Fashionpreneurs

> LA DIOSA

1. How would you describe the ‘La Diosa’ brand in 3 words?

NF: 1. Exclusive 2. Beautiful 3. Empowering

2. How did u ladies meet and what motivated you to start your own jewellery business?

SZ: Fashion and jewellery has always been a passion from a young age. Being able to translate that into a business and create new ideas for it was and still is very exciting.

NF: We met at college in Philosophy class. We decided to travel the world for a year soon after college and it was mainly living in Mexico that gave us the inspiration for La Diosa.

 

 

 

 
3. When you initially started what were the first steps you tool and would you do anything differently now?

NF: We approached the Princes Trust, researched into our demographic and analysed our competitors. We’re proud of what we have achieved and the direction La Diosa is going in so I wouldn’t do anything differently.

SZ: You learn through every path you take in business – whether exciting or challenging.

4. How did you come up with the name ‘La Diosa’?

SZ: The concept for La Diosa, meaning The Goddess in Spanish, originated whilst we were living in Mexico. We visited Mayan and Aztec ruins and fell in love with the statement jewellery that was worn made from exotic gemstones. We found out that in those times the bigger the piece of jewellery that was worn the more esteemed the person was in society. We have taken that concept and have put a modern spin on it.

 

 

 

 
5. La Diosa has been very successful to date how did you market your business and who is your ideal muse/buyer?

SZ: La Diosa has a unique story of how it began and I think that has added value to our brand. We have had great press to date and are always evolving. The La Diosa woman is confident, fabulous and likes to be noticed without saying a word.

 

 

 

 

6. Being two young women running your own business what challenges have you come up against and how have you overcome them?

SZ: Starting your own business regardless is extremely challenging. You need to have undeniable faith and belief in your brand and a strong work ethic. We have a clear vision for what we want to achieve and never let challenges falter that.

7. What 3 things do you know now that you wish you knew before you started?

NF: You learn something new every day in business but at the start its key to be aware of your cash flow. Watch your expenses and think about channels of distribution that would be lucrative to your company.

8. What are the ups and downs of working in a partnership?

NF: Business can be extremely challenging at times, so its fabulous when you have someone to share the workload with. Sem and I share a clear vision for La Diosa and that’s the most important thing when running a business with a partner.

9. What the best piece advice you have been given?

SZ: We like to surround ourselves with great mentors and learn a lot from their wisdom. Even though they give us great advice they always say that in the end this is our business and we know what is best for it. Always be confident in what you feel is right for your business. You are usually the best judge.

10. How do you manage the contrast of being creative and managing the business side of La Diosa?

NF: The fact that we went travelling instead of training academically allowed us to not become institutionalised in terms of design. We have been able to gain inspiration from many different sources that feed into the core values of La Diosa. At the same time, its our pure determination for wanting to succeed that had made us focus on business.

11. What is the most important tip you would give to someone who wanted to start their own business in fashion?

NF: Starting a business full stop you need to have passion. Make sure you love what you do. There will be amazing days and some challenging days. When the tougher days arrive its easier to get through when you know you are fighting for what you believe in.

SZ: It is important to plan ahead. It can be easy to get carried away in the moment but remember that planning for the future is crucial for the stability of your business.

12. How can people get more information on buying your jewellery?

SZ: We sell online through our website, www.ladiosa.co.uk and also at our Hatton Garden showroom. Join our mailing list on our website to keep up to date with our news.

13. Do you have any events coming up?

NF: We host private jewellery parties quite often. Sign up to our newsletter with a chance to be invited. We will also be doing shows in Paris and across the UK early 2011.

> JULIET

 

Juliet Jackman

 

1) How would you describe your brand in 3 words?  

Creative, Stylish, & Contemporary

2) What motivated you to start your own business?  

Encouragement from family and friends and their overwhelming feedback to cards I had made for special occasions. I am extremely passionate about fashion, design and the arts and knew this was something I had to pursue.

3) When you initially started what were the first steps you took and would you do anything differently now?  

I did some market research and received some very useful feedback on pricing and product. I then designed my business cards and set up a website. The only thing that I would do differently would be, to have started the process sooner as I love what I’m doing now and can’t imagine not doing it. You have to follow your heart and follow your instincts.  

4) How do you market your business and who is your ideal buyer?

I think for the type of business I have word of mouth is my strongest form of marketing but I also have a website www.julietjackman.com. At the moment. I’m also looking to grow my social media network. My ideal buyer is someone who is looking for something classic, unique and personal.

5) Being a working woman and running your own business what challenges have you come up against and how have you overcome them? 

As I have only just started the business, I would have to say time and learning to manage your time effectively. I tend to plan my day, and work through my to-do list, ticking tasks off in order of priority, but there are always challenges. I’m a working mother and so my time is always divided – but my family are my inspiration in so many ways and have been so supportive which is fantastic. By being disciplined you can overcome the challenges.

