Walking The Runway With Georgia’s Newest B Corp: Sustainable Fashion Week Atlanta

Tanjuria Willis founded her company with the goal of putting sustainable fashion on the red carpet and under the spotlight. She also wanted the world to know the environmental, social, and health implications of fast fashion. Our desire to buy the cheapest version of the latest trend has led us to use cheaper, and more toxic, materials that have polluted the planet and, more often than not, exploited the workers making our $7 shirt. 

Through her company, Tanjuria has worked to change that. She holds panel discussions where designers sit next to sustainability experts, and hosts fashion shows that show off sustainable fashion brands like Rochelle Porter Design and fellow Georgia B Corp Vertical Activewear. 

We sat down with Tanjuria to talk about her certification, why she pursued it, and what’s next as she continues her impactful work. 

PPC: Eyyyyyy! We did it! We spoke right after we got the official word from B Lab, so I know the answer. But what does it feel like to be a certified B Corp? 

Tanjuria: It feels fabulous and a bit surreal! Seeing that certified B Corp label, I thought it was a goal that would take much longer to reach but I did it and I am extremely proud to be a certified B Corp thanks to the support of Purpose Possible Consulting.

PPC:  We worked together because of an amazing program run by Invest Atlanta and GMEN. How important was it to have a local Georgia B Corp consultant to help you navigate the B Impact Assessment? 

Tanjuria: It was extremely important to have a B Corp Consultant. The PPC consultants were so knowledgeable and were able to walk me through each step of the process. They communicated very well, to be sure I had a clear understanding of the questions. Their services are invaluable. I couldn’t have gotten through the B Impact Assessment without PPC. 

PPC: You have a lot on your plate. Why pursue B Corp certification? 

Tanjuria:  The fashion industry is one of the largest polluting industries. It was important for me to demonstrate our commitment to a higher standard of social and environmental responsibilities including any companies that participate in Sustainable Fashion Week. This provides proof that our policies, respect for the environment, animals, and workers are our main priorities.

PPC: You’ve joined the board of B Local Georgia, and really jumped into this community feet first. What drove you to get so involved so quickly?    

Tanjuria: It takes a community to evoke change. I am honored that B Local Georgia asked me to join the board. This is a great opportunity to strengthen awareness on how Georgians can become more eco-friendly.

PPC: You have some BIG things planned for 2024, including an amazing trip to the Netherlands to meet with some of the most sustainable fashion brands and manufacturing companies. You’ll also be bringing your fashion show to the main stage at BLD Southeast. What do we need to know about these events and what else is in store for 2024? 

Tanjuria:  All of our programming is created with education in mind. Education is at the forefront of every sustainable fashion week event. You can expect to not only be entertained, but also to be educated and to be introduced to eco-friendly brands that you can support.

Education is a huge component of the programming at every Sustainable Fashion Week Atlanta event. This includes a student design competition, which was won by Caroline Scott in 2023. 

Profitable Purpose Consulting is a full-service culture and impact agency that specializes in B Corp certification. While they’re headquartered in Georgia and their heart is in the southeast, they work with clients around the world and have a network just as global. At PPC, it’s not just the certification, it’s successfully implementing every part of the process and telling the story of the good you do.