In this episode, we’re joined by Katie Schmidt, founder of Passion Lilie—a New Orleans-based fashion brand that blends timeless design with deep fair trade values. Katie and her team work hand-in-hand with artisan partners in India, helping preserve traditional techniques and uplift local communities through meaningful employment and long-term collaboration.

Passion Lilie is also one of our Top Rated brands, recognized for their ethical sourcing, customer-loved products, and sustainability commitments. In this conversation, Katie shares how she built a business that prioritizes people, purpose, and craftsmanship.

You’ll hear about:

• Katie’s personal journey and founding story
• How Passion Lilie supports and uplifts artisan communities in India
• Why slow fashion and timeless style are core to the brand’s mission
• Highlights from our brand rating and what makes Passion Lilie a Top Rated brand
• Reflections on ethical fashion and industry change

Important Links

👇 Shop Passion Lilie: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/passion-lilie-brand-rating-review/

🔍 See the brand rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/passion-lilie/

🌱 Register your interest to become a member: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

💌 Sign up to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter/

📝 Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-77/

💚 Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

Meet Bernardo Carreira, founder of 8000Kicks—the brand behind the world’s first waterproof hemp sneakers.

In this episode, Joy speaks with Bernardo about the personal story behind the company, how he (with the help of his grandmother) launched an innovative hemp footwear brand, and what it takes to build a business rooted in sustainability, ethics, and performance.

8000Kicks is one of Sustainable Jungle’s Top Rated brands—recognized for its use of innovative materials like hemp, strong supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and commitment to reducing its footprint.

Members-only bonus: In the extended bonus segment, we go behind the scenes to discuss the personal challenges of running a mission-led company, how Bernardo balances innovation with business realities (and a grueling workload), and some more killer advice for other sustainability focused entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

Important Links

• See 8000Kicks' Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/8000kicks/
• Visit 8000Kicks (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/8000kicks-brand-rating-and-review/
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter
• Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-76/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pODntNv5zRY
• Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/
• SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

We’re continuing our series of conversations with the founders and leaders behind the brands we’ve rated—this time with Aram Terry, the Co-founder of MasayaCo.

MasayaCo is a regenerative furniture brand rooted in reforestation, craftsmanship, and long-term impact. Top Rated through our Brand Rating System, MasayaCo is built on a vertically integrated model that largely controls its entire supply chain—from seedlings to finished furniture—ensuring both environmental and social responsibility.

In this episode, Aram shares his journey from his Peace Corps service in Nicaragua to founding MasayaCo, and how the company grew into a full ecosystem that now includes Masaya Homes and Masaya Teak, and what it really takes to build a values-led business.

We talk about: ✔ Reforestation, regenerative design, and vertical integration ✔ The realities of supply chain control and staying mission-aligned ✔ What helped MasayaCo become a Top Rated brand ✔ Why long-term thinking and transparency are so important

🎧 Members-only bonus: Aram reflects on the challenges of leading a mission-driven business, how he manages difficult trade-offs, and what he believes needs to shift in our culture of overconsumption. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA

Important Links

• See MasayaCo's Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/masayaco/
• Visit MasayaCo (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/masayaco-brand-rating/
• Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter
• Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-75/
• Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DQJ1jKhnlqg
• Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/
• SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/

Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please:

• Follow or subscribe wherever you listen
• Leave us a review on your favorite platform
• Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption

Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