Three women, one mission: to redesign fashion for people and the planet.
What if the future of fashion isn’t just about what we wear, but how we live?
At Exploring Innovations in Sustainable Fashion, hosted by Ideas into Action in collaboration with Georgia State University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation Institute and Creative Media Industries Institute, that question came to life through bold ideas, unexpected materials and a shared commitment to doing things differently. Set against the backdrop of Atlanta Tech Week, the evening brought together creatives, entrepreneurs and researchers who are transforming the fashion industry with science, intention and heart.
Mindful manufacturing, without the waste
For Tia Robinson, sustainability starts with mindfulness. After years as a certified meditation instructor—and a thriving career in communications—she launched Vertical Activewear, a size-inclusive, sustainable apparel brand rooted in her own personal values. But when COVID disrupted the supply chain, Tia took matters into her own hands—literally—by bringing manufacturing in-house.
Her vertically integrated, on-demand model eliminates the guesswork and overproduction contributing to fashion’s staggering waste problem: 30 to 40% of all garments never sell. Vertical’s B2B membership model allows brands to produce only what they need, while its direct-to-consumer line blends bold design with fit education to reduce returns. No inventory. No landfill overflow. Just slow, smart growth.
From the lab: fashion grown from fungi
Mya Love Griesbaum, a Georgia Tech materials science student and founder of Mycorrhiza Fashion, is growing the future—one mycelial thread at a time. In her lab, white rot fungi break down plastic waste and grow into a leather-like biomaterial. The result? A durable, biodegradable alternative to traditional leather and synthetics, without the environmental cost of livestock or petrochemicals.
What began as a bioremediation research project has evolved into a biomaterials startup that blends fashion, science and environmental justice. Each prototype tells a story—not just of circularity and innovation, but of aesthetics shaped by nature itself. “One of the most loved features,” Mya shared, “is the patterning. Designers don’t see flaws—they see beauty.”
Upcycling meets activism
Tanjuria Willis, founder of Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, didn’t begin her career in the fashion world. An electrical engineer by training, she was driven into action after her infant daughter experienced unexplained health issues linked to toxic textile chemicals. That journey led her to research, then advocacy, and finally to founding a platform that celebrates local makers and educates the public on how fashion affects our health and environment.
Her wearable designs speak volumes—literally. Tanjuria showcased pieces made from construction fencing, lanyards, game day banners and recycled textiles. Her mission is clear: reduce waste, elevate craft and make sustainability accessible. Through workshops, repair cafés and partnerships, her team empowers others to reuse, reimagine and create beauty from the discarded.
Real questions, real change
The panelists didn’t just present ideas—they invited dialogue. And the audience delivered.
How can we tell if a brand is greenwashing?
Mya pointed to misleading labels and vague claims—like garments tagged “100% recycled” that refer only to the label itself. Tanjuria and Tia recommended sites like Good On You and Remake.world, as well as reviewing factory certifications and supply chain transparency.
Does changing 10% of our purchases really make a difference?
Yes. Buying even one of every ten garments from an on-demand or sustainable source can shift retail behavior, reduce waste and signal demand for better practices. Multiply that by millions of consumers, and the impact grows.
What if sustainable fashion feels too expensive or inaccessible?
“There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” Tanjuria said. “Start where you are.” Whether it’s upcycling a T-shirt into a tote or choosing one mindful purchase, small actions can have a ripple effect.
What’s next for the future of fashion?
The speakers pointed to a convergence of technology, biology and design—from AI-powered patternmaking and 3D printing to compostable fabrics and regenerative sourcing. The shared goal? A fashion industry that heals more than it harms.
The power of small shifts
Sustainable fashion isn’t a trend—it’s a transformation. And it’s being led by people who aren’t waiting for permission to build something better.
As the evening closed, the message was clear: We all have a role to play. Whether you’re a designer, a student, a shopper or a scientist, the future of fashion is something you can influence—one purchase, one question, one idea at a time.
Want to get involved?
Follow the work of Vertical Activewear, Mycorrhiza Fashion, and Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week
Try the 10% shift: buy just one in ten items from a sustainable source
Rethink, repair or repurpose what’s already in your closet
Fashion shapes culture. Let’s shape it with care.
TEDxAtlanta speakers share fresh perspectives on sustainability, innovation and action.
Every year, the world produces more than 400 million tons of plastic. Half of it is designed to be used once. Only 10% gets recycled. And about 11 million tons end up in our water—rivers, lakes, seas and oceans—every single year.
To put that in perspective, that’s the weight of 2,200 Eiffel Towers.
