For Good: Actionable Optimism with RIISE CEO & Founder, Sara Bell
Photography by Elizabeth Roberts, RIISE
Our ‘For Good’ series are a set of conversations with talented people behind some of our favourite environmentally conscious organisations. As our team at IN BED continue to work towards our own goals around environmental and social impact we are continuously inspired by others re-thinking what it means to work through a more sustainable lens.
This week, we meet with RIISE founder & CEO Sara Bell. The former CEO of a clean energy start-up has gone on to curate an elevated edit of responsible fashion, homewares and beauty products both at RIISE.world and brick-and-mortar space, neighbour to our Paddington flagship. In this empowering read, Sara tells us how her business came to be, the power of the individual - and the importance of hope.
Can you tell us how RIISE began, and what inspired its inception?
“RIISE began out of a desire to create optimism and hope in the climate space. We want to excite mainstream audiences and show them that we can solve climate change and provide hope. Too much of the existing climate discourse is anchored in fear, guilt and shame. Guilting people into not doing things doesn't work. They still do it, they just feel bad and there's no value in that.
“Instead we create actionable optimism by showing things we can all do in our lives that also add joy. In doing so RIISE creates desire around brands and products made with planet in mind. If we want to shift quickly, it’s much better for a lot of people to shop with brands that protect the planet, so the more desirable these products are the better. This will power a completely different economy, one that actively protects the planet we live on. The goal is to create a seismic economic shift by driving dollars to the brands taking accountability for their impact.”
RIISE began out of a desire to create optimism and hope in the climate space.
What is your background, and how did this influence the foundations of RIISE?
“From growing up in Sweden and later landing in London, I’ve led a colourful and unconventional life that has influenced RIISE’s unique take on tackling climate change.
“As the CEO of a clean energy start-up in London, I realised how challenging the energy transition is – how all the incentives are skewed towards fossil fuels. When a new incentive scheme came out in 2014 that was so anti-competitive and obviously geared towards fossil fuels, I decided to legally challenge it in the EU courts. The case took four years and I won, successfully stopping a 5.6 billion pound fossil fuel subsidy scheme. Within half an hour of the win, 1.7 billion pounds had been wiped off the market caps of the seven largest holders.
Everyday consumers have the power to change the world by choosing to spend with the brands that pick up where public policy and politics have left off.
“While the win had a significant impact, the scheme was unlawfully reintroduced which showed me that the solution to climate change can only come from economics, which led me to launch RIISE and cemented my belief that everyday consumers have the power to change the world by choosing to spend with the brands that pick up where public policy and politics have left off.”
Can you give us some insight into your process for vetting brands / items for inclusion?
“Each brand that we onboard, and every single individual item on RIISE, has gone through a rigorous internal vetting process to ensure it’s one we’re proud to stand behind and meets our vision for a decarbonised, circular and regenerative future.
Every single individual item on RIISE, has gone through a rigorous internal vetting process to ensure it’s one we’re proud to stand behind and meets our vision for a decarbonised, circular and regenerative future.
“We worked with sustainability expert and regenerative fashion advocate Lucianne Tonti, the author of Sundressed: Natural Fabrics and the Future of Clothing, to develop a series of sustainability standards that we hold the brands we champion to. We look at things like whether a product uses natural, renewable and biodegradable materials; how traceable elements are across the supply chain and whether there’s a focus on chemical management, waste management, renewable energy and local production; and what circular solutions are in place to minimise waste at a product's end of life.”
Please share some of the exciting and innovative things these brands are doing that have stood out to you…
“I'm always a fan of brands that use natural fibres like linen, hemp, traceable/certified cotton, silk, wool, cashmere and ceramics as they're made without petrochemicals so do not contain fossil fuels. They can be returned to the earth at the end of their life. I also love the use of deadstock fabrics and repurposing materials already in circulation – there is a huge amount of potential and promise in this. I'm excited about plastic-free beauty brands that choose to use packaging like aluminium and glass instead.”
Tell us about your brick-and-mortar store…
“Our first brick-and-mortar retail space is nestled in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant Paddington shopping precinct. Inside, you’ll find a curation of fashion, accessories, beauty and homewares from the brands we stock online as well as friendly assistants to help you style your next RIISE look. The space also acts as a location for community-building and events, facilitating a deeper one-to-one connection with our customer base. So far we have hosted parties, panels and book signings here. We currently have a beautiful window installation thanks to the local artist Felix Grech. He’s a set designer inspired by the intersection of materiality and form, and his work uses a lot of repurposed and upcycled materials, which is very on-brand for us!”
Can you share some recent additions to RIISE?
“We’ve just welcomed Australian ready-to-wear brand Silk Laundry. They’re my new go-to for elevated but effortless silk pieces. I’m also excited with the Casa Catinella launch on RIISE. Inspired by French market bags, these adorable bags are handwoven by skilled artisans in Ghana who have perfected their craft through generations.”
How would you describe the RIISE customer?
“The RIISE customer typically wants to do their bit for the environment, but not at the expense of style or taste. I find that much of the sustainability discussion is based around abstaining from spending or buying things, but the human desire for newness is inherent so I want RIISE to celebrate the joy of self-expression and the art of living well. Our customer revels in the joy of getting dressed and surrounding themselves with gorgeous objects that tread more gently on the environment.”
What’s next on the horizon?
“We are working on our first foray into film and TV and will be introducing a new genre that we’ve dubbed ‘climate entertainment’. Watch out for our fashion slasher in movie theatres next year. We’re always adding new brands online and we’re planning our next in-store event. You can sign up to our mailing list (via our homepage) to be the first to hear about all RIISE events and news.”