Safia Minney

Safia Minney, MBE, is an award-winning social entrepreneur and internationally recognised for the company she founded, People Tree, the pioneering Fair Trade and sustainable fashion and lifestyle brand. She developed the first organic and Fair Trade clothing supply chain and is recognised by the World Economic Forum as an Outstanding Social Entrepreneur.

People Tree became the highest profile Fair Trade company in Japan, with over 1,500 stockists and three flagship stores. In 2000, Safia launched People Tree in London and today the company sells throughout Europe in over 200 stores. Safia drove the business as CEO, Creative Director, Head of Fair Trade supply chain development and led its promotion through marketing and PR in Europe and Japan.

Safia Minney is a proven and effective thought leader and campaigner for social justice and environmental impact. She initiated World Fair Trade Day, Rag Rage and is a Founder member of Ethical Fashion Forum, Fashion Revolution and Strawberry Earth Academy promoting Eco Design. Safia’s unique practical experience and passion for social change together with her background in marketing and design has helped create a business that blends social change with great product and retail.

Safia is now an executive coach, mentor and author of 9 books including: 'Slave to Fashion', campaigning to eradicate modern day slavery in the fashion industry and 'Slow Fashion - Aesthetics meets Ethics' and 'Regenerative Fashion' published November 2022.

Safia recently founded www.fashion-declares.org - a bottom-up, industry-wide movement to promote rapid action to redesign the fashion industry to operate within planetary boundaries whilst delivering a Just Transition in the Climate, Ecological and Social Emergency. Safia founded www.REALsustainability.org to promote awareness and action for sustainable living and leadership. Safia is an advisor with www.businessdeclares.org and works as a trustee of The Countryside Charity.

Her recent accolades include the 2022 Drapers 'Sustainable Fashion Champions' Award for her work with People Tree and leading Fashion Declares movement as well as Woman's Hour Top 30 Women in Sustainability in 2020.

Safia's speaking topics include supply chain management, innovation, sustainable business models, social media marketing, brand building, creating fair trade, social impact, women in business and slow fashion amongst others.