#483: Moving towards Bassike 2.0: Building a Sustainable Fashion Brand with Deborah Sams

The Mentor with Mark Bouris

When they launched Bassike in 2006, Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan weren’t just starting a brand—they were solving a problem. Frustrated by the lack of high-quality, sustainable wardrobe staples, they set out with a mission to build what didn’t exist. From day one, their vision was clear: organic cotton, Australian craftsmanship, and ethics woven into every decision. What began as a commitment to local makers and responsible materials has grown into a relentless pursuit of better—pushing boundaries in design, production, and transparency.

In our conversation, Deb opens up about the early hustle, the commitment to sourcing high-quality materials, and why Australian-made was always non-negotiable. She also shares how she navigated a co-founder’s departure while staying true to her mission — and outlines her plans to scale creatively and breathe new life into the brand.

Some brands chase trends. Bassike builds legacies. And for Deb, the next chapter is about proving ethical fashion can go bigger - without compromise.

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