Wilde Mode is a gender- and size-inclusive clothing and apparel brand that prides itself on promoting positive mind, body and soul confidence through its garments and ethos. Its founder, Deborah Breen, says that after struggling with depression and fibromyalgia, she decided to start her own business and founded Wilde Mode in 2018. 

“It’s now a successful and gender-inclusive brand loved by people of all shapes and sizes across the globe, with garments available in sizes 3XS – 10XL. Our small team hand make sustainable, eco-friendly, carbon-neutral, slow fashion garments. All our products are made with Oeko-Tex fabrics and are sensory friendly.”

“We relocated to new premises, where we have 24/7 access to our studio. We added new products, such as face coverings, due to popular demand by our customers, and introduced measures within our space to make sure our staff feel safe in the workshop,” she says.

After a challenging year, she was excited to collaborate in 2021 with more small and independent businesses, which is something she says the business loves to do. “We also had new products being launched and many new designs coming.”

She’s thrilled when she sees Wilde Mode clothing worn by customers, even now. “Every time I have someone tag Wilde Mode in a picture or a review, this makes me feel so proud,” says Deborah. “Every day I get to experience this and it makes me feel like I’m making a positive difference to people’s lives through my designs and it’s a total pleasure. I hope I continue to empower and encourage people to be true to themselves through the clothing I create. I’m now taking the time to look back and see the incredible brand I’ve created and made a success of and I feel really proud; it’s great to be acknowledged for that.”

If she has one piece of advice for other women looking to launch their own business, it would be: do it. “What’s stopping you? I suffer with ill health but I have managed to run a successful business despite these conditions. The only thing stopping you is yourself! There are many enterprises and advisers who are there to guide you through your journey, don’t be afraid to join these communities and ask for help.

“I’ve found a real community through Women’s Business Station and I’d recommend everybody finds their tribe to help support them on their journey.”

To be featured in the bank and Getty Images’ Female Focus #BeTheRoleModel initiative is the icing on the cake. “It means the world to me. To have the recognition as a female, as a business woman and a small brand, helps me see that I am on the right path; I’m making positive change to the world and I hope to do that for a long time.”