Plastic pollution is more than a waste problem. It’s a global challenge that affects our health, our communities and our climate. That’s why June 5—World Environment Day—is a reminder to not only understand the impact of plastic waste, but to advocate for solutions that help build a more sustainable future.
Here are just a few ideas from creators and inventors from the TEDx and TED stage who are taking action on the waste problem:
TEDxAtlanta 2021 speaker alum Aurora Robson is an award-winning debris artist known for her meditative work intercepting the plastic waste stream. She creates art that explores issues related to the culture of disposability and consumerism.
In this TEDxMtHood talk, Morgan Vague describes her research with microbiologist Jay Mellies on the wild world of microbes that eat plastic. With more plastic than fish projected in our oceans by 2050, this groundbreaking research could offer a surprisingly natural (and tiny) hero in the fight against pollution.
TED Fellow Suzanne Lee delivers a boundary-pushing idea that opens a window into the world of biofabrication—where living cells, not factories, are the future of material production. From replacing plastic to rethinking cement, she explores how biology can help us redesign some of the most wasteful parts of modern life. It’s not science fiction. It’s sustainable innovation, and it’s happening now.
This World Environment Day, join us in reflecting on the future you want to help create—and take one small step to protect it.
Atembe Giles is a communications professional with 15 years of experience crafting brand messages and communications strategies for various organizations and industries around the world, including education, healthcare, fashion, travel & tourism, and AEC (architecture, engineering, and construction). A former educator in the US, France, and South Korea, she loves learning and teaching about multicultural experiences and storytelling in all forms, from history to dance to television. She is passionate about using the power of words and expression to help people become better connected with themselves, each other, and the world around them. Read more to learn about Atembe’s volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta.
What first sparked your interest in TEDx?
I’ve always been a fan of TED Talks and TEDx experiences. I experienced my first TEDx event as a student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and my most recent TEDx experience was a few years ago in Seoul, South Korea. I really appreciated that no matter where in the world you are, you can find a place with other people who are also interested in sharing ideas, self-improvement, and learning more about the world and making it a better place. I’m new to Atlanta, so I wanted to find a space where I could meet new people and connect with others, but also learn more about what’s brewing in Atlanta and play a role in giving back to the community.
What’s your favorite TED Talk or TEDx Talk?
“The Power of Introverts” by Susan Cain. She verbalized so many of my lived experiences and feelings about myself that I never knew how to express, and made me feel more comfortable and empowered about who I am.
If you could describe your volunteer experience with TEDxAtlanta in three words, what would they be?
Welcoming, educational, and collaborative.
What is your favorite memory from your time working with TEDxAtlanta?
Besides finally working my first TEDx conference, I’d say it was my first time meeting the team in person. It was at a storage facility to move all the TEDxAtlanta props and decorations to another location. It may seem like an insignificant experience, but it was my first exposure to seeing how these different personalities got along, worked together, considered each other and other people, and really cared about what we’re doing with TEDx. We met at another volunteer’s house after to have dinner and some social time, and I enjoyed the genuine conversations we had about our cultures, life experiences, and plans for the future. It made me excited about continuing to work with everyone on future TEDxAtlanta events.
What is something that may surprise people about TEDx?
Absolutely everything that you see is due to the work of volunteers: months of planning, dedicating weekend and evening hours outside your regular 9-5, scheduling meetings virtually and in-person, fundraising and sponsorships…it’s a lot of work. But everyone’s time is respected and appreciated, whether you can dedicate 10 hours a week or one hour. It’s cool to see how passionate people are about their work with TEDx.
How has TEDx helped you grow professionally and/or personally?
It’s another outlet of creativity for me. I get to do work that I don’t normally get to do in my job, and it’s nice to activate those other parts of my brain throughout the week, which helps with mental health and feeling like I’m part of something bigger than myself. It’s given me an outlet to fine-tune skills I don’t use everyday in my current job, but are still valuable skills to have, such as photography, social media content creation, and sales. I’ve learned how effective partnerships work between organizations and between people. I’m seeing, through our speakers, how opportunities are limitless when it comes to using your passion and knowledge as a force to bring about positive change. And I’m growing more confident in sharing my ideas and opinions, especially when it comes to trying to make something better.
Why should others volunteer with TEDx?
It’s a great way to be an active part of your community, gain exposure to new perspectives, and improve or learn new skills. Everyone’s contribution is significant, no matter the task, and it all goes towards a mission that’s about helping people and communities grow. The likely and unlikely connections you’ll make is definitely one of the best parts of volunteering with TEDx.
To connect with Atembe, you can find her on LinkedIn or Instagram.
