We recently connected with Deborah King and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Deborah thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Global Measure Inc.’s mission is to certify and elevate Canadian fashion brands that are committed to responsible, sustainable, and ethical practices. This mission goes beyond just certification—we’re deeply invested in educational initiatives and campaigns that raise awareness and inspire real change within the industry.

This mission holds a special place in my heart because it fills a critical gap in the fashion industry, especially for Canadian brands. I’ve seen firsthand how challenging it can be for small and medium-sized brands to navigate the complexities of sustainability. These brands are often driven by a deep passion for ethical practices, yet they struggle to find the support, resources, and recognition they need to thrive.

I started Global Measure because I wanted to create a platform that does more than just certify—our goal is to elevate these brands, giving them the visibility and credibility they deserve, especially as global legislation tightens around what it means to be truly sustainable. With these changing regulations, it’s becoming increasingly important for brands to back up their claims, and our certification enables them to compete on a global scale with integrity.

Our mission pushes us to stay ahead of industry trends, ensuring we’re not just keeping up but actively leading the way toward a more sustainable and ethical fashion landscape. For me, it’s all about making a lasting impact—supporting Canadian fashion brands in their journey to success, while also empowering them to stand out in a world that’s increasingly demanding transparency and accountability.

Deborah, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Deborah King, the founder of Global Measure Inc., Canada’s first social enterprise dedicated to certifying and elevating fashion brands committed to sustainable, ethical, and responsible practices. My journey into this industry has been driven by a deep passion for fashion and a growing concern for the environmental and social impacts of the industry as it stands today.

I’ve always had a love for fashion, but as I learned more about the industry, I became increasingly aware of the disconnect between the beautiful products we see on the runway and the often unseen consequences of their production. The fashion industry is one of the most polluting industries in the world, with significant ethical issues in terms of labor practices and environmental impact. This realization sparked my journey into sustainability and ultimately led me to create Global Measure Inc.

At GMI, we provide a comprehensive certification process for Canadian fashion brands that are genuinely committed to sustainability. But we go beyond just certification—we’re actively involved in educational initiatives and campaigns that promote awareness and drive change within the industry. We offer a range of services, including sustainability audits, certification, consulting, and educational workshops. Our goal is to help brands not only meet but exceed the standards for ethical and sustainable practices.

One of the main problems we solve for our clients is helping them navigate the complex landscape of sustainability in fashion. It’s not just about looking good on paper; it’s about making real, impactful changes that resonate with today’s consumers, who are increasingly demanding transparency and responsibility from the brands they support. By achieving our certification, brands gain credibility and trust, enabling them to compete on a global scale, especially as international legislation tightens around sustainability claims.

What sets us apart from others is our holistic approach. We don’t just offer a stamp of approval—we provide ongoing support and education to ensure our certified brands continue to grow and adapt in a rapidly changing industry. We’re deeply committed to the success of our clients, and we believe that by helping them succeed, we’re contributing to the broader goal of making the fashion industry more sustainable and ethical.

I’m incredibly proud of the impact we’ve made so far, and what I want potential clients and followers to know is that Global Measure is here to support brands that truly want to make a difference. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re looking to take your sustainability efforts to the next level, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Not long after I started Global Measure Inc., everything was falling into place—I was participating in pitch contests, forming valuable collaborations, and getting attention from the media. I was also beginning to work with small brands, helping them through the certification process. It felt like I was on a roll, and I was genuinely excited about the future.

Then, life took an unexpected turn. I was in a serious car accident—a semi-truck rear-ended me on a major highway and totaled my car. Thankfully, I didn’t break any bones, but I ended up with a concussion that turned everything upside down. I had never experienced anything like that before, and I didn’t realize how much it would affect my ability to work, especially on the computer. Being a (recovering) type-A personality, I was used to having my lists and checking things off. Suddenly, I had to slow down and figure out a new way to work that wouldn’t make my symptoms worse.

The concussion forced me to rethink how I approached my work. I had to step back from a lot of things I was deeply passionate about. But what helped me get through it was the incredible support from my mentors, my network, and my friends. They made sure I stayed focused on what mattered most and reminded me that it was okay to take things one step at a time.

That experience tested my resilience in ways I never expected, but it also reminded me why I started Global Measure in the first place. Even though I had to adjust my pace, I never lost sight of my vision and purpose. The whole ordeal taught me that resilience isn’t just about pushing through tough times; it’s about adapting, finding new ways to move forward, and leaning on the support systems around you.

Looking back, that experience made me stronger and more determined. It was a tough period, but it also showed me that challenges are just part of the journey—they don’t define it. What really matters is how you respond, adapt, and keep moving forward, no matter what obstacles come your way.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

From the very beginning, I’ve been deeply committed to supporting small fashion businesses. In an industry where supports are usually tailored for larger companies, smaller brands can easily be overshadowed and left without the resources they need to thrive. I’ve made it my personal mission to change that. With Global Measure, I’ve focused on engaging with these businesses, creating and curating resources that help them navigate the complex landscape of sustainable fashion. I believe that every brand, no matter its size, deserves the chance to succeed, and that’s why I’ve been so dedicated to ensuring they have access to the right tools and information.

One of the ways I’ve done this is by keeping them informed about critical industry changes, like our recent series on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). This series is particularly important because small businesses are often left out of these vital conversations, even though the outcomes can significantly impact their operations. By including them in the dialogue, I hope to empower these brands and give them a voice in shaping the future of our industry.

My degree in Industrial Engineering and my post-grad in Sustainable Fashion Production have also provided me with the expertise to support these businesses effectively. But beyond the technical skills, what really drives me is my passion for building a resilient Canadian fashion industry where small businesses can truly flourish. I’ve always believed in the power of connection. That’s why I make it a point to attend industry events and engage with anyone who shares an interest in sustainable fashion. Even if someone doesn’t intend to become a client, I’m always willing to lend a hand, share insights, and offer support.

What has helped me build my reputation is this genuine commitment to the growth and success of small businesses. It’s about more than just business; it’s about creating a community where we all lift each other up and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://globalmeasure.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/global.measure/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/global.measure
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalmeasure/

Image Credits

Image credits: Monique Hutson at Dom Productions. For more information, visit https://www.domproductions.ca/ or https://www.instagram.com/domproductions.ca/.