Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Tanjuria Willis of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week Is Helping To Change Our World
The value of self-care: Building an organization and driving social change can be emotionally and physically demanding. I’ve learned that taking time for self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital. Burnout can hinder your ability to make a positive impact, so it’s essential to prioritize your well-being.
As part of my series about “Individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tanjuria Willis.
Tanjuria Willis is a passionate advocate for sustainable fashion and the founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week. With a deep-rooted commitment to transforming the fashion industry, Tanjuria embarked on her journey after recognizing the industry’s negative impacts on the environment and communities. Through her leadership, she has created a platform that promotes ethical and eco-friendly fashion practices, fosters emerging talent, and educates consumers. Tanjuria’s unwavering dedication to sustainable fashion has not only inspired change within the industry but also touched the lives of countless individuals, making her a driving force for positive transformation.
Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into sustainable fashion and founding Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week was inspired by a personal revelation. I had always been passionate about fashion, but it wasn’t until I started learning about the negative environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry that I felt a deep calling to make a difference. I realized that fashion could be a powerful force for positive change, and that’s when I decided to dedicate myself to promoting sustainable practices in the industry.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
One of the most interesting experiences I’ve had was when we organized the first-ever Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week. It was incredible to see so many talented designers, activists, and fashion enthusiasts come together to celebrate sustainable fashion. What made it even more special was when we had a surprise visit from a renowned fashion icon who shared her support for our mission. It was a powerful moment that reinforced the importance of our work.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
In the early days of organizing events, I once mixed up the dates for a crucial meeting with a potential sponsor. I arrived a day early, and it turned into quite a humorous situation. The lesson I learned from this was the importance of meticulous planning and double-checking details. It reinforced the idea that even in the world of sustainable fashion, attention to detail can make or break an opportunity.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week has made a significant impact by raising awareness about sustainable fashion practices and their positive effects on the environment and communities. We’ve created a platform for emerging sustainable designers to showcase their work, fostering an ecosystem of conscious fashion. Additionally, our educational initiatives have empowered consumers to make more sustainable choices, contributing to a shift in consumer behavior towards ethical fashion.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
One individual who stands out is a young designer who participated in our inaugural Sustainable Fashion Week. They had struggled to gain recognition in the industry but found a supportive community through our platform. After the event, their sustainable designs gained traction, and they eventually secured a partnership with a major retailer committed to sustainable practices. It’s a testament to how our organization can help emerging talent and change lives.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Firstly, the community can support sustainable fashion by choosing ethical and eco-friendly clothing options, thereby creating demand for responsible practices. Secondly, society can advocate for transparency in the fashion industry, pressuring brands to disclose their production methods and supply chain information. Lastly, politicians can enact legislation that incentivizes sustainable fashion practices and discourages harmful ones, fostering a more responsible industry.
How do you define “Leadership”? Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
Leadership, to me, is the ability to inspire and guide others towards a common goal or vision. It involves setting a positive example through actions, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals to reach their full potential. For instance, in the context of sustainable fashion, leadership means inspiring designers, consumers, and stakeholders to embrace eco-conscious practices and work together for a more sustainable future.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
1. The power of perseverance: Starting any venture, including Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, comes with its share of challenges. I wish someone had emphasized that setbacks are part of the journey and that perseverance is the key to overcoming them. There were moments when it seemed like we might not secure funding or support, but staying committed to our mission kept us moving forward.
2. The importance of building a strong network: Networking is crucial in any industry, but it’s especially vital in the fashion world. I learned that nurturing relationships with like-minded individuals, mentors, and collaborators can open doors and provide valuable guidance. A well-established network has been instrumental in the success of our initiatives.
3. The need for adaptability: The fashion industry, like the world itself, is constantly evolving. I wish I had known the importance of being adaptable and open to change from the outset. Adapting to new trends, technologies, and consumer preferences has been essential to staying relevant and effective.
4. The value of self-care: Building an organization and driving social change can be emotionally and physically demanding. I’ve learned that taking time for self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital. Burnout can hinder your ability to make a positive impact, so it’s essential to prioritize your well-being.
5. The impact of storytelling: Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy. I wish I had realized sooner how effectively sharing stories and experiences can connect with people on a deeper level. Sharing personal stories and those of individuals impacted by sustainable fashion has been a driving force in our mission to create awareness and change attitudes.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be?
I would inspire a movement called “The Good Fashion.” This movement would unite fashion industry stakeholders, consumers, and activists to prioritize sustainability and ethical practices. It would encourage fashion brands to commit to environmentally friendly production, fair labor practices, and transparency. By harnessing the power of fashion to drive positive change, we could address pressing global issues like climate change and worker exploitation on a massive scale.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
One of my favorite life lesson quotes is, “Be the change you wish to see in the world” by Mahatma Gandhi. This quote has been a guiding principle in my journey with Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week. It reminds me that to create meaningful change, I must embody the values and practices I advocate for in the fashion industry. By leading by example and being a beacon of sustainable fashion, I hope to inspire others to follow suit.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
I would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with Stella McCartney. She’s a trailblazing designer known for her commitment to sustainable fashion. I admire her ability to blend luxury with ethics in her designs and her dedication to creating a more responsible fashion industry. It would be a fantastic opportunity to learn from her experiences and discuss how we can further advance sustainable fashion.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
Readers can stay updated on Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week and our initiatives by visiting our website (www.atlsfw.com) and following us on social media platforms like Instagram (@atlsfw) and Facebook (@atlsfw). We regularly share news, events, and resources related to sustainable fashion, and we welcome everyone to join our community and support our mission.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success on your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Tanjuria Willis of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week Is Helping To… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.