For International Women’s Day 2024, we’ve asked inspiring female leaders from across the UK fashion and textile industry to share the top advice they would have given to their younger self.

Nadia Alexander

Managing Director & Founder, Alexander Manufacturing  

Nadia Alexander’s 18-year-old daughter recently came to her for advice. She explained that she would love to be involved in the fashion industry but felt like she wasn’t academic enough to get into university and study fashion. Here is what Nadia told her: 

“The beauty of this industry is that it doesn’t ask for you to be an academic. All that is required is dedication, passion, imagination and an appetite to learn. If you can show that, then doors shall open for you.     

As a leader within this industry, offering opportunities to all is what we champion here at Alexander Manufacturing. People don’t need to fit into boxes in our business, we need to let creativity lead the way, and educate ourselves to give the tools to the up-and-coming generation.”      

Rachel Arthur

Advocacy Lead (Sustainable Fashion), UNEP 

Rachel Arthur is a sustainability strategist and writer driving system change within the fashion industry. She notably led the industry strategy for Google’s environmental data platform in partnership with WWF and Stella McCartney. She currently works as the Advocacy Lead for sustainable fashion at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), also collaborating with other organisations. She would have advised her younger self to be fearless: 

“Firstly, be fearless – say yes to opportunities that might seem left-field, you just never know where they might take you. Spend less time deliberating them, and more time going for them.

Secondly, don’t look only to network upwards, but sideways – it’s not necessarily those more senior to you within the industry that can make the biggest difference; your peer-to-peer community may become your greatest and most valuable career asset.”

Nailya Belkacemi

Managing Director, Plus Samples 

With over 20 years of experience in the fashion sector, Nailya Belkacemi founded her own garment manufacturing company, Plus Samples. The London-based company offers a complete range of services to the fashion industry, from sampling through to grading and production. Nailya would have advised her younger self to write processes and databases for her business from the get-go: 

“As I navigated through the twists and turns of my career, I learned valuable lessons that could have made the path smoother.   

One of my first lessons happened when I hired my first studio manager. When the manager stepped in, I realised I wasn’t ready for the hire. My business needed to be systemised; there needed to be a framework, ready-made templates, customer data, supplier databases, etc. Everything was in my head, but the new hire couldn’t read my mind.  

So, it would be best to start getting thoughts out of your head and having written processes, policies and databases from the get-go.” 

Faith Johnson

Chief Executive, Caramel Rock 

Faith Johnson is a PhD fellow at the Royal College of Art and the founder of Caramel Rock, a London-based fashion and education charity. Caramel Rock provides training and opportunities to young people, helping them to develop their skills and empowering them through the arts. Faith would have told her younger self that “there is always a way if you believe in yourself.” She advised:  

“It is critical in this day and age to strive and persist in the face of adversity. It is a challenge to adapt and adjust during times of crises. As a society we have had to endure Covid as well as our cost-of-living crises and with all adversity that life may present it is important to pivot and adapt no matter how hard it may be.  

The industry is changing and the society we live in is changing and it is important to persevere no matter how hard it may be. As a society those from diverse backgrounds or women in business may not always have the best chances of success but it is crucial to never take no for an answer as there is always a way if you believe in yourself.” 

Manuela Macchi

Partner and Chartered Trade Mark Attorney, Keltie 

Manuela Macchi is a Chartered Trade Mark Attorney and has been a Partner at Keltie, specialists in intellectual property law, since 2011. Her trade mark practice spans the sports, pharmaceutical and fashion sectors. In recent years, she has increased her focus on designs, domain name and online brand enforcement matters. She advises young women to surround themselves with people who value them: 

“Here comes the first piece of advice I’d give to younger women: surround yourself with people who value you and from whom you can learn, be in a work environment where there is mutual respect. If that’s not the case, move on.

What I’ve struggled with most in the early stages of my career was fear of making mistakes. Overthinking and overanalysing can be paralysing. What I wish someone had taught me sooner is that one of the key aspects of leadership is making decisions. Sometimes it is almost better to make a wrong decision, than to procrastinate in trying to make the right one.

If you don’t make decisions, time, external factors, other people, or circumstances will make them for you. You can’t control everything, but you can control your own decisions. I eventually took making decisions into my stride and grew confident at it. I learned that the real skill you need is not so much to get absolutely everything right, but to adapt, and to deal with whatever work or life throw your way.”

Lucy Murphy

Head of Brand Development, OEKO-TEX® and TESTEX 

Lucy Murphy is Head of Brand Development at Swiss lab and founding OEKO-TEX® institute TESTEX. She is currently in the process of relocating to the US to set up OEKO-TEX®’s regional office and strengthen the relationships between textile brands in North America and the global manufacturing sector. Here is the advice Lucy would have given to her younger self: 

“I think I’d tell myself to be braver; to be more confident in failing and in making what I think absolutely crystal clear. I’d say don’t dismiss something you care about – even if it’s uncomfortable and even if it causes you friction.  

I think it’s extremely important to know what you want and to be able to ask for it, to stick your head above the parapet when it matters to you, to act on feeling and to be vulnerable with your team. I now know there’s a sort of courage that comes with lived experience, but you have to choose it and it’s not always comfortable.  

