What does it really take to build a fashion brand from the ground up and scale it into a globally recognised, multi-channel business?

In this episode of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m joined by Kiki Keysers, Founder of KIVARI, to unpack the journey behind one of Australia’s most successful contemporary fashion brands.

What started with just $200, a handmade product and a market stall has evolved into a thriving business spanning retail, eCommerce and wholesale, with a loyal global customer and a strong, recognisable brand identity.

Kiki shares the real story behind that growth. The risks, the decisions, the mindset shifts and the discipline required to build a brand that not only scales, but sustains.

This is an honest and highly practical conversation for founders navigating growth, complexity and the next stage of their business.

In this episode, we explore:

• How Kivari began, from a spontaneous idea in Bali to a market stall in Australia

• The early decisions that shaped the brand’s trajectory, including retail, hiring and investment

• The reality of scaling a fashion business across retail, eCommerce and wholesale

• Why every channel must have a clear purpose in a multi-channel strategy

• The importance of discipline across margin, product and operations in today’s market

• How to evolve your product offering while staying true to your brand DNA

• Building and leading a high-performing team as the business grows

• Founder visibility and the role it plays in modern brand building

• The mindset required to navigate growth, uncertainty and leadership

• Why “confidence comes by doing” and how to move forward before you feel ready

Key Takeaway

Building a successful fashion brand isn’t about having everything figured out from the start.

It’s about taking action, backing yourself and building the confidence along the way.

About the Guest

Kirstin-Lee “Kiki” Keysers is the Founder and Creative Director of KIVARI, one of Australia’s leading women’s fashion and lifestyle brands. What began as a small market stall on the Gold Coast has grown into a multi-million-dollar global business, known for its timeless design, effortless femininity and strong brand storytelling.

Today, Kiki leads a fast-growing team while continuing to shape the creative direction of the brand, building a business grounded in freedom, intuition and purpose.

Explore KIVARI at KIVARI | Elevated & Effortless Resortwear For Your Everyday

About Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset explores the real stories behind fashion brands, retailers and industry leaders. Hosted by fashion business strategist Elizabeth Formosa, the podcast shares practical insights on leadership, strategy and building resilient fashion businesses.

Work with Fashion Equipped

Fashion Equipped partners with established fashion businesses at pivotal stages of growth and evolution.

Elizabeth Formosa provides senior-level strategic advisory across strategy, structure, profitability and decision-making — helping founders and leadership teams navigate increasing complexity with commercially grounded perspective and clear direction.

This is experienced, considered guidance for building resilient, high-performing fashion businesses that are designed to last.

Interested in Strategic Advisory?

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap is my signature strategic advisory engagement for founders and leadership teams at pivotal stages of growth.
Together, we bring structure, financial clarity and a dynamic 12-month growth plan into the business.

Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here.

The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

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Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in Sponsorship?

We invite expressions of interest from aligned brands, retailers and industry partners who want to support commercially grounded conversations shaping the future of fashion.

To learn more, reach out via email at elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au
or DM @‌fashionbusinessmindset

Let’s build your next phase of growth — with clarity and confidence.