2Inspire Business Profile: Emma Reilly, Founder of Brave & The Bold Apparel

In this 2Inspire Business Profile interview we meet the amazing Emma Reilly, Designer and Founder of Brave & The Bold Apparel, who started her own business after being unemployed for 12 years. Her inspirational story shows us all that it is never too late to start anew, no matter how many challenges life throws our way.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

My day begins about 8.30 when I spend half an hour prioritising what I need to do for the day. I have a day planner on my desk and this helps me keep track of what I need to do. At the moment I’m preparing my new Spring/Summer collection so my day is divided between designing new graphics, keeping up-to-date with our social media and dealing with orders that come in. I have lots of meetings dotted about to so much of this work comes with me on my laptop so I can keep on top of things.

My day usually goes right through into the night, with a couple of hours break to see my parents and have dinner. I do find I work much better at night, I think because there is less distraction from emails and phone calls. I find it quite relaxing just to sit and design into the night.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

I had been unemployed for 12 years, In fact my only experience of being employed was a very unhappy 5 weeks at a marketing studio. I hadn’t been able to communicate with other people until I was 25 and that was because I taught myself. Most of my teenage and early twenties I suffered terrible from a phobia of people because I just didn’t understand them. It was so bad that I hid under my bed if someone knocked at our door.

With a lot of hard work I managed to get to grips with conversation making. I was eventually diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome a couple of years ago. At the same time my sister’s partner was diagnosed with terminal Cancer. It was the shock I needed to try and create some kind of life for myself. I approached the Prince’s Trust who gave me financial support and a mentor to start up as an illustrator. My business took off in a big way and I was eventually able to start my own fashion line Brave & The Bold Apparel.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

Last year I won my regional Celebrate Success Award for Enterprise. This is the Prince’s Trust own annual Awards for individuals who have been on their courses. That was an amazing experience. But I was truly shocked to discover that I was then shortlisted for the final three for the National Award.

I travelled to London and it was a VIP red carpet experience. I was presented with an Award by Prince Charles & Kelly Hoppen from Dragon’s Den. It was such a surreal but truly incredibly experience and I got so much press exposure for my business.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Early on it was getting enough Capital together to buy stock. Banks weren’t willing to help as a I had a 12 year gap on my CV. Plus most of the local grants and Awards in my area were being withdrawn due to the Economic Crisis. That was quite a tough experience and I had to be quite creative with how I marketed my business and how I got new stock in.

What are your future plans for the business?

I’ve got two exciting things lined up for the business. The first is that I’m now in talks with a variety of angel investors about producing some products I’ve designed myself. That’s really exciting for me.

Secondly a large part of Brave & The Bold is about inspiring creativity in young people. We’re running a very exciting project in association with the Prince’s Trust. We’re in the early planning stages, but we already think this could go international due to the fact we are doing something never been done before. We’re aiming to launch in late March and I’m really excited about it.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

In the very beginning I kind of went about creating my brand on my own. I thought I knew a lot about my sector but really went in quite blind. It was through speaking at a business event I met a retired business woman who had worked in fashion manufacturing her whole life. She offered to become a mentor to me and it really helped both myself and my business. I realised then that it’s so important having someone who has that experience to ask questions of and get feedback. I would have saved a lot of time by avoiding silly mistakes if I’d had someone like her in the beginning. Now I tell everyone who is starting a business to try and find a mentor who has experience of their field. Even just an email every month or so can make such a huge difference.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

I don’t think there is a lot of emphasis on young women in particular to follow their dreams. We are very focussed as a society on making women the same, whether that be in looks or career. I was put off for a long time about starting an urban fashion label because if you look at most brands in this sector, they are run by men. But in reality it hasn’t been a problem and I’ve actually had a lot of praise from male customers, as well as female. I’m now a big advocate of telling young women to do what you love. I think the more of us who follow our dreams, the more positive changes we can make for future generations of women.

  

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

I have to say just don’t even hesitate. You don’t even have to start big. I know many females who have started businesses alongside their current jobs whilst they get themselves going.

All I can say is that make sure it’s something you love and something you can live with 24/7. Because you might only work physically for even a few hours a day, but it’s always on your mind and you’re always planning. I even dream about my business and often wake up to make notes. I would hate that if it wasn’t something I wasn’t passionate about.

What or who inspires you in business and why?

