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Bonus Episode: Connecting Independent Brands to a Global Audience with Amira Rasool

Honest Ecommerce
Honest Ecommerce
Episode • Dec 12, 2024 • 17m

Amira Rasool, Founder & CEO of The Folklore, is changing the way retailers and consumers discover diverse brands globally. Amira has experience as a writer and fashion editor, including notable publications including TIME, Vogue, Teen Vogue, i-D, PAPER, Glamour, InStyle, V Magazine, and WWD. 

Her work focuses primarily on Black culture in relation to fashion, travel, music, visual arts, and social justice. Amira is also a passionate Black history scholar. For her undergraduate education, she attended Rutgers University, where she received a B.A. in African American and African Studies. 

She later earned a Master of Philosophy in African Studies from the University of Cape Town, and whilst studying saw the whitespace in the market for diverse brands that inspired her to launch The Folklore at just 22 years old! In 2023, Amira was honored as one of Forbes 30 Under 30 2024 and Vogue Business 100 Next-gen Entrepreneurs and Agitators.

In This Conversation We Discuss: 

  • [00:43] Intro
  • [02:12] Building community for independent brand founders
  • [03:15] Solving access issues for emerging global brands
  • [04:09] Pivoting and returning to consumer roots
  • [04:58] Empowering brands with resources and education
  • [05:56] Supporting entrepreneurs outside core fashion cities
  • [07:08] Creating workshops for local entrepreneurs to grow
  • [07:43] Driving growth via accessible business resources
  • [09:07] Simplifying sales with line sheet generators
  • [10:16] Tailored solutions for brands at different stages
  • [11:18] Pivoting to find the right formula for brand growth
  • [12:25] Connecting with other new brands for mutual growth
  • [13:34] Reaching beyond local markets to scale your brand
  • [14:52] Building access to the fashion industry
  • [16:38] The Folklore: opportunities for brands and retailers

Resources:

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