ethics & sustainability

I’m here to inspire true confidence and empower you to be the best version of yourself—from the inside out—while doing it in a socially and environmentally responsible way.

This work is about more than one outcome. I explore:

Confidence & Style
Personal Branding
Purpose & Values
Ethics & Sustainability

These aren’t separate tick-boxes. They’re interconnected. When combined with intention, they go beyond the superficial and create true meaning—that’s where real transformation happens.

more than just personal styling

I didn’t start with services. I started with my values and built everything else on top. They’re my foundation and guiding principles in everything I do. My moral compass…

I believe it’s possible to live and do business ethically and sustainably without harming others and minimising our impact on the planet.
I realised very early on the contradictions of the female empowerment movement. I could not empower women through their style by supporting a system that disempowers others (women make up the majority of the garment professionals worldwide).

That’s why I created Ethical Brand Directory: a resource for my clients and a community platform for conscious fashion lovers and ethical brands that care about people and the planet.

what ethics means to me

At Roberta Style Lee, ethics is about integrity in action. For me, that means making choices that protect:

Human Rights

Labour Laws

Anti-Corruption

The Environment

what sustainability means to me

Sustainability is about the environmental impact of our actions – but it’s also about sustaining ourselves and our businesses.

It means:

Minimising waste and overconsumption

Prioritising longevity over trends

Balancing planet-positive choices with personal and financial well-being

I hate waste. I value resourcefulness. Seeing landfill piles and plastic pollution fuels my commitment to do better, wherever possible.

everyday actions that matter

We know perfection isn’t possible but intention is. Every decision is made consciously, with care and consideration.

I’m committed to doing my best with the knowledge, time, and budget available. You can see what this looks like under the running the business operations.

my guiding values

respect people & the planet

Empowerment shouldn’t come at the cost of others. I prioritise slow fashion, repairs, preloved, and ethical brands – because growth is only meaningful when it considers people, the planet, and the future.

Collaboration & Connection

I use my platform to educate, elevate, and co-create impact with like-minded people and businesses. People, ideas, and shared experiences inspire me – I believe in collaboration not competition.

EMPOWERMENT & INCLUSIVITY

I believe in helping others step into their power, whilst creating a space where everyone can feel seen, valued, and celebrated. I use my platform to educate, elevate, and co-create impact with like-minded people and businesses. People, ideas, and shared experiences inspire me – I believe in collaboration not competition.

LEARNING & TRANSPARENCY

I act with integrity, ask questions, and share honest feedback with clients and brands. I’m endlessly curious, open to unlearning, and committed to evolving alongside the people I work with.

INTEGRITY & compassion

I don’t work with brands or clients that conflict with my values. I’ll always be open to guiding those who want to do better, supporting progress, not perfection. Growth comes with patience, kindness, and empathy.

KINDNESS & Humanity

Everything we do is connected. Kindness has no geographical boundaries – from protecting garment workers in Bangladesh to standing with the oppressed in Gaza, Congo, or Sudan.

I believe putting humanity first is what sets an ethical or sustainable business apart. Having a moral compass is important to me.

running the daily business operations

Every action is assessed through the lens of impact:

Business Operations
Every action is assessed through the lens of impact:

On people
On the environment
On resources
And on budget

We maximise the life of business supplies, avoid landfill, and often choose ‘resourceful’ over ‘new’—even if it’s not the perfect option.

measurable action

Examples

- Choosing suppliers with verified ethical/sustainable practices
- Buying second-hand equipment where possible
- Reducing unnecessary travel
- Using a bamboo QR business card instead of disposable ones
- Minimising print marketing (no leaflets or flyers)
- Partnering only with values-aligned businesses.

staff and suppliers

All team members, suppliers, and partners are selected based on:

Shared ethics

Commitment to doing business for good

Transparent communication

Willingness to improve

We ask the right questions. We dig deeper than a shiny “sustainable” expression of interest or an eco-label.

supplier and partnerships auditing process will now include:

All potential brands, suppliers, service providers, and venues are reviewed through a rigorous values-led process. This includes:

- Reviewing ethics and sustainability policies
- Speaking directly with key decision-makers about their practices across the supply chain
- Assessing their efforts around sourcing transparency, materials, worker rights, environmental practices, and packaging
- Verifying all certifications, claims, and memberships
- Interviewing founders/owners to understand their stance on ethics and sustainability
- Reviewing their website and public documentation
- Highlighting any missing or vague information—and requesting clarity
- Personally testing or reviewing products/services (when applicable)
- Asking for evidence of the steps they’re taking to improve and maintain ethical, sustainable operations.