Transparency, trust, and time: Three business owners share their advice on creating collaborative, ethical supply chains

On Friday 18 October, we hosted a panel discussion as part of Brisbane Fashion Month and Ethical Clothing Australia Week. The panel, entitled Collaboration over Competition – Inside Brisbane’s Ethical Fashion and Manufacturing Industry, featured three amazing women-led businesses who are at the forefront of Brisbane’s growing ethical fashion industry:  Barbara Spooner from Birds on Bikes and Ethical Edge Collective, Michelle McClure from MCC Manufacturing and Chamani Weerasekara from CHAMANI the Label. 

As part of a vibrant discussion on how these three founders manage their interconnected supply chains and use their collaborative efforts drive positive change, we also asked all three women what advice they would give to emerging designers and businesses who want to create ethical supply chains… here are their thoughts.  

Michelle has been in manufacturing for over a decade, working for a variety of well-known brands as well as being a worker in the supply chains of both CHAMANI and Birds on Bikes. Now an Ethical Clothing Australia accredited manufacturer in her own right as MCC Manufacturing, she passes on this advice to people interested in getting involved in manufacturing in the TCF industry. 

“Prioritise transparency from the start. Building an ethical supply chain takes time, but the key is to be clear about your values and ensure that everyone you work with shares those values. 

“It’s important to research your suppliers and partners carefully, seek out accreditation like Ethical Clothing Australia, and stay committed to sustainability even when it might be more challenging.  

“Building a reputation for ethical practices will not only benefit your brand but will also create a positive impact on the industry as a whole. Collaboration and open communication with like-minded partners will also help you stay on track and maintain your commitment to ethical business practices.” 

Barbara launched Birds on Bikes in 2017, driven by the goal of designing size-inclusive cycling apparel that not only fit well but also reflected values of sustainability and ethics.   

For the first six years, the business operated from home until in 2024 Barbara  opened a dedicated space in Annerley in partnership with Michelle from MCC Manufacturing – establishing in-house manufacturing to ensure full control over their ethical practices and allowing them to expand their operations. 

Her advice for new TCF businesses on creating ethical supply chains shows her experience and her passion for her work.  

“Be clear about your values and long-term goals. These will guide every decision you make. In-house manufacturing was always part of my vision. There were challenges along the way, but I stayed committed, and in the end, it was worth it.  

“Success doesn’t happen overnight. There will be moments when you feel like giving up—I’ve had plenty of those. But the rewards are endless if you hang in there.  

“Building ethical supply chains takes time and effort, but it pays off in loyal customers and a strong brand reputation. Educate your audience about the true cost and value of ethical fashion—this helps them appreciate what you’re offering.  

“Collaborate with other businesses to drive positive change and strengthen your supply chain.  

“Stay true to your principles, even when it’s tempting to cut corners. I could have easily outsourced manufacturing offshore, but it didn’t align with my values, so I kept coming back to doing it locally.  

“Embrace transparency—being open about your supply chain and production processes builds trust and sets your brand apart.  

“Patience and persistence are crucial. Ethical businesses often take longer to grow, but the long-term benefits far outweigh the challenges.  

“Follow your dreams!”  

Accredited with Ethical Clothing Australia since 2021, CHAMANI aims to create impact, using fashion as a force for good and a vehicle for change through a unique value-chain that endeavours to give back at every stage of production. Using hand-dyed and hand-woven textiles made by a social enterprise in India, each garment is then made ethically right here in Brisbane by Michelle at MCC Manufacturing.   

To anyone interested in starting their own ethical label, founder Chamani says that, while things don’t always go smoothly, it’s worth it.   

“My best advice would be to have patience and trust your gut. I really, really wanted to launch so badly that I ignored my gut telling me something was wrong more than a couple of times, especially with early suppliers and manufacturers – eventually it fell apart anyway. Had I waited and trusted that it wasn’t the right fit then I could have spent time and energy on finding the right one instead. I did learn lots either way, so it wasn’t all in vain!   

“Also stick to your values and don’t settle for anything less. I was told many times that it wouldn’t be possible to do what I wanted to do with my label but there is always a way – find the right people and community who can help you get there. So many great supports and knowledgeable people within this space here in Australia.  

“I had to start again four times before I could launch my label. All the setbacks taught me lots and made me resilient too. Sometimes it doesn’t pan out the way we envisage but it always works out for the best – trust the journey.”

Ethical Clothing Australia would like to thank these three amazing women for being involved in this event, and to Fashion Queensland for hosting this event as part of Brisbane Fashion Month and Ethical Clothing Australia Week 2024. 

Are you interested in ethical, local manufacturing? Find accredited manufacturers across Australia using our directory.  And be sure to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to stay up to date with our events and latest news!