You don’t have to sacrifice yourself to succeed. Now read that sentence again, and again, and again and let it sink in, because if you're anything like Mel Silva or me, sometimes you need reminding.
And if you’re building a purpose-driven fashion business, chances are it's happening in one way or another.
Maybe it's the odd 12-hour day that somehow turned into a 3-times-a-week habit. Maybe it's skipping that family thing for a project that realistically could have been delivered a day later. Maybe you’ve questioned one too many times lately if you’re doing enough, so you do more than you mentally can. Maybe you’ve said yes to too many things, and you're pushing through burnout just to stay afloat.
It creeps in. It sneaks up. Those habits die hard if they're part of you. If any of that resonates, it's time to take 45 minutes out and watch this masterclass.
Because success doesn't have to cost you your health, your time, or your identity, and Mel Silva is proof.
In today's Slow Fashion Lab mentor masterclass, Mel Silva, the VP and Managing Director of Google Australia and New Zealand, shared a version of leadership that felt like a breath of fresh air. Real, grounded, human, sometimes messy. And deeply relevant for every founder trying to make a difference without losing themselves in the process.
Mel Silva knows more than anyone that leading with heart is more powerful than leading with hustle. She's a powerhouse leader who's built her career at one of the world's most influential companies, and she's done it without compromising her values. In fact, she's used her values to make the most of it.
We talked leadership, boundaries, impact, and identity, and how to stay grounded while navigating growth. For slow fashion founders who often juggle everything solo, Mel’s wisdom was felt deeply.
The biggest takeaway? Be the boss of your boundaries.
In a world that celebrates overwork, she’s made a practice of leaving work 'loudly', letting her team see her prioritising family time, stepping out for what matters, and owning her limits. Not because she’s slacking, but because she knows sustainable leadership starts with modelling it.
She reminded us that saying no isn’t selfish. It’s a radical act of clarity. It creates space to focus on what truly matters: purpose, people, and long-term impact.
And for founders navigating fashion with a conscience, this is gold. Because when you lead with values and model balance, you create the environment for your team, community, and customers to do the same.
So how do we apply this to our scrappy, hands-on businesses as slow fashion founders?
Simple. Start small. Mel recommends doing a 'calendar audit', looking at your week and asking: What fills me up? What drains me? Then make time for the former, even if it’s just a walk, a coffee with a friend, or shutting the laptop before dinner.
She also stressed the power of celebrating small wins, something we often overlook when we’re chasing big goals. Whether it’s finishing a new product sample, getting a kind customer email, or ticking off one little thing from the to-do list, acknowledge it. That dopamine hit is fuel for long-term motivation.
And if you’re used to going it alone, here’s your reminder from Mel: ask for help.
Leadership doesn’t mean having all the answers. It means creating space where people feel safe to grow, contribute, and support each other.
Because building a better business starts from the inside.
Mel’s reflections weren’t just corporate fluff. They were deeply personal.
She talked about how she defines success, not just by Google’s commercial targets, but by being there when her kids need her. By being the person who gets the call when they need her. By having a positive impact at work and at home.
For slow fashion founders, this is a powerful reminder that business isn’t just about products and profit. It’s about the environment you create, the people you lift up, creating something sustainable for yourself (not just the planet), and the legacy you leave behind.
And this is why we have these kinds of conversations inside the Slow Fashion Lab.
We all need reminding every now and again. And this masterclass wasn’t about algorithms or ad hacks or Google's latest tech developments. It was about mindset, humanity, and redefining success on your terms.
Because this is what we need more of in fashion. We need leaders who lead with purpose, who model healthy boundaries, and who build businesses that are good for people and the planet.
And if you're doing something good for the world with your fashion business, I want to help you do more of it. And that starts by surrounding yourself with people who get it.
This is your sign.
You don’t have to do it all, and you certainly don't have to do it all alone. You just have to do what matters, and do it in a way that sustains you too.
Join the Slow Fashion Lab to stop struggling and start growing.
Claire x
