Merino, Mission, and the Magic of Good Underwearwith BRANWYN's Sarah Cumming
This week’s guest brings together values, versatility, and a whole lot of wool. I’m joined by Sarah Cumming, the COO and CFO of BRANWYN, a performance innerwear brand redefining what’s possible when comfort meets sustainability. From her East Coast roots to her current home in Squamish, BC, Sarah’s journey is anything but linear. We talk about the wild ride that brought her to BRANWYN, what makes wool so game-changing (yes, even in your undies), and how her work connects back to her deeper mission: supporting women, protecting the planet, and doing business better.
🎧 Hit play to hear Sarah’s journey, Branwyn’s origin story, and why Merino wool might just change your life (or at least your underwear drawer).
Building a Purpose-Driven Career From East Coast Hustle to Outdoor Roots
Sarah shares how her childhood in Florida, years in NYC’s corporate fashion scene, and deep Canadian roots led her to sustainability-focused roles, including a nonprofit protecting public lands and now, her dual leadership role at BRANWYN. Her story is a powerful reminder that career pivots aren’t setbacks, they’re stepping stones.
“There are things I know how to do that I’m really good at, but I don’t want to do them. I’ve learned to choose work that also fuels my interests.”
Why Wool? The Surprising Science (and Freedom) of Merino Innerwear
Let’s bust some myths: wool isn’t just for winter, and it’s not your grandma’s sweater. Merino wool is a living, active fiber that regulates temperature, resists odor, and molds to your body, all without synthetic chemicals or discomfort. Read more on BRANWYN’s website: Why Merino?
Sarah breaks down what makes BRANWYN’s seamless designs so revolutionary, especially for women navigating everything from workouts to periods to outdoor adventures.
“You put it on and think, ‘Ooh, these feel tight-ish and interesting.’ And then you move and you realize it just becomes part of you.”
From Comfort to Confidence: Innerwear That Actually Works
We talk about the real-world impact BRANWYN products have had from women finding bras that finally support them without restriction, to teens building confidence, to athletes and adventurers relying on wool’s quick-dry, funk-fighting performance.
✅ Anti-microbial, breathable, and sweat-wicking
✅ Comfortable enough for everyday wear, supportive enough for activity
✅ Biodegradable and free of forever chemicals
✅ Great for periods, postpartum, teen athletes, and outdoor adventures alike
What It’s Like to Be the COO & CFO at a Women-Led Brand
As a dual-operator, Sarah gives us a peek behind the scenes from inventory planning to growth strategy to product development. She shares what it’s like working with a small but mighty team, and how BRANWYN scales with purpose, not pressure.
“For every customer review, I know there’s a million people out there who need this product. We just have to help them discover it.”
Why You’ll Want to Hit Play
✅ You’re curious about sustainable performance underwear
✅ You want to hear how values can shape a fulfilling career
✅ You’re tired of sports bras that dig, chafe, or suffocate
✅ You’re a sweaty gal (same) looking for odor-fighting magic
✅ You’re here for real talk on being multi-passionate and mission-led
Mentioned in This Episode
🧼 Branwyn Website – Performance innerwear made with Merino wool
📸 Follow @branwynofficial on Instagram
📚 Branwyn Blog – Learn more about Merino, sustainability, and product care
💬 Related Episode: [Julie Bacon – Founder of Mothership Collective and former Darby Comms]
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Affiliate Disclaimer: Some links may be affiliate links. But remember, I only share what I actually use, love, and sweat in.
