74: Creating a more size-inclusive ethical fashion landscape and fat activism with Marielle Elizabeth

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Marielle Elizabeth is a writer, photographer, blogger, and fat activist. I had the pleasure of chatting with Marielle in today’s episode all about her journey towards where she is now as an ethical fashion blogger and influencer fighting fatphobia and advocating for size inclusivity in the industry. I really enjoy Marielle’s no-BS approach to her work and how she’s not afraid to say things how they are. We talk about her work building community, different business models for being an influencer, and how brands can move towards being more size-inclusive in a holistic way.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How Marielle got into size inclusivity in fashion and ethical fashion

• How Marielle got started in advocating for size inclusivity in ethical fashion

• If and when the word "fat" is appropriate

• Marielle’s thoughts on how ethical fashion has evolved over the past 5 years in regards to size expansion

• How to approach expanding sizing as a brand, including the barrier

• How to make expanded sizing a core tenant of your business

• How to course correct when you make a mistake and use it to learn and grow

• How Marielle’s business model has evolved as a blogger and influencer with her move towards Patreon

• What's inspiring Marielle

• How small brands can work with influencers without a budget

• Advice for bloggers and influencers looking to get started

• Lessons Marielle's learned from improv

Mentioned in this episode:

• Episode 69 with Hanna of ethical fashion brand Sotela on expanding sizing for small businesses

• Brands mentioned: ARQ, Sotela, Free Lable, Nettles Tale

• Everlane Ex-Wives Club

• Maries beech's post

• Marielle's response to Lululemon's expansion

• Influencers mentioned: Lydia of @Styleisstyle, Lydia Hudgens

All the deets:

• Learn more about Marielle and her work at marielleelizabeth.com, and support her Patreon

• Follow Marielle on Instagram at @marielle.elizabeth to learn from her and her important work.

• Tag me (@saraweinreb) and Marielle on Instagram with your favorite takeaways from the episode and what type you are— we’d love to hear!

Related episodes:

• Episode 69: Building and growing a size-inclusive slow fashion brand with Hanna Baror-Padilla of Sotela

• Episode 47: Ethical and sustainable fashion 101 (solo series)

• Episode 30: The history and heritage of artisan fashion and why fast fashion is a threat, and getting started with ethical fashion with Livia Firth of Eco-Age and Marianne Hernandez