As we approach the end of August and the close of the summer holidays, we’re excited to bring you a special edition of the Ellie Talks podcast—different setting, different host. In this “Ellie Team Edition,” under the warm sun and nearly 30-degree heat, Florence, Ellie’s COO, and Amélie, Community Manager, discuss the key highlights and trends they’ve observed in the first half of this year. In this episode, they reflect on six valuable insights.
*🧐Who can spot the difference between the blog post and the podcast episode? Send us an email and let us know! amelie.verbeke@ariadne-innovation.com
🔆 Going to Fairs to Meet the Companies Next Door
There’s a saying in the industry: if you want to meet the companies next door, you have to go to the fairs. The Ellie team experienced this firsthand at events like TechTextil and Première Vision. These fairs aren’t just networking opportunities; they’re a reminder of how difficult it can be to focus on innovation and sustainability amidst the daily grind. It’s easy to get caught up in putting out fires, leaving little time for new, important projects like sustainable innovation. This realization highlights the importance of not only attending fairs but also making space for these crucial connections throughout the year. Imagine how much faster we could progress if we didn’t wait until the next fair season to take action, but benefit from the year-long connection opportunities via Ellie.Connect..
🔆 If You Want Change, You Have to Make an Effort
“Nothing changes if nothing changes” is a mantra that resonates deeply with us as a startup. It’s a message for all companies striving to create more sustainable products, even when the demand seems slow to grow. Don’t lose heart; keep pushing your message. Many consumers are still in the early stages of understanding sustainability, needing education and time before they can make informed choices. Change is coming, but it takes consistent effort and repetition to make it a reality.
🔆 An Industry Full of Dedication and Innovation
Hosting our 33rd episode of the Ellie.Talks podcast was an honor, especially after hearing the incredible stories shared by our previous guests. With 32 episodes already available, these conversations are powerful examples of how storytelling can inspire and inform. Our guests, from various industries, shared their visions and missions, offering fresh perspectives, inspiration, and insights. If anyone thinks the textile industry is boring, they clearly haven’t tuned in to Ellie.Talks. This is an industry brimming with innovation and a strong drive to make an impact. So, let us say it one more time: Ellie.Talks is a must-listen for anyone working in or with the textile and fashion industry!
🔆 Inspiration is Undervalued
We’ve touched on the importance of inspiration before, but it’s worth repeating. Inspiration drives progress and commitment, yet in the push for sustainable change, we often focus too much on the hurdles. What we sometimes forget is that despite the challenges, many are finding ways to overcome them. When we shift the conversation from obstacles to practical solutions, inspiration transforms into actionable insights. This is something we’ve seen at our Ellie.Talks breakfasts and in the workshops we hosted for RegioGreenTex partners. The value of this shift in perspective is immeasurable.
🔆 Nobody’s Perfect, But Should That Stop Us?
The answer is a resounding no! Perfection is an ongoing journey, not a destination, so it should never be an excuse to avoid taking the next step forward. Curious about what upcycled sports T-shirts and plastic plants at the Ellie booth have to do with this? You’ll have to listen to the podcast to find out!
🔆 Circular Collaborations Are Like Dating
Here’s a fun insight from the Ellie Team: setting up circular collaborations is a lot like dating. Communication is key from the start, and transparency about the ups and downs is crucial. Take the time to learn each other’s language (because understanding each other’s vocabulary is where it all begins), and even though it might not be the most exciting thing, establish potential breakup arrangements early on. Only then can sustainable collaborations and partnerships truly thrive.
🔔 Ambitions for the second half of 2024
The first six months of 2024 have been incredibly insightful, and the industry is changing at a rapid pace. So, what are the Ellie team’s ambitions for the rest of the year?
Our community manager, Amélie, dreams of growing a close-knit network where Ellie members actively support one another. Florence envisions an automated alert system for new matches between members, so we can ring a big bell in the Ellie office to celebrate. Since there’s no magic crystal ball to see the connections being made within the ecosystem, we encourage all members to keep the Ellie team informed whenever you make a connection, big or small, thanks to the Ellie.Connect platform. These updates truly excite us, and who knows, that bell might soon be ringing non-stop! 😊
