This episode of She’s The Boss show is with an incredibly inspiring woman; Aslaug Magnusdottir in Reykjavik. Aslaug, who is Icelandic but normally based in New York, is the founder of an incredible, innovative and sustainable fashion brand called Katla. She’s also loads of fun and has a wealth of experience in business that she generously shared with me.
The model for Katla is unique. It’s a fashion range that is made after you purchase it, and delivered within 2-3 days. The fabrics are organic, sustainable, and very luxe. The best thing about this innovative way of manufacturing on demand that it is as cost-effective as large-scale manufacturing. I was quite shocked to know that 30-40% of clothing is wasted at a huge cost to the environment. This could change everything!!
Aslaug’s story is fascinating. From starting off as a lawyer, moving into consulting, then investments, and then fashion investments, she worked with the Gilt Group in the US as they grew their eCommerce site to turn over $US400M. She worked with Marvin Traub, the ex-CEO of Bloomingdales and the man who ‘reinvented’ merchandising and marketing for the fashion and retail industries and then co-founded a company called Moda Operandi with former Vogue editor Lauren Santo Domingo where they brought catwalk fashion into the eCommerce space. The company raised over $300M and Aslaug is still involved and on the board. There are so many great stories and insights in this interview, you will be transfixed!
—– Our Sponsor: Brand for Brands —–
This episode is sponsored by Brand for Brands. Brand For Brands is a branding agency run by two sisters, located in Sydney. They specialise in building and refreshing brands that speak to the right people, the ones that will invest in your products and services. To find out more, go to
Do you need to build up your brand? Check Them Out!
https://brandforbrands.com/
—– What is the She’s the Boss Show? —–
She’s the Boss is a show dedicated to female founders and women doing extraordinary things in business. Airing every week, Jules interviews two women at a time as they discuss their personal business journey, what they have achieved, and what they have learned along the way.
It’s lots of fun as well as offering insights and advice to other women in business, or those that may be considering going into business themselves.
— LINKS —
Website: https://www.shesthebossgroup.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shesthebossshow/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/shesthebossgroup
Host: https://www.julesbrooke.com/
Guest: https://www.aslaugmagnusdottir.com/
Guest: https://katla.com/
— TIMESTAMPS —
00:00 Intro
01:04 What is Katla?
03:06 Direct to Consumer, Made to Order
10:58 Lightbulb Moment for Katla
14:33 Growing up, Starting Career as a Lawyer
20:16 Starting in Fashion
22:51 Moving to the US, Marvin Traub
28:02 The Guilt Group
32:50 Starting Moda Operandi
36:41 Fundraising
38:21 Taking the leap into Fashion
42:07 Launch with Alexander Wang
50:50 Startups, Katla
54:38 Outro