I get asked this a lot and I have to say that my parents and sister are my biggest inspiration. I put them through some awful times growing up. I’ve ruined holidays and caused them so much worry. But they always stuck by me and spent so many hours doing the things that I couldn’t do for myself. Now every day that I work I do it for them. Not only to do something that makes them proud, but I really hope that one day I can make their lives a little easier and thank them for being such a great family.

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

Here’s to the crazy ones — the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently — they’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do. - Steve Jobs.

Emma Reilly

Brave & The Bold Apparel

www.wearbrave.com

hello@wearbrave.com

Twitter: @wearbrave

Facebook: www.facebook.com/braveandthebold

2Inspire Network Business Profile: Yours Sustainably

In this 2Inspire Network Profile we meet Lynn and Jessica Ball, the mother and daughter team behind "Yours Sustainably" , an online store of ethically sourced, sustainable products from around the world. Read their inspirational story and learn how passion and drive can take you to the next level in all aspects of your life.

Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

Every day is different as we are managing all aspects of the business ourselves at the moment.  Jessica-I try to integrate my business role into my part time masters course in Fashion Futures at LCF so all my days are filled with an ongoing dialogue of how to communicate the message of sustainability more successfully to a wider audience, new trends in sustainability and making new contacts in different research and business areas.  We are constantly on the look-out for new products and suppliers and ways to develop our business further.  Lynn-I handle more of the day to day running of the business, order fulfilment etc and handle the social media side of things.

What made you start the business and how did you get started?

Jessica-At the time I was working and living in Cairo, Egypt and considering starting a business importing products from the Middle East into the UK.  I decided to visit the trade fair Top Drawer to do some market research and it was there that myself and Lynn realised that we were both drawn to the products with the most interesting stories-those made with an innovative use of recycled or eco-friendly materials or made with local craft communities.  Lynn-I had already registered the domain name Yours Sustainably so it seemed a natural decision to decide to work on developing a business together and combine our love of style, craft and the environment. Jessica-As I have a design background and Lynn has extensive craft skills we developed our brand idea together, and a planned trip to India for me to undertake a two month hand embroidery course presented an excellent opportunity to start sourcing some products.

What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

We hope that people appreciate our business ethos and aims of presenting a carefully curated selection of gift items that prove you don’t have to compromise your style for your ethics.

What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Definitely the biggest challenge is getting ourselves known as a business and getting people interested in visiting our site.

What are your future plans for the business?

We would love to develop our own products and continue to try and engage people creatively with the issues surrounding sustainability.  It would be great to have a community of people who share our love of great design, fair trade principles and environmental conservation.

If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

This is obviously something that we work on all the time but we would have taken the time to do more research on online business and the ways to connect with our customers.

Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

For us women have the qualities that can really drive the message of sustainability forward, the creativity and empathy that can help change society and business for the better.  Everyone should be given the opportunity to follow their dreams, but in order to discover them it is important to take time for self-reflection.  Young women are given seemingly endless choices but it is important to decide what is truly important, and know that it is possible to create a business that fits the lifestyle and life balance that they want to achieve.

What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Online retail is very competitive and constantly changing so it goes without saying that you have to been very adaptable, persistent and dedicated to your business!

What or who inspires you in business and why? 

Jessica-I am constantly inspired by people I meet who are trying to work towards positive change with creativity and innovation.  It feels very exciting to be part of what I hope is a new wave of business and research into ways to improve the planet and protect our future.  I love being surrounded by people who are passionate about what they do, particularly women!

Lynn- the use of social media to engage and initiate change is a powerful tool which is increasingly being used by those with concerns for our environment and marginalised communities

What is your favourite inspirational quote?

There are so many but we love our adopted philosophy of 'happiness held is the seed, happiness shared is the flower.' (anonymous)

Contact Details

Twitter @yssustainably
contact@yourssustainably.com
www.yourssustainably.com

6 Steps to Turning Your Craft into Sales

The 2Inspire Network is dedicated to motivating and educating women in business everywhere, in this guest blog by Jenelle Clifford, founder of Giggling Hedgehogs, we learn how to turn your craft business into a profit making enterprise!

 

Everyone dreams of transforming their hobby into their day to day career. Talented individuals are spending every spare minute creating items which are special, individual and unique.

But how do you take that first step towards reaping real financial rewards from your favourite pastime?

