From 'Taken' to Transformation: James Bartle on Navigating Profit, Purpose, and the Reality of Ethical Fashion

In this episode of Fair Supply’s Good Business, hosts Kim Randle sits down with James Bartle, the Founding CEO of Outland Denim. James shares the raw and honest origin story of the brand, sparked by a viewing of the film Taken and a confrontation with the grim reality of human trafficking in Southeast Asia.The conversation dives deep into the "Founder’s Dilemma", moving from a charity mindset to a sustainable for-profit business model. James discusses the acquisition of Australian label Nobody Denim, the nuances of paying a living wage versus a minimum wage, and why he believes transparency builds more trust than certifications in the modern consumer landscape.James Bartle is the CEO and Founder of Outland Denim, a fashion brand rooted in the purpose of creating employment opportunities for women who have experienced exploitation. Under his leadership, Outland Denim has grown from a passion project to a global brand stocked in major retailers, known for its sustainable practices and premium quality. Recently, James oversaw the acquisition of the iconic Australian brand, Nobody Denim.Rate & Review Us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Find out more at FairSupply.com and follow us on LinkedIn.