As we near the end of our 2025 season of Fashion Business Mindset, I’m excited to share a truly meaningful milestone — 40 years of Motto, a long-standing Australian fashion brand that continues to evolve, reinvent and inspire.

In this episode, I’m joined by Faye Browne and Lauren French, the mother–daughter duo behind Motto, who have built one of the most resilient and community-driven fashion businesses in Australia.

Faye began her journey as a fashion buyer before launching Motto with her husband John, driven by a passion for empowering women and celebrating individuality. Today, at 70, Faye remains a vibrant force — leading with authenticity, curiosity and a fierce commitment to helping women feel fabulous in their own skin.

Lauren joined the business in 2007 and spearheaded Motto’s transition from traditional retail to a thriving eCommerce and content-driven brand. As CEO and mum of young children, she has redefined modern leadership — building a sophisticated marketing engine, embracing digital storytelling, and growing an engaged community through daily LIVE try-ons.

During our conversation, we dive into:


The origin story — how Motto began and the early lessons that shaped the brand


Digital reinvention — Lauren’s pivot from bricks-and-mortar to eCommerce before the industry was ready


Hybrid retail — balancing online growth with the role of physical stores


The power of community — why Motto’s LIVE try-ons became a phenomenon and a conversion machine


Intergenerational leadership — navigating roles, decision-making and shared vision


Who the Motto woman is today — and how she has evolved


Longevity in fashion — the mindsets, product strategy and courage required to stay relevant for four decades


Authenticity & empowerment — Faye and Lauren’s personal practices, leadership philosophies and approach to style


What’s next — the future of Motto as it steps into its fifth decade

This conversation is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders and anyone building a brand designed to last.

Tune in to hear the story behind 40 years of reinvention, resilience and community — from two women who continue to shape the Australian fashion landscape in their own bold and brilliant way.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.

You can connect with Motto at:

Web:

Women's Boutique Clothing Store Online | Motto Fashions

Instagram:

Motto | Womens Fashion Australia (@mottofashions) • Instagram profile

YouTube:

mottofashions

______________

Work with Fashion Equipped
If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.

Interested in Consulting?
Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here: The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped — Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting

Connect with us:
Instagram: @‌fashionequipped
Podcast Insta: @‌fashionbusinessmindset
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fashionequipped
Website: Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped

Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?

We’re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.

