Liberty. After being confronted with the stark disparity between the image and earnings of the big fashion brands and the farmers and garment workers they employ, she realised that as a fashion designer she was implicated in the injustices and decided to learn more about her industry. Ignited by what she uncovered, she eventually founded the CSF, a University of the Arts, a London research, education and knowledge exchange centre that helps brands and the future generation of fashion designers to achieve social and ecological equity in their work. In this episode, we speak about how she put sustainability at the forefront of all of her work, why the climate crisis, social injustice and gender inequality are interconnected, and how the surge of small and sustainable fashion labels are leading the way.The ask: Decide what it is you care about in the world, and think about if what you’re buying represents you. Refuse to be defined as a consumer. We’re recipients, but we’re also contributors.Do you have a comment, question or would you like to share your own advice on Starting Somewhere? You can find me on Twitter (www.twitter.com/saravaughan) or send me a DM on Instagram (www.instagram.com/saravaughanofficial. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    1. Arizona Muse: How living an eco-conscious lifestyle is about buying less but feeling more

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 31:25


    I’m so honoured to kick off Start Somewhere Series 3 with the incredible Arizona Muse, the queen of fashion herself. Arizona has to date graced countless magazine covers and has fronted campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands including Chanel, Prada, & Yves Saint Laurent. Arizona’s curiosity about the origins of the garments she was asked to wear during her fashion shoots led her to learn about the social and ecological injustices that are deeply rooted in parts of the industry. Wanting to push for change, she found her voice as an activist and is now an ambassador for Greenpeace and Women For Women, and has most recently collaborated with Remake on their #PayUp Campaign.In this episode, we speak about how the pursuit of sustainability enriched Arizona's life, what fashion has to do with agriculture and how she would reimagine the fashion industry if she were the ‘Head of Global Fashion Industry’. The ask: Define your style before buying anything else to ensure that what you buy doesn't just sit in your closet. A sustainable lifestyle means having less but feeling more. Take a snap of your outfit and rate it, using #Awearness See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    11. Kate Silverton: How everything is possible if you have faith and dream big

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 44:45


    This week’s episode we are joined by my dear friend, Kate Silverton, one of the BBC’s main national news presenters, mental health activist and author of ‘There’s No Such Thing As Naughty’ which will be published this April. For the past decade, Kate has worked closely with leading children’s mental health charities such as the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, The Maudsley Foundation Trust and Place2Be. She is currently training to become a children’s counsellor and, in due course, will go on to qualify as a full child and adult psychotherapist. In this episode we discuss Kate’s mission to expose injustices around the world. Whether it’s reporting on the dire conditions in war-torn countries, wildlife trafficking, or or most recently, in the area of mental health. Ask: Have faith in yourself, do not let fear override what your heart is telling you, dream big and remember hard work works. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

    Claim Start Somewhere

    In order to claim this podcast we'll send an email to with a verification link. Simply click the link and you will be able to edit tags, request a refresh, and other features to take control of your podcast page!

    Claim Cancel