Many people turn to the internet to start selling. The online marketplace, Giggling Hedgehogs, was created for people just like you, and is especially designed to offer aspiring designers an easy first step into sales.

Here are six other things which you should bear in mind to make the most of your selling opportunities:

1. Do your research and get feedback

Who do you think is going to buy your products? What sorts of web sites will they be looking at and what is going to make them interested in what you sell. Think of your market and who you are trying to reach. We know you love your items. But you will need to do your research carefully to ensure other people love your products as much as you.

2. Get your pricing right

It’s very easy to over-price your product - but it’s equally easy to under-price it. Again, research other similar types products of products to get a sense of what people will be prepared to pay.

3.  Get insurance

Public and professional indemnity is a must in the event of someone being injured by one of your items. And also ensure that your items fully comply with regulations and British standards to ensure you don’t hit any issues.

4. Create a strong brand and identity

Think carefully about what you want to communicate with your business name and the images you select to identify it. What message do you want to get across? Does it appeal and attract attention in the way you would want it to? Again, get feedback from others to ensure the branding works are much for others as it does for you.

5.  The best possible photography

A picture really does paint a thousand words. Don’t just take a snap with your smart phone. Think about the surroundings, the lighting. Sometimes a plain white background is best. Make sure you get the item from lots of different angles. And use high resolution images to ensure people can see the details. It’s worth investing in the best possible photography and if possible, commissioning a professional photographer.

6.  Experiment to find the best routes to market

There are many different ways of getting your products in front of people. Try a variety of different avenues and web sites, and research what is most relevant and convenient for you.  Online marketplaces like GH are wonderful as they are inexpensive and you receive extensive exposure from sustained marketing and promotional support. It gives you your own shop, and takes the hassle out of selling.

If you would like to start selling your product today! Register on www.GigglingHedgehogs.co.uk

2Inspire Ladies Day featured on People with Voices

Thanks to journalist Yasmin Barracks for this great write up!

Please read more HERE and leave your comments.

Business Profile: Spilly Spoon

In this business profile feature we meet the founder of Spilly Spoon, Philippa Le Boutillier, an extraordinary businesswoman with a fascinating story! We were inspired interviewing her, we hope you are inspired by reading this interview.

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

After getting 3 children ready for school and nursery I head to the office to answer emails and process orders. We are getting a lot of enquiries from overseas countries, as Spilly Spoon is a medical device we have to adhere to very strict regulations so I spend a lot of time researching the rules for every country. We are also working on new product developments. The social media work tends to kick in once the children are in bed!  Thank goodness for Ipads and Blackberrys as I can work whilst waiting for the children to come out of school.  I feel I should join a circus as I am becoming a master at juggling!

2/ What made you start the business and how did you get started?

As I have 3 young children plenty of medicine has been administered and plenty spilt whilst chasing them around the kitchen! As with many parents, I’ve also had to get up in the middle of the night to give a sick child medicine (whilst half asleep) and end up stripping the bed or the child as they’re covered in sticky medicinal goo! Thus Spilly Spoon was born!

Two years ago I began searching the internet but didn’t find anything on the market so decided to design my own non-spill medicine spoon. I wanted to combine fun with function so came up with a character theme design that was also practical for the parent.  The most important thing was its simplicity - being able to lay a spoon, full of medicine on a table or worktop without spilling while you get your child ready.

After various drawings and designs I finally came up with the caterpillar shape, the calibrations of its body formed the medicine measurements. The design was tactile and easy to hold for the child as well as simple for parents to pour an accurate measurement of medicine.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

Within 12 weeks of launching, Spilly Spoon was available on the High Street. It’s the most amazing feeling to walk into a shop and see your product hanging on the shelf and to think you did that!.

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

Gaining the CE Certification, with no understanding or background in manufacturing or medical devices - Learning about the unknown has got me to where I am today!

5/What are your future plans for the business?

We are currently working on new products and hope to build Spilly Spoon into a global brand.

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Nothing, because each stage has enabled me to learn so much - both good and bad! However, I would definitely save money 2^nd time around!

7/ Why is it so important to inspire young women in particular to follow their dreams?

Anything is possible and if you believe in something so passionately you must pursue it.

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Research, understand your target market and seek advice and listen, sometimes it may not be what you want to hear. 

