Building a Feminist Business: Why We're Digging Deeper into the Good We Do

If you’ve followed Black & Beech for a while, you’ll know we’ve always tried to do things differently. As a feminist fashion brand, our roots have always been in activism, ethics, and meaningful design not just selling clothes.

But lately, I've been really digging deep and percolating ideas around how to quantify the work that we do. To quantify it and hold ourselves accountable to doing better.

What does it mean to be a feminist business?

For us, it’s not just about feminist slogans or selling ethical t-shirts (although we do love a good slogan tee). It’s about putting people and planet before profit. That means:

• Paying living wages in our supply chain

• Choosing organic, low-impact natural fibre materials

• Partnering with women-owned factories (like our incredible team in Portugal)

• Donating to causes that fight for reproductive rights, racial justice, and gender equality

• Making things that people will take care of and love for a really long time, which is why quality is critical.

These are things we believe make an impact. But now we’re asking: how do we prove it? And what can make the biggest swing, the most impact. 

Measuring the impact of a feminist brand

We’re exploring frameworks like B Corp certification and Donut Economics to help us shape a business that serves people and the planet. We’re asking tough questions like:

• How much money do we put into the hands of women through our supply chain?

• What’s the real carbon footprint of our bestsellers?

• Are we being inclusive in how we represent womanhood?

• Can we grow and still stay true to our ethics?

It’s exciting and uncomfortable in equal measure. I have been reading and imbibing loads of material on business with purpose, and as a force for good. I think there is a model we can be part of creating which can be truly innovative and powerful. 

Why this matters to you

You’ve told us you care about slow fashion, ethical clothing, and feminist values. But in a world of greenwashing and performative politics, you also deserve to know what your money is doing when you shop with us.

This isn’t a marketing move. It’s a commitment to you, and to us. We want to lie in bed at night and feel good about the work we do.

What’s next?

Over the next few months, I’ll be documenting our progress as we dig into these questions. Expect honesty, a few spreadsheets, and hopefully, a roadmap for other feminist founders too.

This work is slow, just like our fashion. But it’s the only way I know how to build something real.

If you’ve got thoughts, questions, or ideas—I’d love to hear from you. This isn’t just about Black & Beech. It’s about imagining a better way to do business, together.

Keywords: feminist fashion brand, ethical fashion, sustainable clothing UK, women-owned business, B Corp fashion, slow fashion UK, feminist business model, organic cotton clothing, made in Portugal, ethical womenswear