6) What things do you know now that you wish you knew before you started? 

You are never on your own. If you feel you have a great business idea or something that you are passionate about don’t sit on it, shout about it. If you don’t try you will never know. Also there is a strong support network out there for small businesses.

7) What are the ups and downs of working as a sole trader?  

Being your own boss, and not having anyone to answer to, but at the same time having responsibility for everything is a challenge.

8) What the best piece advice you have been given?

A friend of mine reminded me that ‘every day lost is an opportunity missed’. Also, not to put all your eggs in one basket; and always look for different ways in which to expand your business.                                                 

9) How do you manage the contrast of being creative and managing the business side? 

The business side is of course important but the balance for me is not allowing business to limit me in any way. Each day I am inspired and I allow myself that indulgence. I’m always sketching and I am always planning. The two go hand in hand.

10) What is the most important tip you would give to someone who wanted to start their own business in fashion? 

Do your research, and keep up with what’s going on in the fashion world. Especially trends. Be innovative. And don’t limit your thinking or ideas. Anything is possible.

11) How can people get more information on buying your cards?

They can check out my website julietjackman.com or email info@julietjackman.com and i will be more than happy to answer all enquiries and commissions.

> EMMA

Business woman, fashion mogul and author Emma Winhurst talks to Inside Success about how she began her life as an entrepreneur from the tender age of 4.

> EMMY

Nigerian Fashionpreneur, Emmy Collins, began his career at young age after being influenced by musician Fela Anikulapo Kuti.   During his teens together with his neighbourhood friends, Emmy developed clothing styles unique to his time and brought them to life by a local machinist friend.  After years of hard work he launched his label and on 25th August he will open his boutique in Old Street, London (view events page for more info).

A problem shared is a problem solved…

>  LISA

Most of you may know Lisa Maffia as the front lady of So Solid Crew, however Lisa has now embarked on a fashion career building her own label and online boutique; House of Maffia, which is a platform for emerging fashion designers, like herself to promote and sell their garments. 

 Lisa talks through issues she came across when starting up her brand and boutique earlier this year.

 1)      What problems did you have when you wanted to start your fashion label/online boutique?

Every problem possible!  From programming problems to just finding time to do everything. I have until this day problems with the website and as I’m not qualified in web design, there is nothing I can do about it. I wish I knew, as I’ve always believed, you can always do things better yourself (*sigh*).

2)      Did you get help/advice from other businesses?

 I am always open to advice, even if you don’t take on all of what a person has to say, I think a good business person should be open to opinion and others experience.

 3)      Where did you find your information?

 I have found information from surfing the Internet and attending various business seminars.

 4)      Did you go to fashion school? If so, was it helpful?

 No .  I believe you can do anything you put your mind to.

 5)      How did you fund your business at the beginning?

 All by myself!  I found that if you have a plan and a budget, things should run smoothly. But saying this, you must always have little extrato hand because not everything will go to plan and you must plan ahead just in case.  

 6)      What piece of advice would you give to a new start up?

My advice would be to always try to stick to your plan, have things mapped out, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Research is key.

 

>  OMAR

Interview with Omar Mansoor on issues he faced when he started his fashion label a few years ago.

1)    What problems did you have when you wanted to start your fashion label?

The initial problem is not just investment but to know how to get the gist of the ‘Real Market’ of creative clothes, how to transform my ideas in to something which is not just wearable but also sellable.

 2)    Did you get help/advice from other designers?

I got help and advice from quite a few senior designers and mentors, not just before starting my label but also in the initial stage; in fact they’ve been kind enough to still help me whenever I ask them.

3)    Where did you find your information?

It’s all about the research you do, the more you research, the more information you gather.  Library books are a good source but when you meet the PR people and fashion agents in the market, they give you up to date knowledge.

4)    Did you go to fashion school? If so, was it helpful?

I went to London College of Fashion, and it broadened my horizons towards Fashion not just as a lifestyle but as an industry.  It helped me to construct fashion but also to forecast it.

5)    How did you fund your business at the beginning?

It’s all self financed, I make clothes, I sell them, I retain the profits and re-invest them in my business.

6)    What piece of advice would you give to a new start-up?

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given came indirectly through reading an interview with Alexander McQueen where he said that when he first started people kept advising him to do this or that and if he had listened and had not stayed focused on his own true vision, instead opting for trying to satisfy as many people as possible, he would have not only not satisfied them but he would have also lost his own direction. At the end of the day there are always people who will like and not like what you do be it boutiques or journalists etc. You need to stay true to your own vision and that way you will be create a brand that has a clear direction and there is always someone who will understand it and want to buy it.

For more information you can contact Omar via info@omarmansoor.com or learn more about his label on www.omarmansoor.com