VIMHS
Vancouver Island Mental Health Society
Vancouver clothing brand founder’s ‘stubborn’ commitment to inclusivity and sustainability
Vancouver clothing brand founder’s ‘stubborn’ commitment to inclusivity and sustainability
Vancouver clothing brand founder’s ‘stubborn’ commitment to inclusivity and sustainability
Monday 3rd June 2024
Connolly McDougall shares her journey of creating an inclusive and sustainable fashion brand, Connolly Goods, overcoming personal and industry challenges.
32 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Authentic
About this podcast
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VIMHS
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Categories:
Sobriety Toolkit
Sexual Empowerment & Identity
Community & Support Networks
Policy & Advocacy
Body & Mind
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Get the buttons here!Fashion with a Purpose: Connolly McDougall's Journey to Inclusivity and Sustainability
Episode Overview
- Connolly McDougall's journey from selling her first dress to founding Connolly Goods.
- The impact of a life-changing skull fracture on her career and perspective.
- Challenges of creating inclusive and sustainable fashion.
- The importance of using biodegradable materials and avoiding greenwashing.
- How community support has been crucial to her success.
If you clothe human beings who haven't had access to just basic clothing... it starts to make sense both with an S and with a C.
Fashion is often seen as superficial, but Connolly McDougall's journey with her brand, Connolly Goods, is anything but. In this episode of People First Radio, Connolly shares her 15-year adventure from selling her first dress to running a Vancouver-based clothing brand that champions inclusivity and sustainability. With a background that includes a stint in design school and hands-on experience in the fabric industry, Connolly’s approach to fashion is refreshingly real and deeply personal.
Connolly opens up about the turning points in her career, including a life-changing skull fracture in 2017 that forced her to rethink her approach to work and life. This accident led her to focus on what truly matters: creating clothes that fit everyone, not just the standard sizes. Her determination to make fashion accessible to all sizes, coupled with her commitment to sustainable practices, sets Connolly Goods apart in an industry often criticised for its wastefulness and exclusivity.
You'll hear about the challenges she faced, like working in a basement warehouse where she had to decide what size 'medium' actually means. These experiences shaped her understanding of the fashion industry's flaws and motivated her to do better. Connolly’s story is a testament to the power of resilience and community support. She talks about how asking for help opened new doors and allowed her to build a team that shares her vision.
The episode also touches on the broader implications of size inclusivity and sustainability in fashion. Connolly argues that big brands are missing out on huge opportunities by not catering to larger sizes. She also discusses the importance of using biodegradable materials and avoiding greenwashing tactics that mislead consumers. If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the lack of clothing options in your size or wondered about the environmental impact of your wardrobe, this episode is a must-listen.
Connolly’s story will inspire you to think differently about fashion and perhaps even make more conscious choices in your own life.