Fashion Business Mindset

What It Takes to Run a Resilient Fashion Boutique
Running an independent fashion boutique today demands resilience, commercial discipline, deep customer connection and the ability to adapt as the retail landscape continues to evolve.
In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Adella Greenwood, co-founder of Grace & Willow, a much-loved multi-brand boutique located in the seaside suburb of Williamstown in Victoria.
With more than two decades in fashion and retail, Adella has built a thriving boutique known for its strong sense of community and its carefully curated mix of Australian and international designers. Together with her sister Hannah, she has created a space where confident, expressive women can discover pieces that reflect their personal style.
In our conversation, Adella shares the journey of building an independent retail business over more than a decade, and the realities of operating on the front line of fashion retail.
We explore how she approaches brand selection and buying, how independent boutiques navigate competition from larger retailers and online platforms, and why customer relationships and community remain at the heart of Grace & Willow’s success.
Adella also shares her perspective on the current retail climate, how customer behaviour has shifted in recent years, and where she sees both risk and opportunity for independent retailers moving forward.
This is a thoughtful and honest conversation about what it truly takes to build and sustain an independent fashion business today.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Grace & Willow began and the vision behind the boutique

The evolution of Adella’s buying strategy and brand mix

Navigating competition from larger retailers and online platforms

The importance of community and customer relationships in boutique retail

Leading a small retail team and building a strong culture

Shifts in customer behaviour and the current retail climate

What discipline and resilience look like in independent retail today

Explore Grace & Willow at:
https://www.graceandwillow.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/graceandwillow/?hl=en
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About Fashion Business Mindset
Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.
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Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026
Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.
Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.
This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.
Interested in Strategic Advisory?
The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.
Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.
Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.
The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting
Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped
Interested in Sponsorship?
We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.
To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this opening episode of Season 7, Elizabeth Formosa unpacks what profitability really requires in 2026 — and why net cash in the bank matters just as much as the P&L.
Across the industry, many brands are growing. Revenue is up. Orders are flowing. From the outside, things look strong. But internally, margins are tighter, cash flow feels heavier, and decision-making has become more complex.
This episode explores the shift required for founders who want sustainable, commercially sound growth.
Elizabeth shares the five core pillars she sees separating reactive businesses from intentional ones:
Clarity before growth

Intentional product and inventory decisions

Channel discipline

Structure that matches the stage of the business

Reducing founder and leadership decision load

You’ll also hear why:
– Profit is an accounting outcome
– Cash is operational reality
– And disciplined decision-making is the true driver of both
This is not a tactical episode about quick wins.
It’s a strategic conversation about building resilient fashion businesses that can grow, reinvest and stabilise with confidence.
If 2026 feels like a year where your next decision truly matters, this episode is for you.
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Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026
Ready to scale with clarity, confidence and intention?
Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.
Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.
This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.
Interested in Strategic Advisory?
The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.
Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.
Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.
The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting
Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped
Interested in Sponsorship?
We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.
To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected]
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we come to the close of 2025, I wanted to pause and share a personal end-of-year reflection with the Fashion Business Mindset community.
This year has been one of growth, challenge, learning and connection. We’ve shared over 127 episodes, welcomed many new listeners, and continued to have honest conversations about what it really takes to build, lead and sustain a fashion business in a changing market.
In this solo episode, I reflect on the year that was, share a little more about my own journey, and offer grounded advice as we head into 2026.
In this episode, I cover:
Gratitude for our guests, listeners, team and incredible clients

My journey in fashion, consulting and education

Lessons from a recent trek in Nepal and what it taught me about resilience

Acknowledging the challenges many brands are facing right now

Why protecting margins and strengthening foundations matters more than ever

Practical guidance for approaching 2026 with clarity and confidence

How to seek support if you’re ready for your next phase of growth

This episode is for founders, leaders and teams who want to reset, refocus and move forward with intention.
Thank you for being part of Fashion Business Mindset. I’m so grateful for this community and excited for what’s ahead.
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Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026
If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.
Interested in Consulting?
Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting
Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped
Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?
We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.
📩 To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let's do this together,
Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As we near the end of our 2025 season of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m excited to share a truly meaningful milestone — 40 years of Motto, a long-standing Australian fashion brand that continues to evolve, reinvent and inspire.
In this episode, I’m joined by Faye Browne and Lauren French, the mother–daughter duo behind Motto, who have built one of the most resilient and community-driven fashion businesses in Australia.
Faye began her journey as a fashion buyer before launching Motto with her husband John, driven by a passion for empowering women and celebrating individuality. Today, at 70, Faye remains a vibrant force — leading with authenticity, curiosity and a fierce commitment to helping women feel fabulous in their own skin.
Lauren joined the business in 2007 and spearheaded Motto’s transition from traditional retail to a thriving eCommerce and content-driven brand. As CEO and mum of young children, she has redefined modern leadership — building a sophisticated marketing engine, embracing digital storytelling, and growing an engaged community through daily LIVE try-ons.
During our conversation, we dive into:
The origin story — how Motto began and the early lessons that shaped the brand

Digital reinvention — Lauren’s pivot from bricks-and-mortar to eCommerce before the industry was ready

Hybrid retail — balancing online growth with the role of physical stores

The power of community — why Motto’s LIVE try-ons became a phenomenon and a conversion machine

Intergenerational leadership — navigating roles, decision-making and shared vision

Who the Motto woman is today — and how she has evolved

Longevity in fashion — the mindsets, product strategy and courage required to stay relevant for four decades

Authenticity & empowerment — Faye and Lauren’s personal practices, leadership philosophies and approach to style

What’s next — the future of Motto as it steps into its fifth decade

This conversation is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders and anyone building a brand designed to last.
Tune in to hear the story behind 40 years of reinvention, resilience and community — from two women who continue to shape the Australian fashion landscape in their own bold and brilliant way.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
You can connect with Motto at:
Web:
Women's Boutique Clothing Store Online | Motto Fashions
Instagram:
Motto | Womens Fashion Australia (@mottofashions) • Instagram profile
YouTube:
mottofashions
______________
Work with Fashion Equipped
If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.
Interested in Consulting?
Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting
Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped
Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?
We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.
📩 To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Let's do this together,
Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is our LIVE recording from the Melbourne Global Sourcing Expo Seminar Series.
While the audio is not usual studio quality, the content of this dynamic conversation was too good not to share!
This conversation brings together three industry leaders: Elizabeth (Fashion Equipped), Kelly Slessor (The Ecommerce Tribe, Tribe Gen AI), and Christina Exie (Stacked Studio) to share their perspectives on the strategies shaping the future of fashion and lifestyle brands.
The discussion spans sourcing, go-to-market execution, scaling through eCommerce, and the rapid adoption of AI, blending Elizabeth’s decades of strategic growth and leadership expertise with Kelly’s digital and AI insights and Christina’s product, sourcing, and brand development experience.
Whether you’re a startup or an established brand, you’ll take away actionable strategies and inspiration to scale and strengthen your business in today’s fast-moving market.
You can download the freebies offered to the live audience here:
Navigating the Sourcing Expo Checklist & Free Mini Courses (Elizabeth)
Join Stacked Studio Free Membership (Christina)
Win a Copy or Pre-Order AI for eCommerce Book (Kelly)
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Work with Fashion Equipped
If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.
Interested in Consulting?
Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting
Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?
We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.
📩 To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped
Let's do this together,
Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.