When Lindsay Kondel and Christina Exie launched Stacked Studio, they already knew how to build fashion brands. But running the business behind those brands was uncharted territory — at times, overwhelming and all-consuming.
Starting out: The challenges behind building a business
According to Kondel, there was immense pressure to get everything right, especially when balancing business finances alongside personal ones. Exie shared that one of the smartest things they did early was setting up their financial systems properly.
“ANZ made it super easy to open separate business accounts for savings, tax, and GST, which meant we didn’t have any surprise moments at tax time. It kept our cash flow clean, and their direct debit automation was a game changer for managing payments without stress,” Exie told RetailBiz.
Beyond financial matters, one of the ongoing challenges for Stacked Studio has been attracting and retaining great talent, according to Kondel.
“What we do at Stacked isn’t just creative. It’s also incredibly technical. We work in a niche part of the fashion industry where understanding things like production, pattern making, and factory timelines is just as important as aesthetic vision. That skill set is rare, so when we find someone with the right attitude, we invest in training them up and building a culture they want to stay in.”
Filling the education gap: What designers need to know
Exie explained that Stacked Studio isn’t just about designing clothes; the company also helps creatives with setting up, strategy, and support they need to scale.
“We’re the partner we wish we had when we were starting out.”
Kondel emphasised the industry’s education gap, explaining that without a solid understanding of pricing, manufacturing, timelines, and customer journeys, many talented designers struggle to break into fashion.
Exie shared a similar sentiment, noting that no one teaches designers how to actually build and run a brand.
“The fashion industry can be brutal. It’s long hours, endless decisions, and constant problem solving. When you’re trying to figure out your identity as a designer while also managing logistics, finances, and production, it’s no wonder people burn out before they even get started,” Exie said.
Moreover, Exie asserted that access to knowledge needs to change at a fundamental level as designers need support systems that teach them how to thrive in it, the purpose Stacked Studio now serves.
“We wanted to create the kind of hands-on, honest, and strategic support that we wish we had when we started. Creativity isn’t the problem. The real barrier is the lack of infrastructure around it.”
Intentional design: Storytelling and individuality at Stacked Studio
Stacked Studio’s approach to creating pieces that reflect individuality begins with intention— knowing who the pieces are for and how they embody the brand’s values and aesthetic. For them, individuality comes down to storytelling: understanding the client’s perspective and translating it into authentic design.
Balancing relatable design with artistic vision, Kondel said, means creating with both emotion and function in mind. Stacked Studio believes that if it doesn’t feel good to wear, it doesn’t matter how good it looks.
“We also remind our clients that functional doesn’t have to mean boring. You can push boundaries while still being wearable. The key is knowing where to experiment and where to anchor things. We always aim for that sweet spot where the design feels intentional, distinctive, and still easy to wear in real life.”
The founders are particularly excited about current trends that reflect a return to intentional design, growing interest in customisation and modularity, and the blending of fashion and function.
“There’s a shift happening where brands are moving away from overproduced trend cycles and leaning into fewer, better pieces. We’re seeing a rise in utility details, sculptural tailoring, and fabric choices that feel rich and considered,” Exie said.
“People want pieces that can adapt to their lifestyle, not just their wardrobe. That mindset is pushing designers to think beyond seasons and start designing with longevity in mind. This next generation of fashion is less about trends and more about values. Consumers are smarter, more conscious, and more connected to the brands they support,” Kondel said in agreement.
Exie spoke about how ultra-fast platforms like Shein have distorted the way people perceive fashion, while Kondel stressed that the industry needs more purpose, not more noise.
At Stacked Studio, the duo said that their mission is to guide clients toward brand longevity through thoughtful design and intentional production.
Technology’s role in modern fashion design and production
With the global rise of technology reshaping the fashion landscape, the founders reflected on how it has transformed the way they design, produce, and market their collections.
“From design software to production planning tools, it has helped us streamline the process without losing creativity. We can sketch, refine, and share design files with factories in real time, which means fewer delays and more control over the final product,” Exie shared.
“From a business perspective, being able to manage our expenses and pay our staff through the ANZ app has made a huge difference. It means we are not tied to a desk, and that flexibility is essential for how we work. We are often between fittings, fabric appointments, and studio meetings, so having access to our finances on the go keeps everything moving smoothly,” Kondel elaborated.
Beyond tech tools, social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok have transformed how Stacked Studio connects with clients and markets the brands they help build. These platforms allow them to test ideas, gather feedback in real time, and share meaningful content.
Technologies like AI, 3D printing, and virtual fashion have also been reshaping the industry. According to Kondel, these innovations are levelling the playing field, providing independent designers access to tools that were once exclusive to major fashion houses.
“You can test ideas, prototype garments, and visualise full collections before even cutting a single piece of fabric. It saves time, reduces waste, and makes the process more creative, not less,” Kondel said.
Exie said they are already seeing AI’s impact on fashion through trend forecasting, copywriting, and content planning. She emphasised that AI should enhance creativity, not replace it, and sharpen designers’ vision rather than shortcut the process.
From Kondel’s perspective, virtual fashion offers a new way to interact with products and build community through digital fittings and AR try-ons. This approach allows independent brands to engage audiences without the need for large budgets or physical inventory.
“For us at Stacked Studio, it’s about staying curious and being willing to experiment. Technology is not the enemy of creativity! When used well, it gives designers more control, more freedom, and more room to build something original,” Exie commented.
Stacked Studio combines creativity, technology, and community by partnering with emerging designers who have bold ideas but need practical tools and guidance to bring them to market. They also offer resources such as one-on-one Power Hour sessions and downloadable tools to support brand starters seeking clarity and direction.
“Our goal is to be more than a design agency. We want to be the place where creativity feels supported, where the tech works in the background, and where the people behind the brands feel seen, heard, and empowered to succeed,” Kondel conveyed.
Advice from the founders: How to avoid burnout and build for the long term
With the fast pace and tech-driven changes in the fashion world, Kondel Lindsay and Exie Christina want to offer guidance, especially to designers who feel overwhelmed.
“First, take a breath. It’s easy to feel like you’re constantly behind, especially with how fast the industry is moving. But the truth is, you don’t have to do everything at once. The best thing you can do is get clear on your goals and focus on building a strong foundation before chasing trends or technology just for the sake of it,” Kondel advised.
Exie takes pride in how their Power Hour sessions significantly help emerging designers who choose their company by helping them map out their strategy, identify what really matters, and cut through the noise.
Lindsay affirmed that despite being overwhelming, technology must be used with intention so it can be a big asset for long-term growth.
“Get support early. Don’t wait until you are burnt out or stuck. Whether it’s with us or someone else you trust, invest in learning the business side of fashion as much as the creative. That is what sets successful designers apart,” Exie suggested.