When they launched Bassike in 2006, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan weren’t just starting a brand—they were solving a problem. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable wardrobe staples, they set out with a mission to build what didn’t exist. From day one, their vision was clear: organic cotton, Australian craftsmanship, and ethics woven into every decision. What began as a commitment to local makers and responsible materials has grown into a relentless pursuit of better—pushing boundaries in design, production, and transparency.


In our conversation, Deb opens up about the early hustle, the commitment to sourcing high-quality materials, and why Australian-made was always non-negotiable. She also shares how she navigated a co-founder’s departure while staying true to her mission — and outlines her plans to scale creatively and breathe new life into the brand.


Some brands chase trends. Bassike builds legacies. And for Deb, the next chapter is about proving ethical fashion can go bigger - without compromise.


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When they launched Bassike in 2006, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan weren’t just starting a brand—they were solving a problem. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable wardrobe staples, they set out with a mission to build what didn’t exist. From day one, their vision was clear: organic cotton, Australian craftsmanship, and ethics woven into every decision. What began as a commitment to local makers and responsible materials has grown into a relentless pursuit of better—pushing boundaries in design, production, and transparency. In our conversation, Deb opens up about the early hustle, the commitment to sourcing high-quality materials, and why Australian-made was always non-negotiable. She also shares how she navigated a co-founder’s departure while staying true to her mission — and outlines her plans to scale creatively and breathe new life into the brand. Some brands chase trends. Bassike builds legacies. And for Deb, the next chapter is about proving ethical fashion can go bigger - without compromise. You can subscribe to the Mentored newsletter here:&nbsp;<a href="https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://mentored.com.au/newsletter-sign-up</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/mentormarkbouris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Join the Facebook Group.</a> Follow Mark Bouris on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.instagram.com/mark_bouris/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Instagram</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/markbouris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LinkedIn</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPX01K1JgNS5pyzUtwtCtsQ" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube.</a><hr>

Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth. Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point. Mark digs into their stories and finds out why they set out to create their own path, their challenges and where they go from here. Based on his own personal experiences and learnings, he also passes on his own guidance on how to take their business to the next level.

Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth. Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point. Mark digs into their stories and finds out why they set out to create their own path, their challenges and where they go from here. Based on his own personal experiences and learnings, he also passes on his own guidance on how to take their business to the next level.

Mark Bouris speaks to business owners and entrepreneurs, finding out what makes them tick and their plans for growth.  Some business owners are on the way up and enjoying new success, others are at a turning point.  Mark digs into...

The Mentor with Mark Bouris

#483: Moving towards Bassike 2.0: Building a Sustainable Fashion Brand with Deborah Sams

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/76765c6e-5be2-4e67-adff-b305004feaa4/transcript

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