027: How an organisation have Retold our clothing stories and gave it a second life with Sian Rowlands
In this episode, we talk to Sian Rowlands. She is an award-winning creative businesswoman. She is the CEO and Chief Storyteller of a growing regional retail SME, Retold. The company focus on female fashion, where she gives clothes a second chance of happiness.
During this episode, we take a look at the process of selling or buying with Retold. We look at what is a capsule wardrobe and how a few key clothing pieces could go a long way. We also talked about some of the clothes that you might find at Retold ranging from Zara to Prada to give these pre-owned clothing a second chance to shine.
Episode Highlights
[01:44] How did your journey start?
[03:21] The problem at the moment is high street fashion is really pushing consumerism. They have 52 seasons, every single year now.
[03:33] We have 52 seasons in the fashion industry, the fast fashion industry. So every single week, most high street fashion brand are putting new products on the shelves.
[05:36] One of the things that I really wanted to do was to explain to our followers and our customers that it was the next chapter in our story, so not only is it the next chapter in the clothes that we sell but it is the next chapter for my ex-wardrobe and therefore Retold.
[06:15] What is the process for people purchasing or selling their clothing?
[09:08] Capsule wardrobe blog post.
[12:28] Overall feedback from people when they visit the store.
[13:40] About 25% of the products that we get through the doors still have their original tags on.
[15:34] By buying second hand you are reducing the carbon footprint of the item itself, you are feeding back into the economy.
[18:03] What has been one of your most important decisions that you have made around mama earth?
Final Five
1.What is one social media platform that you follow?
Kathryn Kellogg – Going Zero Waste
2.What is your hope for mama earth going forward?
I just hope that society wakes up to and maybe starts to deal with our addiction to single-use plastic.
3.What advise can you give our crazy birds this week to help out mama earth?
Refuse single-use plastic.
4.What is one sustainability fact that you like to use in a room with people not yet on a sustainability journey?
150 billion items of clothing end up in landfills every single year, which is the equivalent to 410 million items every single day which is the equivalent 17 million each hour, so that is 284, 700 every single minute, which is the equals 4,757 every single second.
5.Where can people find you?
Key Take Away
“150 billion items of clothing end up in landfills every single year, which is the equivalent to 410 million items every single day which is the equivalent 17 million each hour, so that is 284, 700 every single minute, which is the equals 4,757 every single second. “
Throwing things in the bin seems to be very easy, but the moment we place an item in the bin, it needs to go somewhere. Some items make it to a recycling facility but the majority ends up in landfills. When we throw clothing in a bin, it finds its way to the landfill. The number as you heard is shocking and there are a few ways how we would be able to divert this from landfills. The first being purchases better quality products that will allow you to use the clothing for longer. Buy second hand and if you want to get rid of items, rather sell them or donate them to have a second chance at life to someone that might need it more. You could also look into repurposing your clothing by converting them into bags, blankets or whatever you would require. The possibilities are endless.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.