Many traditional narratives of entrepreneurship associate success with traits often linked to masculinity – aggressiveness, dominance, and decisiveness. However, Miranda Chen, co-founder of LangerChen and Jiecco, challenges this notion by demonstrating how patience, empathy, and quiet resilience can be just as powerful, if not more, in leading a sustainable business.
However, sustainability in fashion is more than just leadership – it’s about creating accountability and trust, which is why certification standards like GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) play a vital role. For Miranda and her company, GOTS has served as an essential guide in shaping ethical and environmentally responsible business practices, demonstrating that genuine sustainability necessitates both personal dedication and structured frameworks.
When we think of successful entrepreneurs, the image that often comes to mind is of a bold, loud, and assertive leader – someone who commands attention and makes decisions with unwavering confidence. But what if true leadership lies in quiet strength, patience, and deep empathy?
Miranda Chen presents a compelling example of how soft leadership is not a weakness, but rather a transformative power – one that is shaping the sustainable fashion industry and redefining gender roles in business.
Breaking Stereotypes: Women in Leadership
In a world where men still often dominate executive roles and women are underrepresented in decision-making positions, Miranda’s perspective is refreshingly different. She recalls an experience where she attended a business seminar in China and found herself to be the only woman in a room full of men. Instead of feeling discouraged, she recognised this as a reflection of an unbalanced commercial world – one where women are still underrepresented in high-level business decision-making despite playing crucial roles in industries like textiles and fashion.
Yet, rather than adopting traditional masculine leadership traits to “fit in,” Miranda leaned into what makes her unique. She highlights that in China’s coastal regions, women are increasingly respected in business, and that soft skills such as patience, emotional intelligence, and adaptability are often the key to long-term success.
Why “Soft Leadership” is Effective in Sustainable Fashion
Sustainability is not just about products or materials – it’s about people. Miranda’s leadership approach reflects this deeply. She emphasises that:
- Respect for every worker – from the sewing lady to the fabric supplier—is essential. She believes in valuing each person’s role, recognising that the entire system operates like a well-oiled machine in which every part matters.
- Patience is crucial – building a sustainable business is a long-term commitment. Unlike fast fashion, which thrives on immediate results, sustainability requires meticulous attention to detail, gradual growth, and ethical decision-making.
- True sustainability starts with leadership – if leaders view sustainability merely as a trend, their businesses will ultimately fail to integrate it deeply. Miranda believes that sustainability has to be an intrinsic value, not just a marketing strategy.
Her leadership also extends to employee well-being. She explains how small changes – like providing soft carpets for workers who stand all day — foster an environment where employees feel valued. These small, often overlooked gestures cultivate a culture of respect and mutual care, which is just as important as eco-friendly materials or certifications.
Lessons for Young Women in Textiles
Miranda’s journey serves as an inspiration for young women who aspire to enter the sustainable fashion industry – or any industry, for that matter. She encourages young entrepreneurs to:
- Start sustainably from day one – rather than creating a conventional business and transitioning to sustainability later, integrate eco-conscious thinking into the foundation of your brand.
- Seek collaboration over competition; building relationships with suppliers, manufacturers, and other brands fosters greater impact and innovation.
- Embrace patience and resilience – sustainable fashion is a marathon, not a sprint. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and staying committed to your values is key.
Expanding the Concept of Strength
Miranda provides an essential perspective: society still links “strong leadership” with traditionally masculine traits. However, true strength comes in various forms. Strength can be:
- Having the patience to build something truly sustainable
- Creating a culture where workers feel valued and respected
- Challenging outdated gender norms and embodying quiet confidence
Her hope? That the world begins to embrace various types of leadership – especially those that prioritise ethics, people, and sustainability over mere profit.
Miranda’s story is a powerful reminder that women don’t have to imitate traditional business norms to succeed. Instead, they can redefine leadership on their own terms—one that values kindness, patience, and true collaboration.
LangerChen, GOTS, and the Future of Fashion
At LangerChen, Miranda and her co-founder, Phillip Langer, have embedded sustainability into every aspect of the business, from organic materials to ethical production practices.
This commitment is why LangerChen and Jiecco are GOTS-certified. This means that their fabrics, dyes, and entire supply chain meet the highest organic textile standards for both environmental and social responsibility.
However, getting certified wasn’t just about complying with regulations—it transformed the way Miranda and her team approach sustainability.
“At first, I resisted certification. I thought, ‘I know I’m doing the right thing, why do I need proof?’ But over time, I realised that GOTS is not just about compliance – it’s about education, accountability, and credibility. It helps businesses improve, step by step.” – Miranda Chen
By adhering to GOTS guidelines, Jiecco and LangerChen have:
- Ensured that all cotton used is 100% organic, free from toxic pesticides and harmful chemicals.
- Improved social standards, ensuring that fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment are upheld at Jiecco, the production facility behind LangerChen.
- Established a structured framework for continuous improvement in sustainability.
GOTS has become a guiding factor for growth, enabling LangerChen to scale its sustainability efforts without compromising ethics or transparency.
“Sustainability isn’t about achieving perfection overnight. It’s about continuous progress. That’s what GOTS helps us do.”
Making a Change in the Industry
Women like Miranda Chen are proving that business success can coexist with values. The sustainable fashion industry is evolving, and with it, our understanding of what it means to be a leader is also changing.
By embracing soft leadership, sustainability, and inclusivity, we’re not just creating better businesses – we’re shaping a better world.
