The Power of Female Solidarity: How Marion Schoutteten Built a Brand Thanks to Support

In 2017, Marion Schoutteten had an idea: create a responsible fashion brand, ethical, made in Europe, and accessible to all. But how do you build a dream alone? With no network and limited funding, this brave entrepreneur knew she wasn’t experienced in the thriving
fashion world. Schout изменений: I had no network, no background in fashion,” she explains. “I knew I needed support.”

She quickly found the answer: female solidarity. "When I arrived at the She’s Mercedes residence, seeing the girls so happy and proud. It’s so important to see other women succeeding, to meet others. A meeting can change a life!" These words, remember Schoutteten, "don’t begin your journey, Celia was a great mentor,". These words, remember Schoutteten, don’t begin to grasp the power.

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This program, launched in France five years ago, goes beyond mentoring, creating a genuine ecosystem of support for women entrepreneurs.

Emerging from g franee. Schoutteten found herself amongst other inspiring women, She’s Mercedes. This program,

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"It’s so important to visit each other,

And the other to share ideas and solutions. Together, we circulate ideas and resources better: a lawyer to recommend, an idea for a marketing campaign, or even help to resolve a legal problem, It’s a real accelerator receiving tailored support

"I didn’t have that at the start of my journey," she admits. "And

But it’s so beneficial!

She’s Mercedes.

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This is exactly what we need, I can’t emphasize it wereatern. it’s vital. " During her first meetings with potential partners She’s Mercedes program allows women entrepreneurs to not only access mentorship, it helps "I allow my mentees to ask their

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The program has grown.

Women are stronger. Because together,” she says. and “we succeed", adds Schoutteten.

It’s a powerful testament to the power of female solidarity. In 2017, Marion Schoutteten, the founder of ethical ready-to-wear brand ort

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What specific challenges ⁢did Marion Schoutteten face when starting her sustainable fashion brand?

‍ ## The Power of Female Solidarity: An Interview⁤ with Marion Schoutteten

**Interviewer:** ‌Marion, welcome! ⁣We’re so excited to talk ​to you today about your incredible journey building your sustainable fashion brand.

**Marion​ Schouttetten:**⁢ Thank you for having me!

**Interviewer:** You launched your brand ​back in 2017 with a⁣ vision for ethical and accessible fashion. That’s a fantastic goal, but as you mentioned, you also faced some obstacles.

**Marion Schouttetten**: Absolutely. I was starting from scratch ⁢in a competitive industry.⁤ I had no prior experience in ⁤fashion and a limited​ budget. I​ knew immediately ​that I couldn’t do it ​alone. [[1](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_xCDOieRvw)]

**Interviewer:** So ‌how did you overcome these challenges?

**Marion Schoutteten:** I believe in the power of female ‍solidarity. I reached out to other women in the industry, sought mentorship, ⁤and built a network⁤ of ​incredible women who‌ supported my vision. They provided guidance, ​connections, and encouragement every step of the way.

**Interviewer:** The fashion industry is known for being tough. How important was ‍it for you to have this support system, especially as a woman?

**Marion Schoutteten:** It ⁢was absolutely crucial. The support I received from other‍ women helped me to overcome self-doubt, navigate the challenges‍ of​ starting a business, and stay focused on my goals.

**Interviewer:** What advice would you give to other aspiring female⁤ entrepreneurs⁣ facing similar obstacles?

**Marion Schoutteten:** Never underestimate the power of community. Reach out, connect ⁣with other women, ask for help, and be willing​ to offer support ‌in return.⁣ We are stronger together.

Pension Increases Set for January 2025

Pension payments in Italy will see a slight increase in January 2025, reflecting the estimated 0.8% inflation rate for this year. The government approved this adjustment using a new tiered system defined as the ‘echelon mechanism’.

New Rules for Pension Increases

This year the increase is calculated differently from 2024. Those who receive a pension up to four times the current minimum payment (up to €2,394.44) will enjoy a 0.8% increase. For pensions exceeding this threshold but up to five times the minimum, the increase will be 0.72%, and further exceeding four times the previous year’s minimum will result in a review. This system is more beneficial for higher pensions compared to the previous year’s process.

The increase, however, remains modest due to the relatively low inflation rate. For instance, a monthly pension of €3,000 gross currently stands to rise to just over €3,023 under the new system, a slightly higher increase than the current system, which would bring it up to €3,012.

These adjustments are provisional as the 0.8% index is an estimation released by the Italian National Institute of Statistics (Istat) based on data from the first three quarters of 2024 and projections for the last quarter.

Final Adjustments in 2026

If the confirmed inflation index for 2024 and 2025 differs from the estimated one, further adjustments will be made at the beginning of 2026. This won’t affect the amounts disbursed this year because the confirmed index for 2024 already stands at 5.4%, aligning with the provisional one.

Minimum Pension Adjustments

The minimum reference pension in Italy is set to rise from €598.61 gross per month to €603.40. It is important to note that the actual violation depth paid is higher due to extra increases implemented in 2023 and 2024.

How might the tiered ​pension‌ increase system in Italy impact the financial vulnerability ⁣of low-income retirees ​compared to those with higher pensions?

**Host:** We’re joined today by economist Dr. Maria Rossi to discuss the ⁢upcoming ⁤pension increases in Italy. Dr. Rossi, thank you for being​ here.

**Dr. ‍Rossi:** Thanks for having me.

**Host:** Let’s dive right in. ‍Pensioners can expect a‌ slight increase starting January ⁢2025, but⁣ some may find the increase meager given the current economic climate. What are your thoughts on this adjustment? ⁤

**Dr. Rossi:**‌ Well, ⁣the‍ 0.8% increase, while modest, ‍reflects⁤ the estimated ‍low inflation rate. It’s a calculated move by the ⁣government, but the question is, will it be‌ enough to realistically support pensioners navigating rising living costs?

**Host:** Absolutely.⁤ The government has implemented⁣ a tiered system, benefitting higher pensions more than lower ones . What impact‌ do‌ you foresee this having on pensioners across different income levels?

**Dr. Rossi:** This tiered approach ⁣raises concerns about equity. While higher⁣ pensions see ‌a slightly more⁤ favorable increase, ​those on lower fixed incomes might struggle⁤ to keep pace with ‍inflation.⁢ This gap‌ could exacerbate ⁤existing financial vulnerabilities among vulnerable retirees.

**Host:** Many are wondering if this provisional‍ increase will hold firm. As you‌ mentioned, the inflation rate is‌ an estimate.

**Dr. Rossi:** Exactly. ⁣While the government assures further adjustments in 2026 if the estimated inflation differs, that ‌doesn’t offer ​much immediate comfort⁢ to pensioners​ who need ​to budget effectively today.

**Host:** So, Dr. Rossi, what​ message ⁢would ‌you give ‌to ⁢our readers​ who are pensioners cautiously watching these developments?

**Dr. Rossi:**

I urge​ pensioners⁣ to stay informed, perhaps ⁤consider seeking financial advice ⁢to⁣ navigate these changes and adapt⁣ their budgets accordingly. The⁣ coming months will shed light on the precise inflation figures and reveal⁤ the ⁤full ‍impact of these pension ‍adjustments.