Sustainable fashion start-up, Ellena Gall of Gaia Garments has won an innovative pitch competition held in the most unusual conditions.
To celebrate the launch of the HONOR Magic V2, the world’s lightest foldable smartphone, HONOR created the “World’s Lightest Boardroom”, hosted by Made In Chelsea star Spencer Matthews. Floating over London in a hot air balloon, the CleanCo founder heard pitches from three entrepreneurs, who took part for the chance to win £8,000 and the new Magic V2, a foldable smartphone crafted for the productivity hungry.
After its research revealed that 58% of entrepreneurs rely on a side hustle for financial support, HONOR launched the “World’s Lightest Boardroom” to support UK small business owners in getting their businesses off the ground. The sky-high founders who pitched to Matthews included:
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Simon Cooper – founder of sustainable transportation company Eezy Bike
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Keelan Waldock – founder of home delivery brownie service BWOWnies
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Ellena Gall – founder of sustainable and reversible clothing brand Gaia Garments
Not for those with a fear of heights, the budding business owners presented pre-prepared elevator pitches on the HONOR Magic V2 foldable smartphone. After this nail-biting competitive pitch, Matthews chose Gaia Garments to take home the HONOR prize fund and tech bundle, calling out her ethos and cool-headedness as key factors in his decision. The runners-up were awarded a new HONOR Pad 9 tablet each.
Matthews said: “I know what it takes to start and run a successful business, and was looking for those qualities in the winner today. El’s fearlessness and hunger for change won me over – she’s a fantastic example of what UK small businesses have to offer. I can’t wait to see where she goes next with the support of the HONOR prize money and tech.”
Ellena Gall knew she wanted to change the future of garment consumption and help consumers fight fast fashion. From her spare bedroom Gall started her small business Gaia Garments, all while in the 2021 national lockdown. Based in Norwich, the slow fashion brand has grown into a thriving small business that ships worldwide. Gaia Garments is known for its timeless and reversible clothes. Helping to prevent textile waste by designing made-to-order pieces that use natural fabrics and creating affordable fashion in favour of the planet.
Competition winner Ellena said: “Pitching in a hot air balloon was certainly a first, but I’m thrilled that Gaia Garments was chosen as the winner of the “World’s Lightest Boardroom”. The HONOR technology will help me run my business remotely, and I’ll be using the money to expand my lines and take Gaia Garments to new heights. I’m so thankful to HONOR and Spencer for supporting a small business like mine, and I can’t wait for what comes next.”