Get together...
Join our forums...
Fire your imagination...
Tell your friends...
Indulge yourself...
Log-in / Register
Take time out and find some inspiration
Be Fabulous meets… Mint Velvet
Have you discovered “Mint Velvet” yet?
I wandered into the Windsor store and was overcome with excitement at finding something that was a) Different b) Wearable and c) Affordable. Now, as a Stylista who earns a crust via all things fashion, I decided that I needed to know a little more about the ladies behind the brand:
Can you explain why you decided to set up Mint Velvet?
Myself, Lisa and Jane (co founders of Mint Velvet) had spotted a huge gap in the market for fashion for women in and around their 30s. We ourselves wanted clothing that was glamorous, but had a relaxed feel to it – something that could be worn every day, yet still made us feel confident. All 3 of us have a genuine passion for fashion so it seemed like a natural step to create Mint Velvet.
Who is your target market?
Women like me. Women who want affordable and accessible fashion to fit in with their modern lifestyle.
What do you feel makes it unique?
We feel the “relaxed glamour” ethos is unique in itself. We genuinely create a collection that we will love, so we put our hearts and souls into it. We ensure all of our garments are made to the highest quality, in luxurious fabrics, with extra special finishes, and at affordable prices. Plus, we aim to offer the highest standard of service in our stores and online.
Can you tell me a little about your background and experience?
I started out as a graduate trainee in Arcadia, working for Topshop. I then moved onto Principles where I met Lisa and Jane who are also part of the Mint Velvet Management team. Our collective years of knowledge and experience across Buying and Design gave us the confidence to start our own brand in a market that we empathise with. Here at Mint Velvet, we are creating a brand for women just like ourselves, which makes us different from other brands who are perhaps a little distanced from their market.
Who else features in your support network?
Lisa and Jane. Not only are they good friends, but part of the fantastic team that we work with here at Mint Velvet. I’m also lucky to have great support at home from my family.
How did you meet/find them?
We’ve worked together over the years and built up a great friendship and work rapport. It makes work less like work.
What are your hopes/plans for the future?
I want to see Mint Velvet grow, but maintain the feeling of the brand by staying in touch with our customer and her needs, as well as keeping the personal touches. I also want Mint Velvet to be a brand people enjoy being a part of – both customers and employees. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated team who all believe in the Mint Velvet ethos.
How do you manage home/work life? (We always like to know if someone manages to do it better than ourselves!)
I try to maintain focus and not get overwhelmed by it all. It’s important to work as a team, both in the office and at home, and I delegate when appropriate. I keep my goals clear and make sure I make time for all areas in my life.
What have been the biggest challenges in your career to date?
Starting Mint Velvet from scratch was a huge task – having to learn and understand every aspect of the business from the bottom up. However, the team effort certainly helps and the success and satisfaction I get from watching the business grow makes it all worthwhile.
What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking of setting up their own business?
It’s definitely a lot easier to start up with partners who can support each other and share the decision making. It’s also important to network – know the industry you’re entering into and who the influential and key people are that can help with the set up and growth of the business. Maintaining vision, goals and focus is also key – setting up a business is a big task and it’s important to stay true to the original motivation behind it.
Discover Mint Velvet for yourself – www.mintvelvet.co.uk
About the author
Name: Katherine Blyth
Email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: http://www.katherineb.com
Share |
Think you can inspire thought and discussion? If you've got an article which you would like to submit just contact us.