Wear Nature, Not Plastic: 20 Years of Building Kowtow | Gosia Piątek

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, Elizabeth Formosa sits down with Gosia Piątek, Founder of Kowtow, a pioneer in sustainable and circular fashion. Founded in 2006, Kowtow has built a global reputation for its commitment to ethical production, Fairtrade organic cotton, and a fully transparent supply chain. But what truly sets the brand apart is its long-term vision. From the very beginning, Gosia set out to create clothing that comes from the earth and can safely return to it. Nearly 20 years later, that vision has been realised. Kowtow has developed a groundbreaking process using biochar, allowing garments to be returned to the soil without harm and completely free from plastic. In this conversation, we explore: The original vision behind Kowtow and what inspired Gosia to challenge the fashion industry Building a sustainable brand before sustainability was mainstream The reality of creating a fully transparent and ethical supply chain Kowtow’s biochar innovation and what it means for the future of circular fashion Customer demand for sustainability and how it has evolved The current state of fashion trade and navigating economic uncertainty Balancing purpose and profitability in a values-driven business Marketing and storytelling for a conscious brand Leadership, mindset and founder growth What the future holds for fashion and the opportunity for brands willing to lead change This episode is a must-listen for founders, designers and industry leaders looking to build commercially strong, responsible and future-focused fashion businesses. About the Guest: Gosia Piątek is the Founder of Kowtow, a globally recognised sustainable fashion brand known for its commitment to Fairtrade organic cotton, ethical production and circular design principles. Explore Kowtow at: Web: Kowtow Ethical & Organic Clothingl Download the Kowtow plastic-free guide here: Plastic Free Handbook Read about biochar here: Our garments now feed the earth How Kowtow went plastic-free here: Plastic Free _________ About Fashion Business Mindset Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses. ________ Work with Fashion Equipped in 2026 Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution. Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction. This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last. Interested in Strategic Advisory? The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business. Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here. The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting Connect with us: Instagram: @‌fashionequipped Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindsetFacebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequippedWebsite: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped Interested in Sponsorship? We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion. To learn more, reach out via email at [email protected] DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.