{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67bde1122dbc20e82c437cd2/69ca4d99c28a24a07fbdbcae?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner","description":"<p>What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?</p><p><br></p><p>In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow &amp; Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.</p><p><br></p><p>From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.</p><p><br></p><p>Adam shares:</p><ul><li>Why he always wanted to do something creative</li><li>How studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his path</li><li>Why university was harder than expected as an autistic person</li><li>How early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling online</li><li>What he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brand</li><li>Why burnout pushed him to leave full-time employment</li><li>How an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working style</li><li>Why he started Rainbow &amp; Co after noticing a gap in Pride merch</li><li>How he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the business</li><li>Why trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customers</li><li>How he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellers</li><li>Why subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statements</li><li>What “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do it</li><li>How Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable business</li><li>What it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own terms</li><li>He also opens up about:</li><li>Masking, burnout and late diagnosis</li><li>Working from home while others do 9–5 jobs</li><li>Why he wants to hire based on values, not just experience</li><li>Creating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brand</li><li>Why queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond</li></ul><p><br></p><p>If you’re interested in:</p><ul><li>Queer-owned businesses</li><li>Ethical branding</li><li>Pride merch</li><li>Small business journeys</li><li>Autistic entrepreneurs</li><li>Creative careers</li><li>LGBTQIA+ representation</li></ul><p><br></p><p>This episode is for you.</p><p><br></p><p>Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/</p>","author_name":"Grace Stevens"}