Katie Schmidt

Background

About Katie Schmidt

With over a decade of experience running a successful fashion brand, Katie Schmidt brings a wealth of professional expertise and firsthand knowledge to her work as a business consultant. As the founder of Passion Lilie, a fashion line celebrated for its commitment to sustainable and fair trade practices, Katie has honed her skills in navigating the complexities of managing a values-driven small business. Concurrently, she has carved out a niche as a sought-after business consultant, drawing upon her hard-earned insights and expertise to help other entrepreneurs build sustainable, ethically-minded enterprises. Katie's passion for sewing and design was ignited at a young age, leading her to pursue a degree in costume design at the University of California, Irvine. Seeking to deepen her understanding of the fashion industry, she later obtained a master's degree in Luxury and Fashion Management in France. It was during this time that Katie became acutely aware of the profound social impact businesses can have, a revelation that would go on to shape the trajectory of her career. After gaining valuable experience working at a fair trade shop in New Orleans, Katie launched Passion Lilie in 2013, driven by a mission to provide stylish, well-fitting, and affordable fair trade fashion options. Under her leadership, Passion Lilie has been recognized by prestigious media outlets and institutions, including NPR, Forbes, and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Katie's commitment to sustainability has been further validated through awards from Gambit and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation. From working with a global network of artisans in India to collaborating with lifestyle influencers, Katie has cultivated a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities inherent in ethical entrepreneurship. She is passionate about consulting, speaking, and educating individuals and larger audiences on the principles of sustainable business practices. Whether guiding Passion Lilie's continued growth or advising other small business owners, Katie remains steadfast in her commitment to creating positive social and environmental impact through her work.