Advancing Sustainable Fashion with an MBA from Cambridge Judge

Ge Yu is a fashion entrepreneur from China. In 2016, she launched her fashion brand called Annderstand. Ge is part of a new generation of fashion designers who take sustainable fashion seriously.

To advance her business knowledge, Ge enrolled in Cambridge Judge Business School in the UK

As Ge explains, “I decided to pursue an MBA at Cambridge because, despite my extensive experience in the fashion industry, my previous educational background was primarily in design, fashion design… I realized the need for more structured knowledge in general management.” (00:16)  

Cambridge is renowned for its strong emphasis on fostering entrepreneurship, especially through its Accelerate Cambridge startup incubator.

The Accelerate Cambridge Startups Incubator

Accelerate Cambridge, established by the University of Cambridge’s business school, is a startup incubator that stimulates the development of new enterprises in Cambridge. 

The incubator offers a 10-week program for entrepreneurs, including online lectures, workshops, and weekly coaching and mentoring.

“Cambridge places a strong emphasis on entrepreneurship, which aligns perfectly with my professional objectives. The university provides a lot of support for people starting their own businesses, like resources,  mentorship programs such as the Accelerate Cambridge program, and networking opportunities,” Ge says. (01:24)  

These resources are crucial for entrepreneurs like Ge, who can leverage expert insights to steer her startup and move the fashion industry toward sustainability.

The Importance of Sustainable Fashion

Fashion entrepreneurs like Ge are taking the lead by focusing on meeting consumer demand for more sustainable clothing options.

“I had the honor of working for sustainable firms before attending Cambridge University,” Ge says. “Through these partnerships, I have observed there is a rising demand for sustainable and ethically made clothing. As customers’ concerns about the fashion industry’s effects on society and the environment develop.” (05:49

Efforts to achieve sustainability in the fashion industry aim to tackle its substantial environmental and social challenges. This sector is a major contributor to water pollution and accounts for roughly 10% of human-induced greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, the issue of waste from non-recycled clothing is significant, as synthetic fabrics release damaging microplastics into ecosystems. 

A pivotal transformation within the fashion sector involves moving away from fast fashion models, which prioritize quick manufacturing of high-volume, low-cost garments. A sustainable fashion industry also means ensuring fair treatment, wages, and working conditions for garment workers. 

Addressing these problems calls for a shift towards a more circular fashion model that reduces waste and pollution and emphasizes the reuse of materials.

But how can aspiring fashion entrepreneurs begin to make a difference in such a vast and complex industry? Ge’s experience as both a sustainable fashion entrepreneur and an MBA student at Cambridge Judge Business School has equipped her with unique insights and strategies for success.

Tip 1. Prioritize Sustainability

As awareness of environmental issues and social responsibility grows, sustainability has evolved from a niche business concern into a central pillar.

Ge says, “I believe that in the future, there will be a rise in sustainable fashion brands. The entire industry is now placing a strong emphasis on environmental consciousness… This will foster collaboration among designers, manufacturers, policymakers, and consumers. Designers will need to emphasize sustainable design principles and then utilize eco-friendly materials and production techniques.” (06:35)

Integrating sustainable practices into business can set a brand apart from its competitors, attracting environmentally aware consumers and gaining industry recognition.

Tip 2. Embrace Failure: Grow through Challenges

Entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges and setbacks, especially in the fashion industry. Ge advises budding entrepreneurs to embrace failure as a part of the journey. 

“The process of entrepreneurship is filled with numerous challenges, and as a result of lacking experience, you will encounter difficulties and temporary failures.” (10:40

She believes that failures often conceal surprises and growth, so entrepreneurs should view them as a stepping stone to success. Understanding and accepting this aspect of entrepreneurship allows for a more resilient and adaptable approach to business. 

The same goes for Ge’s next tip.

Tip 3. Never Stop Learning

Ge’s final bit of advice is never to stop the learning process, which she’s put into practice by joining the Cambridge Judge MBA program

In an industry as fast-paced as fashion, staying informed about the latest trends and market preferences is crucial. Entrepreneurs must be able to anticipate and respond to these changes swiftly to remain competitive. (10:04

Ge also advises surrounding oneself with mentors, industry experts, and peers. The insights, advice, and support from experienced professionals in the field are invaluable. 

“The Cambridge MBA program provides a wide range of learning opportunities. In addition to academics, of course, I got the opportunity to network with industry experts and participate in some of the competitions.”(03:25)  

Such networking connections and learning opportunities provide a depth of knowledge and experience guiding entrepreneurs through the complexities of their careers.

Pursue an MBA to Accelerate Your Career

For those looking to pursue sustainable fashion entrepreneurship, Ge’s MBA journey gives an idea of the possibilities of this versatile degree. 

You can contact the school’s ambassadors to gain further insights and advice about Cambridge Judge Business School. Engaging with current MBAs provides practical tips to start your MBA experience.