Katie Schmidt is the founder of Passion Lilie, a fair trade and sustainable fashion brand based in New Orleans. With a background in costume design and a philanthropic mindset, Katie launched Passion Lilie in 2013 to offer well-made, timeless clothing while supporting artisan communities in India. Today, Passion Lilie is a fair trade brand known for its comfortable but stylish designs (designed by Katie!), small-batch production, heritage techniques like handwoven ikat and block printing, and commitment to ethical manufacturing. Katie also works as a business consultant, helping other entrepreneurs build sustainable, mission-driven companies.
In this episode, we cover:
- Katie’s personal and professional journey, from costume design to founding Passion Lilie
- The brand’s partnerships with artisans in India and what fair trade means in practice
- How Passion Lilie earned Top Rated status in our Brand Rating System
- Why customers love the brand’s timeless styles and personal touch
- What it’s like to run a mission-driven small business in fashion
- Katie’s reflections on industry change, sustainability, and advice for conscious consumers
Members-only bonus:
In the bonus segment, Katie opens up about the hardest parts of building a sustainable business, how she handles moments of overwhelm, and what she’d do with unlimited resources. She also shares practical advice for anyone pursuing ethical entrepreneurship.
Stay tuned for guidance on how to become a member or register your interest in becoming a paid member here.
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