Vision, Flow & Sustainability
Power Zone Member – Vanessa Bell
Joining the Power Zone has been a game-changer for me, aligning perfectly with my values. This community has been a beacon during a tumultuous period in my life, offering a haven for open, vulnerable exchanges. Facing funding hurdles, the group’s immediate, unwavering support was pivotal. Crafted by Tory, this solution-oriented circle not only rejoices in our wins but acts as a dynamic network. It was here, through a connection initiated by another member, I secured an investor, propelling my venture forward with essential funding and new opportunities. The Power Zone’s unique environment, free from toxic competition and focused on sincere collaboration, has proven to be both invaluable and profoundly enriching.
This is her story:
The journey from vision to realisation is both a personal and transformative one.
It’s a delicate balance of pushing boundaries while staying attuned to the flow of passion and purpose. This is the essence of my story, a journey from international runways to sustainable farming, driven by a commitment to luxury knitwear deeply connected to my roots.
Starting a business from scratch isn’t for the faint-hearted. It requires a relentless drive and a profound commitment to breathe life into something meaningful. For me, that meant delving into the world of sustainable fashion with a specific focus on Merino wool, a passion firmly rooted in my heritage.
As I navigate this path, I’ve come to realise the significance of collaboration, community, and the circular economy in shaping a sustainable future. Vision, in my opinion, is not just about seeing the destination, it’s about embracing the journey with authenticity and purpose.
In this pursuit, I’ve leaned into the power of community, finding mentorship in Tory Archbold’s transformative Power Zone—a space where like-minded C-Suite women unite, share vulnerabilities, and elevate each other towards success. It’s a testament to the importance of surrounding oneself with a supportive circle, especially when pushing towards a vision.
Amidst my commitment to sustainability, Merino wool has been a focal point. Yet, today, I want to shed light on another facet, my dedication to reforestation. This endeavour isn’t a solo mission, it’s a collaborative effort with WWF Australia and Climate Friendly, aiming to create a koala sanctuary through a carbon tree planting project at my home Cooplacurripa Station. This is more than just a carbon initiative; it’s about preserving biodiversity, combating climate change, and supporting endangered species such as the koala.
Riding the wave of flow and commitment our team are actively engaging in ground truthing, the hands-on process of turning the vision into reality. This isn’t just a reforestation project; it’s a tangible, watchable transformation on the front foot combating climate change, especially in Australia where the relentless cycles of droughts and floods demand practical environmental measures.
As consumers, we hold the power to drive change. Investigate the brands you support, look for those contributing to sustainability, and actively participate in reforestation efforts. Australian brands are leading the charge, showcasing the fashion industry can indeed align with environmental conservation.
The connection between reforestation and the fashion industry is profound. It aligns with my business goal of growing certified wool to meet global eco-credentials. It’s about going full circle, offsetting our carbon footprint through our biodiversity initiatives and contributing to a circular fashion economy.
It’s a collective effort. It’s about merging passion with practicality, finding harmony between pushing forward and flowing with purpose. As we embrace this circular approach, we not only redefine our businesses but actively contribute to a world where fashion and sustainability coexist seamlessly.
Stay tuned as our koala sanctuary project takes shape. Your support, whether through direct donations to WWF Australia or engagement with sustainable brands, is pivotal. Creating a landscape where vision, flow, and sustainability converge feels hugely rewarding.
About Vanessa Bell, Founder, Vanessa Bell (100% Merino Wool Heirloom Baby Blankets & Soon to Launch Women’s Fashion)
Vanessa Bell is an eco-entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, and champion of Australian Merino wool. Founder of a luxury knitwear business of the same name, Vanessa blends fashion and environmental commitment. A visionary in mixed farming, partnering with WWF Australia and Climate Friendly engaged in biodiversity and carbon farming via her landholding Cooplacurripa Station.
