Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ani Wells. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Ani, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?
In the beginning, I was a one-woman show. The thought of managing someone else seemed overwhelming when I was just trying to manage myself. While I wasn’t actively seeking employees, I started keeping an eye out for potential support. Today, I have a small but incredible team, and interestingly, I knew each member for a couple of years before hiring them. We crossed paths through trade shows, factory visits, and school internships, building strong relationships along the way. When the timing was right, I brought them on board and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their amazing support!
Ani, 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?
My name is Ani Wells, and I’m the founder of Simply Suzette. As a sustainable fashion and impact communications specialist, I’ve dedicated my career to using fashion, particularly denim, as a force for good. Simply Suzette is both a storytelling platform and a consultancy that focuses on creating creative copy, visuals, and digital content that elevates your impact story through sustainable storytelling.
What sets Simply Suzette apart is our expertise in the denim industry and our commitment to telling the stories of the people behind the supply chain. We work closely with market leaders in the denim world, advising them on sustainably focused campaigns and communications to create global impact. Our engaging messaging, elevated graphics, and brand imagery help clarify complicated subject matter, making sustainability accessible and impactful.
I’m most proud of leading the Conscious Fashion Campaign in collaboration with the United Nations and Transformers Foundation. This opportunity arose from my deep knowledge of sustainable production and the denim supply chain. Additionally, I’ve had the honor of producing and directing the Kingpins Show Canada virtual event in 2020 and moderating panels at global conferences.
In a nutshell, I’m all about championing sustainable innovations, helping brands use their businesses as a force for good, and assisting consumers in navigating the complex world of sustainable fashion. You’ll often find me jumping from one webinar to the next, sharing insights and moderating discussions to push the industry towards a more sustainable future.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for expanding my clientele has been establishing myself as a thought leader in my industry. By consistently sharing insightful and educational content through blog posts and social media, I have been able to build a strong reputation and gain the trust of my audience. This approach has allowed me to be recognized as an expert in my field, even with limited on-the-job experience. The content I put out not only showcases my knowledge and passion but also engages and educates my followers, fostering a loyal and growing client base.
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
I thoroughly enjoyed The Go-Giver series by Bob Burg and John David Mann. I’ve always harbored philanthropic dreams and envisioned myself working for non-profit organizations. However, this book reframed my perspective, demonstrating how these values can also be effectively applied within a for-profit context!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.simplysuzette.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplysuzette/
- Facebook: NA
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ani-wells/
- Twitter: NA
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGlEUvB1afIGjc7kn3K9Ow
- Yelp: NA
- Soundcloud: NA
Image Credits
Markus Mentzer