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

Let's do this together,

Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

As we near the end of our 2025 season of Fashion Business Mindset, I&rsquo;m excited to share a truly meaningful milestone &mdash; 40 years of Motto, a long-standing Australian fashion brand that continues to evolve, reinvent and inspire.
In this episode, I&rsquo;m joined by Faye Browne and Lauren French, the mother&ndash;daughter duo behind Motto, who have built one of the most resilient and community-driven fashion businesses in Australia.
Faye began her journey as a fashion buyer before launching Motto with her husband John, driven by a passion for empowering women and celebrating individuality. Today, at 70, Faye remains a vibrant force &mdash; leading with authenticity, curiosity and a fierce commitment to helping women feel fabulous in their own skin.
Lauren joined the business in 2007 and spearheaded Motto&rsquo;s transition from traditional retail to a thriving eCommerce and content-driven brand. As CEO and mum of young children, she has redefined modern leadership &mdash; building a sophisticated marketing engine, embracing digital storytelling, and growing an engaged community through daily LIVE try-ons.
During our conversation, we dive into:
<ul data-indent-level="1">
<li>
The origin story &mdash; how Motto began and the early lessons that shaped the brand
</li>
<li>
Digital reinvention &mdash; Lauren&rsquo;s pivot from bricks-and-mortar to eCommerce before the industry was ready
</li>
<li>
Hybrid retail &mdash; balancing online growth with the role of physical stores
</li>
<li>
The power of community &mdash; why Motto&rsquo;s LIVE try-ons became a phenomenon and a conversion machine
</li>
<li>
Intergenerational leadership &mdash; navigating roles, decision-making and shared vision
</li>
<li>
Who the Motto woman is today &mdash; and how she has evolved
</li>
<li>
Longevity in fashion &mdash; the mindsets, product strategy and courage required to stay relevant for four decades
</li>
<li>
Authenticity &amp; empowerment &mdash; Faye and Lauren&rsquo;s personal practices, leadership philosophies and approach to style
</li>
<li>
What&rsquo;s next &mdash; the future of Motto as it steps into its fifth decade
</li>
</ul>
This conversation is packed with wisdom for founders, leaders and anyone building a brand designed to last.
Tune in to hear the story behind 40 years of reinvention, resilience and community &mdash; from two women who continue to shape the Australian fashion landscape in their own bold and brilliant way.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, or your favourite podcast platform.
You can connect with Motto at:
Web:
<a href="https://www.motto.com.au/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">Women's Boutique Clothing Store Online | Motto Fashions</a>
Instagram:
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mottofashions/" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">Motto | Womens Fashion Australia (@mottofashions) &bull; Instagram profile</a>
YouTube:
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@mottofashions" data-testid="inline-card-resolved-view">mottofashions</a>
______________
Work with Fashion Equipped If you're ready to take your fashion business to the next level, connect with Elizabeth and the team at Fashion Equipped. Whether you're looking for Consulting, Mentorship, or Online Learning, we're here to support your journey.
Interested in Consulting? Check out Elizabeth's iconic Fashion Business Growth Roadmap Consulting and Book a Clarity Call with Elizabeth here: <a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/the-fashion-business-growth-roadmap" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">The Fashion Business Growth Roadmap | Fashion Equipped &mdash; Fashion Equipped: Fashion Business Consulting</a>
Connect with us: Instagram:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashionequipped/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety"> @&zwnj;fashionequipped</a><a href="https://www.instagram.com/startyourfashionbusiness_au/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety"> </a> Podcast Insta:<a href="https://www.instagram.com/fashionbusinessmindset/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety"> @&zwnj;fashionbusinessmindset</a> Facebook:<a href="https://www.facebook.com/fashionequipped" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety"> www.facebook.com/fashionequipped</a> Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.fashionequipped.com.au/" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">Fashion Business Consulting and Mentoring | Fashion Equipped</a>
Interested in exploring Sponsorship of the Fashion Business Mindset Podcast?
We&rsquo;re inviting expressions of interest from brands, retailers and businesses aligned with our values who want to collaborate with us in bringing even more value to our fashion community.
📩 To learn more, reach out via email at <a href="mailto:elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au" data-renderer-mark="true" data-is-router-link="false" data-testid="link-with-safety">elizabeth@fashionequipped.com.au</a> or DM me on Instagram @&zwnj;fashionbusinessmindset
Let's do this together,
Let's make The Fashion Business, YOUR Business!

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

https://fashionequipped.com.au/

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers &amp; Mentors. Our mission? To increase the success rate in the Fashion Industry by creating a dynamic fashion business eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides industry insights and insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted &amp; created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/">https://fashionequipped.com.au/</a>

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to the ‘real’ stories from Designers, Brands, Entrepreneurs, Makers & Mentors.

Fashion Business Mindset

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Brands, Designers, Entrepreneurs, Makers and Mentors. Our mission? For you to tap into a dynamic fashion business elevation eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides access to rare conversations with industry thought leaders and changemakers. You'll gain insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted & created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.

https://fashionequipped.com.au/



-- 

This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose

www.guideyourlightnetwork.com

Fashion Business Mindset is your FROW seat to 'real' stories from Brands, Designers, Entrepreneurs, Makers and Mentors. Our mission? For you to tap into a dynamic fashion business elevation eco-system. Fashion Business Mindset provides access to rare conversations with industry thought leaders and changemakers. You'll gain insider access to The Future of Fashion. Hosted &amp; created by Elizabeth Formosa, the Founder of Fashion Equipped.
<a href="https://fashionequipped.com.au/">https://fashionequipped.com.au/</a>
 
-- 
This is a Guide Your Light Network Production | Podcasts with Purpose
<a href="http://www.guideyourlightnetwork.com">www.guideyourlightnetwork.com</a>

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