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Early Beginnings and Natural Inclinations

Hannah Beaumont's journey into fashion began at a young age, driven by her innate creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. "As a child, I was always making friendship bracelets and handbags and selling them at the local store," she recalls. This early exposure to the world of design and sales planted the seeds for her future career. Hannah's unique sense of style and passion for creative clothing naturally led her to pursue a degree in textile and fashion marketing at university. "I was always wearing quite creative clothes and was always a bit different, so I think that just became a kind of natural path."

Educational Challenges and Inspirations

Despite facing academic challenges due to dyslexia, Hannah's determination to succeed never wavered. She took a gap year to travel and live in Fiji, where she developed a deep appreciation for natural fibers, crucial for the tropical climate. "I ended up traveling and living in Fiji for a year, and of course, I was wearing a lot of natural fibers. It’s a country where the climate is really tropical, and natural fibers are by far the best things to be wearing, so I developed a real appreciation for natural textiles." Upon returning, she completed her studies and gained valuable industry experience through internships at various fashion companies. "This experience really cemented my love with fashion and expanded my interest to understand more about the supply chain and the infrastructure behind our clothes."

Overcoming Initial Challenges

Starting her own business came with its fair share of obstacles. At the time, sustainable and ethical fashion was often associated with bohemian, hemp-based products, which were hard to market online due to their tactile nature. "The conscious consumer that we think of now just wasn’t there, and it was hard to sell the product online because people had to touch it and feel it to realize how soft and comfortable it was. I had to get out and show it to people, get them to touch it and try it on to change that perception." This hands-on approach helped shift perceptions and laid the foundation for her ethical brand.

Proudest Achievements and Ongoing Challenges

Hannah takes great pride in seeing her creations worn by women everywhere. Beaumont Organic is selling successfully in twelve countries. "Seeing it in so many stores and so many women wearing it and using it is really rewarding. When I see someone wearing it on the street, it’s still really exciting." Her greatest challenge now lies in maintaining the balance between creativity and sustainability while expanding her collections. Finding high-quality, certified organic materials and dyes remains a priority. "I found one factory and one fabric that were certified for Organic, and I stuck with that for quite a while. I didn’t want to dye anything, but then we started selling in Japan, and they love black and white. So that forced me to find certified dyes that we could use."

Vision for the Future

Looking ahead, Hannah envisions Beaumont becoming a well-known name in the American market, capitalizing on the growing awareness of conscious consumerism. "I’m excited by America. It’s an exciting market because the understanding of more conscious consumerism is there. In England, we’re still constantly educating, whereas people in America are actually looking for more." She hopes to see significant advancements in the fashion industry towards sustainability and slower consumption patterns. "I think the apparel industry’s got to change, and we’ve all got to change the way we’re consuming. Slowing down is a massive part of that."

Personal Favorites and Inspirations

Hannah always carries a few essentials in her bag: a favorite lipstick, her wallet, and her phone. "I feel like if you just put some lipstick on, you’re almost kind of a bit more alive." Her minimalistic approach extends to her reading habits, favoring short, insightful books. "I have just led 'Evergreen' by Lydia Miller, which is all about gardening and the beauty in The Greenery outside. I also love books like 'The Secret' and 'The Law of Attraction.'"

Reflections and Industry Critique

Hannah is critical of the fast fashion industry's impact and advocates for stricter regulations to curb unethical practices. "There’s a massive problem with brands like Shein, Boohoo, and Misguided. It’s hideous, and the government needs to have more rules. It shouldn’t be allowed." She highlights the importance of consumer education and the role of influential figures in promoting responsible fashion choices. 

Engagement and Advocacy

Through her work and public speaking, Hannah continues to inspire change within the fashion industry. She encourages people to explore sustainable alternatives and hopes to lead by example. "I’m starting now in the UK doing clothes swaps. It’s not a money-generating thing, but it’s important because we’ve all got too many clothes in our wardrobes. Creating a buzz and excitement around exchanging clothes without exchanging money is a really important message."

In summary, Hannah Beaumont's journey in fashion is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and commitment to sustainability. Her vision for the future includes expanding her brand's reach while championing ethical practices and influencing positive change in the industry.