The Jeans That Might Save The Planet | Beth Esponnette | Co-Founder of Unspun

Can you love fashion and still fight for the planet? Beth Esponnette says yes, and she’s proving it. As the co-founder of Unspun, Beth is building a future where clothes are made on-demand, with zero waste and local manufacturing. In this episode, she shares how her team is using 3D weaving to change the way we think about fit, sustainability, and circular design. We talk about purpose-driven careers, redefining success, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to challenge a deeply entrenched global industry. Whether you're curious about sustainable fashion or navigating your own path as a change maker, this episode is full of practical insights and inspiring motivation. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Redesigning fashion for people and planet 01:20 Why custom-fit jeans can change everything 03:15 What makes the fashion industry broken 05:00 Creating tech that weaves clothes on demand 07:15 How Beth’s team is scaling through partnerships 10:00 The hidden cost of mass production and waste 12:00 Beth’s New England roots and maker mindset 14:30 What factory owners are saying about labor 16:45 Can we localize production again? 20:00 Balancing sustainability with trend cycles 22:00 Fashion’s problem with planned obsolescence 28:00 Building a startup that challenges the norm 30:30 Why Gen Z values don’t match their shopping habits 34:00 Beth’s ask: A board member to scale impact The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices