S21 Ep2: Tackling fashion waste and embracing sustainability with Cally Russell founder and CEO of This is Unfolded

Conversations of Inspiration

Did you know that 30% of the new clothes made every year are never sold? This year that will be 26 billion items of clothing!
CEO and co-founder of This Is Unfolded, Cally Russell, is a pioneering force in sustainable fashion. Known for his bold decision to walk away from lucrative offers on Dragon’s Den, Cally has dedicated his career to disrupting the fashion industry by tackling waste and promoting conscious consumerism.
In this episode, Cally shares his journey from humble beginnings to leading a movement that aims to make fashion more sustainable and ethical. Learn about the challenges he faced in turning his vision into reality, the strategies that helped him succeed and the impact This Is Unfolded is making on both the industry and the planet.
Discover how Cally’s innovative approach is not just about selling clothes, but about creating a new model for fashion retail that values people and the environment over profit. His story is a powerful reminder that with determination and the right mindset, it’s possible to challenge the status quo and make a lasting difference.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will make you rethink how you shop and why sustainability is the future of fashion.
If you enjoyed this discussion, we think you’ll love Holly’s Conversation of Inspiration with Lucy & Yak’s founders, who are also at the forefront of sustainable fashion.
Plus, for weekly inspiration, creative ideas and more from brilliant small businesses, sign up to Holly's emails. Or for more insights into building a purpose-driven business, subscribe to Holly’s monthly newsletters. You'll also get exclusive offers and 'ungoogleable' business advice delivered straight to your inbox.

Win an Independent Ad Break on Conversations of Inspiration: Are you a founder with a story to tell? Enter for a chance to win your own ad break on this podcast. This competition is delivered in partnership with Dell Technologies, supporting startups with expert advice and scalable solutions.

Exclusive Dell discount code for Conversations of Inspiration listeners: You can save up to 20% off via Dell Exclusive Offers with your email and your exclusive Holly & Co password ‘HCO’.

Time stamps:

• 
  Cally’s Entrepreneurial Journey (00:03:12): From turning down Dragon’s Den offers to launching This Is Unfolded.
• Challenges in Sustainable Fashion (00:10:45): The hurdles Cally faced in creating a zero-waste fashion brand.
• The Impact of Fast Fashion (00:20:30): Cally discusses the environmental toll of fast fashion and how This Is Unfolded is offering a solution.
• Building a Purpose-Driven Business (00:29:57): Insights on balancing profit with social and environmental impact.
• Engaging the Conscious Consumer (00:36:22): Strategies for educating and inspiring customers to make sustainable choices.
• The Future of Fashion (00:45:11): Cally’s vision for the industry and the role of innovation in driving change.
• Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (00:52:40): Cally shares his tips for those looking to start a purpose-driven business.
• Letter to Younger Self (01:02:30): Cally reflects on his journey and offers advice to his younger self.