Business
Launching a magazine is not for the faint of heart. Sure, content is crucial for most businesses right now (especially those in the sustainable fashion arena). But consistently creating high-quality, thought-provoking, change-making content? It’s a hugely intensive endeavor, one that this week’s guest on the Spirit of 608 podcast knows well. During our conversation, ESJ magazine (a.k.a. Ethical Style Journal) founder Katie talks frankly about the complexities of building a media business in the sustainable and ethical fashion arena and how her approach has changed — and is poised to change again soon — and why. We talked about the media, the need for creatives to make money and questions that come up in sustainable fashion marketing and messaging today amid a backdrop of brands, influencers, thought leaders and activists who are all part of an increasingly important, but noisy landscape. But most of all, listen in for her story and advice for creating sustainable fashion conversations that matter while also building a brand that stays firmly rooted in authenticity and longevity. Meet Katie: Katie is the founder and editor-in-chief of ESJ Magazine. She has been working to make sure representation exists within the sustainable fashion space, and that real conversations that lead to accountability and action are happening in fashion. Over the past year and a half, her work with the magazine has expanded to create a bigger platform for Black women and femmes to show up and take up space in ethical and sustainable fashion. You can learn more about Katie and her company at www.ethicalstylejournal.com.