In this 2Inspire Network profile we meet Geraldine Peclard, founder of Knots and Folds, a unique unisex fashion accessories label specialising in high-quality prints and social stories.
I cycle to my shared studio in North London ( we are seven
textile artists/designer sharing a big studio!). I start the day by
answering/writing emails and if I have something interesting to say I post it
on social media. Depending on the time of the year, I design prints, develop
products, deal with orders, network or do a lot of research. My day can change in
a fraction of second so I need to be flexible. I have an evening part time job
that gives me the break I need from the business and in the evening I come home
with a fresh mind and write my ‘to do list’ for the next day.
What made you start the business and how did you get started?
I graduated in printed textiles design in July 2012 and
started to freelance for a London based fashion designer. I quickly realised
how un – socially sustainable the fashion world is, I hate the way business is made
and the excuses used to justify it, so I decided to create my own label, one that
would have social sustainability at heart. Each collection tells a social story
and encourages conversation about difficult, taboo or simply ignored
subjects. And I put a lot of effort in
building quality relationship with my suppliers, customers and buyers. I know
it will take some time to be recognised but I am also sure I am in this for the
right reason, encourage change.
What would you say has been your greatest
accomplishment in the business world to date?
I have a few ‘victory moments’ but I could not say which one
is the greatest. I am proud to be where I am today and to be constantly
learning about business, people, and life.
What has been your biggest challenge in business so
far?
My biggest challenge has been to look at my business with an
objective eye, sometimes and especially when you are from an art background,
you can take criticism personally and fear comments on your work. Letting go of
this fear and exposing myself to judgement made me grow so much as a person and
as a business.
What are your future plans for the business?
For now I would like to focus a 100% in building a viable business, once we
start making a significant profit I would like to register for social
enterprise and be involved in more projects with a social battle using my
creative skills.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do
differently?
My answer is going to be quite generic, but I wouldn’t
change a thing. I have had difficulties and also great ‘victory moments’ I
would not be where I am today without both.
I often say that in an perfect world I would love to have known
everything I have learned doing mistakes without having done them, but that’s
not how it works…
Why is it so important to inspire young women in
particular to follow their dreams?
When given the right and space to develop ideas and express
themselves women build strong and interesting businesses, we are emotionally
more receptive to our surroundings and have the bigger picture in mind. More
women need to be inspired to follow their dreams because we have the real
potential to change things on a bigger scale.
What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start
a business in your industry?
To start a business in fashion I have a few advices that are
drawn from my personal experience. I would say: treat people well, try to make
a difference in the way you approach your art -
say something meaningful, create a business with a soul, stay passionate
but make sure you don’t lose yourself in the industry, make time for yourself
and for the people that supports you and love you.
What or who inspires you in business and why?
What inspires me the most is when I can give back and
inspire other people to start developing their own potential.
What is your favourite inspirational quote?
‘Success is going from failure to failure without a loss of
enthusiasm.’ Winston Churchill
Full Contact details:
Knots and Folds / http://knotsandfolds.com/
/ @knotsandfolds / www.facebook.com/KnotsAndFolds2
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