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

Inspiring Women with Betty Collins

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.

• Instagram: Instagram.com/Lubna__najjar
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubnanajjar
• Other: denim.com Instagram.com/shopherdenim Instagram.com/ilmodabrands

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.