Meet Ani Wells | Sustainable Fashion Consultant & Story Teller

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ani Wells and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ani, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I always wanted to be a buyer for a large department store, but as that dream became within reach, I realized that no one was asking questions about where our clothes were coming from, how they were made, and what impact they had. That’s when I went down the rabbit hole of researching the ins and outs of the denim supply chain to understand what people were doing differently to save water, chemicals, and energy with the goal of creating better jeans that respect people and the environment. I felt the supply chains’ story had to be told, and I made it my mission to bring their stories to the forefront as they are the ones leading the change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Launching and growing Simply Suzette has been far from linear. I launched as an e-commerce boutique curating sustainable denim brands and vintage denim. However, quickly into that journey, I realized the lack of education around sustainability in fashion and specifically denim. That is when I decided to pivot to creating educational content that was not only packed with information hidden deep within the supply chain, but also visually engaging and beautiful. What sets me and Simply Suzette apart from others is the ability to weave together alluring storytelling with educational content on sustainable fashion.

The challenge was clear for me: sustainable fashion wasn’t drawing widespread interest. To bridge this gap, my strategy evolved to making sustainable fashion appealing to a broader audience, beyond those already within the sustainability niche. Simply Suzette content aims to captivate and educate, breaking down the barriers of complexity that often surround sustainable practices.

Simply Suzette now operates as a consultancy and storytelling platform, exploring the intersection of sustainability and fashion. We highlight the individuals crafting our clothes, push for sustainable innovations, and guide businesses toward ethical practices. Whether you’re a consumer, designer, product developer, or startup brand, we provide the insights necessary for making informed choices that contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry.

Our commitment is to the democratization of information and to storytelling that engages and inspires. Through this journey, we’ve learned that making an impact requires not just passion but perseverance, clarity, and a readiness to adapt.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Our entire adventure would center on the iconic Rose Bowl Flea Market—an absolute gem and my personal favorite. believe it to be the most fun, interesting place full of exciting people. It’s a vibrant hub of creativity and character, with eclectic vendors, upcyclers, and true vintage hunters. The stories you stumble upon here are nothing short of fascinating and it’s a prime spot for people-watching, especially all the incredible outfits everywhere.

After the market, we’ll dive into the dollar/lbs bins for a big treasure hunt. It’s an adventure in itself, perfect for snagging unique finds at unbeatable prices.

When it comes to dining, Union in Pasadena is a must-visit for its farm-to-table Italian dishes, And for a little sunset drink, the Ace Hotel’s rooftop offers not just amazing drinks but for an amazing 360 view of the city.

For brunch, Sqirl is our go-to followed by a nice walk around Silver Lake.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would not be here today without the incredible support from my family and friends. Being an entrepreneur is a roller coaster of emotions and requires a lot of sacrifices, which my family and friends understand whole heartedly. Thank you to my best friends who’ve been my cheerleaders every step of the way, to my family for pushing me to chase my dreams, and to my husband, who’s been my rock amongst the chaos. I owe it to them for my perseverance.

There are many mentors that have guided me through this industry and believed in the work I have done (too many to name), but I am forever grateful for the denim community welcoming me with open arms and sharing their experiences and knowledge with me.

Website: https://www.simplysuzette.com/

Instagram: @simplysuzette

Linkedin: Ani Wells

Image Credits
Sammie Chan Macy Nguyen