I own a fashion brand and vow to give away profits even if it's risky

Ross Geddes, founder of Finnieston Clothing, will donate earnings to mental health and environmental initiatives after struggling with his own mental health and becoming disappointed with the fashion industry.

The 37-year-old Southsider said: “I want to build a business the world needs, I hope we succeed, and in doing so encourage brands to use this as a template to improve their business practices.

"People in the industry have described my decision to switch to a social enterprise as ‘commercial suicide’, but that’s a risk I’m willing to take.”

Ross Geddes, founder at Finnieston Clothing (Image: Ross Geddes)

Finnieston Clothing launched in 2020 and currently sells workwear-inspired garments online and from a shop on Byres Road.

The decision to make serious changes to the business "is a bid to halt the fashion industry's greed-driven race to the bottom," says Geddes.

The dad-of-one added: "I refuse to sell poor quality clothing made cheaply for eye-watering prices.

"It’s a race to the bottom. ​​We want to be the antithesis to fast fashion.

"All our clothes have a long lifespan – we always think about cost per wear – and we offer a repair service. They’re investment pieces.

“Due to rising costs, brands are being cornered into either compromising on quality or selling clothing at a price that most people can’t afford.

"It’s cheaper to go to the far East, but we’re standing by our commitment to quality, and we always make conscious decisions about where the products are made.”

Inspired by Glasgow's rich industrial heritage, all of Finnieston Clothing's items are made in the UK or Portugal.

Jackets in the new winter line will be produced with wool from an Eaglesham sheep farm run by Geddes' 91-year-old grandpa.

This week, Geddes is opening a second shopfront in Shawlands which coincides with the launch of his new winter collection.

Ross Geddes (left) and the Finnieston Clothing team (Image: Ross Geddes)

He said: “Just as I believe in giving back, I believe in bricks and mortar.

"When shops close from high streets, it’s society’s loss, so I want our brand to support high streets.

"I believe there’s still a major appetite; I’m sticking to my guns and focusing less on online where fashion brands are fighting a losing battle. 

“I’ve always wanted to open a unit in the southside. It’s where I live and we know from our online orders that much of our demand comes from that area.

"There’s enough cafes in that area – it’s time for a few more shops.”