Deeply troubled by the sweatshop labour practices which I learned are inextricably linked to the making of fashion – an industry I became involved in via my millinery craft – I made the decision to create my own ethical workshops in India, and to raise support for them.

It’s now time for me to hand the action plan entitled the Lionheart Project into the public realm to inspire others to bring the concept to fruition.

My approach to fashion is both intellectual and holistic. Working on the mission statement was as equally enthralling to me as the sensual aspects of developing my millinery labels. Whilst the composition of colour, texture and form when they come together can be a simply thrilling experience for the designer, for me, the creative process – if I am to sell the item I have made – only has real purpose and merit if it is in the context of an industry that genuinely supports and enhances the lives of the women, and men, who participate in it.

Though this collection of essays is devised for browsing at leisure, and perhaps where interest and passion might persuade, there is a narrative thread that weaves through the entire book that addresses the root causes of our global crisis. Most importantly it offers the central theme through which the solutions will be sought: nothing less than the complete and resounding restoration of the feminine voice, values and qualities to our world, will save us from ourselves.

As we embrace the wise strength and eco-action of the ‘she’ in all things, and as we infuse the power of the feminine into all aspects of the world of form … our cultures institutions will become balanced entities.

“Business in general does not accept that commercial success and social responsibility are compatible. I believe that business not only bears a responsibility to effect change but ought to be the instigator of that change. Business as the most powerful force in society today is a force that ought to be harnessed to effect social change, and to improve the quality of life in those societies around the world where basic needs are not being met”

Body & Soul: How to Succeed in Business and Change the World, Anita Roddick

“Is it our intent to create the cheapest gizmo to feed consumer frenzy or is our intent to make a non-toxic, durable product, made of ecologically compatible materials that provides a needed service, adds to society’s wellbeing, can be easily upgraded and repaired as technology advances and can ultimately be recycled or composted at the end of its life?”

The Upcycle: Beyond Sustainability – Designing for Abundance, Michael Braungart & William McDonough

“Poor design on a large scale, reaches far beyond our own life span. It perpetrates what we call intergenerational remote tyranny, our tyranny over future generations through the effects of our actions today”

Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way we Make Things, Michael Braungart & William McDonough

“There is a profound disrespect for human beings in modern life. Business encourages us to think of ourselves as human capital. Advertising appeals to our fears and insecurities to try to get us to buy products we do not need. Too many religious institutions teach people to be good but do not help them know who they are. Too many psychologists see their job as helping people learn to accommodate to what is, not to take their journeys and find out what could be. Too many educational institutions train people to be cogs in the economic machine rather than educating them about how to be fully human”

Awakening the Heroes Within, Carol S Pearson

Development Appropriate to Local Needs

Defining the Model - Sharing the Story

Workshops that Flourish