Tag: Lubna Najjar

Lubna Najjar on Ethical Fashion and the Future of Retail, Pt. 2

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Living with purpose and leaving a legacy. What do these concepts mean to you personally, and how do you strive to implement them in your life or career?

We continue our conversation with the remarkable Lubna Najjar. In part two of our interview, Lubna talks about the profound impact of her book, which offers in-depth case studies on mass market manufacture, direct-to-consumer retail, marketing, and best practices in e-commerce. Together with Betty, they explore Lubna’s unwavering commitment to ethical clothing manufacturing, empowering underprivileged girls, and her philanthropic endeavors.

The Importance of Sharing Failures: “I was hesitant to share these at the conference because there were so many eyes on it. And sometimes you don’t wanna share your failures, but I do think it’s important to share them, one, not for others to just hear so that they know it’s good to fail because you keep going, but also for yourself to hear it.”— Lubna Najjar

Lubna shares heartfelt experiences from pivotal conferences and emphasizes the significance of social media in promoting community causes. We also get an exclusive look into her latest project in downtown Columbus, supporting local fashion designers through the innovative Common Thread Shops on 3rd initiative. Lubna opens up about the trials and triumphs she faced along her journey, from leaving her corporate job to navigating the complexities of the fashion industry.

As they wrap up, Lubna and Betty underline the importance of living with purpose, leaving a legacy, and inspiring women everywhere to pursue their dreams.

Inspiring Moments

00:00 As a leader, what questions drive you?
05:59 Balancing corporate life and personal aspirations fearfully.
09:01 Evolved business, started agency, grew other brands.
09:39 Feature clients in prestigious events, no payments.
14:07 City subsidized rent, making it almost unbelievable.
16:11 Columbus City Council supports design incubator program.
19:11 Rural store front love in unique location.
24:21 Ethical manufacturing concept showcased in denim shoot.
27:06 Working with ICE Mentors, Pink Empowerment, giving back.
28:58 Attended event honoring successful women in business.

Inspiring Takeaways

  • The importance of purposeful living and creating a meaningful impact.
  • The significance of ethical manufacturing and giving back to the community.
  • Leveraging social media to promote and support community causes.
  • The challenges and necessary discomforts of change and growth in business.
  • Building public-private partnerships to support local fashion designers.
  • Protecting business contacts and maintaining professional relationships.
  • Learning from business challenges, especially as women in business.
  • The role of education in fostering ethical business practices.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

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Lubna Najjar on Ethical Fashion and the Future of Retail, Pt. 1

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How can consumers make more ethical choices when it comes to their clothing purchases to combat overconsumption?

In this two-part interview, we have a special guest, Lubna Najjar, the entrepreneurial powerhouse behind Ilmoda Brands, a boutique agency in Columbus that bridges the gap between fashion concept and market. Lubna brings a wealth of experience as a woman navigating the design and fashion industry, balancing creative prowess with corporate acumen.

The Challenges of Business Ownership: “It’s never on cruise control because there’s always something. You’re always developing new. You’re always trying to figure out something that can be better and greater.”— Lubna Najjar

In this first part of our conversation, we learn more about Lubna’s journey, discussing the challenges and high expectations tied to her consulting roles and board seats, and the immense pressure to consistently perform at the highest level. Lubna shares her insights on the importance of self-care, emotional balance, and the necessity for resilience. With a focus on ethical fashion, Lubna talks about her doctoral pursuits in business, analyzing consumer behavior, the impact of fast fashion, and her mission to drive sustainable and ethical practices in the industry.

Betty and Lubna also explore the need for disruptors and ongoing improvement within their fields, finding inspiration in their cross-disciplinary approaches.

Join us as we uncover the story of a hometown hero and role model, Lubna Najjar, and learn about her endeavors in mentoring, community involvement, and her commitment to fostering the next generation of women leaders.

Inspiring Moments

05:57 Self-made and successful, formed strong relationships.
07:27 Women entrepreneurs face challenges in business.
10:25 Grieving loss in business, finding strength within.
13:42 Females in leadership have influential advisory roles.
22:28 Different consumer behaviors and fast fashion’s impact.
23:54 Ethical movement to improve product development processes.
26:18 Quality isn’t determined by price alone.

Inspiring Takeaways

Gender Disparity in Fashion Industry**: Lubna Najjar highlights the gender disparity within the fashion industry, noting that while women dominate the creative side, men are more prevalent on the corporate and retail side.

Pressure and Expectations**: Both women discuss the immense pressures and high expectations associated with consulting and holding board seats. The need to perform at all times, without the luxury of having an off-day, is a significant challenge.

Importance of Self-Care**: Collins and Najjar stress the importance of maintaining emotional balance, self-care, and allowing time for rest and recovery to sustain long-term performance.

Resilience and Strategic Planning**: They talk about the importance of resilience and the ability to say no, with Collins contemplating her next decade at the age of 60, emphasizing forward-looking strategic planning.

Ethical Fashion and Consumer Behavior**: Lubna Najjar, who is pursuing a doctorate in business focused on ethical fashion, discusses the impact of fast fashion on overconsumption and the environmental consequences of inexpensive materials.

Environmental and Labor Impacts**: Najjar underscores the negative impacts of waste from fast fashion, including effects on the ozone layer, water quality, and labor practices. She advocates for ethical and sustainable product development processes.

Community Involvement and Mentorship**: Lubna’s involvement with nonprofit work, such as the Women’s Small Business Accelerator, and her dedication to mentorship and community support, highlight the importance of giving back and empowering others in business.

Continuous Growth and Development**: The necessity of continuous personal and professional growth and development is a recurring theme. Najjar and Collins acknowledge the ongoing struggle and dedication required in entrepreneurship.

Role Models and Inspiration**: Part 1 of this conversation concludes with a mutual acknowledgment of the inspiration and support both women draw from each other’s work, exemplifying the power of role models and the positive influence they can have within their industries.

This is THE podcast that advances women toward economic, social and political achievement. Hosted by Betty Collins, CPA, and Director at Brady Ware and Company. Betty also serves as the Committee Chair for Empowering Women, and Director of the Brady Ware Women’s Initiative. Each episode is presented by Brady Ware and Company, committed to empowering women to go their distance in the workplace and at home.

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