How To Become A... Ethical Queer Brand Owner

What does it really mean to be an ethical queer brand owner?

In this episode of How To Become A…, Grace sits down with Adam, founder of Rainbow & Co, to talk about building an LGBTQIA+ apparel and accessories brand that puts community, representation and integrity first.

From studying graphic design and advertising to running a business from his apartment, Adam shares how personal experience, creative instinct and a strong moral compass led him to create queer merch that actually reflects the full community, not just the parts that are most visible.

Adam shares:

• Why he always wanted to do something creative
• How studying graphic design, media and advertising shaped his path
• Why university was harder than expected as an autistic person
• How early side hustles on Etsy gave him his first taste of selling online
• What he learned from working for a luxury leather jacket brand
• Why burnout pushed him to leave full-time employment
• How an autism diagnosis helped him understand his working style
• Why he started Rainbow & Co after noticing a gap in Pride merch
• How he taught himself to build a website, design products and run the business
• Why trans, lesbian and bi-focused products became so important to customers
• How he turned a pocket guide into one of the brand’s bestsellers
• Why subtle queer design can matter just as much as bold statements
• What “rainbow washing” means and why he refuses to do it
• How Access to Work and support workers helped him build a sustainable business
• What it means to grow slowly, ethically and on your own terms
• He also opens up about:
• Masking, burnout and late diagnosis
• Working from home while others do 9–5 jobs
• Why he wants to hire based on values, not just experience
• Creating a business culture that reflects the ethics of the brand
• Why queer-owned businesses matter in Pride season and beyond

If you’re interested in:

• Queer-owned businesses
• Ethical branding
• Pride merch
• Small business journeys
• Autistic entrepreneurs
• Creative careers
• LGBTQIA+ representation

This episode is for you.

Visit his business here: https://rainbowandco.uk/

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