EPISODE · Mar 31, 2026 · 31 MIN
How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner
from How To Become A...
What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.Adam shares:Why he always wanted to do something creativeHow studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his pathWhy university was harder than expected as an autistic personHow early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling onlineWhat he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brandWhy burnout pushed him to leave full-time employmentHow an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working styleWhy he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merchHow he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the businessWhy trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customersHow he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellersWhy subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statementsWhat “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do itHow Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable businessWhat it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own termsHe also opens up about:Masking, burnout and late diagnosisWorking from home while others do 9–5 jobsWhy he wants to hire based on values, not just experienceCreating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brandWhy queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyondIf you’re interested in:Queer-owned businessesEthical brandingPride merchSmall business journeysAutistic entrepreneursCreative careersLGBTQIA+ representationThis episode is for you.Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.Adam shares:Why he always wanted to do something creativeHow studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his pathWhy university was harder than expected as an autistic personHow early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling onlineWhat he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brandWhy burnout pushed him to leave full-time employmentHow an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working styleWhy he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merchHow he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the businessWhy trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customersHow he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellersWhy subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statementsWhat “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do itHow Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable businessWhat it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own termsHe also opens up about:Masking, burnout and late diagnosisWorking from home while others do 9–5 jobsWhy he wants to hire based on values, not just experienceCreating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brandWhy queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyondIf you’re interested in:Queer-owned businessesEthical brandingPride merchSmall business journeysAutistic entrepreneursCreative careersLGBTQIA+ representationThis episode is for you.Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/🎙 How To Become A... explores real-life journeys behind the careers of everyday people. Each episode dives into the path of someone who's built success outside of the spotlight — no fame, no fortune, just real stories. Discover how they started, the challenges they faced, and what drives them forward. 💼✨🔗 Subscribe, rate, and share to help more people find their own path📩 Got your own story to share? Contact us at [email protected]📱Follow us on socials: @howtobecomea__ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner
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