Trying to scale a sustainable fashion brand while staying true to your values is no small feat. Throw in international shipping costs, complex manufacturing, and the daily juggle of family life, and it’s no wonder so many founders feel stretched thin.
If you’ve ever wondered, 'Can I really survive growing this business?', our latest Slow Fashion Lab masterclass with Rachael Calvert, founder of Marvell Lane, is your reminder to keep going, and do it your way, because with the right support, you can.
Meet Rachael Calvert, the Founder of Marvell Lane and straight-talker on slow growth.
In this week’s mentor masterclass, we sat down with Rachael Calvert, the Founder behind Marvell Lane, a swimwear, lingerie and clothing label creating beautifully engineered fashion for fuller busts.
From dealing with US tariffs that forced her to pause overseas operations, to debunking myths about ethical manufacturing in China, Rachael didn't hold back. Her honesty, grit, and deep love for what she does offers invaluable insights for founders building brands on purpose, not just profit.
The biggest takeaway from this masterclass? It's not about where you manufacture, it's about how you do it.
Because ethics in fashion isn’t about geography. It’s about relationships and standards.
There’s a myth in the industry that 'Made in China' means unethical and low-quality. But Rachael is proof that when you do it right, 'Made in China' can mean exceptional quality and exceptional conditions. Her experience shows that quality control and fair treatment come down to how well you manage the process, not where the factory is located.
Rachael personally visits her factories, audits the conditions herself, and builds strong, ongoing relationships with her manufacturers. It’s that commitment, not the country, that ensures her products are made to the highest ethical standards.
For slow fashion founders, this is a powerful reminder that sustainability is a spectrum. And transparency, not just location, is what builds trust.
And this masterclass is exactly why I created the Slow Fashion Lab, because I know how hard it is trying to figure all this stuff out on your own. And I also know how game-changing it is to learn from women like Rachael who are doing the work, figuring it out, staying true to their values, and still growing.
If you’re building a fashion business that’s good for people and the planet, you'll love this member's masterclass, and the entire resource library of all past masterclasses too. Inside the Lab, it's about real stories, real strategies, and real support, so you can grow at your own pace, with your values at the core, in a way that works for you.
If you’re tired of trying to DIY your growth, switching and changing strategies every week, or feeling like you’re alone in the industry doing something right for the plant, this is your sign to stop struggling and start growing.
The Slow Fashion Lab is here to help you do more good with your fashion business and build a profitable, purpose-driven brand in the process. Join now.
Claire x