When something isn’t good enough, sometimes we don’t call it, sometimes we don’t reach for the stars, sometimes we try to be satisfied with what people tell us we should be satisfied with and I’m just not about settling. I try not to let fear or apprehension stop me anymore. I’m clear on promoting uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure (as well as empathy) in teams.   

We live in a culture where we want ‘dead certs’ and to predict the statistical likelihood of success before we make a move and that’s not real life and I’m just not going for it. Mistakes make you who you are, they actually make you better. So, I’d say take chances – and keep giving them to others – experience has taught me that it’s rarely ever too late to course correct, you’ve just got to be prepared to try.”  

Cyndi Rhoades

CEO, Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems 

Cyndi Rhoades is the CEO and Co-founder of Circle-8 Textile Ecosystems, currently developing a UK-based Advanced Textiles Sorting and Pre-Processing (ATSP) facility for non-reusable textiles. With extensive experience in chemical recycling for the textile industry, Cyndi also founded Worn Again Technologies in 2005 to find a scalable solution to eradicating textile waste. She would have advised her younger self to trust her instinct and understand her audience:  

“Instinct is a more valuable guide than you would expect, especially when you see and feel your vision so clearly. The road to achieving that vision may not be clear, but listen to your gut, follow it, and communicate in language which others can buy into. Tailor your messaging for different audiences and their needs.

Oh, and don’t forget… Belief and passion in vision are infectious and can be magnets for attracting a driven team, supportive investors and strategic partners, all of which are key ingredients to a successful venture.”

Caroline Rush

CEO, British Fashion Council 

Caroline Rush CBE is the CEO of the British Fashion Council (BFC). Since her appointment in 2009, she has strengthened BFC’s network and platforms to connect businesses with global audiences. Notable achievements include raising the profile of London Fashion Week and of the Fashion Awards as unmissable events in the fashion calendar. She advised:  

“Always try and understand the bigger picture, what your organisation is striving to achieve, what good looks like at Board level, that way you can focus your energies.  If you want to be part of a high performing team, you need to bring the energy, enthusiasm and empathy. Keep honing your skills and learn about your industry, as every day is a school day even for leaders. Also, a smile and kindness go a long way.”

Cristina Sabaiduc

Senior Textiles Specialist, WRAP 

Cristina Sabaiduc is the Senior Textiles Specialist at WRAP, a climate action NGO aiming to tackle the causes of the climate crisis. The NGO’s work across the world focuses on halting environmental degradation and driving sustainable resource use to give the planet a better future.

Cristina has extensive experience as a sustainability specialist, across fashion, beauty and lifestyle industries, having run her own label and worked with SMEs such as Pfeffer Sal, Larry Walshe Studios and Blackhorse Lane Ateliers. At WRAP, Cristina is now working with the UK fashion and textile sector through Textiles 2030 to move towards carbon and water reduction targets for 2030.

Her advice to her younger self involves leaving behind the Imposter Syndrome:

“Leave behind what doesn’t serve you or your mission, especially your Imposter Syndrome. It’s a waste of your energy, emotions and mental bandwidth and often distracts from your mission. Don’t worry about not knowing enough, you don’t need to know everything. Having humility, honesty and initiative brings a lot more people into your cause or mission.

And stay solutions-oriented, it’s a super-power.”

Jody Turner

Technical Lead, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre with Boeing (AMRC) 

Jody Turner is a PhD fellow at The University of Sheffield and a Chartered Engineer working as Technical Lead at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMCR) with Boeing. The AMCR carries out research into advanced machining, manufacturing and materials for a wide range of manufacturing sectors including aerospace. Jody would have advised her younger self to be enthusiastic, most and foremost: 

“As a young and new professional in a field, it’s easy to feel out of your depth/comfort zone. I experienced this anxiety, throughout my career.  With that in mind, I would tell my younger self that nobody (not even the senior folk) would wish anxious thoughts or sleepless nights onto somebody else over a meeting or work event!  

No matter who the other professionals are, they are ultimately human beings who want to enjoy their work alongside other enthusiasts. Be enthusiastic, and people will want to work alongside you.” 

Rachel Walker

Founder & CEO, Luxury Lockstitch UK 

Rachel Walker is the Founder and CEO of Luxury Lockstitch UK (LLUK), a bespoke manufacturing facility for luxury goods specialised in finishes such as Lockstitch, Blank-Stich, Hand-Sewing and Embroidery. The female-led company has a team of over 65 people comprised of 86% female workforce. Rachel’s advice to her younger self goes as follows:  

“Buckle up! Gather every ounce of grit, humility, and determination and just keep going.” 

Laura Watts

Managing Director, Marton Mills 

Laura Watts is the Managing Director of Marton Mills, a traditional family-owned weaving mill in Otley, West Yorkshire. Laura joined the company 15 years, focusing on sustainability regarding raw materials and fabric production. Laura has improved the manufacturing process while maintaining a competitive edge by implementing lean manufacturing techniques at Marton Mills. She would have recommended to her younger self: 

“Be resilient, be prepared for challenges and opportunities. There are so many uncertainties in business, many are out of our control, be ready to adapt and change in response to the market.” 

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024