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

There are some very successful women in business at the moment who like myself had no background in their products but with a lot of passion, determination and hard work have created global brands and they are keen to help share their knowledge which is invaluable.  My biggest inspiration would be my children as without them I wouldn’t have started the Spilly Spoon

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

‘You only have one life and it’s not a dress rehearsal’   

Contact Spilly Spoon

Www.spillyspoon.com
Facebook: Spilly Spoon
Twitter @spillyspoon
Email: info@spillyspoon.com

You can buy Spilly Spoon online or via JoJo Maman Bebe or the NCT Shop

Business Profile: Michelle Smith of EmperorEmpress

EmperorEmpress is a new and exciting clothing brand which aims to bring out the King or Queen within. EmperorEmpress is about individuality, style and a celebration of the Movement, where Red, Gold and Green are expressed in a way that is  fashion forward in-line with today's current trends.  Their exclusive range covers everything from clothing to jewellery and accessories. Michelle Smith of EmperorEmpress says "everything is limited edition so you can be confident that when you make your order, your purchase is one made of true blessings and love".

EmperorEmpress will be one of the exhibitors at the next ladies in March. Read our interview with Michelle to find out more about this entrepreneur and her business:

1/ Please tell us what is a typical business day for you?

The role of starting a business day is so varied! I try to start around 6am, checking through emails and any social media accounts EmperorEmpress has for customer correspondence, feedback or queries. I find ways to promote the brand and connect with my target market via social media.

I then process any orders, and find inspiration for new designs which then get updated and are added to the sites on a regular basis. I  spend the rest of my time happily sewing on my machine and creating samples.

2/ What made you start the business and what steps did you take to start operating as a business?

I Always dreamt of being a designer from the age of 7. I started out practising on my grand-aunts old sewing machine, took my first textile class aged 11 in secondary school. Then went on to study a Btec National Diploma in Fashion and Art and Design in College. My dream was put to the wayside due to starting a family and needing the stability of a 9-5 desk job. Being on maternity leave with my last child 10yrs later, the thought of putting my three children in to childcare, hardly seeing them, working long hours and not being fulfilled did not seem like a future for us. So I handed in my notice got myself re-acquainted with the sewing machine again and enrolled on a business enterprise course with the Princes Trust. Being around other like minded people really encouraged me  and I knew that I was doing the right thing. I took part in a community fashion show with the help of friends which kick-started the business. At the same time my mother began to take an interest in jewellery making, she became very good at it and now makes the jewellery I design for the brand.

3/ What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment in the business world to date?

 Everything has been a great accomplishment, completing a garment I love, to designing the logo, to creating my website and making it live myself. I was over the moon when my first order came through on the website! Another small but great step in accomplishments, is when Sean-Paul started following my brand on twitter!

4/ What has been your biggest challenge in business so far?

The biggest challenge is being a one man band. There is no-one to really delegate to! Another challenge is getting ready for shows and events I showcase and exhibit at. I like the brand to make an impact and have a wide vision and have become a perfectionist. With that I spend every hour God sends into getting it right for EmperorEmpress.

5/What are your future plans for the business?

 Future plans are to expand the range. This year we are focusing on the apparel side including outwear and promoting the jewellery as that is one of our best sellers. I hope to get extra hands involved, including my brother to expand the range to involve artwork. This year we are working with up-and-coming artists to promote each other and I would like to have a shop or stall to trade from.

6/If you had to do it all over again, what would you do differently?

Create more time!!

7/ What’s the best compliment you could receive in business?

The compliments I receive from friends is that I am doing well juggling home life and family life with a business and also when a customer is completely happy with a product. It makes me feel satisfied like I am doing things right.

8/ What advice would you give to somebody who wants to start a business in your industry?

Find a gap in the market for an original idea and go for it!! If it's your talent and you are passionate about it, only good can come out of it.

9/What or who inspires you in business and why?

What inspires me in business is tenacity, calculated risks and being open. I get inspired by everyone who runs ANY business and like people in that position who share their pathes to success. Alan Sugar and Richard Branson are great examples of that.

10/What is your favourite inspirational quote?

“Aim for the stars and you will tough the clouds”  Aim high!!

Twitter: @emperor_empress

Facebook: Emperor Empress

Instagram: EmpressMeesh

Website address: www.emperorempress.co.uk

To see some of EmperorEmpress' designs, come along to the Ladies Day at the Crowne Plaza in Docklands on the 9th March, register for your free attendance now:

http://2inspireladiesdaypart2.eventbrite.com/